In the early 1900s, Fort Worth’s locally owned bed and breakfasts offered rest and respite (and occasionally, a little bit of excitement) to cattle drivers passing through town.
If you look around, you’ll find several of these hundred-year-old homes still standing tall. They may no longer be frequented by men traveling through the Wild West, but they still have their stories, and they still offer a much-needed escape from everyday life.
Alongside five historic Fort Worth hideaways sits one new hotel that offers a contactless, luxurious stay. Poke around a bit more, and you’ll find forward-thinking locals taking part in the new era of bed and breakfasts (Airbnbs).
Sometimes, all you need to reset is a staycation in a new space. With warmer weather on the horizon and love in the air, what better time to treat yourself (and one or two of your favorite people) to a little getaway close to home?
Fairmount
Preserved from the Past | Rosen House Inn
Park Place Avenue and Allen Avenue
When you stay in a bed and breakfast, there’s always someone (or something) that has a story to tell. Rosen House Inn is owned by “native western New York gal” Kelly Bowden, who’d always dreamed of owning a B&B and says that (like the classic phrase) she “wasn’t born in Texas but got here as quick as [she] could.”
Bowden’s B&B — the bright yellow house in historic Fairmount — was built by William M. Robinson in 1910. It’s survived two known fires and was once the go-to hotel for Fort Worth travelers arriving by train. They’d stay at the Rosen hotel and drink at the Rosen bar (also managed by Robinson). “Hell’s Half Acre” clientele came through his doors from time to time, so he made sure to keep the party going with liquor and gambling.
Look upwards at the intricate ceiling or peek around the entryway staircase and pause to picture what this house has seen, then step out on the wraparound patio. The inn offers hundreds of books to choose from, including one in every room that tells the history of the Rosen House. Better yet: This B&B is pet-friendly, so your four-legged friend can tag along for the fun.
Three rooms available | $129 – $159 per night | rosenhouseinn.com
Art-Filled Oasis | Texas White House
Eighth Avenue and West Myrtle Street
Tucked along bustling Eighth Avenue sits a 110-year-old house. It’s painted white and has a wraparound porch. There’s a gazebo out back, and just one hint that it’s a B&B: the artsy bronze sign out front that lets guests know that they’ve arrived — TXWH.
There are three rooms in the main house and three in the carriage house. All of the rooms and the main house’s living room act as an art gallery where guests can view and buy local artists’ work.
Rent out the main house (or two modern suites in the carriage house) for an exclusive escape and add an extra touch to your stay with a package like Texas Wine & Cheese.
Since buying the Texas White House B&B in 2012, innkeepers Cindy and Javier Lucio have turned it into a charming place to spend a weekend away from it all. Out back, you’ll find a native Texas garden and (if you keep an eye out) a “hidden hammock.”
Six rooms available | $100 – $175 per night | texaswhitehouse.com
Dror Baldinger FAIA
New-Age Bed & Breakfast | Hotel Revel
West Rosedale Street and Eighth Avenue
“Welcome to the Revellion”: Fort Worth’s one-of-a-kind contactless hotel. The building’s blue slats and concrete paneling will make you stop in your tracks with a “ooh, what’s that?”.
Good news: The inside of the hotel is just as cool as the outside. It has clean white walls, floor-to-ceiling windows, and everything you need to feel like you’re living the high life.
The one thing it doesn’t have? On-site staff. Check in with your phone (Hotel Revel will email you an app for your room key) and enjoy decked-out amenities in every room. You’ll have everything you need to enjoy your stay on your own, without having to talk to any strangers at all. Huzzah!
If you’d like to class it up, you can ask Hotel Revel to provide champagne for two or unwind with some of the CBD goodies that they offer. This spring, guests will be also able to enjoy Sugarmans (a new speakeasy on the ground floor) and Cast & Hook (a new seafood kitchen and raw bar from chef Stefon Rishel).
