• Home
  • popular
  • Events
  • Submit New Event
  • Subscribe
  • About
  • News
  • Restaurants + Bars
  • City Life
  • Entertainment
  • Travel
  • Real Estate
  • Arts
  • Society
  • Home + Design
  • Fashion + Beauty
  • Innovation
  • Sports
  • Charity Guide
  • children
  • education
  • health
  • veterans
  • SOCIAL SERVICES
  • ARTS + CULTURE
  • animals
  • lgbtq
  • New Charity
  • Series
  • Delivery Limited
  • DTX Giveaway 2012
  • DTX Ski Magic
  • dtx woodford reserve manhattans
  • Your Home in the Sky
  • DTX Best of 2013
  • DTX Trailblazers
  • Tastemakers Dallas 2017
  • Healthy Perspectives
  • Neighborhood Eats 2015
  • The Art of Making Whiskey
  • DTX International Film Festival
  • DTX Tatum Brown
  • Tastemaker Awards 2016 Dallas
  • DTX McCurley 2014
  • DTX Cars in Lifestyle
  • DTX Beyond presents Party Perfect
  • DTX Texas Health Resources
  • DART 2018
  • Alexan Central
  • State Fair 2018
  • Formula 1 Giveaway
  • Zatar
  • CityLine
  • Vision Veritas
  • Okay to Say
  • Hearts on the Trinity
  • DFW Auto Show 2015
  • Northpark 50
  • Anteks Curated
  • Red Bull Cliff Diving
  • Maggie Louise Confections Dallas
  • Gaia
  • Red Bull Global Rally Cross
  • NorthPark Holiday 2015
  • Ethan's View Dallas
  • DTX City Centre 2013
  • Galleria Dallas
  • Briggs Freeman Sotheby's International Realty Luxury Homes in Dallas Texas
  • DTX Island Time
  • Simpson Property Group SkyHouse
  • DIFFA
  • Lotus Shop
  • Holiday Pop Up Shop Dallas
  • Clothes Circuit
  • DTX Tastemakers 2014
  • Elite Dental
  • Elan City Lights
  • Dallas Charity Guide
  • DTX Music Scene 2013
  • One Arts Party at the Plaza
  • J.R. Ewing
  • AMLI Design District Vibrant Living
  • Crest at Oak Park
  • Braun Enterprises Dallas
  • NorthPark 2016
  • Victory Park
  • DTX Common Desk
  • DTX Osborne Advisors
  • DTX Comforts of Home 2012
  • DFW Showcase Tour of Homes
  • DTX Neighborhood Eats
  • DTX Comforts of Home 2013
  • DTX Auto Awards
  • Cottonwood Art Festival 2017
  • Nasher Store
  • Guardian of The Glenlivet
  • Zyn22
  • Dallas Rx
  • Yellow Rose Gala
  • Opendoor
  • DTX Sun and Ski
  • Crow Collection
  • DTX Tastes of the Season
  • Skye of Turtle Creek Dallas
  • Cottonwood Art Festival
  • DTX Charity Challenge
  • DTX Culture Motive
  • DTX Good Eats 2012
  • DTX_15Winks
  • St. Bernard Sports
  • Jose
  • DTX SMU 2014
  • DTX Up to Speed
  • st bernard
  • Ardan West Village
  • DTX New York Fashion Week spring 2016
  • Taste the Difference
  • Parktoberfest 2016
  • Bob's Steak and Chop House
  • DTX Smart Luxury
  • DTX Earth Day
  • DTX_Gaylord_Promoted_Series
  • IIDA Lavish
  • Huffhines Art Trails 2017
  • Red Bull Flying Bach Dallas
  • Y+A Real Estate
  • Beauty Basics
  • DTX Pet of the Week
  • Long Cove
  • Charity Challenge 2014
  • Legacy West
  • Wildflower
  • Stillwater Capital
  • Tulum
  • DTX Texas Traveler
