11 Best Hotels in The Hill Country, Texas

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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.

Collective Retreats

$$$ | 7431 Fulton Ranch Rd., Wimberley, TX, 78676, USA Fodor's Choice

Sitting on 225 acres of organic farm- and ranchland in Wimberley, this luxury getaway features spacious tents with king-size beds and 1,500-thread–count linens, wood-burning stoves, over-bed chandeliers, and private decks. Those in getaway-mode can take a private horseback-riding lesson, explore the many trails surrounding the site, practice yoga and sound meditation, or arrange an e-bike adventure around town. As for culinary experiences, enjoy cowboy coffee in the morning, s'mores at night, a daily farm-to-fork breakfast, picnic to-go lunches, TX BBQ with local wine pairings, and a chef's six-course tasting menu.

Pros

  • Lots of unique activities offered
  • Impressive culinary options
  • Luxurious amenities

Cons

  • Wi-Fi can be spotty
  • Closed June through September
  • A bit understaffed
7431 Fulton Ranch Rd., Wimberley, TX, 78676, USA
970-445–2033
Hotel Details
Closed June–Sept.
12 luxury tents
Free Breakfast

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Cotton Gin Village

$$$ | 2805 S. Rte. 16, Fredericksburg, TX, 78624, USA Fodor's Choice

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.

Pros

  • Excellent on-site restaurant
  • Charming and relaxing rustic atmosphere
  • Delicious breakfast included

Cons

  • Location is removed from town
  • The restaurant is popular, reserve in advance
  • Spotty Wi-Fi
2805 S. Rte. 16, Fredericksburg, TX, 78624, USA
830-990–8381
Hotel Details
15 cabins
Free Breakfast

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The Gruene Mansion Inn

$$$ | 1275 Gruene Rd., Gruene, TX, 78130, USA Fodor's Choice

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.

Pros

  • Riverfront rooms have nice views
  • Close to shopping and restaurants
  • Cool history

Cons

  • Big shows at Gruene Hall can be heard in some of the rooms
  • Breakfast not included
  • Some of the rooms are quite rustic
1275 Gruene Rd., Gruene, TX, 78130, USA
830-629–2641
Hotel Details
33 rooms
No Meals

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Recommended Fodor's Video

Hoffman Haus

$$$ | 608 E. Creek St., Fredericksburg, TX, 78624, USA Fodor's Choice

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.

Pros

  • Close to Main Street yet private and peaceful
  • Excellent, comfortable beds
  • Breakfasts are hot, filling, and delicious—and delivered right to your room

Cons

  • Not ideal for children
  • Television service can be spotty
  • Difficult to relax if a big event, such as a wedding, is going on in the main lodge
608 E. Creek St., Fredericksburg, TX, 78624, USA
830-997–6739
Hotel Details
22 cabins, 3 houses
Free Breakfast

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The Roadrunner Inn

$$$ | 306 E. Main St., Fredericksburg, TX, 78624, USA Fodor's Choice

This is one of Fredericksburg's best urban-minded accommodations offering a contemporary environment, with retro decor. The Roadrunner Inn is composed of three loft-like rooms at the top of a staircase perched above Main Street. Bright, fresh colors and lush, green tropical plants create a nouveau Miami feel. From robin's-egg blue and canary-yellow dishes mounted on the walls to lime-green-and-white accent pillows resting on the 1970s sectional couches, it's a modern, trendy, welcoming place to stay.

Pros

  • Clean rooms and beautiful bathrooms
  • Proximity to Main Street is hard to beat
  • Unique retro decor

Cons

  • Only three rooms, so books up fast
  • Might be too trendy for some
  • Main Street–facing rooms get street noise
306 E. Main St., Fredericksburg, TX, 78624, USA
Hotel Details
3 rooms
No Meals

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Blue Sage by Honeytree

$$$ | 7656 Ranch Rd. 965, Fredericksburg, TX, USA

A few miles out of town, set on 10 acres, Honeytree lies en route to Enchanted Rock, making it a convenient stop for those who come to hike. All 12 “tree” homes are unique—several are two-story with beautiful views of the Hill Country, while one unit has bunk beds for the kids. The owners designed and hand-built them amid the trees with reclaimed wood and tile, featuring stenciled designs. Each home includes a two-burner stovetop, a good-sized fridge, organic coffee, fizzy drinks, king beds, and a turntable. Some homes are stair-free, and others have outdoor baths or showers. A common area offers shared grills and firepits.

