Places to Stay in Waco
Growing up in Waco, I was always used to the slow-paced life with plenty of privacy. The thought of people visiting Wacotown was interesting. But as time passed, people kept asking where to stay in Waco when they visited, and it is now sometimes hard to find a room – overbookings everywhere.
I will focus on bed and breakfast stays in this blog, but there are many hotels, Airbnbs, and more. Chip and Joanna Gaines had a bed and breakfast, the Magnolia House, in McGregor, but they sold it in November 2023. According to USA Today, it was a cute little cottage that was listed for nearly $1M. Of course, they are part of Waco’s boom over the past few years, so seeing them sell one of their staple pieces was surprising.
My Rating System
I am not a pro rater for vacation rentals or bed and breakfast accommodations, but I am good at planning a solid weekend vacation in a new city and love to travel. The goal is to rank each location based on five factors:
- Location
- Price
- Amenities
- Interior Design/Comfort
Also, for starters, I define a bed and breakfast as a place where you are in a cozy house or accommodation where you get an actual breakfast included with your stay. This is not an Airbnb or hotel guide. From the looks of it, I can only find two proper bed and breakfast stays in Waco, but if you discover others, feel free to reach out so I can leave my review. The reality is many of these bed and breakfasts likely shut down because the convenience of online booking has made it difficult to get the same exposure for old-fashioned and proper bed and breakfasts.
Let’s dive into the hospitality I discovered in Waco, Texas.
Bed and Breakfast Stays in Waco, Texas
Hymsinger House
Located at 1825 Washington, Waco, TX, 76701, Hymsinger House is in Waco proper, right near the heart of downtown. It’s close to some coffee shops and new restaurants and is a place I’d feel comfortable walking a few miles to get downtown. Walking downtown is relatively peaceful because few people are around, and the buildings are spread out, so you won’t feel like you are walking in a concrete jungle. It’s a safe place for families and an excellent place to start a business. Rating: 10/10
Regarding pricing, an average night could cost you anywhere from $125-165. While this price may seem steep, from the pictures, it looks like a place where you could get a great night’s sleep and feel like you are in the comfort of your home. The price of a hotel would be better, but you would not have the same seclusion as you could expect to find here. Rating: 6/10
The amenities seem to cover everything you would need and include air conditioning, an alarm clock, a desk, a dishwasher, a DVD player, a full-size fridge, a hairdryer, an iron/ironing board, heating, linen, and towels, a microwave, queen bed, tea/coffee making facilities, toaster, television, wireless internet, stairs, hot plate, private bathroom with shower, pull-out twin sofa, ceiling fans, and more. This is subject to whichever room you select. I do not see access to a washing machine, which you may typically expect at a bed and breakfast. Also, no pool. Rating: 8.5/10
The interior design could be more appealing, but it’s certainly a place that covers the necessities listed above. (Well, it’s best to call it a big room, depending on whether you book the first or second floor). It looks like a large living room with everything in one space in one photo, and the other looks more separated. If I had the choice, I would prefer something more modern for this price. Rating: 7/10
My overall evaluation is: 7.9/10
Bed and Breakfast on White Rock Creek
This quaint little bed and breakfast is at 267 Ruby Dell Ln, Waco, TX 76705. The location is quite different than the last. That’s because here, you’ll be found in a quiet part of Waco, closer to nature. You are near the banks of the Brazos River and have access to some unique outdoor experiences. You are a bit further to downtown, which could be a good thing. It’s just a different experience, so it depends on your desire. Rating: 9/10
For pricing, you can book this stay for anywhere from $170-250, depending on the night and room size. Again, this seems a bit pricey, considering you can find a very nice Airbnb for about half the rate. Waco is an affordable city, so the pricing feels off. It looks well-kept, but I don’t think this justifies the price. Rating 6/10
The cozy accommodations feature a range of amenities, including a Smart TV with cable, WiFi, a microwave oven, refrigerator, coffee pot, electric fireplace, dining table with two chairs, private deck and entry, a luxurious California King-size bed, large whirlpool tub, separate shower, ironing board and iron, hair dryer, all complemented by fantastic views. These meet the basic needs and tie the nature element into the stay. I find this unique and exciting. Rating 9/10
Finally, the interior looks outdated. I expect something a bit more modern. I wish for a relaxed vibe or rustic cabin feel if the contemporary element is missing. Because this simply looks like an outdated home, I can only rate this section a little score. The views are lovely and unique here, but they could use some upgrades. Rating 7/10
My overall evaluation is: 7.8/10
Where to Find Lodging in Waco, Texas
Given this review, you can decide your thoughts on Waco’s bed and breakfast market. There had been more in the past that have closed permanently. While I’ve never stayed in a bed and breakfast myself, these places seem outdated for my taste. The cozy vibes and breakfast are nice, but I don’t think this justifies the expenses.
