11 Best Luxury Hotels in Texas Hill Country

Texas Hill Country is where south, central, and west Texas convene and is known and revered for its gorgeous scenery. Tucked in the heart of the Lone Star State, the region boasts some of the most beautiful scenery with breathtaking visits, wildflowers, and rolling hills. What’s more, it’s within driving distance of San Antonio, as well as the state capital of Austin. Plus, there are wineries dotting the entire landscape, and we even found utopia here — literally, there’s a town called “Utopia!” So, it wasn’t surprising to know that it’s a luxury destination, and pretty soon, we were on our way to stay at some of the best luxury hotels in Texas Hill Country. Ranging from charming and alluring rural hideaways to luxury country houses, there are quite a few outstanding places to stay in this region.

Whether you’re on a family break, a getaway with friends, or on a romantic couples’ escapade, Texas Hill Country should be your next big luxurious and indulgent rural getaway. Here’s our detailed guide to a wonderfully opulent vacation in the Lone Star state.

Gruene Mansion Inn, New Braunfels

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Best historic luxury. There’s no way to talk about the best luxury Texas Hill Country resorts without talking about the Gruene Mansion Inn. Housed in a historic white Victorian mansion overlooking the gushing Guadalupe River, the 1872-built inn features intricate arches, a white wrought-iron fence, and even a turret. It was the former home of the town’s founder and walking up the brick path in the shade of the giant oak trees felt like we were entering a stately Southern home.

Since we’re talking about historic luxury, we have to talk about the 33 rooms divided across the mansion, the carriage house, the corn crib, etc. While all of them had private porches, we chose the River Tree Loft, a true romantic gem that overlooked the river. The two-storeyed hideaway features a comfy living room with a loveseat and a kitchen downstairs, where we’d whip up romantic meals. That said, the crown jewel was the bedroom up the cozy staircase, complete with a heavenly queen bed and floor-to-ceiling windows with river views. Since we’d booked the Texas Romance Basket with chocolates, fresh suit, crackers, cheeses, and a bottle of Gruene Mansion Inn wine, staying here made us want to hole up for the entire weekend!

The complimentary breakfast here was a heavenly spread of muffins, pastries, and fruit, along with hot egg dishes and comfort foods like pigs in a blanket. Are you staying here in December or January? If you stay with them for two nights or more, they even give you a complimentary bottle of Prosecco at breakfast! 

La Cantera Resort and Spa

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Most romantic luxury. La Cantera Resort and Spa, which sits on the northern fringes of San Antonio, is synonymous with and the epitome of luxurious living in Texas Hill Country. But that’s not all – the resort also happens to be one of San Antonio’s most romantic hotels.

What made our romantic stay special was the special adults-only floor and experience of the Seven. The spacious king room rose seven floors above the ground, offering us spectacular views of the hill country. But it was more than just that. A personal concierge escorted us to our private check-in, where we sipped on champagne as they outlined the privileges available exclusively to us. Not only did we have amazing Nespresso machines and bath products, but we also had day passes for everyday access to the amazing Loma de Vida Spa & Wellness. This was luxury at its peak, indeed. Check out the official Seven page for your own experience.

That said, the resort was scintillating outside the Seven too. Four sparkling pools were the centerpiece of the resort, and we particularly loved the adults-only infinity one. Mornings were reserved for the running trail and a hearty romantic breakfast on our private terrace, followed by some tee time at the onsite golf courses. Of course, a place as fancy as La Cantera has fancy food, too; think sampling wines from local vintners and elevated cuisine experiences for dinner. That’s Texas Hill Country luxury for you in the true sense of the word.

The Kendall, Boerne

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Famous for its German-Texan history, Boerne is the last place you’d expect to find luxury living, but it’s true. Downtown Boerne is home to historical luxury living in the form of The Kendall, a delightful luxury inn housed in a 19th-century Greek Revival structure. Sitting along Cibolo Creek, The Kendall drew us in with its Southern Colonial-style architecture and well-appointed charm.

