Soho House Austin, 1011 South Congress, Austin, Texas 78704
Soho House is a member’s only club for creatives with outposts from London to Mumbai. There are several in the states including houses in Miami, Malibu, Chicago, West Hollywood and three in NYC. Late May the latest location opened on Music Lane in Austin. The first Texas house features a restaurant, rooftop pool, screening room and 46 bedrooms.
Founder Nick Jones started Soho House in 1995 to be “a home for creative people to come together; a platform that fosters creativity in all its forms, where people can share ideas and make connections,” and has stayed true to the mission. On the newest addition he says, ‘Austin has such an interesting, flourishing creative scene. We launched Cities Without Houses membership here a few years ago, and as we’ve seen the membership grow with local creatives from all different industries and backgrounds, we knew Austin could add a lot to our global membership.” We agree.
The Austin House incorporates Texas flare brought in large part by the art collection which comprises 72 artists who are born, based or trained in Texas, with an emphasis on those currently working in Austin. Artwork by Austin duo Teresa Hubbard and Alexander Birchler which references the history of Texan cinema, can be found outside the screening room and the rooftop pool is surrounded by sunloungers upholstered in a Texas tribal pattern.
While the house is members-only, look out for a Soho Friends option coming soon that will allow non-members to book rooms and enjoy many of the amenities during their stay.
PERSHING HOUSE
2415 E 15th St, Austin, T X78702
Though The Pershing House is proudly in Austin-only, the private social, dining and music club recently announced they formed reciprocal club agreements with over 40 of the finest invitation-only clubs around the globe, available for their members to begin booking immediately. Find a full list here: https://thepershing.com/reciprocal-clubs/.
But, the landscape will be so good right here members may not want to leave. The Pershing House also recently went public with plans for a major expansion that will include a new pool, cabanas, casitas for overnight stays, conference rooms and co-working space as well as a luxurious steam room and sauna! They’re finalizing the architectural details and plans to break ground in 2022.
In the interim, The Pershing House has a full slate of programing hosting live music (and lots of exclusive after parties for acts here on tour), comedy shows, curated dinners with music inspired by the food, Chef’s Table events, weekly poker nights, and other events curated to connect members in meaningful ways.
"Pershing is more than a place, it is a feeling. We have curated a diverse community of people creating positive changes in a city that is expanding at a rate that is difficult to match,” General Manager Kyle Lauterbach told Austin Life. Dannye Donnell, the Director of Business Development added, “Pershing is a unique place, and it's difficult to articulate just what makes it special until you experience it. My words won't do it justice. Our community is akin to what I imagine people feel when they go to church, we are a brotherhood and sisterhood. But, we are united in a broader sense of community and what it means to be human in Austin. We are united by the things we love within our community and a shared creative expression of what it means to be an Austinite. Live music, love of art, incredible food, and creative spirits are certainly pillars of this, but it really is so much more. It's a feeling, a community, a creative expression, it's your personal Cheers (where everybody knows your name), albeit much more refined and elevated. It's the best place on earth to get a martini.
If you’re not a member, you can still get a get a glimpse of the magic behind the doors of The Pershing House at one of a regular slate of shows open to the public. Check out their website to see what’s coming up and for membership inquiries, visit: https://thepershing.com/membership/.
HOTEL ST. CECILIS
112 Academy Dr, Austin, TX 78704
Hotel St. Cecilia was my introduction to Austin when I stayed there during my first visit for a SXSW more than a decade ago. The memory is part of what inspired my move here earlier this year. The timeless property is named after St. Cecilia, the patron saint of music and poetry. The lush private oasis with a rock & roll meets Southern hospitality vibe is heartbeat from bustling South Congress. It includes 20-rooms outfitted in a retro and rock-inspired pieces, an intimate lounge, bar with a fireplace, a heated pool, and an outdoor patio umbrellaed by a large live oak. Drawing from the notable writers, musicians and artists of the 1960s and 1970s, Hotel Saint Cecilia is transports visitors to another time. The caveat. – it’s only open to members and hotel guests. Membership is annual and includes access to Hotel Saint Cecilia's Lounge and Pool, one complimentary night stay, exclusive room rates at Hotel Saint Cecilia and the entire Bunkhouse and Standard portfolio of hotels, annual event programming, a retail discount at the venue’s store and priority access to private event booking. But, you don’t need to be a member to take a staycation by booking a room.
COMMODORE PERRY ESTATE
4100 Red River St. Austin, TX 78751
https://aubergeresorts.com/commodoreperry
Photos: Courtesy of Commodore Perry Estate, Auberge Resorts Collection
Drive down Red River and you’ll see the sign that says Commodore Perry Estate and just the start of the lush landscapes that unfold over the property, a part of the Auberge Resorts family. The old-charm feel lavish estate with modern touches spreads across 10 acres largely only accessible to members, but…Anyone can book a room on the property and be privy to soaking in a day on the grounds. And, Luties, the main restaurant on the property, named after the estate matriarch Nannie Lewette “Lutie” Perry, is open to the public. Lutie’s features a culinary program from husband-and-wife chef team Bradley Nicholson and Susana Querejazu’s, formerly of acclaimed local establishments like Barley Swine and Odd Duck. We recommend you try to book a reservations asap – available (maybe) on OpenTable. You can take a look at CPE’s calendar of events
Ranging from Sunday picnics in the gardens, weekday punchbowl socials and bi-weekly wine tastings to monthly chef dinners, holiday activities and art workshops on their website, although they’re only open to member.