Standing tall at 200 E 3rd St in Big Spring, Texas, Hotel Settles is a living time capsule that opened its doors in 1930 and refuses to bow to modern trends.
This 15-story landmark once served as the tallest building between Fort Worth and El Paso, drawing travelers from across the Southwest during its golden age.
After decades of abandonment and decay, a meticulous restoration brought the property back to life in 2012, preserving every detail of its original grandeur.
Travelers today are drawn to this remarkable destination for its authentic atmosphere, where vintage elegance meets genuine Texas hospitality in a way that feels both rare and refreshing.
A Lobby That Transports You Back Nearly a Century
Walking through the entrance of Hotel Settles feels like stepping onto a movie set from Hollywood’s golden era.
The grand staircase sweeps upward with elegant curves, its polished wood gleaming under carefully chosen light fixtures that replicate the original 1930s design.
Every corner of this space tells a story, from the antique car displayed as a centerpiece to the wooden phone booth tucked near the reception desk.
Historic photographs line the walls, showing the dramatic transformation from abandoned ruin to restored masterpiece.
Guests often pause to study these images, marveling at the dedication required to save this building from demolition.
The renovation team spent countless hours researching period details, ensuring every element remained true to the hotel’s original character.
Comfortable seating areas invite visitors to linger and soak in the atmosphere.
The decor balances sophistication with warmth, creating a welcoming environment that encourages conversation and relaxation.
Staff members share fascinating stories about the building’s past, adding personal touches that modern chain hotels simply cannot replicate.
This carefully preserved lobby sets the tone for the entire guest experience.
Rather than rushing through to their rooms, visitors find themselves drawn to explore every detail, discovering new historical treasures with each visit.
Rooms That Celebrate Period Charm Without Sacrificing Comfort
Guest rooms at Hotel Settles strike a remarkable balance between vintage aesthetics and modern comfort.
Traditional furnishings evoke the elegance of the early 20th century, with carefully selected pieces that match the building’s original era.
The spaces feel surprisingly generous, with many rooms offering more square footage than typical modern hotels provide.
Large bathrooms feature impressive fixtures that blend period style with contemporary function.
Some suites include soaking tubs alongside spacious glass shower stalls equipped with multiple shower heads.
The attention to detail extends to smaller touches like vintage-inspired hardware and classic tile patterns that reference the hotel’s heritage.
Walk-in closets provide ample storage space, while dedicated vanity areas offer convenience for getting ready.
Coffee stations at room entrances welcome guests with everything needed for a morning pick-me-up.
The beds receive consistent praise for their exceptional comfort, providing restful sleep after long days of travel across Texas.
Flat-screen televisions with satellite channels offer entertainment options without disrupting the room’s classic atmosphere.
High floors provide sweeping views across the vast flatness of West Texas, where sunsets paint the sky in brilliant colors.
These thoughtfully designed spaces prove that honoring history does not mean sacrificing the comforts travelers expect.
The Resurrection Story That Saved a Downtown Icon
Hotel Settles sat empty and deteriorating for decades, becoming an embarrassing reminder of Big Spring’s faded prosperity.
The building’s condition grew so dire that many locals assumed demolition was inevitable.
Broken windows, crumbling walls, and years of neglect had transformed the once-proud landmark into a dangerous eyesore that dominated the downtown skyline.
Then a wealthy Big Spring native decided to invest millions of his own money into an ambitious restoration project.
The scope of work required was staggering, as photographs displayed throughout the hotel dramatically illustrate.
Every system needed replacement, while preserving the architectural details that made the building special required painstaking effort and specialized craftsmen.
The 2012 reopening marked a turning point for both the hotel and the entire community.
Suddenly, Big Spring had a destination that could attract visitors from across the state and beyond.
The restoration honored the original vision while incorporating necessary updates to meet current safety standards and guest expectations.
This remarkable comeback story resonates with guests who appreciate the dedication required to save historic properties.
The hotel stands as proof that old buildings can find new life without losing their soul, offering inspiration for preservation efforts in small towns throughout America.
Dining Experiences That Honor Local Flavors and Classic Preparations
The onsite grill restaurant serves satisfying meals that emphasize quality ingredients and generous portions.