Elegance is the mainstay here, and we had the choice of 34 uniquely designed digs made up of historic cabins, cottages, and rooms and suites. While every room was unique in character and style, they all shared the same exquisite decor. Our chosen home, the Erastus Reed Grand Suite, was decadence bathed in navy, ornate light fixtures, and a luxurious ensuite bathroom as large as the room itself. In fact, it even had a pouf and a high-back sitting chair next to the freestanding clawfoot bathtub!

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Aside from our unique accommodation. we loved the other amenities at this 1859-built Texan and National landmark. For instance, this is one of the very few inns we’ve seen that not only had a gym but even a spa. In fact, we could book massages and treatments even in the comfort of our own rooms. But the crowning glory was the presence of the outdoor heated plunge pool, yet another unheard, unseen, and very much welcome amenity that made staying here as luxurious as it got.

JW Marriott San Antonio Hill Country Resort & Spa

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Best kid-friendly luxury. We can hardly ignore one of the swankiest Texas Hill Country resorts in the middle of the city, right? We’re talking about the JW Marriott San Antonio Hill Country Resort & Spa, perfect for an easy luxurious stay with kids in the hill country. Not only does it sit just 20 minutes from downtown San Antonio, but the resort is massive – check out this image below!

The nine-acre water park with a 1,100-foot lazy river is definitely the standout feature of the resort. As the children played in their very own pool and play area, we enjoyed a relaxing time at the adults-only pool. Thanks to the presence of as many as six restaurants, the kids were excited about the kid-friendly menus. Not just that, but they also had a game room all to themselves as well as a kids’ club with a plethora of activities designed to keep them busy. Meanwhile, we indulged in some much-needed peace and quiet at the adults-only Lantana Spa, whose treatments are inspired by traditions of Latin American healers or curanderos. There’s also a Pete Dye–designed golf course, amazing poolside cabanas and service, and a manmade beach. Clearly, the hotel is a hotbed of luxurious activity and a hit with families and large groups.

When it comes to digs, Marriott never goes wrong. Families will love the spacious rooms with great views, but we, or rather the kids, fell in love with the ground-floor Walkout to Pool rooms. With two beds, a luxurious bathroom, and direct pool access, we had a whale of a time staying here.

Hotel Emma at Pearl on the Riverwalk

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Best boutique luxury. Wanting to head down the offbeat luxury path, we ended up staying at the Hotel Emma at Pearl on the Riverwalk in San Antonio – and absolutely loving it! The 146-room historical hotel was formerly a 19th-century Brewhouse and was perfect for us culture vultures seeking old-time luxury in the heart of Alamo City. In fact, it’s not just one of San Antonio’s historic hotels but is also one of Texas’ most historic hotels.

Since we were celebrating our 10th anniversary, we booked the eponymous Emma Koehler suite, and it was the best decision we’d ever taken. Stepping into the light-filled suite felt like stepping back in time, but with all the modern luxuries we could ever imagine. Imagine double-height floor-to-ceiling windows with sweeping river views, a grand piano, and a fireplace – it felt intimate and grand at the same time. We’d enjoy our meals out on the balcony, which also had a fireplace and mesmerizing views of the city.

The rest of the hotel was equally luxurious, especially the bar and club, where the intimate setting was perfect for sipping on classic cocktails before dinner. The year-round outdoor pool was ideal for heavenly swims, after which a couple’s massage at the Hiatus Spa was just what the doctor ordered. It’s no wonder that it’s one of the best 5-star hotels in Texas Hill Country.

Lakeway Resort & Spa, Austin

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We loved Austin’s AAA four-diamond Lakeway Resort and Spa not just for its luxurious offerings but also the stunning views of Lake Travis and its plethora of water activities. Thanks to the luxury yachts on offer by Texas Sailing, we went boating and sailing, enjoying spectacular views from the water. Plus, it was a fantastic way to spend the day with a picnic on the water. Did you know that the lake resort has a private marina of its own? Yes!

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We liked the lakefront resort for more than just its breathtaking views – its plethora of amenities. We spent hours on the golf course and even enjoyed local wine tours. Unwinding was best done at the adults-only pool with a bar, where we relaxed on the loungers after a heavenly lake-facing swim. Families with kids have a ton to do, too; there are kid-friendly cuisines in the two restaurants, outdoor movies, and even a kid’s pool with a splash pad. That’s why it’s considered one of Austin’s best family hotels too.

