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There are plenty of chain hotels speckled throughout the region, particularly in Fredericksburg and Marble Falls, but you're missing out on the local flavor if you don't try or (at least investigate) the many bed-and-breakfasts, guesthouses, ranches, and small resorts in the area—it's the absolute best way to get a feel for the culture. From historic and authentically restored guesthouses such as Palo Alto Creek and Austin Street Retreat in Fredericksburg and The Gamel House in Mason to the plush mini-resort luxury of Escondida Resort in Medina and River Rock Ranch in Comfort, to even retro-country at the Roadrunner Inn in Fredericksburg, there truly is something for everyone here.
Before deciding on the place that's right for you, it's important to make a few distinctions. Bed-and-breakfasts and guesthouses are not the same thing, no matter how close they may be in appearance. B&Bs invite you to join your hosts and sometimes other guests for breakfast each morning. Guesthouses do not. Although you may receive a generous basket of muffins or other breakfast breads from the occasional guesthouse manager, you will more likely need to fend for yourself. When looking at reservation agencies such as the Gästehaus Schmidt in Fredericksburg, or Boerne Reservations, be sure to confirm which accommodation you are choosing. You may like the personalized touch and communal atmosphere of a B&B, or you may prefer the greater privacy afforded by a guesthouse.
It's like summer camp for adults at this renovated and beautifully designed property built in a former athletics club and bowling alley situated on the banks of Cypress Creek. Choose from cozy cabins, rooms and suites, or Airstreams; some are kitted out with a mini-fridge, kitchenette, patios, and creek views. A spacious social hall is available to all guests, and there are fire pits, a sauna, and a communal grill on-property to satisfy s'more cravings.
Ignore the “camp” in its name—this plush hotel offers well-appointed guest rooms, spacious suites, and stand-alone cottages, all outfitted with luxurious amenities like exquisite mattresses, private balconies, deep soaking tubs, and firepits. You won’t find any cowboy kitsch here; instead, Camp Lucy’s interiors feature modern, refreshing elements like colorful tapestries, folksy throw pillows, beautiful tiling, and unique wallpaper accents. Dinner at on-site restaurant Tillie’s is a must during your stay, so be sure to book a table in the stunning dining room, a repurposed town hall from the Ninh Binh region of Vietnam that’s been furnished with antiques sourced from around the globe.
Though it's been around since 1946, the Flying L is anything but stuck in the past: guests can horseback ride, go on hayrides, and enjoy roasting nightly s'mores, as is the case with most dude ranches, but this expansive 772-acre property also has an 18-hole golf course, a water park and lounging pool, and an entire kids' activity program. Accommodations range in size from stand-alone villas with room for 13 to smaller condo-like suites that sleep four to six. All have a gas fireplace and cozy bedding.
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.
One of Bandera's oldest dude ranches, the Dixie opened its doors to guests in 1937 and offers cabins and cottages for large parties as well as individual rooms in the rustic bunkhouse and main lodge. Though the decor is laced with Western kitsch, rooms all include the modern amenities that combat the Texas heat—namely, air-conditioning. Be sure to get the full cowboy experience on the overnight trail ride, with cookouts, swimming, and cowboy serenades. Meals are served family-style in the dining lodge. All-inclusive rates include two horseback rides per day.
You can relax the day away by your split-timber and river-stone cabin or join the ranch crew for various activities. These include horseback riding, swimming, fishing and tubing on the Medina River, hayrides, roping lessons, longhorn shows, a walk to the dinosaur tracks, and even Texas two-step lessons. Rates include two horseback rides per day, meals, activities, lodging, and beer and wine. Children's programs are offered during the summer (June to August).
Formerly known as Meyer Inn on Cypress Creek, this historic hotel, originally a stage stop for travelers preparing to cross the Guadalupe River for the Old Spanish Trail, has been redesigned and renovated under new owners. It is beautifully situated on 33 wooded acres along the banks of Cypress Creek, just a few blocks' walk from town shopping. The rooms are spacious and comfortable, featuring natural elements such as reclaimed wood and stone, along with modern and vintage design touches. Communal areas include a swimming pool, a courtyard, and serene creekside spots to unwind.
If you have a large group and would like a little privacy, try Moriah, a small collection of three restored historic buildings on a picturesque 3-acre property with a private boat dock on Lake Marble Falls, just 8 miles from town. The large wooden porches offer spectacular views of the hills and the expansive backyard, which includes a full volleyball court, hammocks, and plenty of room to run around. The main timber-frame house has a large main room, a full kitchen, and an upstairs loft with two futons. Each of the two 1850s timber cabins has a master room with a comfortable king bed and a bunk-room with two sets of bunk beds.
This nature-focused glamping experience on the outskirts of town offers a range of accommodations featuring outdoor firepits and various amenities. Options include the Cocoon, a cozy one-bedroom tent equipped with a coffee machine, microwave, hot plate, and hot tub, and the Live Oak Lodge, which has two bedrooms, a dipping pool, and an upstairs terrace. All communication, including confirmations and entry codes, is handled via email.
A little less than 10 miles from Wimberley is a little weekend escape set on an 88-acre plot with rolling hills and enchanting vistas, surrounded by 2,500 protected acres that make the location prime for stargazing. And you won't even have to leave the premises to forage for dinner. Instead, a three-course meal is prepared each night and served family-style to you and the other inn guests. Rooms have romantic fireplaces and views of the fiery Texas sunsets. Hiking trails and pickleball are on offer. The spa is small but mighty with excellent Swedish and deep-tissue massage therapy.
