solar-tastic travel

10 top Texas lodgings where you can still find a room for the eclipse

April 2024 total solar eclipse is drawing near.

Where will you be on Monday, April 8? Lots of North Texans already have plans to view the solar eclipse of the century, but for those who want to travel out of town, there are still some great last-minute travel options out there.

The total eclipse has quickly skyrocketed into the travel event of the year, with an estimated one million out-of-state tourists expected to descend on Texas - one of the best places in the world to see it. Searches for lodging have shot up 1,000 percent for bookings April 4-8, according to Airbnb, and many hotels offering special eclipse packages sold out months ago.

According to NASA, the partial eclipse will begin in Dallas at 12:23 pm, and totality (i.e. the phase of the eclipse where the moon is completely hidden by the sun) will last from 1:40-1:44 pm. Then it will turn back into a partial eclipse, which will end at about 3:02 pm. Interactive maps showing the detailed path of the total eclipse can be found on NASA and The Eclipse Store's websites.

Don't forget to pick up a pair of American Astronomical Society-approved eclipse glasses prior to April 8. The AAS provides a comprehensive list of safe vendors and manufacturers of eclipse glasses, smartphone solar filters, telescopes, binoculars, and camera lenses.

To assist in any last-minute trips, we've gathered 10 Texas hotels, campgrounds, and resorts that (somehow!) still have vacancies available less than a month before the eclipse (as of publication time). Most have special watch parties and other eclipse-related perks, but they don't necessarily come cheap.

In the Hill Country

Skye Texas Hill Country Resort
16880 US-87, Fredericksburg
This brand new, aptly named resort officially opens on Monday, March 18, and is the only RV resort in the greater Fredericksburg area that still has available accommodations, according to the Fredericksburg Chamber of Commerce. The 250-acre preserve has dozens of full-hookup RV sites, cabins, and futuristic nature glamping pods available for rent. Standard rates for RV sites begin at $200 per night, $450 per night for standard cabins, and $600 a night for nature pods.

McKenzie Guest House
910 3rd St, Marble Falls
There are five deluxe apartment suites still available at McKenzie Guest House, with a minimum three-night stay from April 6-8 with rates beginning at $650 per night. Each recently renovated, boutique suite has its own kitchen, and the Buchanan and Inks suites each have their own washer and dryer in-unit. Eclipse glasses will be provided for guests, and the Guest House is conveniently located within a six-minute walk to the downtown Marble Falls Eclipse Block Party taking place from 11 am to 2 pm at Ms. Lollipop Parties Fun & Gifts. Bookings at McKenzie Guest House for the eclipse will be handled directly by contacting info@mckenzieguesthouse.com.

In Austin

The Driskill Hotel
604 Brazos St, Austin
The historic Driskill Hotel in downtown Austin has several rooms and suite options available for bookings during the eclipse, with rates beginning at $685 a night. Hotel guests and the public are also welcome to join The Driskill for an eclipse-themed cocktail hour beginning at 1 pm on April 8, with complimentary eclipse glasses and a signature "Driskill Sunrise" tequila cocktail. Tickets for the event are $17 per person, and can be purchased via hyattexperiences.com. Guests can book their stays via hyatt.com.

The Otis
1901 San Antonio St, Austin
The Otis is offering guests a special "Total Solar Eclipse of the Heart" package for stays between April 8-9 with the code "ARN." Guests will receive two specialty cocktails from any on-site bar, and two pairs of eclipse glasses to watch the cosmic event unfold. Hotel guests also get free admission to The Otis' eclipse viewing party at Otopia Rooftop from 12-5 pm, which will fundraise for the University of Texas at Austin's Department of Astronomy. Nightly rates with the "Total Solar Eclipse of the Heart" package begin at $562.

Note: Travis County, which covers Austin and parts of the Hill Country, has provided a list of preparation tips for those staying in the area during the eclipse.

