Lone Star Court | Austin

"There’s something magical, nostalgic and uniquely American about hitting the open road. Just watching the scenery rush by the car window awakens the nomadic spirit of adventure in all of us,” Jessica Mebane says in Prime Living Magazine. “And when it’s time to stop for a while and cool the tires, what’s more charming than a mom-and-pop style motor court hotel?” Many of these roadside motels have gone by the wayside. Luckily, the Valencia Hotel Group re-created a 1950s motor lodge with all the modern amenities of a relaxed luxury hotel. It’s the Lone Star Court in Austin.

The hotel is in The Domain, a neighborhood with a high-end outdoor mall, entertainment venues, eateries, and a food truck court. When you spot Lone Star Court’s retro neon sign and the turquoise and navy blue ’54 Buick Roadmaster, you know this is no cookie-cutter hotel. In fact, the rustic stone farmhouse where you check in has the cozy, welcoming feel of a family-run motel from yesteryear. You and your furry family members have left the ordinary and stepped into a slice of Americana.

Spacious guestrooms have an eclectic, retro look with mid-century modern furniture, braided rugs, and decorative accents with pops of 1950s colors, including robin’s egg blue, coral, and mustard. A vintage-look SMEG refrigerator is stocked with drinks, and an antique wooden soda crate overflows with treats to satisfy every craving. If you feel like staying in for the evening after a day sightseeing in Austin or touring the Texas Hill Country, the sitting area with a large flat-screen TV gives you plenty of room to unwind.

When you’re ready to turn in for the night, you’ll discover why Hotel Valencia Group is known for its heavenly mattresses and luxurious bedding. “We didn’t want a bed that guests would be happy with,” said Roy Kretschmer, Valencia Hotel Group’s Executive Vice President of Operations, “we wanted a bed they’d be ecstatic about.” As you slip between the monogrammed Egyptian cotton sheets, you’ll understand what all the hype is about.

Even though the rooms and suites are loaded with relaxed luxury amenities, guests love the central courtyard. Readers of Modern Luxury Magazine named it the Best Outdoor Space, shortly after the Lone Star Court was built. The guestrooms, as well as the Water Trough restaurant and bar, surround this urban oasis. The restaurant serves Texas-sized portions for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Crowd-pleasers are the Lone Star burger, brisket tacos, and Chill Cowboy — a signature cocktail featuring vodka distilled in the Texas Hill Country.

The courtyard encourages you to relax and meet fellow travelers, just as mom-and-pop travel lodges did in the past. You’ll find lawn games, pup-friendly patios, and fire pits that are perfect for mingling. The centerpiece of Lone Star Court’s outdoor space is the refreshing dipping pool, reminiscent of a country swimming hole. This one’s even better though, thanks to the poolside bar that serves handcrafted cocktails, wine, and locally brewed beer, as well as light bites.

On Thursday, Friday, and Saturday nights, Lone Star Court brings Austin’s music scene to the hotel. Up-and-coming musicians and local favorites play everything from country to bluegrass to rock and roll. Cap the evening off by roasting s’mores or cozying up by the fire pit with your sweetheart on a romantic getaway. And, speaking of that special someone, why not tie the knot at Lone Star Court? Both indoor and outdoor wedding venues provide the perfect backdrop for your vows.

If work rather than play brings you to Austin, Lone Star Court has you covered. The in-room workstation, business center, meeting rooms, and free, hotel-wide, high-speed Wi-Fi make Lone Star Court a great choice for business travelers.

At the end of the day, sit a spell in the rocking chair on your veranda and enjoy the courtyard from a different perspective. Unwinding is easy at Lone Star Court.