15 Best Hotels in Big Bend National Park, Texas

Next door to Far Flung Outdoor Center and just 3 miles from the western boundary of Big Bend National Park, the outfitter operates 12 freestanding casitas with hardwood floors, flat-screen TVs, kitchenettes, two pillow-top queen beds, and back porches with rocking chairs. There are two common courtyards with propane grills, dining tables, and tidy Southwestern landscaping.

With ranger talks just next door at the visitor center, miles of hiking trails to suit all levels of fitness, and plenty of wildlife nearby, these comfortable no-frills rooms—some of which have been nicely remodeled—are a great place for families. The majority of rooms are motel-style (some with balconies and fantastic views), but for a romantic getaway, reserve one of the five Roosevelt Stone Cottages built by the Civilian Conservation Corps in the 1930s. Book far in advance during the October-to-May busy season—up to a year's lead time is not out of the question for spring break and holidays.

Cowboy, Native American, and Hispanic cultures are reflected in the furnishings and artwork of this gorgeously restored historic hotel, built in the 1920s by renowned architect Henry Trost, across from the downtown railroad tracks. There are several types of accommodations: the original upstairs rooms, some with shared hallway baths; a hacienda-style courtyard with posh adobe quarters; and three renovated homes with elegant bedrooms. The property sits on 27 acres with fragrant gardens.

The quirky denizens of old Terlingua ghost town have renovated these long-abandoned miners' homes into one-of-a-kind retreats. Artistic flair complementing traditional Southwestern features such as kiva fireplaces, Saltillo tile, and ceiling vigas (wooden beams) define accommodations named El Patron, Cinnabar, Candelilla, and the Rockhouse—the latter sleeping up to eight—as well as six rooms in the elegant Perry Mansion. The faraway vibe of the property works for those seeking romance, adventure, or simply an escape from civilization.

Once a stop on the transcontinental railroad, the rancher-themed Holland Hotel is now a historic landmark still hung with its original sign on the bustling main drag in downtown Alpine—just doors down from shops, cafés, and galleries. It shows its age in places—not necessarily a drawback—but renovations have largely kept pace with the times. Rooms have Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs, refrigerators, and coffeemakers. Choose from a light-filled penthouse at the top of the hotel, a 1,000-square-foot loft, or basic rooms on the second and third floors. The stately, high-ceilinged lobby is a grand throwback to the past and houses a bar, restaurant, reading nook, and billiard room. Mendias & Co. spa offers a range of massage and skin treatments.

Famed architect Henry Trost designed this Spanish Revival hotel, which takes its place among such other glamorous Trost landmarks as the Hotel Paisano (Marfa), the Holland Hotel (Alpine), and the Gage Hotel (Marathon) and is just an hour south of Pine Springs Visitor Center via a picturesque desert drive on Highway 54. Typical of Trost buildings, it features a grand lobby, European tiles, exposed Spanish vigas, room balconies, and wrought-iron bannisters. With the downstairs Gopher Hole Bar and El Capitan Dining Room, this is the jewel of Van Horn. It's also a good option en route if you're headed to Big Bend, which is 200 miles farther south.

Built in 1912 as a summer getaway for wealthy Texas cattle barons, this Victorian-style hotel evokes a genteel era. Accommodations include 10 standard rooms and two suites in the original two-story building, all furnished with period pieces and updated with modern amenities and private baths. The peaceful property includes a veranda with rocking chairs, a reading room, and a garden. There's a pool on the east side of the property, and the enclosed Blue Mountain Bar & Grill serves well-prepared American comfort food.

Once the playground of Liz Taylor, Rock Hudson, and James Dean, who stayed here while filming Giant, the Paisano has maintained its glamour with glistening Mediterranean architecture, a fountain in the courtyard dining area, and dress and jewelry shops in downstairs hallways. Completing the scene, big-band music from the 1940s wafts through the lobby, and both locals and visitors love dining in stylish Jett's Grill. The most popular booking is the room in which Dean stayed while filming the movie. The hotel is amid downtown Marfa's quirky buildings and just down the street from the historic courthouse. There's a small pool open late April through early October.

The former cavalry post turned ghost town is now a privately owned collection of Western-theme tourist attractions with a golf resort, spa, riding stables, convenience store, RV park, and hiking trails, adding up to the nicest place to eat, shop, and overnight within 25 miles of the park. The main lodge is the Badlands Hotel, a two-story affair with a lobby staircase and an opulent Tiffany chandelier. Upstairs hallways have the slightly saucy aura of an old bordello. The rooms, to be sure, are outfitted with everything modern. In addition, there are time-share condos across the "boardwalk," a Pueblo-style motel, the Cavalry Post, down the street, and a nearby RV Park. Badlands guests can use the motel's swimming pool. An upscale but casual restaurant and lounge are a walk through a breezeway.

This affordable, retro lodging comprises 10 rustic but attractive Southwestern rooms with double beds, private baths, and cable TV, as well as an apartment with a full kitchen. Amenities include an adobe courtyard with native plants, fireplace, and fountain. There is also a 19-space RV park with full hookups and an area for tent camping.

A self-described "roadhouse for wanderers," the Maverick is an updated motor lodge that defines Alpine's artful personality. Opposite Sul Ross State University, it offers Southwestern-style rooms and kitchenettes that whisper back to gentler times. Outside, there's a loose sense of community among the guests who gather at the swimming pool cabana or in a yard with horseshoes and a charcoal grill. Then there are the outdoor cats that act like they own the joint, and the guitar in the lobby that Willie Nelson played when he stayed here.