From a boutique hotel that once hosted Hollywood royalty like Elizabeth Taylor to a Fort Worth icon that accommodated President JFK, Texas’s historic hotels are a must-stay for history buffs or anyone looking for a unique place to rest for the weekend.
If you’re seeking comfort paired with a blast from the past, check in at these historic hotels in Texas.
Hotel Settles (Big Spring)
Texas hospitality meets Gatsby-style elegance at this historic hotel in Big Spring, Texas. Originally opened as a hotel, pharmacy, and restaurant in 1930, this 65-room hotel has been meticulously restored to its former grandeur. Red and green velvet chairs adorn the golden-trimmed lobby, all bathed in golden light from the low-hanging chandeliers. Check out the art in the rooms, some feature the actual 1920s blueprints from the hotel’s planning stages. Drinks and live music are a must at the Pharmacy Bar & Parlor, a throwback to the original pharmacy. Try the Settles Style Old Fashioned with Sazerac rye whiskey, bitters and a luxardo cherry.
The Statler (Dallas)
A striking fixture of the Dallas skyline, The Statler is a historic hotel of many firsts. Opened in 1956, the hotel was the first building ever to feature elevator music. The first hotel to have a heliport on the roof. And one of the first hotels to put its conference room and ballroom on the lower floors. Today, the space functions not only as a hotel with 159 guest rooms but as permanent residences. Relax in comfortable rooms with mid-century modern décor with views of the Main Street Garden and pool. Dine at the on-site bistro Ivi, where 1950s glam meets European elegance – order the miso yuzu-glazed black cod with carrot puree! Enjoy the weekly events, from Wine Bliss Happy Hour to live piano music nightly. And don’t miss a visit to the Grand Ballroom; this retro space once hosted legends like the Jackson 5, Tony Bennett, and Cher!
Hilton Fort Worth (Fort Worth)
Known for hosting President John F. Kennedy’s famous final address before his tragic assassination, the Hilton Fort Worth offers guests a slice of history with panoramic views of downtown Fort Worth. Opened initially as Hotel Texas in 1921, the hotel is the epitome of sophistication, from the spacious Crystal Ballroom to the swanky lounge, 8th & Main. Sip cocktails under the star-like chandeliers at the Skylight Court Bar. Relax in modern rooms featuring décor and furnishings in soft shades of taupe and cream. And be sure to explore Fort Worth’s nearby attractions, such as Fort Worth Stockyards, Fort Worth Zoo and the JFK Tribute across the street.
Austin Motel (Austin)
Fun and funky best describes the Austin Motel, which has remained a fixture of the city since its opening in 1938. With rooms offering a vintage meets modern vibe, you’ll relax in accommodations featuring vibrant décor in red, yellow, and orange with 1960s-inspired wallpapers – we’re talking lip prints, groovy fruit, and abstract designs! Enjoy a hotdog with all the fixings at the poolside wiener cart, and browse the lobby shop for a kitschy souvenir, like their signature flamboyantly striped robe. During your stay get to know more of Austin on a Haunted History tour and explore the nearby state capitol building.
The Whitehall (Houston)
The Whitehall in Houston opened in 1963 and has hosted household names like Elvis Presley, Bob Dylan, and Sonny and Cher. Recently, The Whitehall has transformed into a sleek, modern hotel, but much of the original décor was preserved, such as the vibrant Italian marble floors and the iconic spiral staircase that looks like it’s floating in the air! On a warm Texas night, relax at Part & Parcel, a hip patio pub serving artisanal cocktails and small plates of Southern comfort food. For good ‘ole Tex-Mex, enjoy breakfast, lunch, and dinner at Edgar’s Hermano. And don’t miss out on the nearby attractions. The Houston Maritime Museum, Buffalo Bayou Park, and the DuVin Pintor Gallery of Modern Art are all within walking distance.
Shady Villa Hotel (Salado)
For over 150 years, the Shady Villa Hotel in Salado has welcomed travelers seeking comfort, solitude and small-town Texas hospitality. Formerly The Stagecoach Inn, the hotel opened in 1852 as a rest stop along the Chisholm Trail. Today, visitors can enjoy the charming digs, which can be found off I-35 under a canopy of towering Texas oak trees. Relax in one of the 45 rooms, all featuring a simple vibe with brown tile and wood-paneled walls (the ivy-covered patios are gorgeous). Take a stroll through the lush flora and fauna on the hotel grounds. And don’t miss out on tasting the legendary hushpuppies or Strawberry Kiss (merengue topped with vanilla ice cream and strawberries) – staples of the hotel’s roadside restaurant since the 1940s.
The Menger Hotel (San Antonio)
Rooted in San Antonio history and located on Alamo Plaza, The Menger Hotel is the oldest continuously operating hotel west of the Mississippi (164 years to be exact). Even better, staying here means you’ll be just a short stroll away from the city’s best dining, attractions and shopping, from the iconic River Walk to The Alamo Church. Marvel at the Victorian-style lobby, furnished with antique furniture and stained glass skylights. Stroll through the gorgeously curated Spanish Courtyard, home to a three-tiered fountain perfect for a photo op. Of course, a drink at Menger Bar is a must. A replica of the House of Lords Pub in London, this bar used to be frequented by Theodore Roosevelt and his Rough Riders.
The Plaza Pioneer Park (El Paso)
You’ll feel like an A-list celebrity at this swanky boutique hotel that’s been catering to Hollywood’s elite since the 1930s – Rock Hudson stayed here! Recently revamped and located in the heart of El Paso, The Plaza Pioneer Park is home to 130 rooms featuring a modern luxury meets art deco revival aesthetic, from Caffe Bruno marble and art collections to décor that mirrors the scenery of West Texas. Sip and savor rare tequilas at the on-site Ambar Restaurant. Enjoy a cocktail with views of the city from the rooftop restaurant bar, La Perla, once the penthouse suite of Elizabeth Taylor. Or, explore nearby attractions like the Wigwam Museum and El Paso City Hall.
