11 Best Hotels Near Texas Hill Country

When you west out of Austin or north out of San Antonio, the roads narrow to two-lane blacktops, giving way to an altogether different kind of Texas. Think wineries, farm stands, rocky karst hills, old wooden churches, and ranches. This is the 31,000-sq-mi huge Texas Hill Country, the threshold between the Southeastern and Southwestern US. With a more temperate climate than the nearby cities, this region had us hooked, just like it had lured travelers for ages. Whether you’re looking to hike, wine, and dine, or just get away from it all, this is the place. The best hotels near Texas Hill Country are as diverse as the landscape and the activities it offers. When we went looking for unique stays, we found everything from luxurious resorts and boutique retreats to one-of-a-kind places that focus on the gorgeous Texas outdoors.

Besides being home to Texas’ wine tourism, the region is also known for its dramatic landscapes. Think blooming wildflowers, pecan trees, prickly pear cacti, granite and limestone hills, undulating valleys, and bright-blue waterways that looked more Caribbean than Texan! Plus, it also has a bunch of amazing local breweries and barbecue spots nearly as old as the Lone Star state. In between all this were charming and alluring villages, tumbleweed towns, and chic cities that made for wonderful places to rest our heads on our gorgeous Texan adventure.

So, it’s no surprise that Hill Country has its own vibe. Here’s a useful guide to exploring Texas Hill Country.

Collective Hill Country, Wimberley

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We were looking for the quintessential luxury glamping experience, and where better to indulge in that than Texas Hill Country? We’re talking about Collective Hill Country in Wimberley. This high-end Michelin guide retreat is tucked in the eponymous hills an hour southwest of Austin and is the best blend of wild and plush.

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It had just three accommodation choices, all of which were chic tents built on elevated platforms. What’s more, they all featured some of the most luxurious mod-cons we’d seen. These include the softest beds, ensuite bathrooms, heating/air-conditioning, and wood-burning stoves. Our chosen abode, the Honeymoon Summit Tent, was a healthy dollop of luxury atop rustic Texan chicness. We loved the private deck where we’d sit on the Adirondack chairs and enjoy a glass of wine and a cup of coffee, brewn from our very own French press coffee machine. The best bit? The bathrooms came with bathrobes and bespoke bath products, and we even had a minibar in our tent. Sigh.

What was even better was that there was luxury outside the room, too, especially our culinary experiences at the Three Peaks Lodge restaurant. Our days began with made-to-order breakfasts and ended with delish five-course dinners. Heck, they even delivered breakfast baskets to our tents on the days we weren’t able to make it to breakfast. Despite there being no spa, we could even book in-room treatments and massages. That was an absolute blessing after a day of adventures involving yoga, pilates, horse riding, hiking, and whatnot.

Baron’s Creekside Resort, Fredericksburg

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Imagine vacationing on acres of vineyards in the Hill Country – and that too within a city! Welcome to Baron’s Creekside Resort, a magical place that Swiss National Daniel Meyer discovered during a 2006 cross-country trip. After he snapped up the 26 acres just east of Fredericksburg, he shipped a 250-year-old Swiss farmhouse from his homeland and used the materials to build what is now an oasis of calm if there ever was one.

The best part about the digs here is that they’re a mix of couple-friendly and family-friendly ones. We found a wonderful selection of kid-free cozy cottages and chose the one-bedroom Superior Chalet close to the creek. Furthermore, the living room came with a fireplace where we’d spend cozy evenings after a long day of exploring the region. Thanks to the fully equipped kitchen, we could even whip up meals quickly. Besides the cloud-like beds, we loved the terrace where we’d drink our morning cup of joe straight from our very own coffeemaker. Did we mention the barbeque that every chalet had? Yep!

The resort is equally enchanting, even outside the room. The gardens set right next to the creek are gorgeous for lounging and taking long walks in. After a long day of exploring, a soak in the hot tub, followed by a glass of wine accompanied by live music on the outdoor patio, is just perfect. Finally, at the end of the day, we’d enjoy dinners at the restaurant or an alfresco one at the barbeque under the stars. Additionally, did we mention the blankets available for fireside snuggling? Yeah.

Camp Lucy, Dripping Springs

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Just half an hour from downtown Austin lies Camp Lucy in Dripping Springs, a true paradise for nature lovers like us. This place is wedding central, with the statuesque oak trees famously framing bridal photos. But Camp Lucy is more than just a wedding destination; it’s one of the best Texas Hill Country tree house resort options we’ve come across.

