Where to Stay in 2024
River Oaks Courts
Medina
This historic 1930s landmark motor court, composed of 11 cottages, was painstakingly restored to its full midcentury glory in 2022. The property is surrounded by native gardens and has a social club and restaurant as well as an art house and café that serves locally roasted coffees and baked goods. —Cynthia J. Drake
Rooms start at $179.
14349 SH 16, Medina.
830-246-2222; medinariveroaks.com
illustration By Lauren Tamaki
Lake Austin Spa Resort
Austin
Guests can indulge in water and wellness activities at this all-inclusive adults-only resort on Lake Austin. Sip vino at sunset on a wine cruise or try wakesurfing or paddleboard yoga. Daily hikes and group fitness classes pair perfectly with a spa treatment or a guided floating meditation. —Cynthia J. Drake
Rooms start at $550 (meals included).
1705 S. Quinlan Park Road, Austin.
512-372-7300; lakeaustin.com
illustration By Lauren Tamaki
San Antonio
and Austin
Hotel Emma
San Antonio
Located at the site of the old Pearl Brewery, this hotel was named for the brewery’s matriarch. It oozes with historic charm and was a key part of the reimagination of the Pearl District. Enjoy a complimentary welcome cocktail in the hotel’s library and imagine what Emma might have thought of her impressive legacy. —Cynthia J. Drake
Rooms start at $575.
136 E. Grayson St., San Antonio.
210-448-8300; thehotelemma.com
illustration By Lauren Tamaki
Hotel Valencia
San Antonio
While many hotels in San Antonio embrace Spanish design, Hotel Valencia is perhaps the most charming option on the River Walk. Wrought-iron detailing, rich wood paneling, and a weekday paella station at the hotel’s restaurant Dorrego’s are among its draws. Some rooms feature balconies perched over the River Walk. —Cynthia J. Drake
Rooms start at $174.
150 E. Houston St., San Antonio.
855-596-3387; hotelvalencia-riverwalk.com
illustration By Lauren Tamaki
The Kendall
Boerne
As host to cattle drovers and notable personalities including Robert E. Lee and Dwight D. Eisenhower, The Kendall has figured prominently in our state’s history since 1859. Designated a Texas Historic Landmark in 1976, the hotel was updated five years ago and features 34 charming rooms and a Southern-inspired restaurant, Peggy’s on the Green. —Cynthia J. Drake
Rooms start at $175.
128 W. Blanco Road, Boerne.
830-249-2138; thekendalltx.com
Austin Motel
Austin
South Congress Avenue has undergone quite the transformation in recent years, but this motel, boasting one of the street’s most iconic signs, maintains its connection to yesteryear with vintage furnishings, bold artwork, and funky wallpaper. Pay a visit to the gift shop to take some kitsch home with you. —Cynthia J. Drake
Rooms start at $160.
1220 S. Congress Ave., Austin.
512-441-1157; bunkhousehotels.com/austin-motel
La Cantera Resort & Spa
San Antonio
In between appointments for a gemstone facial or a detox mud wrap at La Cantera’s Loma de Vida Spa, cozy up in your spa robe and slippers while rocking in a chair overlooking the rolling hills surrounding the resort. Try a wellness class or experience a transcendental sound bowl meditation—followed by an equally mind-blowing dinner at Signature Restaurant. —Cynthia J. Drake
Rooms start at $249.
16641 La Cantera Parkway, San Antonio.
210-558-6500; lacanteraresort.com
Magnolia Hotel Bed & Breakfast
Seguin
An 1840 building that once served as a stagecoach stop and saloon is now a popular ghost-hunting site. Guests who dare to stay the night have full access to the historic inn’s five rooms—and there’s no extra charge for otherworldly company. —Cynthia J. Drake
Rooms start at $199.
203 S. Crockett St., Seguin.
512-571-2706; hauntedmagnoliahotel.com
The Driskill
Austin
Built in 1886, Austin’s oldest hotel was a favorite of President Lyndon B. Johnson, who had his first date with Lady Bird there. One of a few hotels on Sixth Street, the Driskill is home to grand dining rooms, a lobby with a stained-glass dome, and marble pillars. It’s still a favorite haunt of movers and shakers. —Cynthia J. Drake
Rooms start at $183.
604 Brazos St., Austin.
512-439-1234; driskillhotel.com
The St. Anthony
San Antonio
Many San Antonio hotels are alleged to be haunted, but the St. Anthony’s elegant, historic environs are a fitting setting for scaring up a good time. The bar, Haunt, serves cocktails named for the hotel’s resident ghosts, the Jilted Bride and the Lavender Lady. Bartenders are also happy to spook you with sordid ghost stories. —Cynthia J. Drake
Rooms start at $199.
300 E. Travis St., San Antonio.
210-227-4392; marriott.com
illustration By Lauren Tamaki