  • Dallas DART
  • Soldiers' Angels
  • Alexan Riveredge
  • Ebby Halliday Realtors
  • Zephyr Gin
  • Sixty Five Hundred Scene
  • Christy Berry
  • Entertainment Destination
  • Dallas Art Fair 2015
  • St. Bernard Sports Duck Head
  • Jameson DTX
  • Alara Uptown Dallas
  • Cottonwood Art Festival fall 2017
  • DTX Tastemakers 2015
  • Cottonwood Arts Festival
  • The Taylor
  • Decks in the Park
  • Alexan Henderson
  • Gallery at Turtle Creek
  • Omni Hotel DTX
  • Red on the Runway
  • Whole Foods Dallas 2018
  • Artizone Essential Eats
  • Galleria Dallas Runway Revue
  • State Fair 2016 Promoted
  • Trigger's Toys Ultimate Cocktail Experience
  • Dean's Texas Cuisine
  • Real Weddings Dallas
  • Real Housewives of Dallas
  • Jan Barboglio
  • Wildflower Arts and Music Festival
  • Hearts for Hounds
  • Okay to Say Dallas
  • Indochino Dallas
  • Old Forester Dallas
  • Dallas Apartment Locators
  • Dallas Summer Musicals
  • PSW Real Estate Dallas
  • Paintzen
  • DTX Dave Perry-Miller
  • DTX Reliant
  • Get in the Spirit
  • Bachendorf's
  • Holiday Wonder
  • Village on the Parkway
  • City Lifestyle
  • opportunity knox villa-o restaurant
  • Nasher Summer Sale
  • Simpson Property Group
  • Holiday Gift Guide 2017 Dallas
  • Carlisle & Vine
  • DTX New Beginnings
  • Get in the Game
  • Red Bull Air Race
  • Dallas DanceFest
  • 2015 Dallas Stylemaker
  • Youth With Faces
  • Energy Ogre
  • DTX Renewable You
  • Galleria Dallas Decadence
  • Bella MD
  • Tractorbeam
  • Young Texans Against Cancer
  • Fresh Start Dallas
  • Dallas Farmers Market
  • Soldier's Angels Dallas
  • Shipt
  • Elite Dental
  • Texas Restaurant Association 2017
  • State Fair 2017
  • Scottish Rite
  • Brooklyn Brewery
  • DTX_Stylemakers
  • Alexan Crossings
  • Ascent Victory Park
  • Top Texans Under 30 Dallas
  • Discover Downtown Dallas
  • San Luis Resort Dallas
  • Greystar The Collection
  • FIG Finale
  • Greystar M Line Tower
  • Lincoln Motor Company
  • The Shelby
  • Jonathan Goldwater Events
  • Windrose Tower
  • Gift Guide 2016
  • State Fair of Texas 2016
  • Choctaw Dallas
  • TodayTix Dallas promoted
  • Whole Foods
  • Unbranded 2014
  • Frisco Square
  • Unbranded 2016
  • Circuit of the Americas 2018
  • The Katy
  • Snap Kitchen
  • Partners Card
  • Omni Hotels Dallas
  • Landmark on Lovers
  • Harwood Herd
  • Galveston.com Dallas
  • Holiday Happenings Dallas 2018
  • TenantBase
  • Cottonwood Art Festival 2018
  • Hawkins-Welwood Homes
  • The Inner Circle Dallas
  • Eating in Season Dallas
  • ATTPAC Behind the Curtain
  • TodayTix Dallas
  • The Alexan
  • Toyota Music Factory
  • Nosh Box Eatery
  • Wildflower 2018
  • Society Style Dallas 2018
  • Texas Scottish Rite Hospital 2018
  • 5 Mockingbird
  • 4110 Fairmount
  • Visit Taos
  • Allegro Addison
  • Dallas Tastemakers 2018
  • The Village apartments
  • City of Burleson Dallas