We’re talking about the Deluxe “treetop” suites with patios that overlook the windflower-filled hills, all adorned with Asian flair and meaningful historical items. The patterned pendant lamps dangling from the high ceilings caught our eye as we entered. What’s more, we even had a private outdoor patio with seating to enjoy what were the best views in the place. Our digs were inviting and cozy while striking a balance between bold and wild – for instance, we had the absolute comfort of mod-cons like Wi-Fi, a microwave, a mini-fridge, and a kettle with a selection of gourmet coffees.

Amenities at Camp Lucy were as great as our treetop suites. So, our mornings began with elaborate breakfasts at the onsite restaurant, Tillie’s, after which we’d jump into the pool to cool off. Later on, the comfy lounge spaces were great to unwind after a swim. Evenings were reserved for mingling with other guests at the fun outdoor space that was the communal fire pit. Did you know that the front desk even provided kibble so we could hand-feed the alpacas on the property? Yeah!

Gruene Mansion Inn, New Braunfels

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Most historical. Gruene Mansion Inn in New Braunfels is a luxurious Texas Hill Country retreat perfect for culture vultures and history enthusiasts like us. The 1872 inn was in a historic white Victorian mansion overlooking the gushing Guadalupe River. Think a white wrought-iron fence, intricate arches, and even a turret – we felt in the middle of a modern fairytale!

When we entered the property, the brick pathway shaded by giant oak trees made it feel like we were being welcomed into a stately Southern home. What’s more, there are just 33 rooms here, which were divided across the mansion, corn crib, carriage house, etc., and all came with private balconies. Our chosen stay was the two-storeyed River Tree Loft was a romantic space overlooking the river. It opened onto a cozy living room and a kitchen downstairs, which is where we’d cook romantic meals and enjoy them. Up the stairs was the crown jewel, the bedroom with a plush bed and floor-to-ceiling windows with sweeping views. While booking the room, we’d booked the Texas Romance Basket, which came with a bottle of Gruene Mansion Inn wine, cheeses, crackers, fresh fruit, and chocolates!

Our days began with a hearty complimentary breakfast of comfort foods like pigs in a blanket, hot egg dishes, fruit, pastries, and muffins. Since we were staying here in December for more than two nights, they even presented us with a complimentary bottle of Prosecco at breakfast! It’s no wonder that it’s one of the best luxury hotels in the Texas Hill Country!

The Alexander at Creek Road, Dripping Springs 

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Best boutique B&B. Imagine staying in a boutique Hill Country hotel, but in a completely B&B style – that’s the Alexander at Creek Road for you. This peaceful Dripping Springs haven is set on 40 acres of lush farmland and is a very popular wedding destination. However, with a 10-person country house, four upscale treehouses, and cozy cottages, it’s so much more than that – it’s a gorgeous way to stay in Hill Country.

In fact, the lodgings here are so great that they were actually awarded for the same in 2017! Run by adventurous and fun-loving couple Michelle and Matt, the accommodations here are as unique as they can get. We chose the unique and one-of-a-kind Charlie Treehouse Suite, which was glamping at its finest. Tucked in one of the beautiful old oak trees on the property, the treehouse had a plush king bed and panoramic views of the meadows and the Hill Country beyond. What’s more, the attached bathroom with running hot water and bespoke bath products was luxurious, to say the least.

Interestingly, the Alexander farm is one of the best places in Hill Country for viewing celestial events, including the upcoming 2024 Solar Eclipse. In fact, their Solar Eclipse package includes solar viewing glasses for every guest, beautiful views, and breakfast baskets in your rooms for the first morning. 

The Kendall, Boerne

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Boerne, which is famous for its German-Texan history, was the last place we expected to find luxury living, but there it was! The delightful Kendall in Downtown Boerne is the epitome of historical luxury living in Hill Country, nestled in a 19th-century Greek Revival structure. Sitting along Cibolo Creek, this inn was all about well-appointed charm emanating from its Southern Colonial-style architecture.

Kendall’s motto is elegance, which extended to the 34 uniquely designed digs, including historic suites, rooms, cottages, and cabins. While each room was unique in style and character, they all had the same exquisite decor. The Erastus Reed Grand Suite where we stayed was sophistication in navy, complete with a luxurious ensuite and ornate light fixtures. Moreover, a quirky touch we loved was the high-back sitting chair and pouf next to the freestanding clawfoot bathtub!

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When we left our unique accommodations, and we did, the other amenities at this 1859-built Texan and National landmark were equally delightful. In fact, this is one of the very few inns that came with a spa and even a gym. After a long day of exploring the region, the massages we’d booked in the comfort of our own rooms felt heavenly. Finally, the crown jewel was the presence of the outdoor heated plunge pool, which was yet another rare and rather welcome amenity that we’ve seen in inns.

