Known for its German history, wine-tasting and locally-owned shops, Fredericksburg has long been a charming getaway destination for local Texans and tourists alike. However, despite attracting nearly 1.2 million visitors yearly, the area had been lacking in hotel options. Enter the Albert Hotel, a 105-room boutique hotel named after architect and historic preservationist Albert Keidel.
After a much-anticipated two-year wait, the Albert finally opened its doors on January 3rd, inviting guests from all walks of life to experience Hill Country living with modern touches. While the property is located on bustling Main Street, much of it is tucked away, offering a relaxing and tranquil getaway. After checking in for a comped review a few weeks after opening, I quickly understood why the buzz hadn’t simmered down.
My experience at the Albert Hotel
My partner, Sasha (our dog) and I checked in on Friday evening and were greeted by friendly receptionists—dog lovers who seemed just as excited about the hotel’s pet-friendly policy as we were.
A receptionist escorted us to our room, a standard king on the 2nd floor, with nightly rates averaging $350 and $400. The room was spacious and cozy, with plenty of space for the three of us to move around without feeling cramped. The hotel even provided thoughtful pet amenities, including two dog beds, pet bowls, a bandana and bone-shaped treats, which Sasha devoured immediately.
Once we settled in, I took full advantage of the large, green-tiled bathroom—where I helped myself to the locally-made, pecan-infused toiletries from San Saba Soap Company and plush Turkish towels. The cushioned hotel bed, decked out in Italian linens, also made an impression. I normally don’t like hotel beds, because I find many of them uncomfortable, but this one gave my mattress at home a run for its money. It ensured I could get good quality sleep, even while away.
Dining at the Albert Hotel
The next morning, my partner and I decided to order in-room breakfast from The Restaurant, one of the hotel’s four on-site dining options. Our order of house-made pancakes and biscuits and gravy made its way to our room in less than an hour, with my cappuccino and partner’s drip coffee (complimentary with our stay) arriving at the same time on a separate tray. We enjoyed breakfast from the cozy reading nook by our window, which overlooked the hotel’s entrance.
Later that day, we strolled along Main Street and visited a nearby winery before returning to the hotel for our dinner reservation at The Restaurant. The menu, helmed by three-time James Beard Award finalist and Michelin star recipient Michael Fojtasek, features dishes from the land and sea that showcase the bounty of Texas’ Hill Country.
Our evening kickstarted with a Coke, Autumn’s Work After Tea—a concoction of gin-cream, basil matcha and orange blossom—and appetizers: smoky mushroom engulfed in a sea of yellow grits, buttery creamed rice infused with Fredericksburg flowers and quail cushion atop garlicky black rice and jus (my favorite, thanks to the bold garlic flavor). For our mains, we shared a juicy wagyu ribeye cooked to perfection and herbed späetzle. We capped the night off with a generous slice of coconut cake. Though it leaned more citrusy, I appreciated the dense cake layers.
The Albert Spa
On this trip, I made it a priority to check out the spa, which is tucked in the courtyard near the onsite coffee shop, The Pharmacy. I was welcomed by two receptionists and relaxing music that set the tone for the rest of my spa visit. At check-in, I had the chance to create my own essential oil that would be used during my aromatherapy massage—a thoughtful and personal touch.
My massage therapist took an “as-we-go” approach, allowing me to customize the 50-minute session and focus on areas that needed extra attention, like my neck and upper back. I found that the forearm-heavy massage melted away stubborn knots and left me feeling more relaxed and rejuvenated than when I first arrived.
Post-massage, I relaxed in the spa lounge, one of my favorite rooms on the property. With its deep blue walls adorned with bulb wall lamps, the room struck the perfect balance between cozy and elegant. I sat on the comfy, wall-mounted bench with wildflower-themed upholstery and sipped on complimentary coconut-infused water and herbal tea.
My final thoughts
As someone who plans trips around food, my belly was happy knowing that there were plenty of dining options on the property to satisfy my weekend-long appetite, from a quick cup of Joe to Southern breakfast and gourmet dining. And as a dog mom to a half Pitbull, half English bulldog, I’m a huge fan of the pet-friendly policy, which allowed me to leave behind dog mom guilt (iykyk) and made traveling with Sasha super easy.
All of the above reasons, along with the cozy environment and custom furnishings, make me feel grateful that I live in Austin. Whenever I want to return to this little slice of Hill Country paradise, I know that the Albert Hotel is only an hour and a half away.