Hotel Limpia has made me question the wisdom of staying at a "vintage" property. "Vintage" should not mean "thrift store." As far as I can see, there is absolutely no reason to stay in Fort Davis... if you want to go to a Star Party at the McDonald Observatory, it's worth the drive back to Marathon for the Gage, certainly. On a positive note: the gardens in the courtyard were lovely.
When we arrived, we asked to see our room first (based on the creaking floors and threadbare carpet in the office). The attendant seemed miffed that we would possibly doubt the grandeur of the Hotel Limpia, and begrudgingly showed us the way.
We were told our room was in the annex across the street... this was not a problem: in fact, we were relieved. We were, luckily, at the front of the building...which meant we had three windows.

The carpet was badly stained; the commode was dirty. We were grateful that the air conditioner worked well. The decor was silk flower tacky and used furniture.

The bed, while reasonably comfortable, revealed itself later: upon removing the bedspread, we saw that the underside was marked with something which looked like either (I am not kidding) blood or feces.

Throughout the night, I worried about the possibility of bedbugs. I didn't see evidence of them, but I could not help worrying.

Needless to say, I couldn't wait to leave. (Breakfast options in the town are, at best, limited.)

I will say that the meal in the restaurant was quite tasty... though more attention could be paid to balancing the color palette and nutrition (the vegetables served were cream cheese mashed potatoes, Mediterranean posole, and beefy cabbage-- all good, but all the same color).

I'm a native Texan, I love small towns, and I don't mind modest accommodations. But not at this price ($169)... and don't pretend to be grand when you're not.

Trying to excape the heat and humidity of south Texas, I booked a two bedroom suite next to the original hotel for the wife, my teenage son, his teenage friend and myself. A day before arrival, I received a call from the hotel saying that they were having air conditioning problems and would need to move us to the "Cottage" at the foot of the Sleeping Lion Mountain. Not much I could say since we would be leaving within 24 hours.

At first glance, my wife and I weren't too sure when we turned off onto a dirt road. From the first sight at a distance, the cottage looked like an old house that had been neglected. The landscaping could have been maintained a bit better but the three startled but curious deer lying in the yard when we drove into the property were quite a treat.

Walking up to the front door also worried me because now it really looked like an old, unkempt cottage. However, upon opening the front door, we all were surprised. Although a truly old cabin, it did look nice. The living area had a large, comfortable sleeper sofa with two additional chairs. Through the windows, the beautiful neighborhood (although no neighbors were very close by) can be viewed (not to mention the mountain panorama.) The cottage is in a very private location.

The dinning area was open to the living area but was reached by walking up 3 or 4 steps. The dining area had a table with chairs for dining as well as another sitting chair for reading. The view from this sitting chair and the dining area was excellent since it opened up to the Sleeping Lion Mountain. The teen boys immediately trekked up to the base of the mountain and had a blast.

The two bedrooms were nicely decorated and comfortable. The single bathroom is far from luxurious (since the place is old) but is large and clean. The exterior porches could have used some sweeping but that was about the only complaint.

We were only passing through and staying one night but we all enjoyed it.

Our family has been staying at the Hotel Limpia for 15 plus years at the same time each year--the weekend of the 4th of the July festivities. I have my own room (# 34) that I has been mine forever and my various family members and friends all have their favorites that they reserve year after year. It is our Home away from home and we have standing reservations from one year to the next. We do a lot of cooking so we have a suite with a kitchen and we also barbecue on their grill at least one time during our stay. There is now even a small, but nice swimming pool and no one can resist the great rocking chairs on the large porches, especially during a summer afternoon rain. Hammocks are under large trees just calling for you to take a nap. There is fresh coffee every morning in the lobby and their special tea (hot or cold) every afternoon the same place.

The whole staff from the front desk down to the maids and handymen are helpful and courteous. If you need something or have a special request ( and we certainly have had several during the years), they do their best to help you out. They will even bake you a birthday cake if needed.

The restaurant is generally very good-- in the distant past I could not always say that. They even have an excellent cookbook of signature dishes that the Duncans and their staff cook up. The gift shop always has unique ideas and gifts. Also check out Hollyhocks across the street for gifts as well as several small shops around the town. Try the Drugstore for the best pancakes and biscuits and gravy in West Texas. They also cook a mean burger. The grocery store at the other end of town is well stocked.

For families it is a lot of fun because there is so much to do (or not do) in the area. It is also a great place to circle around a large table and put together that 2000 piece puzzle that you picked up years ago in hopes that the family would get to know each other as they set, talked, and worked on the puzzle together. But I must warn you, others will stop by and help you with the pieces--is is all part of that small town west Texas charm. The hotel does allow pets ( just give them a heads up when you make your reservation) and they have rooms for older folks that cannot climb stairs. Again. just let them know when you reserve your room.

Does this sound like a love note, I sure hope so, because we love the Hotel Limpia and Fort Davis, Texas. May it continue just the way it is for our next generation of family members to enjoy.

Neat old hotel with terrific history. We had a good stay. Restaurant was good with strong west Texas flavor.

We stayed in one of the guest houses so that we could do laundry, which was extremely critical for us and convenient.

Only downside, beds were not very restful.