Today we’d like to introduce you to Alison Ditto.
Hi Alison, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
Talbot Commons Pocket Hotel is a perfect weekend getaway just 40 minutes from Austin, in downtown Taylor, Texas. It was originally built in 1955 as the fellowship hall and Sunday school building for the First Presbyterian Church. Douglas Moss renovated it in 2024 to its current state as 11 stylish rooms with a clean vintage feel. Douglas grew up in Taylor before graduating from Texas Tech with an architecture degree. He lived as an architect and small-scale developer for 20 years in New York City before deciding to come back to Texas and reinvest in his home town. His excellent taste is apparent from the moment you set foot into one of our unique and comfortable rooms!
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Being such a tiny property, we definitely face some unique challenges. We are a contactless hotel, because it’s hard to justify staffing an office with just 11 rooms worth of revenue! Most of our guests are cool with that, but sometimes we have someone show up who has no idea how to navigate that. I also came to this project with zero hotel experience, but of course I’ve worked several jobs in the wider “hospitality” field of restaurants and bars. But it’s been fun learning all the aspects of a hotel business, from management to cleaning to sales! We are also in Taylor, which is a very cool little town that faces its own struggles as a business locale. It’s sort of in the midst of a growth spurt that hasn’t been super predictable. It all keeps us on our toes!
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
Talbot Commons Pocket Hotel is a really lovely little getaway just 40 minutes from Austin. The hotel itself is within walking distance of downtown Taylor (think boutiques, cafes and bars) and Old Taylor High. If you’ve never heard of Old Taylor High, it’s a very special place! They converted the old high school classrooms to separate businesses–there are restaurants, a cocktail bar, a tap room, a coffee shop, an art space, and more! The hotel itself is really special. The rooms are very stylish, clean and comfortable, and I’m always willing to put in a little extra effort to make sure your visit to Taylor is everything you want it to be! I can help arrange a massage, a private yoga class, a dinner reservation, a bike rental, or anything else you can think of, as long as we have someone in Taylor who provides that service! We have an excellent coffee shop on-site called Haciendo Coffee.
Is there anything else you’d like to share with our readers?
We’d love for you to visit Taylor and have an Uncommonly Good Stay at Talbot Commons Pocket Hotel!
Pricing:
- 157+ per night
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.talbotcommons.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/talbotcommonshotel/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/talbotcommons/
Image Credits
Alison Eden