    Pet-friendly Hotels

    10 luxurious Texas hotels that pamper pets too

    Mandy Ellis
    Aug 5, 2016 | 3:34 pm

    Getaways can leave more than just school and work behind; there are also four-legged friends to consider. Instead of getting a sitter, why not pack up your pet for some tail-wagging experiences that include the whole pack?

    Here are 10 luxurious Texas hotels that treat you and Fido like family.

    Austin

    Hotel Ella
    Rooted in Texas history, Hotel Ella offers a boutique experience with historical charm right next door to the University of Texas at Austin. Rooms are elegant yet modern with plenty of space for a pet bed, and two pets of any size are accepted for a fee of $50 per stay. This hotel is within a short walk of Pease Park, the Shoal Creek Greenbelt, and attractions like the Blanton Museum of Art and Harry Ransom Center. Goodall’s Kitchen & Bar, the onsite restaurant, also receives excellent reviews.

    W Austin Hotel
    Bordering the ever-popular ACL Live at the Moody Theater, the stylish and smart W Austin is just a 15-minute walk to the Capitol and a five-minute drive to top sites like Zilker Park and Barton Springs. Through the hotel's P.A.W. (Pets Are Welcome) program, pets receive a bed, bowls, and treats in the room. Additionally, concierge services like dog walking and sitting, veterinary care, and even birthday cake delivery are provided. At check-in, pets also receive a toy, tag, and clean-up bags. Dogs and cats less than 40 pounds are welcome with a $25 room fee and a $100 nonrefundable cleaning fee.

    Dallas

    Aloft Dallas Downtown
    At the Aloft Dallas Downtown, you and your fur baby can lap up fun and comfort. Chic, colorful rooms are flooded with natural light and feature 14-foot ceilings, walk-in showers, and tons of pet-friendly perks. Two dogs up to 40 pounds can stay for free and enjoy complimentary beds, water bowls, treats, and toys. A doggie daycare is nearby as well. Pioneer Plaza is adjacent to the hotel, and it's a 20-minute walk to the Trinity River Greenbelt Park, Perot Museum of Nature and Science, and Dallas World Aquarium.

    Hotel Lumen
    A contemporary and sleek design defines the Hotel Lumen, which has unique, luxury extras like an evening wine hour and yoga mats in each room. Multiple pets of any size stay for free, and the front desk can recommend pet-friendly activities and services. As a neighbor to Southern Methodist University, guests have easy access to the George W. Bush Presidential Library and Museum, and green spaces Curtis Park and Katy Trail are a 20-minute walk away.

    Fort Worth

    The Ashton Hotel
    Smack dab in the heart of downtown, the Ashton Hotel fuses contemporary elements with home-like accents in two historic buildings. All rooms are pet-friendly, and two pets of any size are allowed for a $50 nonrefundable fee. Sundance Square and the Sid Richardson Museum are a five-minute walk away, as are quality restaurants and the Fort Worth Convention Center. To give your beloved canine some running room, try stretching their legs at Trinity Park (20-minute walk) or the Fort Woof Dog Park (10-minute drive).

    Houston

    Hotel Granduca
    This classic and cozy hotel has an Italian influence and a ton of amenities for both you and your pooch. Spacious rooms include kitchens, 24-hour room service, and free Wi-Fi; pets receive treats and bowls. A 24-hour concierge is available to provide information on all things pet-friendly, including dining, shopping, and entertainment. Two pets less than 60 pounds are allowed for a $125 nonrefundable deposit, but get this: A portion of the fee is donated to a no-kill animal shelter in Houston. For green space, the 1,500-acre Memorial Park plus the Houston Arboretum & Nature Center are just a 25-minute walk away.

    Hotel ZaZa Houston
    Luxury and relaxation combine at Hotel ZaZa Houston where lavish marble bathrooms and cozy neutrals blanket each room. And pets don’t have it too shabby either. Doggy goodie baskets, room service pet menus, and food and water bowls are provided, as are walking services. All rooms are pet-friendly, with two dogs or cats of any size allowed for a fee of $150 per pet. Plus, thanks to the hotel’s location in the Museum District, guests can walk to the Houston Museum of Natural Science, Museum of Fine Arts, Houston Zoo, and Hermann Park. P.S. Hotel ZaZa Dallas is pet friendly too.

    Marfa

    Hotel Paisano
    For your next magical adventure to West Texas, make reservations at Hotel Paisano. This historical hot spot offers a doggie bag upon check-in, and the front desk staff can also direct you to a nearby dog park. The quaint city of Marfa is very walkable, and Hotel Paisano's central location will practically beg you to take an evening stroll with your pooch. Pets under 20 pounds are allowed — just let the staff know when booking your stay and be prepared for a $20 nightly fee.

    San Antonio

    The Emily Morgan Hotel
    This DoubleTree by Hilton is across the street from the Alamo and just a 10-minute walk from the central River Walk area. The Gothic Revival style with gargoyles and cast iron touches hark back to its history, while modern rooms offer excellent views. A $50 nonrefundable pet fee is required, and pets of any size are welcome. Doggy daycares and grooming spas are nearby, and both Madison Square Park and Hemisfair Park are within a 15-minute walk. Pet-friendly restaurants like Charlie Wants a Burger (five-minute walk) and The Cove (10-minute drive) are also close.

    Hotel Havana
    Hotel Havana has a refined yet comfy Mediterranean style and is nestled on the River Walk’s northern edge. This boutique hotel’s rooms are all pet-friendly, and dogs of any size are welcome for a fee of $25 per stay. Adjacent is the Tobin Center for the Performing Arts, while Travis Park and Madison Square Park are a five-minute walk. Top attractions like the Alamo and the River Walk are a 10-minute walk away. The onsite restaurant Ocho and Havana Bar come highly recommended.