We had the choice of many rooms and suites here, but we liked the Mansfield Suite the most. It boasts floor-to-ceiling windows with spectacular views of Lake Travis. A luxurious ensuite bathroom, a bevy of mod-cons, and superb private concierge services ensured that we had a wonderful time here.

The Lakehouse Bed and Breakfast, Canyon Lake

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Imagine stumbling upon an elegant Mediterranean B&B with direct, unobstructed views of Lake Canyon. That’s just one of the reasons we loved The Lakehouse Bed and Breakfast, Canyon Lake. With an adults-only environment and rooms with lake views, this was the ideal romantic getaway for us.

Each of the four indulgent suites boasts lake views, but the best was the Le Metropolitain Room, which we booked for its private outdoor hot tub on the balcony! The black-iron nouveau four-poster bed ensured a deep night’s sleep, while the deep red walls certainly infused passion in the air. Mornings were reserved for long gourmet breakfasts on the private balcony, followed by long hours in the hot tub. Downstairs, the highlight of this unique bed-and-breakfast was the outdoor swimming pool with superb, sweeping views of the gardens and the lake. After a long day of exploring the outdoors, hiking, and fishing, the sun terrace was a great place to kick back with drinks and snacks.

Sage Hill Inn & Spa, Kyle

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You’d hardly expect rural getaways to be luxurious, but the Sage Hill Inn & Spa in Kyle, Texas, is. Nestled on acres of rolling Texas Hill Country just south of Austin, it’s the perfect country getaway, but in style. 

In fact, we loved exploring the hotel grounds, some of the largest in Texas, with its wildlife, hiking trails, native landscaping, and trees. In fact, butterflies would flit in and out of the water features on the property as we soaked in the gorgeous sunsets. The focus here is laidback luxury relaxation, with swings and hammocks throughout the grounds and even a wraparound porch in the main house. After a full breakfast with specialty quiches, waffles, and whatnot, the swimming pool was perfect for a heavenly swim. Afternoons were reserved for the reading lounge and the library, followed by a round of games and maybe a movie too. When the stars came up, we’d gather around the cozy firepit for an alfresco dinner night under the stars.

“We never thought that rural getaways could be luxurious, but the Sage Hill and Spa changed all that!”

WOW Travel

When the hotel is so special, so are the digs. Apart from the rooms and suites, the inn is particularly known for its standalone cottages and casitas. Since we were feeling indulgent, we chose the Bluebonnet Casita, which featured a private deck featuring a swim spa, double loungers, a hot tub, a fireplace, and even a table set for two for romantic meals. Sigh.

Collective Hill Country, Wimberley

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Would you consider glamping as luxurious hotel living? We definitely would, which is why we chose to stay at the Collective Hill Country in Wimberley, which is a Michelin guide hotel. Nestled in the eponymous hills an hour southwest of Austin, the property is plush and wild at once. Its three accommodations are in the form of chic tents built on elevated platforms, all of which feature wood-burning stoves, air-conditioning/heating, ensuite bathrooms, and the softest king beds ever. We chose the Honeymoon Summit Tent, which was all about rustic Texan chicness and a healthy dose of luxury. The best bit was that the tent boasted a private deck with Adirondack chairs, where we’d enjoy a glass of wine with the scenery. Did we mention the bespoke bath products, bathrobes, minibar, and the French press coffee machine? Yep.

Is there luxury outside of the room? Yes, especially the culinary experiences at the Three Peaks Lodge restaurant, ranging from made-to-order breakfasts to five-course dinners. Even though there’s no spa, we could book in-room massage services and treatments. Are you the adventurous kind? The activities here range from arrow-shooting, e-biking, and hiking to horse riding, pilates, and yoga.

Sophie’s Gasthaus

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We found bespoke luxury in the heart of New Braunfels at the boutique Sophie’s Gasthaus, which blends German architecture with a dreamy modern design. There are just 8 rooms in this 1906-built Art Deco structure, which made staying here a very intimate and exclusive experience. Since we were right in the heart of the town, we were looking for a retreat from reality, which we found in the Karbach suite. The luxurious ensuite bathroom with a bathtub and bathrobes aside, we loved unwinding with a cup of coffee and a glass of wine on the private patio with superb views of downtown. The spacious room boasted a king bed, a slew of mod-cons, and a really passionate vibe with dark, brooding hues. Lounge on your private patio while sipping your morning coffee.

