The Best Vacation Rentals to Book in Texas

Looking to go hunting, shooting or fishing? Book Joshua Creek Ranch. They offer four self-contained houses, hosting up to 18 guests in unparalleled luxury. Our favorite is the Guadalupe Tree Haus, a gargantuan 5,000sqft (466sqm) lodge, surrounded by old oak trees overlooking the Guadalupe River. Bask in the outdoor hot tub or cozy up by the fireplace in winter. Don’t fancy cooking? Head up to the onsite restaurant, which serves four-course gourmet dinners during the hunting season (September to April).

Kick back in this three-bedroom, three-bathroom vacation rental, nestled in the quiet suburbs of Oak Lawn. There are plenty of nooks to hide out in – cook up a storm in the homey kitchen or curl up in the lounge to watch Netflix. Welcome touches include Starbucks coffee and digital locks for easy self-check-in. You’ll have a Whole Foods on your doorstep, plus Lakeside Park and the Museum of Geometric and MADI Art are a short drive away.

Cruise along East 7th Street into the hip neighbourhood of East Austin and you’ll find this cozy, Scandi-style studio inside a colourful, contemporary apartment block. Onsite perks include a shiny gym, an outdoor firepit illuminated by string lights, and laundry facilities, handy if you’re in town for an extended stay. Hit up Rollin Smoke BBQ before dancing the night away at Hotel Vegas, just one block away.

High up in the Texas Hill Country, you’ll find this collection of cute casitas, created by husband and wife team Mary and Ron. Choose between a one-, two- or three-bedroom retreat, complete with full kitchens, walk-in showers and gas grills on the porch. Dogs are welcome, too. Wine lovers should take advantage of the wealth of vineyards in Dripping Springs; in fact, Hawk’s Shadow Winery is just across the street.

Blend in with the Austin hipsters by staying at the Hatchery, an achingly cool complex of apartments, sandwiched between the Colorado River and East Austin. Think pastel furnishings, pot plants and abstract art on the white walls. Opt for the Deluxe Studio for a little more breathing space. Need some local recommendations? Just message the 24/7 digital concierge for assistance.

Plonked right in the heart of Dallas, this converted warehouse boasts a multitude of stylish apartments. Couples can opt for a snug standard apartment, while families can spread out in the three-bedroom unit. Inside each one, you’ll find enormous floor-to-ceiling windows and exposed brick walls, plus homey rugs and bed throws. Luxury perks include valet parking included in the nightly rate, plus an outdoor pool to cool off from the Texan heat.

Stay in a traditional unit in Lavaca, the oldest neighborhood in San Antonio, which has a similar feel to quirky Austin. This one-bedroom property is deceptively spacious, with a gleaming modern kitchen and sofa bed in the lounge for extra guests. Original features like the sash windows and hardwood floors give the place character. Hemisfair Park and Tower of the Americas are within easy walking distance from here.

Dusty pink walls and retro furniture add a chic touch to this assemblage of seven apartments. Each one features pillowtop beds and blackout curtains to ensure a good night’s sleep. Daily housekeeping is a welcome extra. Feel the sea breeze as you step outside the door; the waterfront is just five blocks away, home to top seafood restaurants and the Texas Seaport Museum.