Where to Stay in West Texas

Indian Lodge

Fort Davis

Upon arrival, guests are greeted by flurries of swallows in the newly landscaped courtyard. But beyond this upgraded space, the lodge feels much the same. There’s a new coat of paint on the 18-inch-thick walls, but the rooms retain their original handcarved cedar furniture and vintage charm. “This restoration honors the lodge’s rich heritage while ensuring it remains a treasured destination for generations to come,” says assistant park superintendent Stephanie Rubio.

Hike the trail behind Indian Lodge, and you’ll get a fantastic view of the flat-roofed structure integrated into the landscape. For the best views of the valley, book a northeast-facing room, and be sure to take advantage of the common area, which is an excellent place to read a book after a morning of exploring the property. The on-site Black Bear Restaurant has also reopened and offers a breakfast buffet with eggs, bacon, pancakes, yogurt, and fruit, and a lunch buffet with a menu that changes weekly. 

Balmorhea Pool is a true desert oasis. Its source, San Solomon Springs, collects water from the Edwards-Trinity Plateau Aquifer, which covers thousands of square miles of West Texas. Visitors travel from around the world to swim in these invigorating waters that range from 72 to 76 degrees year-round. A traditional Spanish irrigation ditch, or acequia, runs out of the pool past a vintage adobe motel: San Solomon Motor Courts. This family-friendly destination was built by the CCC along with the swimming pool in the 1930s, around the same time the corps constructed Indian Lodge. The lodge reopened in mid-2024 after a yearlong renovation to repair the adobe, tile roofs, plumbing, and electrical systems.

One- and two-bedroom options are available, accommodating groups of up to six people, and the décor is classic West Texas with exposed wooden beams and Saltillo tile floors. The rustic furniture, originally crafted by the CCC, has also been restored to preserve the property’s historical charm. Rooms 1 to 12 look out over the smaller channel and marshland, ideal for avid birders, while Rooms 13 to 18 have patios facing the larger acequia.

“I can’t think of another spot in Texas where you can step out on the back porch to see five endangered species swimming in the cienegas and bats swooping around—and then walk to one of the most beautiful swimming holes in the state,” Balmorhea State Park superintendent Russell Martin says. 

Due to staffing shortages, a one-day gap is required between all reservations for cleaning—so rooms fill up fast. 

Along state Highway 118 between Fort Davis and Alpine sits High Frontier, a converted former youth camp on 320 acres across from the Chihuahuan Desert Research Center. The 18-room property soft-opened in December 2024 and features modern design in a secluded location.

The luxury hotel is an ideal choice for a family getaway, as many of the units have multiple bedrooms, full kitchens, and dining areas. The décor is minimalist and concrete-heavy, but the beds are comfortable and colorful one-of-a-kind artwork adorns the walls. The property also features a large central lawn and pool with a stunning view of the surrounding mountains. “Our design approach began with what was already here—repurposing and unifying the existing buildings into a cohesive vision,” owner Tim Crowley says.

A dedicated on-site team can give curated recommendations for exploring the area and help book guided hikes, horseback riding, and private chef services for an additional fee. In the coming years, there are plans to develop a restaurant, but for now travelers can make the short drive to Fort Davis for burgers at Buffalo Bentley’s or brisket tacos at Lupita’s Place. High Frontier is a popular wedding and group space on the weekends, but outside of scheduled events, the hotel is fit for the quiet serenity that travelers seek in West Texas. 

A classic car welcomes guests to this five-room boutique hotel and pays homage to the body shop that once occupied half of the adobe and concrete complex. No two rooms are alike, and the property features designer touches including Southwest and Mexican textiles, curated artwork, and a salvaged neon sign that was rewired to comply with the region’s dark sky regulations. Motel is located a couple of blocks off Marfa’s main street and within a stone’s throw of The Sentinel, which brews one of the best cups of coffee in West Texas.

The hotel, opened in fall 2024, is part of a series of projects owner Jantzen Matzdorff is undertaking in four major environments in the U.S.—mountain, desert, ocean, and farm. He designed Motel with Chris McCray of Commonwealth Design. “The hotel was very much an act of faith in the universe, especially as the remodel moved at the pace of the desert and COVID lingered on,” Matzdorff says. “But we poured all that we had to give into it.”

Thoughtful details like gourmet snacks and sundries and music playing on vintage radios set the mood. Guests also have access to kitchenettes, a common outdoor patio, a cold plunge, and a sauna. They can even reserve a private outdoor clawfoot tub free of charge.