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.
Table of Contents
About This Book and How to Use It
Why Choose a Historic Hotel and What to Expect
Origins of Historic Hotels in Texas
Big Bend Country
Gulf Coast
Hill Country
Panhandle Plains
Piney Woods
Prairies and Lakes
South Texas Plains
Closed but Not Forgotten Hotels
Sources and Suggested Reading
_________________________________________________________
LIZ CARMACK is a freelance writer. A former newspaper journalist,
her communications career includes positions at the Lady Bird
Johnson Wildflower Center, KLRU-TV in Austin, and the Texas
House of Representatives. She has written for Austin Woman
Magazine, is currently writing for Texas Highways, and is the Austin
City Expert for travel Web site homeandabroad.com.
What people are saying about this book
"You may use Historic Hotels of Texas as entertainment, or as a
travel guide. Either way you will find the book to be as entertaining as
it is useful."—Galveston County Daily News, 1 January 2008
" . . . a useful, informative and interesting guide to quaint lodging that
is out of the ordinary."—Round Rock Leader, 24 December 2007
"Whether you’re planning travels to one of Texas’ rural communities,
mid-sized towns, or urban centers, Historic Hotels of Texas can help."
—Preservation Texas Reporter, Winter 2007
"Here's a book that dares to include the Lancaster Hotel in Houston
and Turkey, Texas' Hotel Turkey in the same list. Completely different
styles. . . . One person's rustic might be another person's overnight
adventure. The book honestly describes the properties without pulling
any punches."—Austin Chronicle, 7 December 2007
"This essential travel planning resource is for anyone looking for out
of the ordinary lodging in Texas. . . . this incredibly friendly yet
informational book was a true delight to read and explore."—TCM
Reviews, December 2007
"Carmack's book is better than a room with a view, a reference work
and a travel guide for those who prefer something other than cookie-
cutter chain properties."—Austin American-Statesman, 25 November
2007
Of Related Interest
