Gruene River Inn

This place didn't meet my expectations. I thought I had booked a hotel room that would have basic amenities such as a reception desk that was open for check in more than 2 hours (3-5 p.m.) a day. Instead it was basically a room that we had to access (with complications) with a code that did not work. I booked the reservation through ******* and pre-paid for my room. A few days before my arrival I got a weird text from the Inn asking me to give them my credit card information by email and authorize a minimal charge ($1.00). I did not feel comfortable responding with my credit information by text or email and wasn't sure that the message was legitimately from the Inn. On the day of my arrival they sent me a few messages which I just skimmed since I was busy with my travels and didn't have time to check my messages. One of the messages stated that check in was from 3-5 p.m. but I didn't understand that was the only time that someone would be on site to help us check in. We arrived after 8 p.m. and had a very difficult time getting in touch with someone to check us in. We eventually were sent instructions on how to use a code and a keypad to get into our room. The code did not work. So we had to send multiple messages to try to get help getting into our room. The lock finally was opened remotely, presumably by the Inn's off-site staff. However, this didn't solve the problem of the faulty code so we could not both leave our room at the same time since we would not be able to re-enter our room. When we checked out we mentioned this problem and were told that is not an uncommon problem and that they often will give two different codes just in case one of them doesn't work. We only got one. It was also unnerving that the room was unlocked remotely for us. Once inside we discovered there was no secondary deadbolt or chain on the door to prevent someone from entering if the door was opened remotely by someone else. This made us feel less safe. The room itself was nice. It was clean, the bed was comfortable and it had a nice view. However, the experience was not very good otherwise.

Very disappointed - the outdoor bar area is undergoing renovations and is not open. One of the reasons we booked this accommodation was for the outdoor bar. The light in our bathroom does not work - mentioned this to the receptionist and she told me they did not have a maintenance staff. We were only given one room key. The queen bed is extremely uncomfortable and sags to the middle.

We have used Trip Advisor to plan numerous trips, but were steered wrong on this one. Good: Views of the river were lovely and our bed was super comfy. Towels were plush and we were given an ample supply. Not so good: The rooms were very small. The queen size bed took up most of the space. TV had very limited channel offerings. Inn is built high on a river bank. The slant/unleveling in the floors is quite noticeable. We were expecting a quiet stay, since this inn had only 14 rooms. Not the case. The flooring was entirely hardwood, which made it very noisy. Pretty sure there was no insulation between the walls and ceiling. We were awakened throughout the nights we stayed by conversations, bumps, taps, and shutting doors in the rooms above and adjacent to us. In addition, there was no front desk attendant after 5pm…just a phone number to call if you need something. No breakfast, unless you preorder a breakfast taco for 8:30 am delivery. No coffee until 8:30 am … unless you want to use the Keurig. Would not stay here again. We need our sleep.

This is a charming inn, a short walk into town. All rooms look over the river, are clean, beautifully decorated and quiet. Jane at the front desk is friendly and so helpful. It’s a relaxing lovely place which we plan to return to often. The historic town is a 10 minute walk and I would prefer to be here rather than stay there because it’s much more crowded in town.

The view from our room was absolutely gorgeous...I was really shocked when we came out on the balcony. The front desk was SO helpful and even sells little convenience items, the breakfast buffet had to top the charts in terms of what I've been offered at previous hotels. Really great food, and lots of fun seating options. The reading nooks in the front hall are so adorable and there's countless decoration pieces that add to the quaint and old-timey feel of the hotel.

Beautiful view, great people, walling distance to Gruene Hall. Just a real home welcome feeling. We have already booked it back for next year! The breakfast tacos each morning were awesome! Just a perfect place to stay if you are going to Gruene!

The Gruene River Inn was a pleasant surprise! It was within a 5 minute walk of everything in downtown Gruene And within 10 minutes of new brampos Main Street. The décor was charming the people were very niwe're very nice the rooms were nicely decorated and clean.. And good sized. Bathrooms were fine the shower was great. There was a little balcony overlooking the Guadalupe river with a beautiful view. You could spend more money elsewhere I don't know why you would. You can also have a nice breakfast as well for a few more dollars. It was a great starting point to visit Wimberley, Jacobs well and Dripping Springs/Hamilton pool. We would definitely stay there again.

I agree with all the other reviews that this hotel is very nice. It’s also quirky, kitschy, has lots of antique furniture, old timey photographs, several daybed nooks and a Christmas tree with Americana ornaments. It’s very clean and the living room is inviting with beautiful fresh flowers on the tables and a big screen tv. Everything you could need for the room is provided including a refrigerator and microwave. There is coffee available any time of the day and a afternoon snack was also available. The room balcony has a great view of the river. The staff is friendly. The pre-order breakfast is available for a small fee. And I appreciated the hazelnut coffee creamer provided! They have river towels (nice touch) and bags of ice if you want to fill up your cooler to spend a day on the river. There’s also a nice deck with lots of lounging areas. This hotel is within walking distance to downtown Gruene. It’s ok during the day - but a little tougher at night b/c there are no sidewalks so you have to walk close to the road. The only negative I can say is that there are a lot of stairs. We met one of the new owners whose group I believe will be updating this hotel. But because the hotel was built on stilts I’m not sure an elevator is a feasible addition. So I’m giving other TA readers a PSA…..If you’re young and in shape you’ll have no problems with the stairs. But if you’re older (60+) or have mobility limitations the stairs can be overwhelming. There is only one ADA room (San Antonio) on the lower level. All other rooms are on second level or in our case - we had to climb even more stairs to get to the Pecos room (which felt like Grandma’s attic). Ha! Best of luck to the new owners.

Rooms are wonderful and the river view from our balcony was outstanding. We stayed two nights. Less than a mile from the Gristmill or Gruene Hall the location is perfect. Met the new owners, three very friendly young men that have gone into the hospitality business and are great at. We received wonderful service. The rooms have so much charm, my wife loved staying here and the price is very reasonable compared to other options in the area. We will be staying here again and will also be checking out their other property in Wimberly. Thanks for a great stay in Gruene!