This Celeb-Designed Hotel Was Named One Of The Best In The South
Whether you’ve watched every episode of Fixer Upper or know nothing about the design world powerhouse that is Chip and Joanna Gaines, it’s easy to be charmed by the couple’s biggest reno project yet: Hotel 1928. Southern Living editors named it one of the Best New Hotels 2025 in the 2025 South’s Best awards. From the moody library to the 33 well-appointed guest rooms and the buzzy rooftop cafe, it’s an elegant, comfortable stay with a few fun surprises.
Design Elements
Courtesy of Hotel 1928
Unlike the modern farmhouse aesthetic the Gaines’s are known for, Hotel 1928 has an entirely different vibe. Located in downtown Waco, Texas, the property is in a historic 1928 building that, like most of their home makeovers, was in need of major repair and renovation. Formerly the Grand Karem Shrine Temple, a gathering place for the Shriners, a local community organization, the 55,000 square foot property was originally designed with Middle Eastern and Moorish influences. The Gaines’s and their team wisely kept these elements—like terrazzo floors, arched windows and doorways, and exposed beams—and incorporated them with modern touches. Velvet fabrics, dark wood furniture, vintage rugs, and brass finishes complement the glamorous 1920s-era look.
Dining Options
Courtesy of Hotel 1928
Hotel 1928 has three restaurants to choose from. The Cafe at Hotel 1928 has an all-day menu with sandwiches, pastries, and espresso drinks for casual get-togethers and meetings. Bertie’s on the Rooftop is dinner-only, with seasonally-inspired dishes like chicken and mushrooms with wild rice and seared halibut with lemon beurre blanc. There’s a cozy dining room, or you can dine on the rooftop and enjoy the view of downtown Waco. And the bright and spacious Brasserie is open for brunch through dinner.
Can’t Miss Spots
Courtesy of Hotel 1928
The Library
One of the most interesting spaces in the hotel is downstairs in what used to be the basement. Now, it’s a library with soaring ceilings, a fireplace, and a moody, sophisticated feel. Literary fans should take note of the books on the shelves, which are from the collection of the late Larry McMurtry, the American novelist who wrote Lonesome Dove and many others. A small display includes his typewriter, as well.
The Gift Shop
Thoughtfully curated retail spaces have become a staple in boutique hotels, and Hotel 1928’s is as stylish as the rest of the property. A signature candle described as having a “sandalwood base with notes of Texas cedar, vetiver, jasmine, and a touch of smokiness” is one of the most popular items—guests clamored for it to be sold online.