Horseshoe Bay Resort, Horseshoe Bay, Marble Falls

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Best family-friendly resort for kids. We were looking for a Hill Country resort where we could take the kids, and what better than the expansive Horseshoe Bay Resort? Set on 7,000 acres along Lake LBJ, the resort was pure fun for the whole family.

The sandy beach is the highlight here, especially since we also had the choice of a host of water activities, including fishing and boating excursions and sunset cruises. Our older kids enjoyed exploring the waters on their own, thanks to the kayaks, jet skis, and stand-up paddleboards. Back at the resort, we had the choice of three pools, which included a family-friendly one with a splash area and a waterslide and an adult-only one, where we enjoyed some much-needed me time. Thanks to the Jungle Kids Club, the kids were kept busy as we explored the 72-hole golf course and enjoyed massages and treatments at the Bayside Spa. Finally, we were thrilled with the dining experience, which included three multi-cuisine restaurants. So, the kids were always kept happy!

We weren’t disappointed when it came to the digs at this AAA four-diamond resort, which included apartments, condos, and hotel-style rooms. Our chosen two-bedroom apartment came with all the comforts required for a Hill Country family vacation, including a well-equipped kitchen.

The Vineyard at Florence, Florence

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Most luxurious. Imagine finding a luxurious Texas Hill Country vineyard to stay in – that’s The Vineyard at Florence for you. At this gorgeous romantic getaway, which is also a very popular wedding destination, we felt like we’d been transported to Napa Valley. We were treated like royalty from the minute we arrived, complete with a complimentary glass of wine. It’s also one of the most popular Texas Hill Country winery resorts, especially since it offers wine-tasting experiences at its own vineyards. In fact, the onsite restaurant, where we’d enjoyed hearty continental breakfasts, also offered Italian-inspired dinners along with their finest wines to pair them with!

Besides the gourmet cuisine, there’s a lot to love about this winery resort. We’d swim in and lounge by the outdoor pool, which offered sweeping views of the vineyards. After long exploration days, the spa services in the room were a blessing. On days we weren’t exploring, we’d get picnic baskets from the restaurant and head out on cycles we could borrow from the resort. There’s a fitness center, of course, but with such gorgeous outdoors, we didn’t feel the need to use it at all!

We booked a king villa here with a patio with alfresco seating and panoramic views of the vineyards. It felt like relaxing in sheer Tuscan luxury. Our villa also had an outdoor fireplace and a jacuzzi tub, where we could soak our sore muscles in the bubbling waters.

Gruene River Hotel and Retreat, New Braunfels

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The beautiful riverside boutique hotel and resort Gruene River Hotel & Retreat is one of the most charming stays in the equally alluring New Braunfels. It lies on the tranquil Guadalupe River, and we loved unwinding in boutique luxury next to the river. When we arrived, we were immediately welcomed with snacks and beverages. What’s more, we had the choice of just 17 boutique rooms, which certainly made staying at this adults-only retreat an intimate and exclusive prospect. Plus, they had some of the most unique we’ve heard, like “Shady Lady” and “Tinseltown,” each of which had its own personality.

We chose the spacious and lovely Cozy Cabin, which came with a plush bed and rustic but classy decor. A whole list of mod-cons came with the room – a cable TV, a Keurig mini coffeemaker, and a mini-fridge, but the highlight was the jacuzzi tub in the bathroom. We also loved the outdoor patio with chairs that overlooked our “backyard” – the lush greenery with the gushing Guadalupe River.

Even better, all rooms here had access to riverside patios, game rooms, and the Texas-style hot tub. If that wasn’t enough, they also came with a chef-prepared buffet-style breakfast-for-two as well as complimentary snacks, beer, and wine reception in the evening! But that’s not all. Since we had access to the river, we’d just hop into kayaks, rafts, and tubes and enjoy exploring the waters. With opportunities like fishing, picnicking, and swimming, there’s no better way to enjoy the Hill Country outdoors.  

Crystal River Inn, San Marcos

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Imagine staying in a charming Victorian mansion just a few minutes from the crystal-clear San Marcos River and in a place that’s the only hotel downtown! We’re talking about the 1984-established, historical Crystal River Inn in the charming San Marcos. The tranquil inn was perfect as we were looking for an escape from the hustle and bustle of other Hill Country destinations.

