Restful Retreat in Panoramic Hill Country

Schnitzel and sauerkraut are on the menu at Alsatian Restaurant, the onsite eatery at Hotel Alsace & Spa. But the view from the windows here—rugged hills covered with scraggly grasses and succulents under a vast open sky—seems better suited to a western than an Oktoberfest celebration. The restaurant’s menu is an homage to the German and French roots of Castroville, which is about 26 miles west of San Antonio.

Perched on a knoll overlooking miles of scenic Hill Country, the hotel features 38 guest rooms linked by gradually curving walkways and shaded by a long bonnet roof. French doors in each room open onto private balconies offering panoramic views of the rich landscape. At the onsite Spa Alsace, you can use your spa credit on an array of soothing treatments, including hot-stone massages and facials tailored to individual skin type.

In the morning, visit Alsatian Restaurant to enjoy the breakfast buffet. This getaway also includes access to Alsatian Restaurant's salad bar and lunch buffet, a smorgasbord with offerings ranging from authentic Alsatian beef bourguignon to all-American fried tilapia and mashed potatoes.

Castroville, Texas: Alsatian Inflections in Small-Town Texas

The self-billed "Little Alsace of Texas," Castroville is an intriguing contrast to nearby San Antonio, which is steeped in Tex-Mex culture. Founded by Alsatian immigrants in 1844, the town contains dozens of carefully maintained historical structures. The oldest of these, the Steinbach House, actually began its life in Alsace in the 17th century before being shipped to Castroville in 1998. It has since reopened as a museum complete with period furniture and confused serfs.

It’s roughly a 30-minute drive to San Antonio, where you can experience world-class Latin cuisine, museums, and its lively River Walk.

Read the Fine Print for important info on travel dates and other restrictions.