The best accommodations Texas

Budget & Tips

Texas doesn't offer many hostels for small budgets. You're more likely to find cheap rooms, under US$90 a night, in roadside motels, or in simple, comfortable bed & breakfasts.

Ranches are a popular destination for those looking for quaint, traditional accommodation, immersing you in the heart of the local culture. Some offer rooms for US$80 a night, while others offer luxury rooms for US$500 a night. Ranches are usually complexes offering on-site activities such as horseback riding.

For those who want to be in touch with nature and the great outdoors, there are different types of camping. There are campsites run by chains like KOA, which don't have much charm but are often good bargains. Otherwise, national and state parks often offer camping sites with or without amenities (electricity, water, toilets, etc.). Backcountry camping is the name given to authorized campsites with no amenities. You pitch your tent and that's it. To camp in the parks, you often need a permit, which can vary from US$10 to US$25. This is certainly the cheapest accommodation option available. Otherwise, the glamping option is also popular. It's often very expensive (between US$200 and US$450 a night), but it's a great way of keeping a maximum of comfort while being in the middle of nature.

Boutique hotels can be found in every historic town, located in important and picturesque buildings. Their price range can vary, but generally a double room costs at least US$140 a night and more.

For most accommodations, whether ranch, hotel or bed & breakfast, you'll be asked to book a minimum of two nights. Motels, on the other hand, allow a minimum of one night, as do camping areas. Most of the time, it's easier to book online by credit card. In the case of hotels, your credit card details may be recorded together with a deposit for the room.

To be booked

During school vacations and public holidays, it's imperative to book in advance. Hotels and bed & breakfasts fill up very quickly. The periods to note are Thanksgiving, Christmas, spring break (between March and April), and summer. Around Taos (New Mexico), winter is a popular season for skiing. The Hill Country and its many ranches become fully booked around spring break and Thanksgiving. National parks such as Big Bend National Park are also likely to be crowded during these periods, especially around spring and autumn, when it's neither too hot nor too cold. The result is that the surrounding camping areas and motels or lodges are all full.

What's very local

Tipping is generally not expected when paying for a hotel room or other forms of accommodation. The only time you may have to pay for sheets is in a youth hostel, which is rare. On many ranches you'll find rustic cottages for rent, or rooms for several people, with bunk beds. The same applies to camping areas, which also have cabins.

It's possible to rent apartments via certain companies, Airbnb being the most popular. All large and small towns offer Airbnb for rent, usually starting at US$200 a night.

We recommend that you have access to a swimming pool on sunny days.

For food lovers

Most hotels offer breakfast included. Bed & breakfasts sometimes charge a small supplement. Most hotel breakfasts are served as a buffet: eggs, bacon, toast, cereals, etc. In bed & breakfasts, they are often prepared by the owners themselves. In bed & breakfasts, breakfast is often prepared by the owners themselves. In the United States, it's customary to eat savory breakfasts rather than sweet ones.

Smokers

Smoking is not permitted inside your room or apartment (in most cases).