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Accommodation Guide

Accommodation Guide

Texas, USA

Accommodation Types

General Lodging

  • Hostels

    Found mainly in Austin and San Antonio, these are budget-friendly.

  • Budget Motels

    Along major highways and in larger towns, these offer basic amenities.

  • Mid-range Hotels

    Chain and independent hotels across many towns provide comfort.

  • Boutique Hotels & Luxury Resorts

    Unique design and personalized stays, plus upscale resorts with extensive amenities.

Unique Stays & Outdoor Options

  • Bed & Breakfasts (B&Bs)

    Popular in Fredericksburg, Wimberley, and Gruene for charming, intimate experiences.

  • Guesthouses/Cabins

    Private options on rural properties, often found on platforms like Vrbo.

  • Ranch Stays

    Authentic Texas experiences, especially around Bandera, with outdoor activities.

  • Camping & Glamping

    Texas State Parks and private campgrounds offer developed and primitive sites; glamping presents luxurious outdoor stays.

Neighborhood Guide

Each Hill Country town offers its own distinct character and lodging experience.

Fredericksburg

Benefits
  • Central for wine tours.
  • Abundant dining and shopping.
  • Rich historic charm.
  • Good base for central Hill Country.
Considerations
  • Crowded and more expensive on weekends.
  • Lodging books quickly during peak seasons.
  • Limited last-minute availability.
  • Summer heat can be intense.

New Braunfels / Gruene

Benefits
  • Excellent for river activities.
  • Family-friendly attractions available.
  • Good amenities and dining choices.
  • Proximity to San Antonio Airport (SAT).
Considerations
  • Very busy and lively during summer.
  • Can be noisy in river areas.
  • High demand for lodging in summer.
  • Main streets may be congested.

Wimberley & Rural Areas

Benefits
  • Artsy, relaxed vibe in Wimberley.
  • Natural beauty and unique lodging.
  • Seclusion and stargazing in rural spots.
  • Authentic Hill Country experience.
Considerations
  • Smaller restaurant selection.
  • Very quiet in evenings.
  • Driving needed for all amenities.
  • Limited cell service in rural spots.

Safety and General Proximity

Safety in the Hill Country:

The Hill Country maintains a very safe environment. Crime rates remain low, especially in smaller towns and rural settings. Travelers apply standard precautions for valuables and surroundings.

Proximity to Hubs:

Fredericksburg serves as an ideal base for wine tours. Austin-Bergstrom (AUS) is about 1.5 hours away. New Braunfels and San Marcos are close to San Antonio International Airport (SAT), about 30-45 minutes.

Booking Strategies

Securing your Hill Country stay benefits from advance planning.

Advance Booking Recommendations

  • Peak Season (Spring, Fall weekends, major holidays): Book 3-6 months in advance. Popular B&Bs and state park cabins often sell out quickly.
  • Shoulder Season: Booking 1-2 months in advance typically provides sufficient choice.
  • Low Season (Summer weekdays, Winter): 2-4 weeks in advance usually allows for good selection.
  • Festivals/Events: Secure lodging immediately once event dates are announced.

Trusted Booking Platforms

  • Online Travel Agencies (OTAs): Booking.com, Expedia, Hotels.com, Travelocity for hotel price comparisons.
  • Vacation Rentals: Airbnb and Vrbo are prominent platforms for homes, cabins, and guesthouses.
  • Camping: Texas State Parks reservations via the Texas Parks & Wildlife Department website.
  • Direct Booking: Many properties extend better rates or special packages for direct bookings.

Policies and Fluctuations

Deposit & Cancellation:
  • Policies vary by property type.
  • B&Bs often feature stricter cancellation policies.
  • Larger hotels typically offer more flexible terms.
  • Vacation rentals usually have tiered refund structures.
Seasonal Price Fluctuations:
  • Prices peak during Spring (wildflower season).
  • Prices also climb in Fall (wine season, pleasant weather) and major holidays.
  • Rates generally dip in summer (except river towns) and winter (outside holidays).
  • Event dates significantly influence pricing.

Walk-in Rates

Negotiation:

Negotiating walk-in rates is generally not customary for established hotels or B&Bs in the Hill Country.

Fixed Pricing:

Prices are typically fixed. Any flexibility might arise only for very basic budget motels during off-peak seasons.

Direct Contact:

Contacting properties directly for any unadvertised specials remains an option.

Accommodation Recommendations

Discover lodging suited to various budgets and travel styles in the Hill Country.

Budget & Mid-Range Stays

Budget-Friendly Choices
  • Motel 6 Fredericksburg, TX offers a reliable budget experience.
  • Hostels in Austin or San Antonio create social opportunities.
  • Check Hostelworld for options.
Comfortable Mid-Range Hotels

For a balance of comfort and value:

  • Inn on Barons Creek (Fredericksburg) offers amenities and a good location.
  • The Faust Hotel & Brewing Co. (New Braunfels) is a historic choice.
  • Numerous B&Bs in Fredericksburg, Wimberley, and Gruene offer personalized stays.
  • Explore options on Agoda for broader choices.

Luxury & Specialty Lodging

Upscale Resort Experiences

For luxurious stays with extensive amenities:

Unique Travel Options

Specific stays for diverse needs:

  • Family-Friendly: Schlitterbahn Resort (New Braunfels) provides direct waterpark access; vacation rentals via Airbnb or Vrbo.
  • Solo Traveler: Smaller B&Bs offer local tips; popular state parks allow safe camping.
  • Long-Stay: Vacation rentals often have weekly/monthly discounts; extended-stay hotels in larger towns.
  • Historical Significance: The Faust Hotel & Brewing Co. (New Braunfels) and many Fredericksburg B&Bs reflect local heritage.

House Sitting Opportunities

  • Pet and Home Care

    Some homeowners in the Hill Country seek house sitters to care for their pets and properties.

  • Exchange for Lodging

    This arrangement provides free accommodation in exchange for agreed-upon services.

  • Finding Opportunities

    Platforms specialize in connecting homeowners with vetted house sitters.

  • Trusted Platform

    TrustedHousesitters is a global platform for house and pet sitting exchanges.

Homestay Opportunities

  • Informal Stays

    Informal homestays exist mainly through platforms where a room in a local's home is rented.

  • No Structured Programs

    There are no large-scale, organized community-based tourism programs for direct stays with local families.

  • Local Interaction

    Homestays still provide opportunities for local interaction and insights into daily life.

  • Platform Availability

    Explore these options through rental platforms like Airbnb.

Vacation Rentals & Apartments

Extensive Availability

Vacation rentals are widely available across the Hill Country, offering varied options beyond traditional hotels.

  • Entire homes, apartments, cozy cabins, and unique stays.
  • Good for groups, families, or longer visits.
  • Often include kitchens and more living space.
  • Platforms like Airbnb and Vrbo are dominant.
Benefits & Choices

These rentals present a home-like environment, ideal for self-sufficiency and privacy.

  • Options range from treehouses to tiny homes.
  • Privacy and scenic settings.
  • A sense of escape in rural properties.
  • Flexibility for extended stays.

Popular Chain Hotels

Holiday Inn Express

Offers consistent comfort and standard amenities in various towns.

Hampton Inn

Known for reliable service and complimentary breakfast, found in larger communities.

La Quinta

A familiar option with pet-friendly policies in many locations.