In Waco

Hotel Herringbone
319 S. 4th St, Waco
Waco's brand new shipping-container hotel has a very limited number of rooms and suites available for two-night minimum stays with a special "Eyes on the Skies" package. The package includes admission for two to the hotel's rooftop eclipse viewing party at Lucky Buck's from 12-2 pm. The afternoon will begin with a sound bath, then complimentary lunch provided by Lucky Buck's, and a rooftop totality toast at 1:30 pm while the eclipse passes through Waco. Single tickets are $60 per person, and Hotel Herringbone room rates with the eclipse package begin at $793 per night.

In East Texas

Jellystone Park Tyler
5583 FM 16 East, Tyler
For those who didn't know, the upcoming eclipse is the first total eclipse that will be visible in Tyler since the late 19th century. What better way to spend it than by going on a cabin weekend adventure at Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park Camp-Resort in northeast Texas. The park will host an eclipse party beginning at 1:30 pm on the pool deck with DIY crafts, music performances, games, and more. Room rates begin at $256 per night.

Across Dallas-Fort Worth

The Ritz-Carlton, Dallas
2121 McKinney Ave, Dallas
The Ritz-Carlton's Solar Eclipse package is a deluxe accompaniment to the once-in-a-lifetime solar spectacle. Guests who book using the code "ES8" for stays between April 3-10 will receive breakfast for two each day through in-room dining or Fearing's Restaurant, overnight valet parking for one car per day, access to a viewing area during the eclipse, and two 50-minute "Solar Package Reflect and Protect" vitamin C facials. Rates begin at $974 per night. The Ritz-Carlton is also hosting a Celestial Soirée from 12-3 pm on April 8, with themed light bites and beverages provided. Tickets for the event ($49 per person) can be purchased via Eventbrite.

Hôtel Swexan
2575 McKinnon St, Dallas
Come for the hotel's prime eclipse viewing experience on the 20th floor rooftop, and stay for an the evening of restorative meditation and self-care. The Hôtel Swexan is offering an exclusive opportunity to experience a joyful sound bath and other self-care rituals during the new moon, in partnership with Breathe Meditation and Wellness, on the evening of April 8. There will also be a selection of planetary films screened to entertain and educate eclipse viewers. Rates at the Hôtel Swexan are priced at $698 per night during the weekend-long events.

Hotel Drover, Autograph Collection
200 Mule Alley Dr, Fort Worth
The Backyard at Hotel Drover is hosting a celebration during the celestial phenomenon, with hotel guests and diners at 97 West Kitchen & Bar getting a premium viewing experience of the eclipse while enjoying live music, and indulging in themed treats and signature cocktails. Hotel Drover-branded eclipse glasses will be handed out to hotel guests and restaurant patrons. There are a select number of rooms available at the hotel, with rates beginning at $699 per night.

Camp El Tesoro
7710 Fall Creek Hwy, Granbury
For those who prefer a camping experience, Camp El Tesoro is hosting an eclipse extravaganza weekend from April 5-8, with limited spaces available for overnight cabin stays and day passes. Get active with one of the fun outdoor activities like kayaking, archery, or sports, or lounge under the stars while enjoying a campfire, s'mores, and camp sing-a-longs. Special activities on eclipse day include a DIY pinhole projector project, eclipse shadow play, an art showcase, and more. Cabin stays begin at $550 for the weekend for up to four people, and day passes cost between $15-$25 per person. More information and registration can be found on camfirefw.org.

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Checking in

Clara Hotel debuts in Plano with chef-driven dining and late-night lounge

Photo by Dan Padgett

Cocktail and food offerings at the Archer.

A newly reimagined hotel in Plano aims to be as much a dining destination for locals as it is a place for visitors to stay: The Clara Hotel has officially opened in the Legacy Corridor with a chef-driven restaurant and chic new cocktail bar - all part of a $4 million transformation of the former NYLO Dallas/Plano Hotel.

Located at 8201 Preston Rd. on the Plano-Frisco border, The Clara remains part of Hilton's Tapestry Collection but has been overhauled by Dallas-based investment firm NewcrestImage, which acquired the property in 2025. The company has refreshed nearly every guest-facing space, from the hotel's 176 guest rooms to its food and beverage offerings.

