7 Best Hotels in West Texas and the Panhandle, 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.

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.

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.

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.