Survive - Texas - page 748

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BOOK YOUR STAY ONLINE
For more accommodation reviews by Lonely Planet authors, check out http://hotels.lonelyplanet.com . You'll find
independent reviews, as well as recommendations on the best places to stay. Best of all, you can book online.
Accommodations
From B&Bs to Bandera dude ranches, Texas does have some interesting accommodations. Unfortunately, the vast major-
ity of the state's sleeping options are chain motels and hotels. Budget travelers beware: motel rates have increased dramat-
ically in recent years and there are only a few hostels, which are in the major cities. If you want to sleep on the cheap,
campgrounds are an option, but then you absolutely need a car.
Hotel and motel rates vary by day and by season:
» Business-oriented town hotels cost more weekdays; leisure-oriented ones cost more on weekends.
» Summer high-season and school holidays have the highest rates, but an event in town can send prices soaring at any
time.
» Book ahead, but still expect to pay more, during Texas' spring break (all of March).
» B&B room prices tend to stay the same year round.
Amenities
Beverages Mid-range motels and hotels may have microwaves and small refrigerators in the rooms. Top-end properties
usually stock the minibar with mini liquors and pricey snacks.
Internet Wired or wireless internet is almost always available at lodgings. In top-end hotels, expect to pay $15 to $20 per
day; elsewhere, it's free.
Nonsmoking/smoking Unless otherwise noted, all lodgings we list offer at least some nonsmoking rooms. More and
more hotels and motels are going completely smoke free. B&Bs never allow smoking in the building itself, and some may
not even allow smoking outside on the porch or in the garden.
Parking In the downtown core of major cities, you'll pay $15 to $35 per night for parking; otherwise it is usually freely
available.
B&Bs
Texas B&Bs are not super casual or cost effective. These are traditionally well-established businesses, not just a spare
room in someone's home. They might be in rambling old houses, or newer and purpose built. Owners usually live on-site,
but in separate quarters; though some have professional innkeepers that sleep away.
The best are family-run places with involved owners who are ready and willing to chat about the area, themselves -
anything. Communal breakfasts are served at a set hour, at a big dining table, allowing guests to get to know one another
and compare travel notes. But this is not always the case. Breakfast may be delivered to your door, or weekdays it might