16 Best Hotels in The Hill Country, Texas

Stepping back in time is as simple as turning the key to your own private cottage at the Cotton Gin Village, just outside Fredericksburg. Picture an authentic log cabin village, with all the cabins fully restored to provide an authentic late-1800s feel balanced with the comfort of modern amenities. Each cabin layout is different, but all include living-room space with wood-burning fires, small kitchenettes, soaking tubs, and comfy log-framed beds. A delicious homemade breakfast, which could include breakfast tacos, pecan cheddar ham and egg biscuits, chocolate croissants, bacon pepper jack quiche, is delivered to your cabin door every morning.

If you can stay in Gruene for an evening or two, this historic inn is the place to be. The main house is the original home of Henry Gruene, and the owners have painstakingly worked to restore everything to its original condition. The guest accommodations extend much further than the main house, including a row of cabins with river views, a renovated corn crib, and a period-designed lodge in the middle of the expansive property.

Stepping onto this beautiful property dotted with historic cabins and private courtyards with glowing firepits, you won't believe Main Street is just a stone's throw away. The main lodge is a renovated 1850s barn, with an inviting library and formal dining room on the far part of the building. Rooms are decorated with individual styles, from rustic Texas to French countryside. A lovely spa is on-site in a cozy cottage, and gluten-free breakfast options are available.

Built in 1859 as Boerne's stagecoach stop, this inn is now a recognized state and national historic landmark alongside picturesque Cibolo Creek. The main lodge of the nine-acre property features 22-inch-thick hand-cut limestone walls and airy porches, giving an authentic Hill Country feel. Beyond the main house is a collection of fully restored cottages—there's even a 19th-century chapel that serves as a lovely bridal suite. Each of the 34 rooms, suites, and cottages is uniquely decorated with vintage pieces as well as modern luxuries. Those interested in the supernatural should inquire about the resident ghosts reputed to haunt some areas.

It's a bit off the beaten path, but if you can bear with a bend or two in the road, you'll find this Hill Country treasure. Three ranch-style cottages and one late-1800s farmhouse have immaculate Texas-meets-French-countryside interiors, gas fireplaces, and beautiful views of the hills. The ranch also has a large meeting/entertaining hall that accommodates up to 150 people, as well as an intimate dining room that serves up to 50 guests for special events. Standing in the center of the property, a former water tower has been converted into an observation tower.

The comfy rooms in this historic farmhouse are Victorian-themed, with details like claw-foot tubs and antique furniture. Located within walking distance of both Llano's square and the river, other perks include a daily home-cooked breakfast and a huge front porch and deck, where you can soak in nature with a good book and a cup of tea.

Deemed one of the oldest continuously-running B&Bs in Boerne, this charming 1912 white cottage offers two rooms in the main house and a separate Garden House. Each room is decorated with old-fashioned Western and Texan style. Guests are served coffee, juice, and light snacks for their stay and receive breakfast coupons to the Bear Moon Bakery, Boerne's hot spot for fresh-baked pastries. Rooms are spacious and comfortable; the country decor is slightly overwhelming.

There's a lot to experience at this lovely little compound, where you can unwind with a rejuvenating massage, take a dip in the refreshing pool, or roll up your sleeves for one of the hands-on art or cooking classes. Even if you just retreat to one of the tranquil rooms—some with a whirlpool or deck—you'll still find an amazing sense of relaxation here, with lovely countryside views. The five-course Saturday dinner is delectable, and this is a perfect spot for a romantic getaway, girls' weekend, babymoon, or weekend retreat. Breakfast alone is nearly worth the price of your stay.

Though you're only a short walking distance from Wimberley Village Square, the meandering dirt road to the inn makes this feel like a true hideaway. Look for deer in the tree-framed meadows nearby. The sprawling main house is shaded by pecan trees and wrapped in a series of wooden decks. Each guest room has a distinct style, with different color schemes and handmade bedspreads. After a good sleep on one of the pillow-top beds, be sure to stroll the grounds along the creek or soak in the hot tub with a glass of wine.

Though it may seem a bit out of place in the Texas Hill Country, a little piece of the Crescent City sits prominently on Boerne's Main Street. The New Orleans–style second floor balcony overlooks the entire city center and gives you the sudden sensation you've been transplanted to the French Quarter. The 11 rooms each feature a different theme varying from Shabby Chic and the Hill Country to Asian and, of course, New Orleans. The building is a new construction, and rooms are spacious and clean. Hardwood or stained concrete floors are found in each room, as well as refrigerators and big, open bathrooms. After a day of wondering the town, the balcony is certainly a nice retreat for a glass of wine and a little relaxation.

This collection of historic farmhouses features rooms and suites dating from the 1850s to the early 1900s, renovated to reflect the ambience of their era while still providing modern-day comforts—perhaps the best one being the outdoor pool with a hot tub and swim-up bar. An on-site event venue called Fiddler's Gruene, which features a full-service bar, stage, and yard games, also makes the Homestead Inn a popular option for weddings and other events.

Getting a little rest is easy to do at this spot on the Guadalupe River. Expansive wooden decks surround live oak trees and hammocks that sway in the garden. The quaint rooms have comfortable beds and colorful accents, with complimentary snacks, and non-alcoholic beverages available 24/7. Adults only, ages 18 and over.

This stately manor just off Main Street opened in 1907 as the Bredt Hotel and now has been brought back to life as a Texas Historic Landmark. Stay in one of six guest apartments (reasonably spacious for a turn-of-the-20th-century building) that each sleep four, fully decorated with vintage furniture and elegant fabrics.

Just a few miles outside of Fredericksburg and nestled along the shady Palo Alto Creek, this property has the original 1875 buildings built by German immigrant Karl Itz. They've been updated with modern amenities, yet they're perfect for fans of the outdoors. Choose from the main Itz House, which sleeps eight, or opt for the quainter Log Cabin, Barn, or Hideaway cabin, all complete with a screened-in porch. Children are not allowed to stay in certain rooms. A breakfast of fresh pastries is delivered to your door each morning. Get directions and reserve through Gästehaus Schmidt.

You'll have to drive down a winding back road to reach this Hawaiian-named retreat, but once you see the beautiful rolling valley below its hilltop perch overlooking a sparkling lake, you'll be glad you made the trip. The property features five accommodations—four private cottages, each with a suite or two rooms as well as luxurious living spaces; and one suite in the main house. The O'Hana House is the most private and has some of the best views of the ranch; it also has its own hot tub, ideal for stargazing before bed.

Named for Prince Carl Solms, the German prince from Braunfels Castle who founded New Braunfels, this historic inn—the longest-running hotel in the area—has been lovingly restored to reflect its original Victorian charm. (The suite is very comfortable, with a nice-sized living room.) Built in 1898, each room now has a private bathroom, and there’s a speakeasy in the basement, where guests can toddle down for a nightcap and not have to travel very far to get back home.