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The rest of the boutique B&B is equally intimate and has original artwork adorning the walls, but the hospitality took the cake. The first thing we noticed when we entered our room was the locally sourced drinks and complimentary snacks. After a complimentary breakfast, the verdant fenced-in backyard with a beautifully tiled pool was our go-to place. Not only that, but it also had lots of sun loungers, a hot tub, a fire pit, and patio furniture. So, we especially kept aside two days to spend just at the property, which also came with a front porch swing straight out of the movies!

Hilton Hill Country San Antonio Resort

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You’d hardly expect a chain property to feel exclusive, but the Hilton Hill Country San Antonio Resort is unique and very different – and very luxurious. Perched on the western edge of the San Antonio region, this resort is something of an all-rounder – it’s loved by couples, families, and large groups equally. We loved the choice of modern rooms and chose the spacious one-bedroom suite. It came with a balcony that allowed us gorgeous sweeping views of the countryside and the city. It was just the décor that was rustic, Texas ranch-style, but it’s paired with an array of mod-cons that made our stay very memorable and comfortable.

That said, it’s the amenities here that take the cake. One of the features that immediately caught our attention and was the highlight of our stay was the lush courtyard with greenery and vibrant flowers. It was the perfect oasis we needed to relax with a cup of coffee in the morning and a glass of wine in the evening. When we felt adventurous, we even strolled through the gardens and enjoyed playing giant lawn games such as corn hole, chess, and Jenga. When darkness fell, we enjoyed sipping aperitifs by the fireside and roasting s’mores and marshmallows.

That’s not all, though. After a wonderful breakfast that included, of all things, a taco bar, we even had a choice of pools for a swim. In fact, they even had a heated pool and a hot tub for when the weather got cold. So, if there’s an indulgent vacation to be enjoyed in San Antonio, it’s here.

Our Verdict!

Clearly, there are a ton of choices when it comes to luxury living in Texas Hill Country. Here’s a specialized list to help you zero down on a choice.

• Best historic luxury: Gruene Mansion Inn, New Braunfels
• Most romantic luxury: La Cantera Resort And Spa, San Antonio
• Best kid-friendly luxury: JW Marriott San Antonio Hill Country Resort & Spa
• Best boutique luxury: Hotel Emma At Pearl On The Riverwalk

Where to Stay in the Texas Hill Country?

The towns and cities (but mostly lovely towns) of Texas Hill Country are a diverse bunch. Everyone, and we mean everyone, had heard of Fredericksburg, its most famous, well-located town known for its German heritage. What’s more, the town is all about wineries, delicious German food, and charming bed and breakfasts. Boerne outside San Antonio is just like Fredricksburg, along with being home to some of Texas’ coolest caves, which also happen to be some of the USA’s biggest caves.

Do you want to beat the Texas heat? Head to Wimberley, which lies right where Cypress Creek meets the Blanco River. There’s even Jacob’s Well and the Blue Hole nearby, as well as Wimberley’s wonderful music and art scenes. Did you know that Texas is home to some of the most gorgeous bluebonnets patches? That’s what Burnet and Llano are for, with the latter even being excellent for birdwatching. Next, we come to the “Gateway to the Hill Country,” i.e. Dripping Springs, which is all about delicious food and lovely scenery. As Texas’ lavender capital, Blanco is a must-visit, but it was Johnson City that stole our hearts with its antique vibe and extremely charming and walkable downtown. Finally, there’s Marble Falls, which was perfect for both culture vultures and outdoor enthusiasts.

What is the highest peak in the Texas Hill Country?

Guadalupe Peak is Texas’ highest natural point and can be reached via a strenuous day hike with a 3,000-ft elevation gain along the Guadalupe Peak Trail.

What is special about the Texas Hill Country?

It’s home to some of Texas’ oldest rocks and contains unique rock formations and minerals.

Is Austin considered Texas Hill Country?

Yes, in fact, Austin sits smack dab in the middle of Texas Hill Country, with historic towns and wine regions meeting a soulful, laid-back lifestyle.