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With the opening of Hotel Drover part of Marriot’s Autograph Collection in the Fort Worth Stockyards Historic District, guests are welcomed in true Texas style. The name drover harkens to the era of the American cowboy driving cattle from the South, to markets in the North. Fort Worth was the last civilized stop before crossing the Red River into Indian territory. I doubt the Drovers were welcomed quite so lavishly, but Hotel Drover has succeeded in their mission statement: To harness the true spirit of the Stockyards through the legacy of the Drover, creating an experience that can only be achieved here in Fort Worth.
Located ten minutes north of downtown Fort Worth and about forty minutes from downtown Dallas, the Stockyards Historic District has been a destination for travelers and tourists for over 100 years. Hotel Drover is the jewel in the crown of the Stockyards National Historic District providing a five-star luxury hotel experience in a unique setting with restaurants, entertainment, and business amenities at hand.
courtesy Hotel Drover
The Hotel
The hotel lobby was designed to feel as if you’re in someone’s home, maybe a very rich friend with an extremely talented interior designer.
As you enter the hotel you are greeted by a life-size “Drover” metal sculpture by world-renowned artist John Lopez. Texas details abound throughout the space…think western-inspired fabrics, barbed wire, and branding irons reclaimed as lighting fixtures with reclaimed wood accents with luxurious textures and colors. The effect is more elegant than rustic. Settle into one of the plush sofas and take in the details.
Big glass windows and doors that lead to the covered patio and The Backyard, add to the expansive feeling. The Backyard is an essential element of the Hotel Drover. Adjacent to Marine Creek and shaded by oak, magnolia, and cypress trees, the Backyard features fire pits, a casual creekside bar setting, live music, and a heated ranch-style swimming pool.
Events are open to the public on weekends as is the lobby bar. Hotel Drover is a social magnet for locals, too. Everyone seems to end up there for a pre-dinner cocktails or after-dinner espresso martinis.
courtesy Hotel Drover
The Stockyards Historic District
A long-time resident of Dallas, I have taken many a visitor to the Stockyards for a taste of cowboy culture. When I learned that a California developer had bought up over 50 acres of land around the Stockyards, my first thought was, Don’t California my culture.
Happily, the new owners have done an excellent renovation, preserving all of the original facades on Mule Alley. A walk along Exchange Avenue looks very much the same as it always has. But now, instead of the many vacant buildings, there are lively restaurants, bars, and boutiques, and the Stockyards is a booming destination. I guess just the right amount of California can be a good thing.
Restaurants and entertainment
As you may imagine there are endless dining and entertainment options in the Stockyards.
Here are my top picks in no particular order…
- Hotel Drover has onsite dining at 97 West. Be sure to try the deviled eggs, fried green tomatoes, and one of their signature cocktails.
- Cattle Drive. The Stockyards historic district maintains a herd of longhorn cattle. Twice a day there is a short cattle drive on Exchange Avenue.
- Rodeo. Every Friday and Saturday night.
- Take a walking tour of Exchange Ave. and discover the various buildings used in the TV series 1883.
- Stop in the White Elephant Saloon, a real bar in what was once called Hell’s Half Acre.
Penny Sadler
Rooms
There are 200 sumptuous rooms comprised of four deluxe king rooms, three deluxe double queen rooms, three king terrace rooms, and two ground floor king rooms with (semi-private) patios. King Corner Suites have fully private patios. King spa rooms feature deluxe soaking tubs and countryside views. At 430 sq ft., they’re as big as many city apartments. Four unique king suites provide the ultimate stay at the Hotel Drover.
Rooms are outfitted by local furniture craftsmen Rios Interior Furniture with a shop located in the Stockyards. Hook up to the Bluetooth speaker and listen to your playlist while brewing a fresh cuppa with the in-room Nespresso coffee maker. Or, enjoy the curated margarita makings that come with the room.
Plush Beautyrest mattresses are covered in Italian cotton sateen. The pillows and duvet are made with down alternative fibers.
Luxury Dos Poblanos spa products are in every room. Made in New Mexico with organic lavender they are delightfully aromatic. If you love them, as I do, you can buy some to take home with you.
Hotel Drover acknowledges that some folks deserve special recognition and has packages for military vets, and seniors, and a romance package because keeping romance alive deserves recognition.
Penny Sadler
Events at the Drover
While Hotel Drover is primarily a destination hotel, what better place for a memorable office event or corporate bonding, with 12,000 sq ft of meeting space and magnificent ballrooms leading to outdoor terraces and views of the walking trail and Marine Creek?
Details
Room rates begin around $300 per night on weeknights and double on weekends. A king spa suite is about $1500 per night. Prices are steep but consider this, in one year the Stockyards hosts more visitors than the Eiffel Tower, most of them on the weekends. You can book a room here on their website or try and get a cheaper rate on Expedia.
Hotel Drover has valet parking for guests with in and out privileges. If you’re visiting the Drover for a special event the parking is only $20 per day. Monday through Friday you can have your parking validated if you dine at their restaurant 97 West. However, they will only validate up to two hours.
There is general public parking in lots around the Stockyards if you can find a spot.
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