The Holland Hotel

The train came through right on schedule every hour, and the earplugs they provide didn't help. The place could be great if it were updated and better cared for, but the tubs were peeling and I didn't want to step into one. There was corrosion around the faucets and showerhead, dirty carpets, dust behind the beds, and peeling baseboards and doors.

We were very happy with the stay and would come back if we're in the area. The two people who checked us in were excellent, friendly, and welcoming. Our room was clean, though the bathroom could use some updating. The trains pass close by and sound their horns through the night. It didn't really bother us, but it could be an issue for other people. We also enjoyed trying the cocktail creations from the very enthusiastic woman who put together the menu at the hotel bar.

The front desk staff were kind and welcoming, though they seemed stuck dealing with ownership's lack of interest. The hotel we once loved has declined badly, and we left feeling sad about what has happened to the Holland Hotel. I wouldn't stay there again, and there's nowhere else in Alpine that I'd choose, so this may be my last trip there for a while. I'd suggest The Gage Hotel in Marathon or Hotel Saint George in Marfa instead. We first stayed at the Holland Hotel on July 2, 2015, when the clean, well-stocked rooms, open restaurant with good food, and lovely outdoor patio made for a great visit. We returned at least four or five more times. On our last two stays, in July 2021 and November 2024, cleanliness, amenities, and services had slipped. The restaurant was closed for renovations during the 2024 visit and apparently had been shut for months. We gave it another try on December 29, 2025, for one night while visiting the Big Bend area with a friend who'd never been there. It was a huge mistake. There was still no restaurant. There's a bar now, but it only opens a few nights a week and was closed that night. The only luggage cart had a flat tire, both rooms were dusty and musty, and neither had tissues. The trash can by the elevator was overflowing. There were no towels or hand dryer in the lobby restroom, and the patio was a mess, with piles of leaves, sad-looking plants, and only two of the four candles working on the outdoor fireplace mantle. There was no staff after 8 p.m. Plaster was peeling from the walls, the sink took forever to get hot water, and the bed was very hard. The rates don't match the service.

We were in town for a wedding, and having the reception right at the hotel worked perfectly. The food was excellent, the space was just the right size, and the rooms were cozy. It definitely had haunted vibes, which I loved. All the stars from me.