    Dogs of all sizes are welcome at Hotel Havana in San Antonio.

    Hotel Havana dog-friendly accommodations
    Photo courtesy of Hotel Havana
    Dogs of all sizes are welcome at Hotel Havana in San Antonio.
    vacationhotelspets
    news/travel

    Best of the South

    Southern Living lauds Hill Country hotspot among best towns in the South

    Amber Heckler
    Mar 13, 2026 | 3:32 pm
    Vareines Kirch in Fredericksburg
    Photo by Steve Rawls
    undefined

    The famous German Hill Country town of Fredericksburg is getting the spotlight as a must-visit destination in Southern Living's 2026 South's Best Awards.

    Fredericksburg claimed the coveted No. 3 spot in the publication's ranking of the Best Small Towns in the South.

    The annual awards are determined through third-party online surveys of Southern Living consumers from July 9 to September 9, 2025. Over 17,000 respondents rated their favorite places across the South, the report said.

    The top two best small Southern towns were St. Augustine, Florida (No. 1), and St. Simons Island/Golden Isles, Georgia (No. 2).

    Specifically, Southern Living gave a nod to Fredericksburg's growth and the recent addition of The Albert Hotel, which opened in 2025. The Albert Hotel was ranked the 10th best new hotel in 2026.

    "The city’s premier full-service luxury hotel revives a cluster of 19th-century landmarks, from a historic saloon to a former pharmacy that is now a cafe, deli, and artisan market," the report said. "Alongside the 105 minimalist guest rooms, a holistic spa and a limestone pool provide moments of quiet relaxation."

    The Albert Hotel pool We all need a relaxing day poolside at the Albert Hotel pool oasis.Photo by Chase Daniels

    As the Fredericksburg area grows, Southern Living said, it still maintains its cozy, small-town feel.

    "Fredericksburg still wears its German heritage on its sleeve, evident throughout Main Street architecture and a lively cluster of biergartens and long-running seasonal festivals," Southern Living wrote. "Wine lovers will feel particularly at home thanks to more than 100 wineries and tasting rooms scattered throughout town and the surrounding countryside."

    It's no wonder Southern Living decided to locate its 2026 Idea House there.

    Popular events like the Fredericksburg Food & Wine Festival and locally focused programs like the Texas Hill Country Wineries wine passports draw in crowds from all parts of Texas. The town is about a five-hour drive from downtown Dallas, which makes it a great weekend or spring break escape. North Texas travelers might even spot small patches of bluebonnets during their road trip through the Hill Country.

    No matter which route you take, travelers should make a pit stop through another small Texas town called Marble Falls, which is home to one of Southern Living's most legendary Southern restaurants: Blue Bonnet Cafe. According to the report, its longstanding staff members embody the idea of "southern hospitality" every day.

    "There’s one real reason the Blue Bonnet Cafe is so widely respected: The folks who run the place have been holding this small-town diner to high standards for years," the report said.

    Blue Bonnet Cafe opened in 1929 and was later bought by the Kemper family in 1981, who still own and operate it today. Southern Living recommends ordering one of the blue plate specials, and a slice of pie is a mandatory treat.

    "With 15 options — from luxuriously creamy to bright and fruity — you’re guaranteed to find one you’ll love," the report said.

    Blue Bonnet Cafe in Marble Falls, Texas Ordering a slice of pie is a requirement, not a suggestion.Blue Bonnet Cafe - Marble Falls, TX/Facebook

    The only other Texas destination to earn recognition in Southern Living's annual awards was the iconic Franklin Barbecue in Austin, which was crowned the best barbecue joint in Texas by the publication's readers.

    "Fans from around the world queue up for hours to experience the craftsmanship that has made Franklin a barbecue celebrity," the report said. "Flawless prime-grade brisket with a sweet, tangy glaze is still the showstopper here, and it’s accompanied by the quintessential Central Texas lineup of pork ribs, turkey, and jalapeño-Cheddar sausage."

    travelsouthern livingawardsfredericksburgmarble fallsbarbecueaustin
    news/travel

    most read posts

    Scenic Dallas-area campsite named one of America's best in 2026

    Paris Baguette bakes up bread and croissants for new Dallas suburb

    Downtown Dallas hotel restaurant reopens following major revamp

    Loading...