Hotel 1928

Having a drink at the rooftop bar at the end of the evening was a highlight. The views across Waco are stunning, and it’s a lovely place to unwind after exploring the city. The first-floor restaurant served an outstanding breakfast and dinner, with creative, delicious food that was beautifully presented. Throughout our stay, the friendly, attentive staff made us feel at home. Hotel 1928 is thoughtfully designed and meticulously maintained, down to the small details that make it feel welcoming and distinctive. We had a wonderful stay, and its location, service, and design make it a strong choice for Waco.

The nightly turndown came with little bags of homemade snacks, and the employee who showed me to my room suggested signing up for it. That was a great tip since I’m the kind of guest who hangs a “Do not disturb” sign. My room was immaculate, with plush robes, slippers, Le Labo bath products, and tea and coffee. I liked the Fellow Corvo electric kettle so much that I bought one after I got home. Before I arrived, someone from the team checked my arrival time and offered extras for the room. Chocolate-covered strawberries? Yes, please. Everyone was friendly and helpful, from the valet to reception, the bar, and the brassiere. I’ll admit I may be biased about things Chip and Joanna Gaines do, but I had a wonderful stay at Hotel 1928. It does cost a lot, though. If you want to be surrounded by Joanna’s intentionally curated design, it’s worth every penny.

The basement library, which used to be coal storage back in the early 1920s and 1930s, was a fun place to explore. Apparently, all the books belonged to Larry McMurtry. It’s a nice spot to sit and talk, and it reminded me of when people chatted with fellow travelers in hotel lobbies before mass communication. I’ve had lunch at the restaurant before, and the food really impressed all five of us at the table. I still remember the wedge salad and potato soup. We were there Saturday night for a gala closing out Grand Lodge, with the whole hotel reserved for our private event. The fourth floor was lovely, and we took some great photos on the outdoor patio with the Grand Lodge of Texas in the background. The heavy hors d’oeuvres, beef and chicken sliders, cheese and crackers, and wings were all tasty and well done. I’d say stop in for lunch or a drink and look around, even if you’re not staying. Just make sure you hold the bells behind the desk clerk out and ring them properly, loud and proud!

I’d stay here again, but I’d come better prepared. My room was amazing, though dust bunnies in every corner made me wonder how they’d been missed. Everything else seemed clean. I also wished there were a little shop for necessities. I was traveling with my grandmother, who got a terrible headache, and there was nowhere in the hotel to buy water or pain medicine. With no nearby local store to walk to, that was surprising given how much space the hotel has. The service was top tier, and the valet was quick, though I visited in mid-October when it wasn’t too busy. The downtown location is great and charming. I ate at both restaurants: downstairs was okay, still better than an average hotel restaurant, while the rooftop was pricey but decent for the cost. The small cafe was pretty good, and I liked having a quiet time reading my own book in the little library downstairs. It’s a must-stay, especially for Chip & Jo fans.