The Faust Hotel, New Braunfels, TX

New Braunfels, Texas is a historical town with plenty of buildings dating into the 1800's. The Faust Hotel was built in 1929 to be luxury accommodations for visitors. While the hotel has been renovated in recent years, it still has the 1930's decor. New Braunfels is located between Austin and San Antonio, which allows for big city attractions and a small town all in one vacation.

The history of Faust Hotel is that after World War I the town felt luxury was needed. The hotel opened as the Traveler's, so named due to the rail lines that converge on the area. It made New Braunfels a place for all types of travels and especially those doing business. The Great Depression greatly affected the hotel and area. Not only was the economy suffering, but New Braunfels had a boll weevil issue causing the textile industry to be crippled. The Traveler's Hotel was able to stay open during this time mostly because of Walter Faust Sr. In 1936 the hotel was renamed Faust and New Braunfels was given the nickname "The Honeymoon Capitol.'' World War II was on its way to beginning and soldiers were departing from a nearby base. The soldiers used the hotel to commit to their brides before they went to war.

The hotel was sold to Arlen Krueger who could not make it work. The hotel was closed in 1975, but eventually reopened in 1977 due to Jackson- Houser and Associates. Though it has changed hands a few times, the Faust Hotel has been renovated since 1977 when it reopened and continues to be a place to stop. Antique furniture that was hand crafted, a mirrored elevator, 1930's artwork, an antique grand piano, and a vintage microbrewery are all going to welcome visitors to the Faust Hotel.

Faust Hotel has 62 guest rooms with private baths. The larger rooms cater to a shower and tub with the smaller rooms only having a steel compartment. In 1929 this was a novelty. The steel compartments do have marble showers and sinks. The rooms have air conditioning, television, and toiletries. The executive suite offers a sitting room, fridge, microwave, and coffee pot. It also has a king size bed and full bath. The Honeymoon Suite provides a Victorian flair in the decor.

Hotel amenities include a complimentary breakfast, conference rooms, banquet rooms, safe deposit boxes, air conditioning in all areas, wedding services, wireless internet, ballrooms, coffee in the lobby, and a courtyard to enjoy. Antiques are on display at the hotel. The microbrewery was added to the hotel in 1988. The facilities are made with copper and it fits in with the original beer garden the hotel had. Inside the bar are Texas Pearl Granite tables with mahogany. They serve malted barley, hops, yeast, and other beers like the Walter's Brown Ale or Faust Hefeweisen Wheat Beer.

From the hotel a number of city attractions are available such as the Schlitterbahn Waterpark, Natural Bridge Caverns, and Cornal River Park.