Historic Hotels of Texas

Book excerpt: From rural towns to mid-size cities to urban metropolises and in every region of the state, more than sixty historic hotels welcome overnight lodgers in Texas. After traveling at least 20,000 miles to visit these unique accommodations first-hand, author Liz Carmack has written the essential guide for anyone looking for out-of-the-ordinary lodging or travel destinations. Historic Hotels of Texas includes detailed profiles of sixty-four hotels that are at least fifty years old, have been in operation as places of lodging for the majority of their existence, and are still open today. Ranging from stagecoach inns and railroad hotels to resort and community-built lodging, some facilities have retained the flavor of their origins; others have become sleek commercial establishments or have been transformed into trendy, boutique locations. Anticipating the diverse interests of travelers, Carmack offers advice in her introduction to help readers choose hotels according to taste and occasion. Whether you’re looking for a romantic getaway, booking a fishing trip, planning a ghost hunting excursion, or going on a cycling tour, Historic Hotels of Texas offers the perfect lodging option to complement your interests. In her description for each hotel, Carmack includes fascinating historical nuggets and focuses on special characteristics that create the unique ambience so often found in these living tributes to the past. An “Essentials” sidebar includes contacts for reservations, room rates, payment methods, parking, and pet accommodations as well as details about amenities and facilities. The author notes the hotel’s historic registration status and also offers a tip or two from her experiences. Together, the information summaries and insider tips give readers the details they need to choose the hotels that best suit their tastes and to make the most of their visits. Historic Hotels of Texas is indispensable for travelers interested in both a good night’s sleep and the culture and history of the great state of Texas.