The Hotel 1928 is the crown jewel of Waco’s cultural revival. Its blend of historical charm and modern sophistication captivates its visitors. This boutique jewel, located in the heart of the city, features Chip and Joanna Gaines’s signature style. Their Magnolia empire’s hallmarks—quality, creativity, and meticulous detail—shine throughout the lovingly restored landmark. The hotel’s excellence earned it top honors at the 2024 BLLA Awards, cementing Waco’s status as a design-driven destination.
Waco’s newest gem, Hotel 1928, captivates visitors with its 33 exquisite rooms. Nestled near the iconic Silos, it’s a magnet for Magnolia enthusiasts. Yet its allure extends beyond the “Fixer Upper” realm. This November-opened boutique haven marries history with luxury, weaving modern design into its fabric. Its prime location and unique charm ensure guests leave enchanted and eager to return. Hotel 1928 isn’t just a stay; it’s an experience that lingers long after checkout.
Hotel 1928: Arriving at Magnolia’s Crown Jewel
Hotel 1928 transports guests to a Magnolia catalog to come to life. Each room displays the Gaineses’ timeless style in this Moorish Revival gem. Bright, welcoming spaces showcase antique furnishings and vintage touches. Empty matchbooks in decorative bowls epitomize the meticulous attention to detail. Every element, from grand architecture to tiny trinkets, serves a purpose in this effortlessly chic boutique haven. Opulence meets coziness in this $395 nightly gem. Silky sheets and Le Labo products pamper, while a Dyson dryer adds flair.
Marble counters dazzle, though coffee lovers may pine. Upstairs, McMurtry’s literary legacy fills a grand library. Its ornate charm captivates yet might leave some craving for simplicity. Despite its compact size, this room delivers luxurious touches that transform tight quarters into a lavish retreat. Nestled near the Gaineses’ bustling Silos complex, this hotel embodies their signature style. The property combines nostalgia with a modern flare, making it appealing to Fixer-Upper fans as well as design enthusiasts. The property’s proximity and aesthetic perfectly capture the brand’s cozy yet contemporary spirit, inviting guests to immerse themselves in its distinctive ambiance.
Exploring the Wonderful World of Magnolia
A miniature village unfolds across 5.3 acres at Magnolia Market. Crisp farmhouse white paint the Silos and neighboring buildings alike. Waco’s downtown now reflects Magnolia’s aesthetic, its influence reaching beyond mere interior design to shape the city’s very identity. Magnolia’s allure transforms Waco into a global destination. Shoppers browse the Market, while sweet-toothed visitors indulge at Silos Baking Co. Coffee lovers find solace at Magnolia Press. Die-hard fans can embark on official Magnolia tours or join Brazos Tours for a Gaines-centric journey. This empire’s true wonder lies in its power to attract worldwide travelers to this once-overlooked Texas town.
A City with History and Quirks
Waco’s appeal extends beyond Gaines. Dr Pepper Museum is located in an old bottling factory from 1906. It’s a great place for history buffs as well as soda lovers. Animatronics and vintage artifacts help bring the story of this iconic Texan drink to life. The gift shop is a popular destination for visitors eager to get their hands on the red Dr Pepper tumblers, a local tradition. This unique attraction is a great way to experience Waco, as it combines nostalgia and modern fascination.
The 75-year-old Health Camp is a hidden gem that brings back memories with its frozen custard and simple burgers. It was once a mobile canteen at James Connally Air Force Base. Now, locals and tourists enjoy it. Waco Mammoth National Monument, located nearby, showcases a remarkable find: 25 Columbian Mammoth Fossils, including a nursery herd. The site is a unique one, offering a blend of natural serenity and prehistoric wonder for both history and nature enthusiasts.
Architectural Marvels and Eerie Encounters
Architectural gems enrich Waco’s allure, each structure whispering stories of bygone eras. The Alico building, a 1911 sentinel, still anchors the skyline. Nearby, the Waco Suspension Bridge spans time and water. Once a conduit for Chisholm Trail cattle, this 1870 marvel now invites strolls. Parks embrace its storied span, blending history with natural beauty in the heart of the city.
Waco’s eight Masonic lodges hint at its intriguing history as a haven for passionate organizations. Though the Lee Lockwood Library’s Museum were off-limits during my visit, they sparked questions about the city’s enigmatic roots. This abundance of secret societies adds a layer of mystery to Waco’s cultural tapestry, inviting deeper exploration into its hidden past.
Dining Beyond the Silos
Waco’s culinary landscape stretches beyond Magnolia’s reach. Dichotomy Coffee & Spirits shift seamlessly from daytime brews to evening libations. Maria Mezcaleria brings zesty Mexican flavors, while Milo reimagines Southern classics. Hotel 1928’s Brasserie showcases Magnolia’s quality touch. Korean-style wings with black garlic ranch dazzle the palate. The 1928 Burger leaves a lasting impression. A Dr. Pepper cake honoring Waco’s famed export caps off the meal with sweet nostalgia.
Hotel 1928 earns prestigious boutique hotel award in Waco
In Waco, Texas, Hotel 1928 clinched the Best Boutique Hotel Under 50 Rooms at the 2024 BLLA Awards. This accolade, bestowed in 2010, honors innovation in boutique hospitality. Chip and Joanna Gaines, with AJ Capital Partners, transformed a Moorish Revival lodge into a luxurious retreat. The renovation preserved historical elements like the rooftop penthouse, arched doors, and terrazzo floors. A former coal room now dazzles as a two-story library. The grand ballroom, once host to elegant soirées, blends modern amenities with timeless allure. Hotel 1928 stands as a testament to the seamless fusion of history and contemporary luxury in hospitality.
Hotel 1928 in Waco, clinched the Best Boutique Hotel Under 50 Rooms at the 2024 BLLA Awards. This gem boasts 33 rooms, diverse dining, ample event space, and a rooftop terrace. It artfully blends historic charm with modern luxury, embodying the awards’ spirit of innovation. The Ranch at Laguna Beach took top honors for larger boutiques, while Dawn Ranch in Guerneville won for design. Hyperion Essentials earned praise for eco-friendly hotel amenities. Hotel 1928’s win highlights Waco’s growing allure as a travel hotspot. As the industry looks to 2025’s awards, this victory sets a new standard for boutique excellence, inspiring future contenders when submissions open in January.
Conclusion
Waco’s transformation shines bright in Hotel 1928, where history meets luxury. This Magnolia-inspired gem blends past charm with modern comforts. Award-winning design and exceptional service define the experience. As Waco emerges as a cultural hotspot, Hotel 1928 stands tall, drawing visitors to its unique blend of nostalgia and sophistication. It’s more than a stay; it’s a journey through time, wrapped in elegance and poised to captivate for years to come.
Once overlooked, Waco now captivates global attention, propelled by the Gaineses’ influence. Hotel 1928 spearheads this Texan city’s transformation, cementing its status as a premier destination. Visitors flock to experience its distinctive fusion of historical charm, opulent accommodations, and warm Southern welcome. Waco’s star continues to rise, drawing travelers from far and wide to its evolving landscape of attractions.