Mr & Mrs Smith

Mr & Mrs Smith have just returned from a stay at this Texan boutique hotel, and as soon as they've unpacked their notepad, sheet music and plectrum, a full account of their American luxury city break will be with you. In the meantime, just to whet your wanderlust, here's a quick peek inside Hotel Saint Cecilia in Austin…

Had Willy Wonka ever settled into digs with Mick Jagger, Andy Warhol, Joni Mitchell and Michael Caine, the result may have turned out a little like Hotel Saint Cecilia – a trippy mishmash of turquoise velour wallpaper, stuffed exotic birds, weathered chesterfield sofas and glittering antique chandeliers. This hotel (the sister property to Hotel San José) isn’t just a feast for the eyes – the heavy, musky scent of Indian Nag Champa incense sweetly perfumes the air, and the strains of stirring rock ’n’ roll and gentle soul soundtracks Hotel Saint Cecilia’s luxurious laid-back vibe.

Showing the same attention to detail as a guitarist lavishes upon his every chord, each corner of this hotel has been lovingly accessorised. French Aladdin slippers and linen bathrooms provide A-lister comfort in the bedroom, while dipping into the minibar’s treats is like rummaging through the tuck-box of a well-travelled prince – beautifully packaged calisson, Dutch peppermints, Montebuena Rioja, brie, salami, caramels and cookies are all diet-defyingly wonderful. The bathroom apothecary minibar could have been plundered from Cary Grant’s boudoir, with its vintage shaving brush and cream, citrus hand lotion, amber exfoliant and beeswax candle. Then there’s the library of vintage vinyls, which beg to be tested out your room’s turntable – though with Austin’s kooky charms to explore, they might just remain in their (retro cool) sleeves. This is a hotel to misbehave in. (Or, if the spirit of Saint Cecilia flows through you, a hotel in which to pen a multi-platinum rock album.)