TXAway: The (Hotel) Keys to the Kingdom in College Station — An Aggieland Visit Fit for Royalty

by Marika Flatt and Tucker Flatt on May 12, 2021 in Living Texas, Travels,
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Situated across the street from the famous Kyle Field, the Texas A&M Hotel and Conference Center sits in the heart of Aggieland. 

Known as the guesthouse for the university, with 8 stories, 250 rooms, 3 hospitality suites, 4 corner suites and 2 penthouse suites, this hotel is all about location, location, location. In a nutshell, the Texas A&M Hotel is the official overnight location for all things maroon.

As the Queen of Aggieland, Reveille would expect nothing less than the best for her pet pals. Book the pet package and your canine will also be treated like royalty – receiving welcome treats and a special Texas A&M branded bandana. Photo courtesy Texas A&M Hotel and Conference Center

Easy Access

There is no substitute in terms of convenience, for this on-campus accommodation. With parking in such demand, Aggies understand the rarity of a premium parking spot. The parking garage on Gene Stallings Blvd is directly attached to the hotel. Guests can park on the third floor of the parking garage and take the covered bridge way across, into the second floor of the hotel.  

Texas A&M Hotel and Conference Center is located directly on the Campus of Texas A&M University. Courtesy photo

On Brand

Guests feel right at home with the overarching Aggie motif in each and every room. Beginning with the Benjamin Knox mural in the rooms’ entryway, to the black and white vintage A&M photos above the beds, and even small details in the bathroom, each room is on brand. (How on brand? How about the Gig’em Aggies silver plate in the shower and the water faucet, which when turned on, is a Gig’em thumbs up!) Just like on campus, Reveille (A&M’s mascot) rules the room as a featured face of the wallpaper. 

The Texas A&M Hotel aims to create a tranquil restful environment for each overnight guest. Each room is not only full of Aggie spirit but also equipped with comfortable beds, a smart TV, a personal fridge, a safe, a Keurig coffee maker, and bath and body products. Courtesy photo

Hero of the House

The heroes of the house are the third floor hospitality suites, connected to guest rooms, which provide ample space for entertaining on game day. Suite amenities include a kitchenette (with the all-important ice machine), two flat screen TVs (powered by a single remote), a grand dining table, a comfortable sectional couch and a full bathroom with a shower. The suite includes a patio overlooking Kyle Field, which provides the perfect vantage point to the hustle and bustle of campus life. 

The Hospitality Suites at the Texas A&M Hotel and Conference Center are opposite Kyle Field. Courtesy photo

Poolside Relaxing

Steps away from the patio is the outdoor pool branded with the A&M logo (heated in the off-season) that boasts shaded cabanas, maroon and silver fire pits, and a relaxing green space. With one side of the pool facing the MSC (Memorial Student Center) and the other side facing Kyle Field, the pool peers upon the heart of campus. They’ll be hosting watch parties on the pool deck during football season!

Centrally located on the campus of Texas A&M University, the affiliated hotel is near the airport, making your stay easy and convenient. Not only is a stay at the Texas A&M Hotel & Conference Center fun for sports fans, but it is also equipped with many meeting halls and ballrooms. Courtesy photo

Hotel Dining Destinations

Adding to its convenience, there are three dining destinations within the hotel. A quick grab-and-go option for breakfast or lunch is The Junction Cafe located on the first floor. Here, guests can grab breakfast items such as hearty croissant sandwiches, fruit cups or gourmet coffee drinks. On point with the Aggie theme, speciality coffee drinks include the Howdy (vanilla and cinnamon) or the 12th Irish Man (Irish crema with mocha). 

Family dining at Texas A&M Hotel and Conference Center’s Brazos – Proper Texas Kitchen. Courtesy photo

For a sit-down breakfast or lunch option, head into Brazos-Proper Texas Kitchen, also on the first floor. Here, you can enjoy a buffet breakfast or menu items such as avocado toast, nutella french toast or chicken chilaquiles to power up for a productive day. 

At Block T Bar & Grill on the second floor, enjoy a relaxed setting for menu items such as the trio of dips (salsa, guacamole and queso), a smoked pulled pork sandwich with a side of truffle fries or the Outlaw Burger with sweet potato fries. Most Aggies will pair that with a cold beer. 

Dine Like a Local

College Station offers a variety of dining options from the very casual to an upscale culinary experience. 

Layne’s original location in College Station is still open, with a goal to bring the same small town charm, friendly service, and iconic chicken fingers and secret sauce to the world. Courtesy photo

For an authentic hometown meal, Layne’s Soon to Be Famous Chicken Fingers opened its door to hungry college students in 1994. We love how they say it on their website: “Born and Breaded since 1994!” Offering inexpensive quality chicken strip meals, Layne’s has survived the test of time. Their simple menu features only a few fried chicken options (chicken strip plate and chicken sandwich), yet their secret menu includes the “best grilled cheese in Bryan-College Station” and a healthy chicken wrap. Layne’s has evolved from its original compact location across the street from campus to three other locations sprinkled around town, plus four locations in the DFW area and a location in Katy to open in June. 

Chef Reggie working his magic in the kitchen at Porters. Courtesy photo

For an upscale steakhouse experience, Porters, next to the George Hotel, treats guests to an unforgettable dinner event. Start with a delicious glass of cabernet or cool chardonnay, to pair with a starter of wild-caught calamari or fried Texas quail legs.

Entree highlights include: Atlantic Salmon (you can substitute mashed potatoes with crispy Brussels sprouts for an uber healthy choice), chicken fried steak, and, if you’re lucky, they will be offering their special– scallops over a bed of risotto. Wrap up your dining journey with a dessert selection of 12-layer carrot cake, NY cheesecake or creme brulee. From A + customer service to a genuine Aggieland ambiance, Porters is the perfect location for a special celebration dinner. 

At Porters, the chefs hand-select all of the meats to ensure the highest quality and their seasonally inspired menu brings farm-to-table fresh ingredients with a southern flair. Photo courtesy City of College Station

Texas A&M Hotel & Conference Center: 177 Joe Routt Boulevard, College Station, TX 77840

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Cover photo courtesy Texas A&M Hotel & Conference Center

Marika Flatt, named 2021 Outstanding Austin Communicator, is the Travel Editor of Texas Lifestyle Magazine. Hear her Weekend Trip Tips on the statewide NPR show, Texas Standard, and see her travel suggestions on TV shows across the state. She’s the loudest and proudest member of the Fightin’ Texas Aggie Class of ‘97!

Tucker Flatt has grown up bleeding maroon and hopes to be the loudest and proudest member of the Fightin’ Texas Aggie Class of ‘26!