Blending old-world charm with modern comforts, the inn certainly made staying here a cozy and unique experience. We had the choice of eight designer rooms and suites across two historic buildings, each of which exuded its own distinctive charm and character. At the same time, they had similar period detailing and elegant antique furnishings, given the inn’s historic nature. Our room, the Pedernales Room in the Thomas House, was a cheery peach-colored abode. We loved the old-fashioned country feel with an antique armoire, an overstuffed down sofa, tall windows, and the lacy white iron queen bed. In fact, the bathroom even had a clawfoot tub, while the room had free Wi-Fi and a smart TV for a comfy luxurious stay.

Even though there was no onsite restaurant, we’d enjoy hearty and delicious breakfast spreads every morning. What’s more, we could enjoy it in the charming dining room or even opt for breakfast in bed. And since we’d be tired after long days of exploration, the inn even offered a relaxing spa experience for us to unwind. A delightful afternoon tea and wine-tasting experience round up the offerings here.

Sage Hill Inn & Spa, Kyle

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We hardly expected rural getaways to be this luxurious, but the Sage Hill Inn & Spa in Kyle, Texas, completely enchanted us and exceeded our expectations. This gorgeous and stylish country inn lies on acres of rolling Texas Hill Country just south of Austin. We’d love to roam the hotel grounds, which are some of Texas’ largest, with their trees, shrubs, landscaping, hiking trails, and wildlife. In fact, we’d see butterflies flitting in and out of the water features on the property.

Sage Inn focused on laidback luxury relaxation, with hammocks and swings everywhere on the grounds and even a wraparound porch at the main house. Breakfasts were grand affairs with waffles, specialty quiches, and whatnot, after which we’d hit the swimming pool for a heavenly swim and lounge. In the afternoons, we’d curl up in the library and reading lounge, followed by a movie and some games. As evening fell, the cozy firepit was gathering central for alfresco dinner nights.

“Staying at Sage Hill Inn & Spa changed our idea about luxurious and laidback rural getaways!”

WOW Travel

The staying options here were no less special, especially since we had the options of rooms, suites, and standalone cottages and casitas. Our chosen home here, the Bluebonnet Casita, even came with a private deck that had an alfresco table for two, a fireplace, a hot tub, and even a swim spa and double loungers!

Our Verdict!

Staying in Texas Hill Country is special, and so are its many stays above. That said, we’ve drawn up a specialized list to help you decide where to stay too.

• Most historical: Gruene Mansion Inn, New Braunfels
• Best family-friendly resort for kids: Horseshoe Bay Resort, Horseshoe Bay, Marble Falls
• Most luxurious: The Vineyard At Florence, Florence
• Best boutique B&B: The Alexander At Creek Road, Dripping Springs  

Where to Stay in the Texas Hill Country?

Did you know that the Texas Hill Country Loop is one of the best Texas road trips that focuses on the journey? Yes! The lovely cities and even lovelier towns of Texas Hill Country are as diverse as it gets. So, where did we explore in Hill Country?

Firstly, we begin with the biggest city, San Antonio, which is full of food, culture, and Texas history. What’s more, this fantastic city was a great starting point and gave us easy access to the rest of the Hill Country. Secondly, there’s the must-see German town of New Braunfels between San Antonio and Austin, which is home to two of Texas’ most stunning rivers. During the Fall, it’s famous for the two-week-long German-themed Wurstfest, a longstanding German tradition here.

Then, we came to everybody’s favorite college town, San Marcos, which is home to the verdant Texas State University campus. Not only does it cover much of the city, but also it’s home to the freshwater San Marcos River running right through it. Furthermore, we beat the Texas heat in Wimberley, which boasts two of Texas’ most popular swimming holes. The forested Blue Hole regional park has picnic tables and rope swings, while the natural area of Jacob’s Well has a deep natural spring. Dripping Springs is the “Gateway to the Hill Country” and is all about vineyards with wine tours, delicious food, lovely scenery, and loads of outdoor escapes.

Everyone’s heard of Fredericksburg, of course. It’s famous for its German heritage and one of the best places to visit in Texas. Moreover, it’s also home to charming B&Bs, delicious German food, and wineries. Finally, there’s Boerne outside San Antonio, home to some of Texas’ coolest caves, which are also some of the USA’s biggest caves.

What is special about the Texas Hill Country?

The rolling hilly landscape is home to some of the oldest rocks in Texas and contains unique rock formations, minerals, and large granite domes.

Where is the best place to live in Texas Hill Country?

We really loved Wimberley, tucked away in the hills just 20 minutes from San Marcos and famed as one of the jewels of Hill Country. The main road is but a cute little square in the middle of town, and the picturesque homes on heavily wooded and forested land are one to behold.

Is the Texas Hill Country a good place to live?

The Texas Hill Country towns boast a wonderful climate, with warm, non-humid summers and abundant natural beauty.