Head to the Hills

Stunning Hill Country hotel featuring famed Texas chef to open in 2025

The fashionable hotel renovates some historic properties in Fredericksburg.

Photo by Alison Marlborough

One of Texas’ most eagerly awaited hotels finally has an opening date. Located right on the main street of charming Fredericksburg, the Albert Hotel has drummed up excitement as a luxury Hill Country destination since it was first announced in 2021 — especially after attaching acclaimed Texas chef Michael Fojtasek to three of its culinary concepts in 2023.

As of October 2, 2024, the hotel is officially accepting reservations for January 3, 2025, and beyond.

Part of the New Waterloo hospitality family that boasts hotel and restaurant hotspots in Texas, Colorado, Ohio, Maryland, and California, the Albert occupies two acres right in the heart of Fredericksburg’s historic shopping and entertainment district. Nonetheless, the urban resort aims to provide a quiet escape from the hustle and bustle of the growing Hill Country town with expertly curated details that reflect the area’s history, culture, and natural beauty.

Albert Hotel Saloon interior The Saloon at Albert Hotel fits right in with its Hill Country surroundings.Photo by Alison Marlborough

"The Albert Hotel is designed to be an homage to the Hill Country," says general manager Mike Bolick via a press release. "From the limestone facades that echo the town's 150-year-old historic buildings to our culinary offerings that celebrate local flavors, every aspect of the hotel is a love letter to Fredericksburg."

That love letter starts with the property’s namesake, Albert Keidel, whose ancestor arrived in Fredericksburg in 1847 as the town’s first doctor and judge. The hotel is a renovation of the Keidel family home and Keidel Pharmacy, built in 1860 and 1906, respectively, as well as two other historic buildings: the Brockmann-Kiehne House, built in 1870, and the Saloon, built in 1888.

Albert Hotel room The rooms are stark and dramatic. And some even offer bunk beds.Photo by Alison Marlborough

Austin-based architecture firm Clayton Korte spearheaded the project, blending old and new in every detail of the design and setting the backdrop for interiors by Melanie Raines. From cozy bunk rooms and luxury suites to the exclusive multi-bedroom Albertina House, the hotel features 105 guest rooms in total, plus four culinary concepts and a full-service spa with seven private treatment rooms.

While two of the four dining options are already open (The Saloon and The Pharmacy both opened in March 2024), the Restaurant at Albert Hotel will also debut in January 2025 along with the guest rooms. Helmed by Fojtasek, who is based in Austin, the menu will feature seasonal fare from nearby farms and wineries.

The Pharmacy at Albert Hotel The Pharmacy is a convenient and beautiful place to start the day.Photo by Alison Marlborough

Junebugs, a backyard barbecue joint, is slated to follow close behind in March 2025: led by New Waterloo’s Head of Food and Beverage, Justin Spencer, the concept will tap his experience as a competition barbecue pitmaster and serve as a nod to Fredericksburg’s German roots.

Designed by Texas-based firm Word & Carr Design Group, the hotel’s landscaping features shaded lawns and courtyards, native plants, and a sunken limestone pool evocative of the natural swimming holes of the Hill Country. The tranquil grounds will become a welcome retreat after adventures at nearby Enchanted Rock, immersive exhibits at the National Museum of the Pacific War, live music in historic Luckenbach, or a visit to one of the countless local wineries.

The Albert hotel patio This welcoming patio takes advantage of the surrounding Hill Country charm.Photo by Alison Marlborough

Booking is now open for stays starting January 3, 2025, at alberthotel.com.

hotels fredericksburg hill country

Airline News

San Antonio gets nonstop flights to this Washington, DC airport

Photo courtesy of American Airlines

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American Airlines will soon introduce long-awaited nonstop flights between San Antonio (SAT) and Washington, D.C. (DCA). One flight will be scheduled daily, starting in March.

Tickets for the new service will be available on sale starting December 23 through aa.com or American’s mobile app.

The route was tentatively announced in October, but the U.S. Department of Transportation has now formally approved the application by American Airlines.

“This new service will offer convenient nonstop access to our nation’s capital for San Antonians, while helping further connect customers to our comprehensive global network," said Brian Znotins, American’s Senior Vice President of Network and Schedule Planning, in a press release. "American thanks the many elected officials and citizens who supported our application, and we look forward to welcoming customers onboard this new service soon.”

Flight 1718, reflecting the year San Antonio was founded, will depart SAT at 6:35 am and arrive in DCA at 10:41 am. Flight 1947, reflecting the year the U.S. Air Force was established, will depart DCA at 7:45 pm and arrive in SAT at 10:43 pm.

“This long-awaited connection to our nation’s capital is a game changer for our community, opening doors to countless opportunities for travel and economic development,” said San Antonio Mayor Ron Nirenberg. “I’m grateful to those who have championed this effort and for the bipartisan support of our representatives in the Senate and House, whose advocacy was instrumental in making these flights a reality. We look forward to the positive impact this nonstop service will have for years to come."

San Antonio City Manager Erik Walsh echoed the sentiments about economic development and pointed out some growth already happening in San Antonio. The release also notes that San Antonio is the largest city in Texas lacking nonstop service to DCA and the largest city in the U.S. with a majority Hispanic population without nonstop service to DCA.

“Serving the fastest-growing city in the country, SAT has achieved record-breaking passenger numbers throughout 2024. This nonstop service to and from DCA addresses a need for our military, business, educational and research communities, among others. It also promotes competition and offers more travel options for passengers flying to and from San Antonio, enhancing connectivity as we continue making progress on the airport Terminal Development Program.”

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