Another Round

Raise a glass to a summer of sips at haute hotels across Texas

It's the summer of poptails all across Texas.

Photo courtesy of Valencia Hotel Collection

Discover unique charm this summer with the Valencia Hotel Collection. Whether you're visiting the stylish Hotel Valencia Riverwalk in San Antonio, soaking up the relaxed vibe at one of the Court Hotels, or indulging in the distinct elegance of The George in College Station, each property shines with its own sophisticated flair and character.

And summer just got sweeter. Valencia's signature Summer Poptails are back, this time with a purpose. Every purchase of these icy, fruity drinks — handcrafted cocktails topped with a popsicle — supports Ronald McDonald House, meaning you make a difference with each sip.

Here's where you'll want to be cheers-ing this summer:

Austin
Lone Star Court is a a true taste of authentic Americana. This retro-inspired hotel in North Austin's Domain delivers a resort-inspired experience with a modern twist, taking you back to when travel was an adventure. Charming and comfortable with upscale amenities, the boutique hotel offers acres of fun with beautifully landscaped courtyards, an outdoor pool, live music on the weekends, fire pits, lawn games, and a Smeg refrigerator in every room.

Lone Star Court hotel Lone Star Court.Photo courtesy of Valencia Hotel Collection

Irving
Located next to the bustling Toyota Music Factory and Irving Convention Center, Texican Court offers a one-of-a-kind experience in the heart of Las Colinas. Find charm and comfort alongside upscale amenities at this boutique hotel, which is nestled on acres of beautifully landscaped courtyards. Once settled in your room, unwind at the resort-style pool, stop by Salt Tequila Bar for a signature tequila tasting, or dine at Two Mules Cantina.

Lubbock
Cotton Court offers a city-inspired boutique hotel experience in the heart of downtown Lubbock. Its design is influenced by Lubbock's history in the cotton industry and the region's Great Plains roots across the South Plains. Located on Broadway, the 165-room hotel sits near Texas Tech University and is just minutes from the Depot District, with its shops, restaurants, bars, and nightlife.

Cotton Court Hotel Cotton Court.Photo courtesy of Valencia Hotel Collection

College Station
The "Court" in Cavalry Court's name isn't just for show — explore the unique outdoor courtyard featuring poolside cabanas, lawn games, cozy fire pits, and live music, capturing the charm of the other Court Hotels. This full-service hotel in the heart of Century Square is among the best hotels in Bryan College Station.

Cavalry Court hotel Cavalry Court.Photo courtesy of Valencia Hotel Collection

Where rustic meets refined, The George, also located in Century Square, brings sophisticated flair to the Brazos Valley. It has a stay-a-while pool to relax at or you can head inside to the hip 1791 Whiskey Bar for a handcrafted cocktail.

The George Hotel The George.Photo courtesy of Valencia Hotel Collection

San Antonio
Situated on the famed San Antonio River Walk, Hotel Valencia Riverwalk blends Spanish Colonial and modern Mediterranean design with contemporary ideals for a hotel that's steeped in history and charm.

Hotel Valencia Riverwalk.Photo courtesy of Valencia Hotel Collection

Join Valencia Hotel Collection for a summer filled with luxury and memorable experiences. Learn more at www.valenciahotelcollection.com.

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COMING ATTRACTIONS

Acclaimed Texas chef cooks up restaurant in swanky Hill Country hotel

Photo by Caroline Fontenot

Bludorn Hospitality is expanding to San Antonio and Fredericksburg.

Whether it's part of the trip or the reason for it, a new culinary experience will soon be awaiting Texans traveling to the Hill Country. Distinguished Texan chef Aaron Bludorn's Bludorn Hospitality Group will open a restaurant and lead the culinary program at The Kimpton Fredericksburg, a luxury hotel that’s expected to open in late 2027.

The still-unnamed restaurant will be a fresh concept from the company that’s behind five Houston restaurants — its flagship fine dining concept Bludorn, seafood restaurant Navy Blue, French-inspired Perseid at the Hotel Saint Augustine, and two locations of Bar Bludorn, including its recently opened location in The Woodlands. Later this year, Bludorn, his wife Victoria Pappas Bludorn, and their business partner Cherif Mbodji, will open a new restaurant in San Antonio's Pearl.

“We really loved the idea of being out in Fredericksburg. With us opening in San Antonio, we’ll already have a team out there,” Bludorn tells CultureMap. “We’re a growing Texas hospitality group. We see it as a great opportunity to grow our brand with Texans in really cool spaces.”

Bludorn adds that the restaurant will be a new concept from the company. Details, including its name and menu, will be released closer to the opening.

“We were drawn to Aaron’s ability to create a dining experience that feels both approachable and elevated, where exceptional food and thoughtful service come together in a way that makes every guest feel welcome,” said Blake Berg, senior vice president of development & construction for hotel owner DC Partners. “We recognize that experiential dining is an important part of what makes a destination successful, particularly in a market as distinctive as Fredericksburg.”

First announced in 2025, the Kimpton Fredericksburg is a 210-room luxury hotel. In addition to the Bludorn restaurant, it will offer a 10,000-square-foot outdoor pool and deck, a state-of-the-art fitness center, and more than 18,000 square feet of meeting and event space.

The hotel will anchor The Meuse, a 22-acre mixed-use development with more than 70,000 square feet of retail space. Previously announced tenants include Houston-based Padre’s Wine Company, Texas bootmaker Lucchese, westernwear label Double D Ranch, gourmet food company Fischer & Wieser, and Jackson Ballard Gallery.

Photo by Caroline Fontenot

Bludorn Hospitality is expanding to San Antonio and Fredericksburg.

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