A New Opulent Hotel in Fort Worth, Texas, Celebrates Cowboy Fashion

Dubbed the latest boomtown in the Lone Star State, Fort Worth welcomed more newcomers than any other major city in 2022, according to U.S. Census Bureau data. It’s ready to shine in Texas’s spotlight. If you’re looking for another reason to explore this city that has long been overshadowed by its larger neighbor, Dallas, mark your calendar for the December 1 launch of Bowie House, Auberge Resorts Collection—a contemporary marvel crafted from brick, cast stone, and glass.

Jo Ellard, the hotel’s owner and a National Cutting Horse Non-Pro Hall of Fame Rider from Dallas, collaborated with the local architectural and interior design firm BOKA Powell to celebrate the West and her passion for horses throughout the sophisticated space. This includes 88 studios, 12 lofts, and 6 suites, all featuring open-air glass balconies with views of the city or gardens, original artwork, and soaking tubs. Unique Texan touches like hat racks, boot benches, and customizable boot shines are also included. The warm ambiance is enhanced by white-oak floors, woven rugs, and leather accents in the guest rooms. The standout accommodation, the 1,900-square-foot Goodnight Suite, offers a fireplace and a dining area that seats up to 10 guests.

According to the property’s general manager, Gaylord Lamy, the resort is designed to feel like “the living room of Fort Worth,” serving as a warm social hub for both locals and hotel guests. It seamlessly blends modern elegance with the iconic western spirit of Texas.

The public spaces and guest rooms showcase around 400 art pieces collected by Ellard during her global travels, reflecting the Cultural District’s emphasis on art. Within walking distance are significant museums, including the Modern Art Museum of Fort Worth and the Kimbell Art Museum, known for its renowned collection of European and Asian art.

Culinary offerings include the hotel’s flagship restaurant, Bricks and Horses, which serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner. This steakhouse specializes in locally sourced, dry-aged beef and is set to become a popular gathering spot in the Camp Bowie Boulevard area. The menu features Southern-inspired dishes like deviled egg puffs and wagyu sausage for breakfast, along with wild boar chops and venison steaks, complemented by tomahawks, porterhouses, and ribeyes for lunch and dinner.

The hotel’s relaxed dining venue, Whinny’s, is set to open in spring next to the pool, surrounded by trees and cabanas. It will serve a variety of salads, sandwiches, ice cream, and other light bites—perfect for enjoying between refreshing dips in the Texas sun.

Whiskey enthusiasts can visit the Bar at Bowie House for an extensive selection, including tableside martinis, accompanied by live music on select evenings. Guests interested in learning the two-step or line dancing can enroll in a complimentary beginners’ class, complete with choreographed routines and fresh margaritas to enjoy afterward. The hotel offers a comprehensive calendar of events and classes, as well as unique experiences to book, such as a night at the Modern Art Museum of Fort Worth or a tour of AT&T Stadium, home of the Dallas Cowboys.

For those looking to host private events or weddings, the hotel boasts a remarkable selection of exclusive spaces, such as the Billet Room, a classic game area perfect for cowboy bingo, pool, or Texas hold’em, and Laney’s Room, a private dining area adjacent to Bricks and Horses, with access to beautifully landscaped gardens and a cozy fireside lounge.

Wellness is a key focus at Ash, the hotel’s chic spa (opening December 8), which features both sauna and steam rooms, a nail studio, daily fitness classes, a 24-hour gym, and innovative treatments like the “ashes” service combining a charcoal mask with acupressure, as well as a “deep west” experience incorporating stretching and cupping. Guests seeking a private after-hours spa experience—whether as a couple, solo, or with friends—can explore packages that include 60-minute treatments, access to thermal rooms, unlimited spritzers, and a custom chef’s board for light snacks. The wellness offerings are complemented by events aimed at promoting healing and mind-body connection, including a mindful meditation masterclass and an energetic reset program.

The opening of Auberge Resorts Collection follows other notable hotel launches in Fort Worth, including Hotel Drover in 2021 and the Crescent Hotel, which debuted last month in the Cultural District, providing visitors to the thriving Fort Worth area with even more options for an upscale stay. Rates for Bowie House start at $609 per night.