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Some Texans mark their calendars by holidays, and some mark them by trips to one particular old hotel in downtown New Braunfels. The building opened in 1929, and families have been coming back for anniversaries, birthdays, and weekend escapes ever since.
A recent renovation brought fresh wallpaper, new art, and upgraded rooms, yet the old-world spirit stayed right where it belonged. Old room keys are still on display, and the 1920s style runs through every hallway.
There is a basement speakeasy, a busy bar with live music, and a restaurant that has become a reason to visit all on its own. Keep reading to learn the story of the hotel, what the rooms offer, where to eat and unwind, and the practical details worth knowing before booking a night in this Hill Country favorite.
A 1929 Landmark on Seguin Avenue
Downtown New Braunfels has plenty of history, and one address holds a big share of it. The Faust Hotel sits at 240 S Seguin Ave, New Braunfels, TX 78130, in the Texas Hill Country of the United States.
The hotel opened its doors in 1929. That makes it nearly a century old, and the building still wears its age with pride.
Its spot is about as central as it gets. The property sits right near the old town square, so coffee shops and antique stores are within an easy walk.
The Comal River is just three blocks away. Schlitterbahn New Braunfels water park is about a mile off, and the New Braunfels Civic/Convention Center is roughly a six-minute walk.
Guests often mention feeling safely tucked into the heart of downtown. The location lets travelers park once and explore most of the area on foot.
For a quick getaway from Austin or San Antonio, the drive is short enough to make a single night feel worth it. Many couples treat it as a special-occasion escape that does not require a plane ticket.
The hotel is classified as a historic property, and that label shapes everything inside. The next part of the story explains why so many people feel attached to it.
Memories That Span Generations
Ask locals about this hotel, and many will share a memory before they share a fact. People who grew up in New Braunfels talk about loving the place long before they ever slept there.
That kind of attachment explains the return trips. Some families visit the area two or three times a year and call the hotel a home away from home.
Others recall stays from years ago and come back to compare. The common verdict is that the hotel now feels more upscale and comfortable than it used to, without losing its personality.
History is part of the fun here. Learning about the building’s past makes a stay feel more meaningful, and the old room keys on display connect today’s guests to earlier ones.
Then there are the ghost stories. The hotel has a reputation for being haunted, a topic that comes up often among guests.
Nobody has to believe the tales to enjoy them. They simply add another layer to a building that has seen almost a hundred years of comings and goings.
Of course, a beloved old hotel needs care to stay beloved. That is where the recent renovation enters the picture.
The Renovation That Kept the Soul
Renovating a historic hotel is a balancing act. Change too much, and the charm disappears.
Change too little, and the rooms feel tired.
The Faust took about two years to strike that balance. The result honors the original 1920s design while adding a fresh, artistic touch.
Patterns and colors stay consistent throughout the building. That cohesive Art Deco look ties the lobby, hallways, and rooms together.
Smart upgrades hide in plain sight. Dual-pane glass sits inside the old window frames, keeping rooms quiet even though the town square is close by.
Small details earn plenty of praise too. Door knobs, hardware, lighting, and furniture all reflect careful craftsmanship.
Fans of the old version waited impatiently for the work to finish. Most agree the wait paid off and that the building feels reborn without being replaced.
A few areas were still being completed during early stays after reopening. Some guests noted construction noise on upper floors and a temporarily closed front entrance, so it helps to ask about any ongoing work when booking.
Overall, the hotel proves that keeping a place familiar does not mean freezing it in time.
Rooms Dressed in Art Deco
Bold wallpaper, curious artwork, and period antiques set the tone upstairs. The rooms lean into the Art Deco era instead of hiding it.
Every room features its own art, and the paintings in the hallways get just as much attention. Some guests say they could spend hours studying the patterns and pieces.
Comfort matters as much as style. The beds come up again and again for their soft sheets, plush pillows, and quality mattresses.
Practical touches round things out. Rooms include free Wi-Fi, coffeemakers, microwaves, and minifridges, plus dimmer switches for the lighting.
Coffee comes in real cups rather than paper ones. A couple of complimentary water bottles may be waiting in the fridge.
Space is the one trade-off. Many rooms are on the smaller side, and bathrooms are often compact, which is common in buildings of this age.
Still, many bathrooms include a good walk-in shower and nice toiletries. Small rooms here tend to feel cozy rather than cramped.
Not everyone loves the bold decor, and a few find it busy. For those who enjoy personality over plain beige, the rooms are a big part of the appeal.
Corner Suites and Room to Spread Out
Need more elbow room? The suites answer that request.
Suites at the Faust add sitting areas, and some include extra bathrooms. That second bathroom can be a real peace-keeper for families or friends sharing a stay.
Corner suites are a known favorite. Their placement in the building makes them a popular pick for guests who want something a little more special.
Celebrations often lead to these upgrades. Some couples marking birthdays have been moved into nicer rooms at no extra charge after mentioning the occasion.