Menu options range from perfectly cooked burgers to salmon prepared exactly to guest specifications.
The kitchen consistently delivers flavorful dishes that earn praise from both visitors and locals who return regularly.
Breakfast options fuel travelers preparing for long drives across West Texas highways.
The dining room atmosphere complements the hotel’s overall aesthetic, with period-appropriate decor that feels cohesive with the rest of the property.
Service remains attentive and friendly, with staff members who genuinely care about guest satisfaction.
Room service extends the dining convenience to guest quarters, allowing visitors to enjoy meals in the comfort of their spacious accommodations.
The charcuterie board offers a lighter option perfect for sharing, while heartier entrees satisfy bigger appetites after days of exploration.
The restaurant proves that smaller Texas towns can deliver culinary experiences worth seeking out.
Fresh preparations and consistent quality set this dining room apart from typical hotel restaurants.
Guests appreciate having excellent food available without needing to venture into unfamiliar territory, especially after arriving late from long road trips.
The kitchen’s reliability makes planning meals simple, removing one worry from travel itineraries and allowing visitors to focus on enjoying their stay.
The Pharmacy Bar Where History Meets Hospitality
Named after the pharmacy that once occupied ground floor space, this stylish gathering spot offers a sophisticated atmosphere without pretension.
The bar area features beautiful woodwork and period details that transport guests to an earlier era of American hospitality.
Comfortable seating arrangements accommodate both intimate conversations and larger groups gathering after exploring the region.
Skilled bartenders craft quality beverages with care and expertise, earning consistent compliments from guests.
The service feels personal and attentive, with staff members who remember preferences and make recommendations based on individual tastes.
Pool tables provide entertainment options, while quieter corners allow for relaxed conversation away from more active areas.
The space serves as a natural gathering point where travelers swap stories about their journeys across Texas.
Free drink cards offered at check-in encourage guests to experience the bar’s welcoming atmosphere.
The environment strikes a perfect balance between elegant and approachable, making everyone feel comfortable regardless of their usual preferences.
Evening hours bring a gentle buzz of activity as guests unwind from their travels.
The Pharmacy Bar demonstrates how historic properties can create social spaces that feel both timeless and relevant, offering experiences that cookie-cutter establishments cannot duplicate through design alone.
An Outdoor Courtyard Oasis in the Heart of West Texas
The leafy courtyard provides a refreshing contrast to the surrounding West Texas landscape.
Lush plantings create a green sanctuary where guests can escape the intensity of the afternoon sun.
The outdoor pool offers cool relief during warm months, while the adjacent hot tub provides soothing relaxation regardless of the season.
Comfortable lounging areas invite guests to settle in with a good book or simply enjoy the peaceful atmosphere.
The courtyard design incorporates thoughtful landscaping that softens the harsh environment typical of this region.
Many visitors report having the pool area entirely to themselves, creating a private resort experience in an unexpected location.
The space feels like a hidden gem tucked away from the street, offering tranquility that enhances the overall stay.
Families appreciate the pool as a way to help children burn energy after long car rides.
The hot tub becomes especially appealing during cooler evenings, when soaking under the stars provides a memorable end to the day.
Maintenance keeps the area clean and inviting, with attention to details that ensure guest comfort.
The courtyard exemplifies how thoughtful amenities can enhance a historic property without compromising its character, providing modern conveniences within a framework that respects the building’s heritage and architectural integrity.
Staff Members Who Bring the Building’s Story to Life
Exceptional customer service elevates Hotel Settles beyond its impressive physical restoration.
Front desk staff greet guests with genuine warmth and extensive knowledge about the property’s fascinating history.
Team members like Nicolette and Abigail earn specific praise in guest reviews for their attentiveness and ability to answer questions with enthusiasm and accuracy.
Employees demonstrate a sense of ownership and pride that transforms routine interactions into memorable experiences.
They offer thoughtful recommendations, from suggesting high floors for better views to sharing insider tips about the building’s hidden details.
This personal investment in guest satisfaction creates an atmosphere where visitors feel valued and welcomed.
The entire team maintains consistently high standards across all departments, from housekeeping to restaurant service.
