New Waterloo Plans January 2025 Opening of Albert Hotel in Fredericksburg, Texas

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USA, Fredericksburg, Texas. December 02, 2024

In the rolling hills of Central Texas, where German heritage meets Texan hospitality, a new cornerstone of luxury is set to open its doors in the charming town of Fredericksburg. New Waterloo, the visionary force behind some of Texas's most iconic hospitality experiences, announces that the Albert Hotel will begin accepting room reservations on October 2, 2024, for its grand opening on January 3, 2025.

Nestled at 213 East Austin Street, the Albert Hotel isn't just a place to stay—it's a portal to a world where history whispers through ancient live oak trees, where the aroma of fresh pastries mingles with the scent of blooming bluebonnets, and where the spirit of the Hill Country is reflected in every carefully-curated detail. Albert Hotel is a gateway to the rich tapestry of history, culture, and natural beauty of the Hill Country region of Texas. The urban resort occupies 2 acres in the heart of Fredericksburg's three "Golden Blocks" at the center of the historic shopping and entertainment district.

"The Albert Hotel is designed to be an homage to the Hill Country," says General Manager Mike Bolick. "From the limestone facades that echo the town's 150-year-old historic buildings to our culinary offerings that celebrate local flavors, every aspect of the hotel is a love letter to Fredericksburg."

Named after Albert Keidel, described as "the Hill Country's last renaissance man or its first hippie," this remarkable property is steeped in history. The Keidel family's roots in Fredericksburg stretch back to 1847 when Wilhelm Keidel, Albert's ancestor, arrived as the town's first doctor and judge, setting the stage for generations of influence and innovation.

"Albert had an uncanny ability to take the lid off a place and look underneath, to see a place for exactly what it is, and perhaps more importantly, see what it could be," Bolick adds. "We've channeled that spirit into every corner of the hotel, creating a space that honors the past while embracing the future."

Albert Hotel is not just a place to stay but a destination. The property has sophisticated amenities, including 105 thoughtfully designed guest rooms, from cozy bunk rooms and indulgent luxury suites to the exclusive multi-bedroom private Albertina House. Guests can unwind, indulge in culinary delights at the hotel's four distinct dining concepts, or rejuvenate at the full-service spa, offering massage therapy, body, and facial treatments in seven private spa rooms. The crown jewel of the outdoor spaces is a sunken limestone pool and lounge area designed to be evocative of the natural swimming holes throughout the Hill Country. Here, hotel guests can find a cool respite from the Texas sun, surrounded by native plants and the soothing sound of trickling water.

The property is a blend of old and new renovation of the Keidel family home, built in 1860; the Brockmann-Kiehne House, built in 1870; Keidel Pharmacy, built in 1906; and The Saloon, built in 1888. Notable Austin-based architecture firm Clayton Korte, led by principal architect Paul Clayton, designed the hotel in partnership with New Waterloo. The material palette of the new building includes traditional wood siding paired with a custom-raked stucco finish intended to capture and reflect the changing sunlight throughout the day. An undulating façade paired with generous roof overhangs protects interior spaces and walkways from the summer sun. The event space has large glass windows to bring the outside in, and the property feels like a private compound despite its proximity to the walkable, busy downtown. The property's entrance is located on East Austin Street, allowing a valet station in the hotel's circular drive.

The interiors, designed by Melanie Raines, reflect the softer side of Albert Keidel's global sensibilities. Raines' design for the hotel spaces is material-driven, layered, and eclectic. The design is warm yet unfussy, and there are unexpected discoveries throughout. Guests can stay in King rooms that range from 353-428 square feet, Double Queens ranging from 403-626 square feet, 595-1,021 square foot Bunk Rooms or Bunk Suites featuring four queen beds. Signature suites include The Tillie Suite, ranging from 790-895 square feet, the Keidel Suite at 920 square feet, or the stunning Albert Suite, a 1,421 square foot space. Albert Suite features a living room and dining table, one King bedroom, one full bathroom with soaking tub, an additional half bathroom, and premiere views of all the action on Main Street. Rooms feature custom built-ins for storage, large tiled showers, soft lighting, and leather furniture positioned against the rich, green wall color palettes with thoughtfully selected textiles, and the hotel has several special design touches, like reading nooks.

The Albert Hotel's grounds are just as captivating as the buildings themselves. Austin-based firm Word & Carr Design Group designed the grounds to include shaded lawns and courtyards that serve as natural connectors between the various structures, offering tranquil spaces for relaxation. The use of Hill Country native plants ensures the grounds will remain beautiful year-round. The hotel's branding, inspired again by Albert Keidel and the Hill Country, was done by Guerilla Suit, a creative agency known for its work with iconic Texas brands.

With 3,600 square feet of event space, a 1,200-square-foot mezzanine deck, outdoor lawn, and flexible break-away multi-use spaces, the Albert Hotel is primed to become the region's premier venue for unforgettable celebrations, from wine tastings to weddings under the big Texas sky. The hotel offers everything needed for an extraordinary event, including in-house gourmet catering, beautiful custom furniture including tables, chairs, linens and napkins, dinnerware, glassware, and silverware, and a dedicated event team to oversee all services.

The Albert Hotel's dining experiences are set to redefine Fredericksburg's already impressive culinary landscape.

- The Saloon (now open, opened March 2024): A neighborhood whiskey and beer haven in a historic limestone building showcasing the town's 19th-century charm

- The Pharmacy (now open, opened March 2024): A charming market offering coffee and artisanal delights, including house-made pastries, sandwiches, salads and local goods.

- The Restaurant at Albert Hotel (opening January 2025): Seasonal gourmet dining by renowned James Beard-nominated chef Michael Fojtasek, featuring ingredients from nearby farms and vineyards

- Junebugs (opening March 2025): A backyard BBQ joint serving mouthwatering Texas-style brisket with a nod to Fredericksburg's German roots. New Waterloo's Head of Food and Beverage, Justin Spencer will lead the concept, bringing his experience as a competition barbecue pitmaster. Over the past 15 years, his accolades include Grand Champion at the Memphis in May World Barbecue Cooking Contest in 2023. Junebug is Spencer's childhood nickname. The historic Brockmann-Kiehne House, built in 1870, will serve as indoor dining for Junebug's.

The Albert Hotel is the perfect home base for exploring the myriad wonders of the Texas Hill Country. Wine enthusiasts can indulge in over 100 wineries and tasting rooms throughout the region, offering everything from crisp white blends to bold reds. Nature lovers will find solace in the scenic Enchanted Rock State Natural Area, where 11 miles of hiking trails wind around billion-year-old granite domes. History buffs can delve into the rich past at the National Museum of the Pacific War, a Smithsonian-affiliated institution that began in Admiral Nimitz's childhood home. For those seeking a taste of authentic Texas culture, a visit to Luckenbach is a must - this charming ghost town turned music venue has hosted legendary performers like Willie Nelson, embodying the spirit of the Lone Star State.

Starting October 2, 2024, be among the first to secure your visit to this Hill Country heaven. Visit alberthotel.com to book a stay for January 2025 and beyond. Join us in experiencing the soul of the Hill Country through Albert's eyes, where the past and present dance in perfect harmony. After all, as they say in Fredericksburg, "Because you don't have to be anywhere else."