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Texas Hill Country vacation rentals

Texas Hill Country vacation rentals are your basecamp for bluebonnets and barbecue.

You have so much to choose from, it may be hard to come up with a complete plan right away.  Fredericksburg alone has several hundred Bed and Breakfasts.

Modern farmhouses, riverside cabins, and rustic ranches are a few of your style choices.

Lakefront homes, vineyard-adjacent cottages and luxury boutiques are also scattered across the Texas Hill Country.  And all of them are just minutes from dining, music and trails.

Of course where you stay will depend on the purpose of your vacation, right?  Is it for a family outing, romantic retreat, shopping spree, wine exploration or a special group?

Well, you probably already know that, though.

So if you've got that part already figured out, all you need to do is find that right combination of location and vibe.  If you've got a group of girls or couples planning on doing a lot of shopping, you wouldn't want to get a place out on a secluded ranch.

Since you know the kind of place you want to stay in, you just need to be close to what you want to do.

This map may help.


Free Checklist: 10 Things to Book First

Some of the best

Texas Hill Country vacation rentals span across every price point and style preference.

Fredericksburg has all those bed and breakfasts that I mentioned.  They range from historic homes in the downtown area to luxurious guesthouses on sprawling ranch properties.

The Hoffman Haus and Baron's CreekSide both offer that perfect blend of Hill Country charm and modern amenities.  You also get locations that will put you within walking distance of Main Street's shops and restaurants.

If you prefer full-service hotels, the Hangar Hotel in Fredericksburg recreates the romance of 1940s aviation with a Pacific-theater theme, complete with a vintage aircraft diner.

For a truly unique experience, consider the cotton gin lofts and suites at the Cotton Gin Village.  This is where industrial architecture meets boutique hotel comfort.  I haven't stayed there before, but I have eaten at The Cabernet Grill, their on-site restaurant. 

Cotton Gin cottage in FredericksburgGrounds of the Cotton Gin Village in Fredericksburg
Cotton Gin Cabin in FredericksburgCabins at the Cotton Gin Village in Fredericksburg

Excellent.

Wimberley offers creek-side cabins and cottages perfect for romantic getaways.  But there are also family friendly choices with hot tubs, outdoor dining, etc.  With over a hundred vacation rentals available, you are sure to find something that fits the bill in Wimberley.  

Kerrville's Y.O. Ranch Hotel brings Western elegance to your overnight stay.  I stayed there several years ago at an education conference.  It is quite impressive.

If you're exploring the western Hill Country, the Foxfire Cabins in Vanderpool provide riverside tranquility.  It's all in a setting so peaceful you'll hear nothing but the Sabinal River flowing past your porch.

For those seeking resort-style amenities, the Horseshoe Bay Resort near Marble Falls offers golf, spa services, multiple restaurants, and stunning lake views.  Other excellent choices include The Omni Barton Creek Resort & Spa near Austin, and La Cantera Resort & Spa in north San Antonio.

Several working ranches throughout the region have opened up their properties to guests.  They offer authentic ranch experiences.  You might be helping with cattle work in the morning and enjoying a gourmet dinner under the stars in the evening.

Messina Hoff Hill Country WineryMessina Hoff Hill Country Winery

Many wineries have added on-site accommodations, allowing you to walk from your room to the tasting room without worrying about driving. 

Baron's Creek Vineyards, Carter Creek Winery Resort and Spa, Mendelbaum Winery, and Messina Hof Hill Country Winery are among them.

That's a real nice combination.

This variety means you can craft your Hill Country getaway to match your exact preferences. 

  • whether that's a romantic B&B with a soaking tub and gourmet breakfast,
  • a rustic cabin where you fall asleep to the sound of a creek,
  • or a full-service resort where every amenity is at your fingertips.

Texas Hill Country vacation rentals have the scenic views, game rooms, privacy, safety, and convenience you're after. 

Where to stay, by vibe

Throughout the Hill Country different areas have their own character.  This vibe is something that is easily felt when you are there.  Follow that vibe that beckons you.

