From a boutique hotel that once hosted Hollywood royalty like Elizabeth Taylor to a Fort Worth icon that accommodated President JFK, check in at these historic hotels in Texas.
LessTexas 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. 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!
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. Relax in rooms with views of the 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!
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 and check out nearby attractions like the Fort Worth Zoo.
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 flamboyantly striped robe!
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. Still, 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, the hotel's hip patio pub, serving artisanal cocktails and small plates of Southern comfort food.
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. Relax in one of the 45 rooms. 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 restaurant!
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. Grab a drink at the Menger Bar, a replica of the House of Lords Pub in London. Fun Fact: Theodore Roosevelt and his Rough Riders used to frequent the bar!
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. 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.