There’s a type of hotel we can’t get enough of: the court hotels from Valencia Hotel Collection.

With their open-air courtyards, community designs, and inviting social spaces, they strike the perfect balance between comfort and style. These aren’t just places to sleep, they’re places to linger, gather, and soak up the local vibe. We just can’t get enough of them! Honestly, they are our first choices in these three Texas markets!

Cavalry Court – College Station

Set in the heart of bustling Century Square, Cavalry Court exudes an effortless charm. The hotel blends vintage touches (with the cavalry theme coming from the local Texas A&M homage to the Corp of Cadets) with a welcoming atmosphere that immediately feels like home. 

Rooms open to the central courtyard, the beating heart of the property, where mornings start slow and evenings naturally turn social. Fire pits, live music, and communal gathering spaces encourage guests to pause, connect, and savor their stay. We love the vintage Smeg refrigerators in each room, a comfy bed and well-appointed guestroom. 

But our favorite feature was the pool in the courtyard (with the lit-up Gigem sign) where guests can chill whether it’s a sunny day, a cool evening with the sun going down or even with drinks after dark. 

The Canteen is the onsite restaurant that serves breakfast, lunch and dinner. We enjoyed the hearty breakfast burrito (and there’s also a breakfast buffet) but what knocked our socks off was the hummus platter at dinner! (Fun fact: If you’re a diner at Canteen, you have complimentary use of the pool!)

Whether stopping in for a weekend getaway or a special event, Cavalry Court captures everything we love about this hotel style: a space that’s stylish, inviting, and uniquely Texan.

Lone Star Court – Austin

Lone Star Court in The Domain channels retro-chic road trip vibes. True to court style, it’s inspired by 1950s motor lodges–the property combines playful design with modern comfort. Its central courtyard doubles as a social hub, with lawn games, fire pits, and plenty of seating for guests to relax and connect.

Every corner of Lone Star Court has character, from the vintage-inspired rooms to the communal spaces designed for gathering. Whether you’re stopping in for a weekend stay or just spending time in the courtyard, it’s the kind of hotel that makes you feel part of its community from the moment you arrive.

Cotton Court – Lubbock

Further north, Cotton Court brings a distinctly West Texas feel to life up north. Its design draws inspiration from cotton warehouses and industrial elements, grounding the property in the region’s history. The central courtyard, complete with a pool, fire pits, and open-air gathering spaces makes it feel like an extension of the city itself, inviting guests to slow down and stay awhile.

Cotton Court is a destination in its own right, offering a boutique experience that’s as stylish as it is unpretentious.

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Cover Photo Courtesy Cavalry Court

Marika Flatt, Outstanding Austin Communicator 2021, is the Travel Editor of Texas Lifestyle Magazine. She began her travel writing career in 2002, and can be seen as a contributor on TV shows across Texas, such as Great Day Houston, San Antonio Living, Spectrum News (statewide), Good Morning Texas, KVUE, Daytime, and Studio 512! Marika spent five years as the voice of the “Weekend Trip Tip” on NPR’s Texas Standard pre-Covid. Follow Marika on Instagram.

Madi Hise is a senior Public Relations student at the University of Texas at Austin with experience in both agency and editorial settings. As an editorial intern at Texas Lifestyle Magazine, she creates lifestyle content highlighting travel, hospitality, and culture across Texas.