hill country escapes

Hill Country oasis named No. 3 top Vrbo vacation rental in the U.S.

hill country escapes

Hill Country oasis named No. 3 top Vrbo vacation rental in the U.S.

Dripping Springs Social is located about an hour and a half from San Antonio.Photo courtesy of Vrbo
The property has panoramic views of the Hill Country.Photo courtesy of Vrbo
The spacious property has a private pool and an entertainment barn.Photo courtesy of Vrbo
Open up the bay door for some extra room at the barn.Photo courtesy of Vrbo
The entertainment barn comes with a bar with a keg connection.Photo courtesy of Vrbo
The primary residence boasts eight bedrooms, with the ninth located in the barn.Photo courtesy of Vrbo
Enjoy a relaxing vacation for $2,188 per night.Photo courtesy of Vrbo
The property can accommodate up to 20 guests.Photo courtesy of Vrbo

An extraordinary resort-style home in Dripping Springs outside of Austin is the sole Texas property to make vacation rental company Vrbo's list of 2025 Vacation Rentals of the Year.

The fourth annual awards showcase 10 top vacation rentals in popular destinations around the country at various price points. More than 2 million U.S. properties were sorted based on their high ratings, positive guest reviews, standout amenities, and more.

This isn't the first time a Hill Country vacation rental has been featured; a breathtaking Dripping Springs riverfront hideaway was highlighted in Vrbo's 2023 list. In 2024, a modern retreat in Westlake, also bordering Austin, was the sole Texas property to make the cut.

Dripping Springs Social is a spacious nine-bedroom property located about an hour and a half driving north from San Antonio, featuring panoramic views of the gorgeous Hill Country. The 6,070-square-foot primary residence can accommodate up to 20 people and includes luxurious amenities like a resort-style pool and hot tub, a grill, fire pit, three full RV hookups, a fully equipped kitchen, and much more.

Dripping Springs Social, Vrbo Vacation Rentals of the Year 2025, pool Watch the sun go down by the pool.Photo courtesy of Vrbo

The property has plenty of space for guests to stretch out by the pool, on one of the multiple balconies, or on the back patios.

"Laze your days away poolside or hang out in the beach cabanas for that extra touch of luxe," Vrbo says. "Enjoy almost 360-degree views of the wild countryside from the spacious back patio or the glorious hot tub."

The most impressive feature of the property is the dedicated entertainment barn. Guests can host movie nights or play video games using the built-in projector, play pool or shuffleboard, or play a round of poker at the convertible dining table. The barn also comes with plush seating areas, arcade games, a private kitchen and bar with a keg connection, a full-size fridge, and a separate ice maker.

The barn also contains a bedroom furnished with a queen-sized bed and XL twin bunk beds.

Dripping Springs Social, Vrbo Vacation Rentals of the Year 2025, entertainment barn The swanky entertainment barn is the go-to spot for parties.Photo courtesy of Vrbo

The property is located less than half an hour away from popular outdoor Hill Country attractions like Pedernales Falls State Park and Hamilton Pool Preserve. Dripping Springs also boasts several breweries, wineries, and other fun vacation activities.

"Travelers love that our rentals look like designer hotels but offer all of the amenities they enjoy at home — and then some!" said property owner GuestSpaces Vacation Rentals.

The average nightly cost for the rental is $2,188, making it an ideal destination for large groups or a corporate retreat.

"The vacation rentals on this year's list reflect nearly 300 10/10 guest ratings, experienced and dedicated hosts, and stunning spaces that offer the most requested amenities on Vrbo from private pools to fully equipped entertainment rooms," said Vrbo general manager Larry Plawsky in a press release.

The full list of Vrbo's 2025 Vacation Rentals of the Year are:

No. 1 – "Domus Pacis" in Seagrove Beach, Florida
No. 2 – "Deep Water Days" in Folly Beach, South Carolina
No. 3 – "Dripping Springs Social" in Dripping Springs, Texas
No. 4 – "Scottsdale Luxury Family Estate" in Paradise Valley, Arizona
No. 5 – "Under The Tram" in Jackson, Wyoming
No. 6 – "Heaven's Crown" in Gatlinburg, Tennessee
No. 7 – "Luxury A-Frame" in Bethel, Maine
No. 8 – "Woodpecker House" in Jewett, New York
No. 9 – "Lake Michigan Beach Estate" in Saugatuck, Michigan
No. 10 – "Villa Fabulosa" in Temecula, California

vacations travel vrbo dripping springs hill country

Hotel News

First Waldorf Astoria resort in Texas to debut in Hill Country destination

The Waldorf Astoria Hill Country will be constructed in Fredericksburg. Rendering courtesy of IMI Worldwide Properties

A famous hotel chain is opening its first Texas location in the Hill Country — but don't expect a budget stay. The Waldorf Astoria Texas Hill Country is expected to open in 2027.

A release does not share an address, but says the 106-acre property will be located less than a mile from downtown Fredericksburg.

The luxe property will include 60 hotel rooms, 37 multi-bedroom resort villas that may be rented out, and 50 private residences. In addition to lodgings, the resort will contain five food and beverage concepts — an all-day restaurant, a specialty restaurant, a bar and lounge, a pool bar, and a grab-and-go juice bar — a spa, a fitness center, and two pools.

Behind the scenes of this arrangement are Hilton — the Waldorf Astoria's parent company — and Wine Country Hospitality Partners LLC, a partnership between Mark Harmon, Robert Radovan, and Tim Sparapani. The design was handled by Studio CABAN, FAB Studio, TIPLER Group, Studio Outside, and Paul Duesing Partners.

The announcement emphasizes the Hill Country's value for travelers who are interested in visiting wineries and promised "authentically Texan design elements." The residences, ranging from three to five bedrooms, are meant for "celebrating the natural influences of the land" and are already available for reservations.

“Conrad Hilton’s legacy in the hotel business began in Texas more than 105 years ago, and working alongside incredible owners, we’re proud to deliver on Conrad’s vision as we introduce our distinguished luxury hotel and residential portfolio in the destination,” said vice president of luxury & mixed-use development at Hilton Amy King. That's referring to the first hotel the Hilton founder bought in Cisco, followed by the first hotel that bore the Hilton name in Dallas, in 1925.

The original Waldorf Astoria opened in New York in 1893 and became famous for its opulence. It was demolished in 1929 for the construction of the Empire State Building. However, there are now more than 30 Waldorf Astoria properties around the world carrying the same historic reputation for elevated service and accommodations.

Developer Mark Harmon emphasizes that the new resort will belong to Texas and be designed accordingly.

“With Waldorf Astoria Texas Hill Country, we’re drawing upon the unique architecture and history of Fredericksburg to create a new experience that opens this budding wine destination to travelers and future residents," Harmon says, "drawing a spotlight to the area as a whole and all that makes it unique.”

hotels luxury