Author Topic: Hotel between BiBe and San Antonio (Read 2804 times) Tweet Share

HeikeDog · « **on:** December 14, 2011, 11:51:15 PM »

This is the last [stupid] question. For tonight, anyway.

I've just really started planning for this spring break trip for my 16yo son and myself, and I'm already on Plan C. The original plan included staying a night at the Chisos Mountains Lodge to wrap up our trip with some creature comforts. As luck would have it, the CML is booked up the one night in March that I want to stay, and our dates are not flexible. So ... now I'm in search of a nice hotel between BiBe and San Antonio but closer to San Antonio and more Ritz-Carlton than Motel 6 on the hotel continuum. I looked at the Gage Hotel in Marathon, but I think that if we have to get back in the car and drive, I'd rather drive farther than Marathon before stopping. Del Rio looks about halfway on the map, but I didn't see any hotels on TripAdvisor that make me want to stay there. Any suggestions?

Thanks.

Lesley

jeffblaylock · « **Reply #1 on:** December 14, 2011, 11:58:44 PM »

The Gage makes a very nice "victory lap" for a final evening of a trip, and it gives you time to explore before you leave the park. If you were planning on spending that night in the Basin, then going to the Gage takes 90 minutes or so off of your drive the next day. Otherwise, it's Best Westerns, Hampton Inns and Ramada Inns, and one-star places.

If you do choose the Gage, try for a room in the "old building." Those rooms have lots more charm to them -- even if some do not have private bathrooms -- than the motel-like rooms in the "new" buildings.

Al · « **Reply #2 on:** December 15, 2011, 12:16:07 AM »

I would plan on driving all the way to the park. From San Antonio I would leave by 9 AM or so and it should be an easy drive. Stop at Panther Junction, get your permit for the entire stay in the park and, as Mr. Blaylock suggests, The Gage in Marathon is about it for nice hotels and is a good way to reduce the travel time back to SA on your return.

Al

chisos muse · « **Reply #3 on:** December 15, 2011, 06:09:22 AM »

The Gage is as close to Ritz-Carlton as you're going to get in that part of the world. Great restaurant too. I had a really bad experience in Del Rio with my sons and I felt horrible for them. Don't stay there....

I've heard some decent things about the Outback Oasis in Sanderson, but it's pretty basic lodging and nothing fancy. If you go the I-10 route Fort Stockton would be the obvious choice, as you'll only have a 4 hour drive back home. I haven't done any research on new hotels there lately, so that may be an option too.

HeikeDog · « **Reply #4 on:** December 15, 2011, 06:47:23 AM »

Thanks, everyone. I've made a reservation at The Gage Hotel. It looks like a pretty place. We're committed now!

Jim · « **Reply #5 on:** December 15, 2011, 09:06:11 AM »

Quote from: HeikeDog on December 15, 2011, 06:47:23 AM

Thanks, everyone. I've made a reservation at The Gage Hotel. It looks like a pretty place. We're committed now!

The Gage is my favorite - very pretty landscaping. Just be sure to use the earplugs they (at least used to) provide. The train track is just across the street, and the train runs frequently at night blowing its whistle at the railroad crossings.

jim2 · « **Reply #6 on:** December 15, 2011, 06:12:17 PM »

we stayed in marathon, once! it wasn't at the gage, we had a little house. the house was nice, but, between the train and the wind that howled all night i got very little sleep.

Flash · « **Reply #7 on:** December 15, 2011, 07:45:13 PM »

The Hampton Inn in Fort Stockton is pretty new and worked great on the way home from our last trip.

Al · « **Reply #8 on:** December 15, 2011, 09:49:32 PM »

Quote from: jim2 on December 15, 2011, 06:12:17 PM

we stayed in marathon, once! it wasn't at the gage, we had a little house. the house was nice, but, between the train and the wind that howled all night i got very little sleep.

Having lived in a small town with a major railroad going through it a few blocks away, the trains didn't bother me when I've stayed at The Gage, but I can understand why, if one is not used to them, it could overwhelm the otherwise pleasant setting.

Al

alan in shreveport · « **Reply #9 on:** December 15, 2011, 10:03:26 PM »

The Gage is an awesome place , probably my favorite hotel/restaurant/tavern . I agree that you should try for a room in the "Old Hotel", and ask for a room away from the street as it will also be furthest from the train. If you ask now you may be able to get one (as oppposed to asking at check-in).

HeikeDog · « **Reply #10 on:** December 16, 2011, 05:24:33 AM »

I did reserve a room in the old hotel -- two double beds with private bath. I wasn't thrilled to read the fine print in the confirmation that said the room I selected may not be the one I get due to various reasons, but we'll cross that bridge if we come to it. Since I'm staying with my 16yo son, swapping our double room for one with a single king bed, for example, won't be an option!

What about the restaurant versus the bar versus any other place in town for dinner? The menu looks fantastic! I'm guessing the bar will be most suitable unless we bring dress clothes.

Lesley

sleepy · « **Reply #11 on:** December 16, 2011, 01:34:58 PM »

Quote from: HeikeDog on December 16, 2011, 05:24:33 AM

I did reserve a room in the old hotel -- two double beds with private bath. I wasn't thrilled to read the fine print in the confirmation that said the room I selected may not be the one I get due to various reasons, but we'll cross that bridge if we come to it. Since I'm staying with my 16yo son, swapping our double room for one with a single king bed, for example, won't be an option!

What about the restaurant versus the bar versus any other place in town for dinner? The menu looks fantastic! I'm guessing the bar will be most suitable unless we bring dress clothes.

Lesley

You can eat in the bar, at least appetizers, maybe more. In March the weather will be nice and you could eat on the patio, if you want. Don't worry about what to wear. Jeans are appropriate.

Casa Grande · « **Reply #12 on:** December 16, 2011, 02:01:14 PM »

Upon leaving the park on our ladt trip last month, we called the Gage on the way to Marathon and they quoted us an outrageous price of $400 (this was at 9 at night). Unless I'm in New York City, there is no Hotel I wanna stay in for that price, especially West of the Pecos.

We stayed at the Holiday Inn Express in Stockton instead for $79. We were looking for a bed, not an ass reaming.

sleepy · « **Reply #13 on:** December 16, 2011, 05:22:47 PM »

Quote from: Casa Grande on December 16, 2011, 02:01:14 PM

Upon leaving the park on our ladt trip last month, we called the Gage on the way to Marathon and they quoted us an outrageous price of $400 (this was at 9 at night). Unless I'm in New York City, there is no Hotel I wanna stay in for that price, especially West of the Pecos.

We stayed at the Holiday Inn Express in Stockton instead for $79. We were looking for a bed, not an ass reaming.

Dang! I paid about $100 for a room last time I was through there.

RichardM · « **Reply #14 on:** December 16, 2011, 06:31:24 PM »

Quote from: Casa Grande on December 16, 2011, 02:01:14 PM

Upon leaving the park on our ladt trip last month, we called the Gage on the way to Marathon and they quoted us an outrageous price of $400 (this was at 9 at night). Unless I'm in New York City, there is no Hotel I wanna stay in for that price, especially West of the Pecos.

Maybe the only thing they had open was the Wilson House, which has a weekend nightly rate of $400.

The rooms in the historic section start at $97, plus taxes.

http://www.gagehotel.com/accommodations.html

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