The Best Hotel in West Texas and the Panhandle, Texas

Major chains, such as Hilton, Holiday Inn, Days Inn, and Comfort Inn, are represented in the major population centers such as Odessa, Midland, and El Paso. It may be difficult to find lodging in smaller towns.

In the Panhandle, finding a place to stay won't be difficult, but choosing from so many options might be. Lubbock and Amarillo offer the most options, but all of the major towns host major, reliable hotel chains—everything from the humble motor lodge to semi high-rises and extended-stay lodging. There are great RV options, too, from more basic parks to "ranches" offering pools, wireless Internet, and cable. Camping in Palo Duro Canyon outside of Amarillo is awe-inspiring but requires reservations. There are off-beat choices for the more adventurous, too—like the smattering of bed-and-breakfasts, usually built into historic homes evoking the Victorian era, Texas-style. There are also some dude ranches here—that is, working ranches that host guests and include them in ranching activities like horseback riding and the occasional cattle drive. Giddy up!