Leading the debut are Field & Vine, the hotel's signature restaurant, and Archer, a new day-to-late-night cocktail lounge.

The Clara Hotel is now open at 8201 Preston Rd., Plano.Photo by Greg Ceo Studio

"The Clara was always envisioned as more than a hotel," says Mehul Patel, managing partner at NewcrestImage, in the release. "We wanted to create a place that locals would visit whether they were staying overnight or not. Field & Vine and Archer are central to that vision. Together, they create an experience that evolves throughout the day, from breakfast meetings to date nights, celebrations and late-evening cocktails."

Field & Vine is led by executive chef Daniel Armand, whose nearly four-decade career has included restaurants in Haiti, France, New York, Nantucket, the Hamptons, and Dallas before joining The Clara.

His menu blends French technique, Haitian influences, Texas ingredients, and seasonal produce. Highlights include:

Clara Ceviche with Gulf shrimp, citrus, and coconut water
Harissa Honey Wings with Texas honey
Steak Frites with herb butter and truffle fries
Heritage Chicken with roasted root vegetable purée
French-style Braised Short Rib
Citrus Shrimp Linguine
Wild Mushroom & Truffle Risotto
Herb-Crusted Salmon with citrus-sage beurre blanc

Field & Vine, Clara Hotel Clara ceviche at Field & Vine.Photo by Dan Padgett

The all-important hotel breakfast ranges from avocado toast and smoked salmon plates to Belgian waffles, breakfast tacos, fresh-pressed juices, overnight oats, and brioche French toast.

A distinctive feature is the hotel's on-site herb garden, where rosemary, basil, sage, thyme, and other herbs are harvested for both the kitchen and bar.

"Some of my earliest memories are in the kitchen with my mother, learning that food has the power to bring people together," says Armand. "Field & Vine is a reflection of that belief. We want guests to feel welcome whether they are joining us for breakfast, a special dinner or simply gathering with friends. The menu is personal to me, but ultimately it is designed to create memorable experiences around the table."

The cocktail program incorporates fresh herbs and housemade syrups with drinks such as the Clara Bloom, Rosemary Paloma, Smoke & Sage, and Garden Spritz.

For evening drinks, Archer offers a dramatically different atmosphere.

Replacing the Library concept originally announced during the renovation, Archer is a moody cocktail lounge with dark woods, leather seating, and low lighting. The space was inspired by celestial navigation, with signature cocktails named for stars, landmarks, and journeys.

Featured drinks include:

Polaris with vodka, elderflower, lemon, and sparkling wine
The Meridian with reposado tequila, Yellow Chartreuse, lime, and honey
Clara After Dark with bourbon, Amaro Nonino, honey, lemon, and black tea
Fixed Point with bourbon, black walnut, demerara, and bitters
Western Sky with rye whiskey, amaro, sweet vermouth, and chocolate bitters
Long After Sunset with vodka, espresso, coffee liqueur, and vanilla

The Archer, cocktails, Clara Hotel Cocktails at The Archer.Photo by Dan Padgett

The lounge also serves shareable bites including lamb chops with mint chimichurri, tuna tartare, margherita flatbread, ancient grain hummus, and cinnamon pretzel bites.

"Archer was designed to feel like the room the evening finds after sunset," says Patel. "It offers something different from the traditional hotel bar experience. It's intimate, atmospheric and intentionally designed for guests who appreciate great cocktails, thoughtful conversation and a place that encourages them to stay awhile."

Originally opened in 2007, the property was the first hotel launched under the NYLO Hotels brand and is widely credited as the country's first loft-style lifestyle hotel. Under NewcrestImage's ownership, the hotel has introduced a warmer aesthetic with natural textures, wood finishes, greenery, and a more residential feel throughout its guestrooms and public spaces.

The renovation also refreshed the hotel's heated outdoor pool, landscaped courtyard, and meeting and event spaces, positioning the Clara for weddings, corporate events, and social gatherings.

Reservations for dining and hotel stays are available through The Clara Hotel's website.

Photo by Dan Padgett

Cocktail and food offerings at the Archer.

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