The 5 Best Hotels to Stay in for Texas River Tubing

Photo: Patrick Lewis

There’s something for everyone in Texas: cosmopolitan Dallas, artistic Austin, and world class barbecue pretty much everywhere. To get away from the fast-paced city life and explore the best of Texas natural beauty, travelers should consider navigating the waters in a tube. From lazy floats to turbulent rapids, we found five hotels located near the most popular rivers of the Lone Star state.

1. Courtyard New Braunfels River Village - Guadalupe River

The Guadalupe is the undisputed “party” river of Texas, attracting numerous crowds eager to tube, raft, fly fish and canoe its scenic route. For outgoing adventurers, a trip to the Guadalupe is a must — apart from the crowds, the Guadalupe has been known to have a rapid or two! If you want to stay nearby, look no further than the comfortable Courtyard New Braunfels River Village, located right on the river. Offering affordable comfort, the Courtyard is minutes from the New Braunfels MarketPlace and also close to the Schlitterbahn Waterpark.

2. Canyon Springs Country Lodge - Comal River

If the Guadalupe’s rapids and boulders seem too daunting, the Comal River, a calmer tributary, is the perfect alternative. The shortest navigable river in the state, flowing just 2.5 miles, the Comal was made for floating, and has no boulders, rapids, or obstacles! The perfect place to stay for low-key travelers seeking to explore the Comal is the Canyon Spring Country Lodge. Providing comfortable luxury in the heart of Texas Hill Country, the Lodge is just a 25 minute drive from the easy, slow, and constantly refreshing 70 degree Comal.

3. Three Rivers Inn & Suites - Frio River

Looking for an oasis from that relentless Texas heat? There’s no better river to cool down then the Frio (Spanish for “cold”), just 80 miles from San Antonio. Travelers tubing down the Frio will encounter the diverse natural beauty of Texas, from high limestone bluffs to canopies of cypress trees, all bordering perfectly cool, clear water. The town of Three Rivers is the best place to stay, and the Three Rivers Inn & Suite offers convenience and comfort.

4. La Quinta Inn and Suites Angleton - Brazos River

Flowing at about 1,280 miles from its headwater source in New Mexico down to its mouth at the Gulf of Mexico, the Brazos River is the 11th longest river in the US. Early Spanish explorers christened it the Rio de los Brazos de Dios (“the river of the arms of God”) but nowadays the Brazos is best known as a must see for independent-minded DIY explorers, as multiple road crossings provide access along the river. Staying in the Angleton area, conveniently near Houston, is the best bet as travelers looking for a break from fast-paced city life can easily access the Brazos.

5. Hampton Inn and Suites San Marcos - San Marcos River

Adventurers with an environmentalist best must absolutely make a pilgrimage to the San Marcos river. Boasting some of the cleanest water found anywhere, the water from its source is 10 times cleaner than EPA standards for drinking water! The usual float in its cool, clear waters is about one mile, and the river is protected from development, offering nature lovers a real treat. Conveniently located minutes from the river, the Hampton Inn and Suites offers a warm and inviting atmosphere, at hard-to-beat rates.