The Best Hotels to Book in New Braunfels, Texas

Lush grounds offer a prime spot for relaxation at Courtyard by Marriott New Braunfels River Village | Courtesy of Courtyard by Marriott New Braunfels River Village / Expedia

Kevin Raub

19 November 2021

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The outdoorsy German-American town of New Braunfels draws Texas-size crowds for attractions both wet and wild. Two cold spring rivers run through town, the Guadalupe and Comal, so tubing, fishing and swimming opportunities abound. One of the best waterparks in the US, Schlitterbahn, also calls New Braunfels home. And the local location of Texas-founded gas station/convenience store Buc-ee’s clocks in as the largest convenience store in the world (because ‘Merica!). Expectedly, there’s no shortage of hotels in New Braunfels, either – all bookable with Culture Trip.

Gruene River Hotel & Retreat, for dancin' in New Braunfels, Texas

A chic yet traditional room at Gruene River Hotel and Retreat, New Braunfels

Courtesy of Gruene River Hotel and Retreat / Expedia

Located steps from the Guadalupe River, this 17-room boutique hotel is steeped in a trifecta of Texas charm: Southern grace, period luxury and woodsy comfort. Rooms, both courtyard and river view, offer a potpourri of ambiances: Cowboy cabin décor in the Homestead and Wild West, carved mahogany antiques and a canopy bed in the Victorian, rustic hardwoods in the Retreat. The oldest dance hall in Texas, Gruene Hall, sits just a short walk away. Don’t worry if your dancing shoes usually don’t find their footing – there’s free wine!

WorldMark New Braunfels, for countryside tranquility in New Braunfels, Texas

Simple exterior of WorldMark New Braunfels

Courtesy of WorldMark New Braunfels / Expedia

Awash in light hardwoods and rustic stone, the suites at this glorified cabin resort skew more countryside hideaways than a family suites resort. Ranging in size from big to enormous, you won’t want for space here with self-standing homes that feel like oversized residential retreats channeling Hill Country character. Amenities in every unit include fully-equipped kitchens and a washer/dryer; outdoor common spaces feature a barbeque area, pool and hot tub. Forgot something? There’s even a convenience store on the property (not the world’s largest, but still).

Country Inn & Suites by Radisson, New Braunfels, TX, for easy downtown access in New Braulfels, Texas

The modern breakfast area at Country Inn and Suites by Radisson, New Braunfels

Courtesy of Country Inn and Suites by Radisson / Expedia

The 74-room Country Inn & Suites by Radisson is a contemporary choice along I-35, putting it on prime real estate for reaching Schlitterbahn Waterpark, shopping the charming boutiques in the Gruene Historic District, exploring Natural Bridge Caverns or simply enjoying all that downtown New Braunfels has to offer. Soothing earth-toned color schemes illicit of sense of welcome and relaxation in the room and suites while the outdoor pool and firepits make for an idyllic spot for a nightcap.

Holiday Inn Express & Suites New Braunfels, an IHG Hotel, for proximity to BBQ joints in New Braunfels, Texas

Exterior of Holiday Inn Express and Suites New Braunfels

Courtesy of Holiday Inn Express & Suites / Expedia | Courtesy of Holiday Inn Express & Suites / Expedia

Its self-proclamation of being the “most modern hotel in New Braunfels” is perhaps a subject for debate, but this smart Holiday Inn Express location along I-35 is chock-full of smart takes on tried and true concepts like colorful mid-century modern furniture and flat-screen TVs. This place is ideal if you’re looking for a fresh, no surprises chain offering. Hungry for some smokin’ ribs? The hotel is less than ten minutes away from New Braunfels’ celebrated BBQ restaurants: Black’s Barbecue, Cooper’s Old-Time Pit Bar-B-Que and Rudy’s “Country Store” & Bar-B-Que.

Courtyard by Marriott New Braunfels River Village, for riverside serenity in New Braunfels, Texas

Lush surrounds of the Courtyard by Marriott New Braunfels River Village

Courtesy of Courtyard by Marriott New Braunfels River Village / Expedia

Occupying a lovely location right along the riverbank of the Guadalupe River on the southern side of I-35, this Courtyard by Marriott maintains a serene vibe on the outskirts of town. Stylish Texas-inspired décor throughout the property instills a sense of place, and the expansive lobby feels as big as Texas itself. Bright rooms feature all the Marriott mod-cons and often look out onto the river and verdant surrounds. A lush backyard leads straight down to the river – in theory, you could paddle all the way into downtown New Braunfels.

Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott New Braunfels, for thoughtful extras in New Braunfels, Texas

Elegant lobby of the Fairfield Inn and Suites by Marriott, New Braunfels

Courtesy of Fairfield Inn and Suites by Marriott / Expedia

Part of a cluster of chain hotels along I-35 just south of downtown New Braunfels, this Fairfield Inn features rooms and suites specifically designed to create a stress-free experience. Pillowtop mattresses topped with custom duvets and spacious ergonomic workstations highlight room comforts, while a lobby triad of light hardwoods, natural stone and contemporary nature photography create a soothing environment upon arrival. Communal dining tables at breakfast even afford an opportunity to meet fellow travelers and adventurers.

Candlewood Suites New Braunfels, an IHG Hotel, for sightseeing in New Braunfels, Texas

Facade of Candlewood Suites New Braunfels

Courtesy of Candlewood Suites / Expedia

Attractions including Schlitterbahn Water Park, Guadalupe River, Gruene Historic District, Comal River, Landa Park, Gruene Hall, and Whitewater Amphitheater are all within striking distance from this contemporary choice, which sets itself apart from its neighbors with an all-kitchenette lineup of 83 rooms. On-site laundry facilities are a convenient option for river rats who aren’t afraid to get down and dirty in the town’s waters. All in all, a guest-friendly space-per-dollar ratio makes this a good deal.

Hilton Garden Inn New Braunfels, for shopping in New Braunfels, Texas

Facade of the Hilton Garden Inn New Braunfels

Courtesy of Hilton Garden Inn New Braunfels / Booking.com

The Hilton Garden Inn’s more northernly position on I-35 means it’s a quicker commute to the world’s largest convenience store and popular San Marcos Premium Outlets Mall than fellow New Braunfels hotels. You might wear yourself out running rampant through either or having an adventurous day in town, but either way, the expansive outdoor patio lounge here is an inviting place to kick back with a cold one as your day winds down.

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