Anniversaries are a big reason people book here in general. Several couples have been treated to complimentary dessert and other thoughtful gestures during their special nights.
Results can vary, though. A few guests celebrating milestones felt the occasion went unnoticed, so it is wise to mention it clearly when reserving.
Families also find the hotel welcoming. The property is listed as child-friendly, and parents traveling solo with kids have described stays as easy and stress-free.
Choosing a suite can turn a short visit into a more relaxed one. The extra space pairs nicely with the hotel’s downstairs gathering spots.
Dinner at Wilhelm and Werner
Plenty of hotels have a restaurant. Fewer have one that becomes the main reason for the trip.
The on-site restaurant, Wilhelm and Werner, has quickly earned a following. Guests describe it as upscale, creative, and anything but boring.
The kitchen leans on local ingredients and Texas flavors. Smoke and a measured amount of heat show up often in the cooking.
Chef Adam leads the team and gets a lot of credit. The staff are known for caring about what leaves the kitchen.
Service in the dining room tends to match the setting. Servers are friendly and attentive without hovering.
A heads-up on budgeting is helpful. Some guests expected a casual bar menu and found the full restaurant menu instead, which runs higher.
The dining room and bar are closed on some Monday nights, and there are no snacks for sale in the rooms or lobby. Planning ahead for early-week stays can save a delivery order.
Hotel guests and outside diners both fill the tables. For many, dinner here becomes the highlight that seals the plan to return.
Craft Brews, a Big Bar, and a Hidden Speakeasy
Downstairs is where the evenings get lively. The hotel sits above a ground-floor brewpub known for house-brewed beverages and American fare.
Craft beer is one of the most talked-about features. It has long been part of the Faust identity.
The main bar is a favorite room for many. A fireplace, a striking chandelier, and dusty blue barstools give it plenty of style.
Live music plays on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday nights all year. The bartenders are known for inventive drinks made with care.
Then comes the secret ingredient. A basement speakeasy bar adds a nod to the Roaring Twenties, when the hotel was brand new.
The speakeasy opened later than the rest of the renovated hotel. Guests should check whether it is open during their stay, since even some staff have been unsure about its schedule.
An outdoor patio offers another spot to relax. Between the patio, the bar, and the dining room, guests rarely need to leave the building for a fun night.
Some guests suggest the menu could lean more German, given the town’s heritage. Even so, the bar scene keeps people coming back.
Staff Who Remember the Details
Hospitality is the quiet engine behind those repeat bookings. The team at the Faust earns steady praise from front desk to valet.
Requests tend to get handled quickly. Extra ice, a fan, or a room swap usually arrives without fuss.
Even the hotel manager makes appearances. Guests have met him and found him warm and professional.
Events are a strength as well. The hotel offers meeting and event spaces, and wedding weekends and rehearsal dinners have been planned months in advance with close communication.
During those events, hosts sometimes stay with the group all evening. That lets families relax and enjoy the occasion instead of managing it.
No hotel is flawless. Some front desk staff have been unclear about parking, the lounge, or the speakeasy, especially right after the reopening.
Still, the overall pattern is clear. People feel welcomed, and that feeling is a big part of why they return.
Practical Notes Before Booking
A little planning goes a long way here. Rates have been listed around £136 per night, though prices shift with dates and room type.
Parking deserves the most attention. Valet is the main option, and guests have paid roughly $35 to $39 per night, with no validation for hotel guests.
Some travelers assumed parking was included and were caught off guard at checkout. Asking about it upfront avoids surprises.
Deposits are another detail to confirm. Some guests reported a $100 hold for food and beverage, and one reported being charged in advance for a full stay.
Amenities listed include free Wi-Fi, a pool, a fitness center, air conditioning, and an airport shuttle. The hotel is smoke-free, pet-friendly, and listed as accessible.
The air conditioning is preset with limits, and some found rooms did not get very cold. Those who run warm may want to request a fan.
The elevator has been out of service on occasion. Travelers who avoid stairs should check its status before arrival.
There is no ice machine on every floor, but the front desk can send some up. Contact details are on the hotel website at thefausthotel.com.
Why the Faust Feels Like Home
Some places chase trends. The Faust Hotel has spent nearly a century perfecting its own style instead.
Its 1920s character remains the anchor. The renovation polished the details, but the history, the Art Deco look, and the downtown setting are still front and center.
Guests come for anniversaries, birthdays, weddings, and simple weekend breaks. Many leave already planning a return trip.
The restaurant, the bar with live music, and the hidden speakeasy give evenings plenty of options. The walkable location handles daytime plans.
A few rough edges exist, mostly around parking fees and early post-renovation hiccups. Knowing about them ahead of time keeps expectations realistic.
For travelers who value character over cookie-cutter rooms, this hotel makes a strong case. It is the kind of place people describe with stories rather than checklists.
The old room keys may be retired, but the welcome they once stood for is still very much in use.