Their collective dedication ensures that every aspect of the guest experience meets the property’s elevated reputation.
Small gestures, like complimentary homemade cookies, add unexpected delight to stays.
Staff members understand that they serve as ambassadors for both the hotel and the community.
Their knowledge and passion help guests appreciate the remarkable effort required to resurrect this landmark.
This human element proves essential to the hotel’s success, demonstrating that authentic hospitality cannot be manufactured or standardized.
The team’s excellence ensures that the building’s impressive restoration is matched by equally impressive service.
A Strategic Stop for Cross-State Road Trippers
Located just three minutes from Interstate 20, Hotel Settles occupies a perfect position for travelers crossing Texas.
The property sits roughly midway between major cities, making it an ideal overnight stop that breaks up long driving days.
Big Spring State Park lies only 3.2 miles away, offering outdoor recreation options for guests wanting to stretch their legs.
Free parking eliminates the stress of finding space in downtown areas, though some guests note the lot sits across the street from the main entrance.
The location allows easy access back to the highway while providing a memorable experience that chain hotels along the interstate cannot match.
Many travelers report going out of their way to stay here, considering it worth an extra hour or two of driving.
The hotel serves visitors heading to or from destinations like Big Bend National Park and New Mexico.
Its position makes it a natural waypoint for those exploring West Texas or traversing the state on longer journeys.
Guests appreciate finding such an exceptional property in an unexpected location, turning a necessary travel stop into a highlight of their trip.
This strategic placement helps sustain the property by capturing road trip traffic while introducing travelers to Big Spring’s unique character and the remarkable restoration achievement that saved this historic landmark.
Period Details That Demonstrate Obsessive Authenticity
Every corner of Hotel Settles reveals the painstaking research that guided its restoration.
Original architectural drawings informed decisions about fixtures, finishes, and furnishings.
The team sourced period-appropriate elements or commissioned custom pieces that matched the 1930s aesthetic.
Even the elevators, despite their age, operate smoothly and safely, having been carefully refurbished rather than replaced.
The second floor mezzanine showcases a beautiful piano that adds to the elegant atmosphere.
Vintage artwork adorns walls throughout the building, carefully selected to reflect the era when the hotel first opened.
Hardware details like door handles and light switches match the original specifications, maintaining consistency across all fifteen floors.
Informative displays throughout the property educate guests about the building’s history and the restoration process.
These exhibits include photographs documenting the structure’s deterioration and the massive effort required to reverse decades of decay.
Guests find themselves drawn to these historical presentations, gaining deeper appreciation for the accomplishment they are experiencing.
This commitment to authenticity extends beyond cosmetic choices to fundamental design decisions.
The restoration team resisted the temptation to modernize elements that would compromise the building’s character.
Their dedication created an environment where history feels tangible and real, offering guests an authentic connection to the past that feels increasingly rare in contemporary hospitality.
Why Refusing to Modernize Creates a More Memorable Experience
Hotel Settles succeeds precisely because it resists the urge to follow contemporary design trends.
The property offers something genuinely different from the standardized experience found at most lodging options.
Guests seeking unique accommodations discover a place where character and history take precedence over generic modern aesthetics.
The decision to maintain period authenticity creates an immersive experience that begins the moment visitors enter the lobby.
Rather than feeling outdated or inconvenient, the vintage approach feels intentional and special.
Travelers increasingly value distinctive properties that offer a sense of place, and Hotel Settles delivers this in abundance.
Modern amenities exist where truly necessary, like Wi-Fi connectivity and updated bathroom fixtures, but they integrate seamlessly without disrupting the overall atmosphere.
This thoughtful balance allows the hotel to serve contemporary travelers while honoring its heritage.
The approach demonstrates that historic preservation and guest comfort need not conflict.
Visitors leave with stories to share and memories that stand out from countless forgettable hotel stays.
The property’s refusal to modernize transforms a simple overnight stop into a destination worth experiencing.
This philosophy has earned Hotel Settles a devoted following among travelers who appreciate authenticity and are willing to seek out properties that prioritize character over conformity.
The hotel proves that sometimes the best way forward is to honor the past.
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