7 Best Hotels in West Texas and the Panhandle, Texas

A continual stream of global celebrities have arrived by private aircraft on the airstrip at this luxury ranch. It was converted from a military fort by a 19th-century cattle baron and occupies 30,000 acres of a volcanic caldera cupped by the Chinati and Cienega mountains. You'll be welcomed as a friend and relax in one of three 1800s-era forts, each at a different site, but all beautifully restored. Everything here is first-class, authentic, and memorable, including meals featuring international flavors based on ancient Mexican culinary traditions. You can choose the pace for your activities: ride a horse or read a book; jump in a Humvee or slide back under the covers; go bird hunting or bird-watching.

As Amarillo's only downtown hotel, this 10-story Courtyard is in the 1920s Fisk Medical Arts Building, within five blocks of the convention center. Rooms are well configured and feature amenities appropriate for both business and leisure travelers. Although breakfast is not included in the price of the room, the Bistro restaurant offers a decent variety of options, including Starbucks coffee plus health foods and comfort foods, with both indoor and outdoor seating (weather permitting). The bar opens each evening. There is no elevator in the parking garage, so it's best to unload your luggage for checking in before parking your car.

A National Historic Landmark, this 1930 Spanish baroque–style hotel provided the set for the 1956 movie The Giant, starring Rock Hudson and Elizabeth Taylor. Rooms vary in size and amenities. The small pool, lounge, courtyard, gallery, gift shop, restaurant, and memorabilia room where you can watch The Giant make for a pleasant stay.

Near downtown, in the Plemons–Eckle historic district, the "little house of the sun" is a 1927 Spanish-eclectic-style home, restored and renovated as a bed-and-breakfast. It feels somewhat like an art gallery, with interior style created by local artists (most of the display art is for sale). Each of the four intimate rooms has a private bath and either overlooks or opens onto a generously sized walled garden, in the Spanish tradition. Shared areas are great for getting to know your fellow guests, many of whom are repeat visitors. Chef Bonnie's breakfasts play a starring role in the experience here—even the jams are made in-house—so budget your calories accordingly.