Pros

  • Otherworldly quiet
  • Bird sightings and birdsong
  • Beautiful spacious units

Cons

  • A bit off the beaten track
  • Pricey
  • No restaurant
7656 Ranch Rd. 965, Fredericksburg, TX, USA
830-872–3322
Hotel Details
12 units
No Meals

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Hill Country Herb Garden & Spa

$$$ | 405 Whitney St., Fredericksburg, TX, USA

It's no wonder the grounds of this bucolic little spot are so beautiful—a full-time master gardener tends to them. This charming place features 14 cottages, a gorgeous 5,000-square-foot spa with its own product line, a main house, and a cute restaurant that sometimes offers live music alongside culinary creations incorporating fresh herbs grown in the garden. The location is convenient for those who wish to take a jaunt into town, but it’s so serene and relaxing here that you may decide to just grab a cup of tea or a cocktail and watch the butterflies flutter by.

Pros

  • Beautiful gardens
  • Complimentary breakfast delivered to your room
  • Good-sized spa

Cons

  • Grounds are not large
  • Cottages are a bit close together
  • Bathrooms on the small side
405 Whitney St., Fredericksburg, TX, USA
830-997–8615
Hotel Details
14 rooms (cottages) plus a garden house that sleeps 12
Free Breakfast

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Inn on Barons Creek

$$$ | 308 S. Washington St., Fredericksburg, TX, 78624, USA

If you're looking for a more traditional hotel atmosphere and want to stay close in, this hotel fits the bill. The rooms are spacious, and although the decor is pretty straightforward, they are comfortable. The staff is very friendly and happy to give tips on the best things to do around town. Four of the suites are extended-stay and include kitchen facilities. There is a spa and heated pool on property.

Pros

  • Centrally located
  • Spacious rooms
  • Friendly, helpful staff

Cons

  • Not the quaint experience you'd find in guesthouses or B&Bs
  • Food could be better
  • Some residual noise when bands play at the nearby Ausländer restaurant
308 S. Washington St., Fredericksburg, TX, 78624, USA
830-990–9202
Hotel Details
90 suites
Free Breakfast

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Melrose River Club

$$$ | 70 Riverbend Dr., San Marcos, TX, USA

A boutique hotel along the banks of the San Marcos River, featuring 30 luxurious cabins and 10 Airstream trailers, with a beautiful lobby and swimming pool that offer riverside seats to watch the tubers go by. The hotel is simply but elegantly designed, with thoughtful touches such as a vintage champagne vending machine that supplies champagne splits for those hankering for a bit of bubbly. Fire pits, walking trails, access to river swimming, canoeing, kayaking, and stand-up paddleboarding contribute to the uniqueness, as do snacks and food trucks on property.

Pros

  • Easy access to river swimming
  • Comfortable, nicely designed accommodations
  • Swimming pool with bar

Cons

  • Food trucks, but no restaurant
  • A bit pricey
  • If there is an event on-property, can be a bit noisy
70 Riverbend Dr., San Marcos, TX, USA
512-400–6065
Hotel Details
40 units
No Meals

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Palo Alto Creek

$$$ | 231 West Main, Fredericksburg, TX, 78624, USA

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.

Pros

  • A perfect nature escape with glimpses of deer and a view of the creek
  • Each cabin offers utmost privacy
  • In-room massage therapist option is an added bonus

Cons

  • A bit far from downtown
  • Not ideal for children
231 West Main, Fredericksburg, TX, 78624, USA
800-997–0089
Hotel Details
Credit cards accepted
6 rooms
Free Breakfast

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The Yurtopian

$$$ | 135 Winn Ranch Rd., Wimberley, TX, USA

Yurts are more common than one would think in Wimberley, and there is even a yurt building company in town to help facilitate the process. But the owners of The Yurtopian are likely the first to create an adults-only yurt glamping experience here, with 6 circular yurts on 30 acres, some with panoramic hilltop views from the top of a balcony patio that will take your breath away. Each yurt, built to specification in Mongolia, features beautiful hand-painted designs, a dipping pool, a kitchenette and grill, and coffee, and they are climate-controlled year-round. There's no restaurant, but guests are welcomed to bring their own food in or head into town.

Pros

  • Otherworldly quiet
  • Lovely views
  • Outdoor shower

Cons

  • No restaurant
  • Isolated and not easy to find
  • No river access from the property
135 Winn Ranch Rd., Wimberley, TX, USA
512-333–2202
Hotel Details
6 yurts
No Meals

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