I had a blast in the Texas hill country last week on a press trip to Stonewall Motor Lodge (which I organized as SML’s publicist). This drive-up motor lodge is reminiscent of old-fashioned Route 66 accommodations. It’s smack-dab in the middle of the famous Hwy 290 wine trail between Fredericksburg and Johnson City and is within a fifteen minute drive of over fifty wineries and distilleries.
About
Stonewall Motor Lodge originally opened in 1964 to house the press corps when LBJ was in his hometown of Stonewall, Texas. Earlier this year the property was purchased by a group of friends and underwent a full renovation by co-owner and designer Anita Lance Lubke. It still has all of that retro charm but now has modern amenities, including Netflix, smart check-in, and Keurig coffee makers in every room.
Most everything in the rooms is custom-made for SML, which has incredibly thoughtful design details such as custom wallpaper in the bathrooms and retro Vornado fans. It’s the exact opposite of a cookie-cutter hotel. It oozes with personality.
The Room
There are twelve rooms at Stonewall Motor Lodge, all impeccably designed with 1960s art and custom touches. I stayed in the Press Room, which has a kitchenette with a fridge, microwave, a small dining table, and king size bed. The bathrooms are outfitted with luxurious William Roam toiletries, which I absolutely loved after a long day strolling through vineyard after vineyard. (Rough life, I know.) The Press Room is perfect for Texas history lovers, as the kitchenette was once that dark room where the Press Corp developed their photos.
SML also has two brand new cabins and two more opening in the next month. The four cabins are a little larger than the standard rooms and all have a kitchenette, porch, and living area. There are also four RV slots on the property. For more information about the rooms, click here.
Amenities
In addition to complimentary Netflix, SML has lovely social spaces. The deck above the lobby has comfortable couches and is the perfect place to watch the sunset over Fredericksburg. It’s situated on three tree-line acres and behind the motor lodge, you’ll find a brand new barn with tables, and TVs. String lights and chairs are set up under the trees so you can relax under the stars or watch the game with friends in the covered barn.
Most importantly, Stonewall Motor Lodge has a fantastic location! Fifty wineries, an elephant preserve, a flower farm, the charming town of Hye, and everything Fredericksburg has to offer is all within fifteen minutes away when you stay at SML. Want more? Read my articles about vineyards near SML: Kuhlman Cellars, Pedernales Cellars, Grape Creek Winery.
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