  • For walkable wine-town charm, pick Fredericksburg B&Bs and boutique inns like Hoffman Haus, The Trueheart Hotel, or Barons Creekside’s Swiss-style cabins.
  • For spa-style seclusion, choose Sage Hill Inn & Spa or Camp Lucy near Dripping Springs.
  • For lake life, Horseshoe Bay Resort is the one.
  • For river days, cabins along the Guadalupe near Kerrville/Hunt and the Frio near Concan are classic.
  • In Boerne, resorts like Tapatio Springs and stylish hotels near Main Street make a great base. 

If you have never yet ventured into TexyHills, you are in for a real treat.  But there are times that places around here get crowded.  People love this place. 

So, during weekends and festival dates, please make reservations early.

Texas hill country vacation rentals

Book your Texas Hill Country vacation rental.  Make it a cabin, cottage, B&B, ranch home or resort. 

Book it with hot tubs, hammocks, and fire pits  Make it near rivers, parks, trails and near wineries.  Then sit back and let the Hill Country atmosphere and small-town charm soak in.  

Get that vibe and location just right... and you've got it made.

Enjoy!

think ahead and keep on planning

If you just get in the car and go for a drive to enjoy the scenery, you may not need to plan much (except for remembering to take your phone, ID and some cash).

But if your plans will include a girls' weekend or full blown wedding, a little thinking ahead is a must. 

I understand your level of planning will vary depending on how elaborate and involved you want your trip.  So, maybe these resources will help you decide what level of planning you want.

  • TexyHills Checklist - A short 1-page list of 10 things to book first, for a smooth weekend.  Yours free when you sign up for the TexyHills Fan Newsletter.
  • TexyHills Planning Guide - An easy quick-reference to help you think about when to visit, getting around, avoiding big crowds, etc.
  • Ultimate Texas Hill Country Guide - A much more comprehensive guide including maps, itineraries, where to stay, etc.  It also has a table of contents for easy navigation.
  • Fredericksburg Wine Weekend - My most complete done-for-you 3-day plan, reservation strategy, and curated drive loops (with a built-in Plan B).  Specifically for first-timers.

What's New?

  1. Vaudeville Bistro will cause you remember why you love to travel.

    A taste of the decor inside the boutique above Vaudeville
    Vaudeville Bistro sits right on Main Street in the middle of Fredericksburg, Texas. It coaxes you slow down, take a deep breath, and feel glad you're here.

    Read More

  2. Horseshoe Bay Resort is your dream getaway of Texas beauty and luxury.

    Dining in the main floor of Horseshoe Bay Resort
    Horseshoe Bay Resort covers thousands of acres, one of the largest resort properties in Texas. Sitting on Lake LBJ, you have your pick of 4 golf courses.

    Read More

  3. Fredericksburg Texas Restaurants - Flavor of the Texas Hill Country

    Fredericksburg Texas Restaurants Auslander
    Fredericksburg Texas Restaurants - Experience the aroma, flavor, and ambience of the Texas Hill Country. Pick your style, sit back, and take it all in.

    Read More

  4. Hill Country Travel Guide is for preventing unexpected situations.

    Hill Country Travel Guide gets you thinking about your routes, budget, activities, weather, crowds, traffic, etc. so you don't run into anything unexpected.

    Read More

  5. Fredericksburg Texas Lodging is so widely varied that everyone wins.

    The newly renovated Emigrant Boutique Hotel
    Fredericksburg Texas Lodging puts you in the middle of wine country. You also get the benefit of the history, comfort and convenience of your surroundings.

    Read More

Brought to you courtesy of  jeff slankard

Daughter Ranita with Shane, and me (Jeff) with wife Judy at Wildseed FarmsDaughter Ranita with Shane, and me (Jeff) with wife Judy at Wildseed Farms

Jeff Slankard is a Texas Hill Country writer with a master’s degree in Education and a longtime focus on the region’s wineries, restaurants, and travel experiences. He has lived in the Hill Country for 35 years, explored dozens of towns and even more wineries and restaurants, and documents those experiences at TexyHills.com. Jeff is also a published e-book author on Amazon. His early experience brewing ale and fermenting wine still shapes how he thinks about winemaking and its taste.