Stretch your legs during the day with a walk along Magnolia Avenue or around the Historic Near Southside ... just be sure to make it back before the sun begins to set. A Texas sunset from the Hotel Revel SkyDeck is a can’t-miss affair.
15 rooms available | $130 – $315 per night | thehotelrevel.com
South Main
House of Hygge | Three Danes Inn
West Leuda Street and May Street
Located slightly southwest of Rosen House Inn is another century-old yellow house. It’s an adults-only historic inn with a vibrant history, cozy rooms, and gorgeous wraparound porch.
A visit to Three Danes Inn is a must for anyone who’s looking to slow down their pace and rest in the moment. It’s owned by Fort Worth locals Darlene, Erna, and Jim, a trio known for their hospitality and kindness toward guests. They’ve revitalized the home on May Street and turned it into a place of “hygge,” where you’re sure to find the peace and quiet you’ve been craving.
hyg·ge: ˈh(y)o͞oɡə,ˈho͝oɡə/ (pronounced hoo-gah), noun, a Danish word meaning “a cozy environment where one can enjoy life’s simple pleasures with family and friends.”
The Texas Historic Landmark was built in 1904 by Charles W. Maxwell and later bought by James Liston, an Irish immigrant who owned several saloons in the famous “Hell’s Half Acre.”
Evidence of his tragic murder still exists. Late one night in 1917, Liston was shot to death on the back porch by a group of crooks, in front of his wife, Delia. You can see one of the bullet holes in the B&B’s kitchen, which has since become Three Danes Baking Company.
The three Danes have lovingly restored the little yellow home, where guests can savor peace, quiet, and fresh Danish pastries.
Five rooms available | $100 – $175 per night | threedanesinn.com
Stockyards
Paranormal Paradise | Miss Molly’s Hotel
North Main Street and West Exchange Avenue
If you’re a fan of history, ghosts, and the Stockyards cattle drive, by golly, you need to stay at Miss Molly’s. The once-well-known brothel was built back in 1910. You may have seen it while strolling along Main Street. It’s above Star Cafe (one of the Stockyards’ oldest and best restaurants), right across from M.L. Leddy’s.
All of the B&B’s eight rooms are filled with Old West antiques, and seven of them have been restored to their original condition. Bathrooms with old-timey iron tubs, pull-chain toilets, and pedestal sinks are down the hall from the rooms.
You can also stay in Miss Josie’s Room: the old madam’s quarters where you could once rent girls along with your stay. It has Victorian décor and a private restroom. Classy.
All of the rooms are showcased in videos on Miss Molly’s site. This is helpful because you may only want to stay here once in your lifetime. Word on the street is, it’s haunted.
This old brothel-turned-B&B is one of the most haunted places in Fort Worth and is considered to be one of the most active paranormal sites in Texas. One Google review reads: “A ghost was trying to grab me whilst I was trying to sleep. Would not recommend if not wanting to see a ghost. Rating: 3/5.”
Several people who study paranormal activity have come here for research — and they haven’t gone home disappointed. Of course, you don’t have to take our word for it; you can book a stay and experience it for yourself — the past just might come greet you while you’re there.
$100 – $175 per night | missmollyshotel.com
Eagle Mountain Lake
Lakeside Escape
Old Liberty Schoolhouse
Liberty School Tap Road
This B&B is a short jaunt from downtown Fort Worth, located in Azle (about a 30-minute drive). It’s a two-room hideaway in an old schoolhouse that was functional from 1917 to 1942.
This property has a relaxing charm, and the old rooms have stories to tell. In the past, this was a traditional gathering place for weddings, town meetings, and performances when school wasn’t in session. If you’re a fan of history, schedule a short tour before your stay.
Two quaint rooms are available and include complimentary room service with homemade breakfast: The Liberty Suite (reminiscent of a little apartment, complete with fireplace and a porch swing) or the Let Freedom Ring Suite (which offers phenomenal views of Eagle Mountain Lake) — everything you need to enjoy a home away from home.
$100 – $175 per night | theoldlibertyschoolhouse.com
