Chain hotels are as ubiquitous in the Rio Grande Valley as palm trees. Whether looking for a historic stay or a birder’s paradise, travelers seeking lodging with unique character may have to search a bit, but it’s well worth the effort.
At Alpaquita Ranch, one of the RGV’s more recent novelties, guests are greeted by friendly, free-roaming alpacas adorned with bows and bandannas. Located in Monte Alto, Alpaquita offers two cabins: the Casa Suri and Casa Huacaya. Both provide a modern, alpaca-themed resting spot complete with outdoor porch swings and plenty of space to feed the animals. The furry creatures come to say hi as soon as they hear the rattle of food containers from the front porch.
ALPAQUITA RANCH
6501 Israel Cavazos Road, Monte Alto.
956-821-8906
Open since 2019, the 10-acre working ranch is the first alpaca farm in the RGV. Owner Giovanni Cardenas, a former teacher and native of the area, dreamed up the business after he returned from a trip to Peru where he had the opportunity to interact with alpacas. “They are incredibly peaceful animals, and their gentle presence is truly calming—I could sit and watch them all day,” Cardenas says. “They bring so much peace and joy not only to me but also to everyone who visits the ranch.” What started out as a small herd has grown into a community of 74 alpacas, with llamas, highland cows, rabbits, sheep, and ducks joining the family.
Photo ops include a neon pink “Alpaquita Ranch” sign on top of a faux greenery-filled wall and a swing covered with flowers in a cozy, antique tea house. An on-site gift shop sells clothing, handbags, and home decorations made with alpaca fleece. There’s also a wine house decorated to match the theme—be sure to order the mango margarita called the Alpaquirita.
After a good night’s rest in Casa Suri, a two-bedroom house that sleeps eight, or Casa Huacaya, an A-frame cabin with room for four, guests awake to croissants and fruit delivered to their door. And four-legged friends wishing you good morning. Rentals start at $249/night. alpaquitaranch.com
1 / LA BORDE HOUSE, RIO GRANDE CITY
Fans of the stylish and the spooky will love this inn, listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Opened by French merchant Francois LaBorde in 1917, the 16-room hotel was restored to its former glory in 1982. The Victorian-style rooms feature canopy beds, clawfoot bathtubs, and maybe even ghostly visitors. Rooms start at $115/night. labordehouse.com
2 / ALAMO INN B&B, ALAMO
Bird is the word at this budget-friendly, no-frills inn that is popular among birders who come to the Valley to catch a glimpse of its abundant winged species. (It was even featured in the 2019 Netflix documentary Birders.) The 22 rooms and suites have everything you need to feel at home, including kitchenettes. Rooms start at $65/night. alamoinnbnb.com
3 / CASA DE PALMAS, MCALLEN
This hotel has been the grande dame of McAllen since Texas architect M.L. Waller designed it more than a century ago. The Mission Revival-style building has survived fires and remains a luxurious place to stay. Guests love the Spanish-style courtyard, pool, and palm trees that dot the landscape. Rooms start at $119/night. wyndhamhotels.com
