The Inn At Salado

Our one-night getaway was completely spoiled. We arrived to find that the room hadn’t been cleaned after the previous guests, and there was no front desk to ask for help. For a same-day booking, the online check-in process was a joke. I’d give zero stars if I could.

We heard loud bass and several car engines as we were getting ready for bed, and it went on into quiet hours. Later, people nearby woke us with bright lights and talking. I’m not sure what they were looking for, but all of this cut into our sleep. We contacted our host and they replied, though they couldn’t do anything about it. I’m very glad we only booked one night. The cottage had other problems too: a used towel from the previous guest was hanging in the bathroom, there was hair around the sinks and on other surfaces, and black flecks were on the comforter and in both tubs. We couldn’t get onto the Wifi network we were given, and the bed was uncomfortable, as other Airbnb reviews had said. There wasn’t enough hot water for the jacuzzi tub, also mentioned in another Airbnb review. My best friend and I loved Salado’s quaint, charming feel and how easy it was to walk from Baylor Cottage, part of the Salado Inn, to shops and restaurants. We crossed the creek and enjoyed the view and service at Alexander’s Craft Cocktails and Kitchen at dinner. Even so, this was our first and last stay at the cottage.

Salado is still somewhere I’d visit again, especially after an amazing dinner at Alexander’s, but I won’t stay here again. The room looked like it hadn’t been cleaned in months, and our feet were black after walking across the floors. In the bathroom, dried toothpaste was stuck to the mirror, the bathtub paint was cracking, and the toilet felt so unstable that you had to balance on it carefully, almost like an exercise ball at the gym. Wallpaper was peeling in several spots, with what looked like water damage. The website says wine tastings run Saturdays from 2 to 6. When we stopped by around 4, the woman muttered something about not wanting to do it and told me she was closed. The location was great, but that didn’t make up for the room.

We’ll come back the next time we’re in the area. The rooms were cozy and clean, and we liked sitting on our private balcony in the morning and again later in the evening. Breakfast was hot and the coffee fresh. It was a quiet, pleasant weekend stay, with loads of shops within walking distance. A nice little gem between Austin and Waco.