One guest who has stayed in hotels across 20 different countries called this West Texas hotel one of the best values of their life. That’s a bold claim for a 1930 building in a small oil-country town.
Yet the praise keeps stacking up, with a 4.5-star rating across more than 1,300 reviews.
The lobby still shows off historical photos of how the place has changed over the decades. Visitors can wander through and snap pictures even if they aren’t spending the night.
Upstairs, rooms come with huge windows that frame sunrise and sunset over the plains.
I like how this Texas landmark leans into its age instead of hiding it. The halls keep their historic style, and every room has its own layout and furniture.
So what makes road-trippers plan their whole drive around one old downtown hotel?
A 1930 High-Rise That Still Rules Downtown Big Spring
Hotel Settles has been part of the Big Spring skyline since 1930. That’s nearly a century of travelers checking in beneath the same tall walls.
The hotel sits right downtown in Big Spring, Texas, a West Texas town many drivers zip past on Interstate 20. Honestly, that’s their loss.
The interstate is only about a three-minute drive from the front door.
Today the building operates as a full-service hotel with rooms, suites, a grill restaurant, a bar, and event spaces. It holds a 4.5-star rating from more than 1,300 Google reviews.
Numbers like that don’t happen by accident in a town this size.
Restored hotel and historic hotel are two of the most common topics people mention online. That tells you what folks come for.
They want old-fashioned hospitality in a building that kept its character.
It fits the kind of Texas trip families love. Grandparents get the nostalgia, and kids get a hotel that feels like a storybook setting.
Everybody gets a comfortable bed at the end of a long highway day.
For travelers crossing the state, that combination is hard to beat. You get history, comfort, and an easy on-and-off from the interstate.
Not bad for one overnight stop.
A Comeback Story Written in Brick and Old Photographs
Old buildings rarely get a second act this polished. Hotel Settles is widely described as a beautifully restored historic hotel, and the restoration is a big part of its appeal.
Inside, historical photos show how the hotel has changed over the years. You can trace its long story right on the walls.
It’s like a family album, only with fancier frames.
One detail I really like is the open-door attitude. Visitors are welcome to walk through the lobby and take photos even if they aren’t overnight guests.
That makes it an easy free stop for curious road-trippers.
The hallways keep that historic style too. Nothing feels stripped down or swapped for a chain-hotel look.
The preservation clearly matters here.
Some visitors even come because of the building’s reputation for a spooky, eerie atmosphere. Old hotels tend to collect those stories, and this one leans historic in every corner.
Fans of a little mystery will enjoy poking around.
For families, the photo walls can spark great conversations. Grandparents may recognize the era, and kids can play spot-the-difference between then and now.
A history lesson that doesn’t feel like homework is a rare win on a road trip.
No Two Rooms Look Quite the Same Upstairs
Cookie-cutter rooms? Not at this address.
Guests point out that every room is different, from the layout to the furniture and fixtures.
Rooms and suites feature traditional decor, Wi-Fi, coffeemakers, and 42-inch flat-screen TVs with satellite channels. Suites add sitting areas.
Some even come with balconies and whirlpool tubs.
The windows deserve their own fan club. They’re huge, giving you wide views over Big Spring.
Sunrises and sunsets from up there are a frequent highlight.
Many rooms are known for feeling large and spacious. A vanity with a big mirror and stool shows up in some rooms too.
Getting ready in the morning suddenly feels a bit glamorous.
Comfortable beds come up often, and one shower earned the word spectacular. A few beds can be a little squeaky, which feels fair for a building this old.
Consider it part of the charm.
Two elevators carry guests up to their floors, which helps with luggage. The building rises high enough that some rooms sit on the 13th floor.
That height is a big part of those sweeping views.
If a whirlpool tub matters to you, ask about suites when booking.
Steak Smells That Pull You In From the Parking Lot
Texas beef has a way of announcing itself, and one hungry traveler caught the scent of grilling steaks before even reaching the door. That’s the kind of welcome I can get behind.
Settles Grill is the hotel’s in-house restaurant. It serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner, so you never have to leave the building to eat.
Brunch is a draw for day visitors too.
Dishes people talk about include surf and turf, steak frites, and a full breakfast. Generous portions come up as well.
Some consider it one of the best restaurants in town.
The kitchen typically closes around 10 PM, which helps late arrivals. One couple ordered at 9:30 and was still well cared for.
Calling ahead is smart if you’re running late.
Not every meal lands perfectly, of course. Busy nights can mean a wait, and opinions on value vary.
Most diners still leave happy and full.
For families, having a sit-down restaurant downstairs is a real relief. Nobody has to buckle back into the car after a long drive.
Tired kids and tired grown-ups both appreciate that.
Room service is available too, if pajamas sound better than a dining room.
A Leafy Courtyard Where the Hot Tub Steals the Show
After hours of staring at highway stripes, warm bubbling water sounds like a reward. That’s exactly why the hot tub here gets so much love.
Behind the historic walls sits a leafy outdoor courtyard. It holds a pool and a hot tub, giving guests a green break from the dry West Texas landscape.
It feels like a little oasis.
One cross-country road-tripper called the hot tub the highlight of the entire stay. It was the perfect way to unwind after a long day of driving.
I can’t imagine a better cure for stiff road-trip shoulders.
The pool shows up often in online chatter too. Kids who’ve been patient in the backseat all day will be thrilled.
Parents can relax nearby with the bubbles.
A fitness room rounds out the recreation options. Business travelers can squeeze in a workout before meetings.
Everyone else can pretend they’ll use it tomorrow.
Front desk staff can answer questions about pool access and timing. It’s worth checking when you arrive, especially in cooler months.
Plans go smoother with a quick question.
Courtyard, pool, and hot tub together make this feel more like a getaway than a pit stop. That’s a big upgrade for one night.
The Pharmacy Bar, Ballroom, and Mezzanine Have Their Own Personalities
Leave it to a 1930 hotel to name its lounge after a pharmacy. The Pharmacy Bar is the hotel’s stylish gathering spot, and it pairs nicely with snacks like a charcuterie board.
There’s a pool table nearby for a little friendly competition. Grandpa versus grandkid, anyone?
Bragging rights may last the whole drive home.
Bigger moments happen in the grand ballroom. It’s one of the hotel’s event spaces, alongside a mezzanine lobby.
Both suit celebrations, reunions, and gatherings that deserve some old-fashioned elegance.
Holidays bring special events too, like a Mother’s Day lunch served upstairs. Family occasions fit naturally in a building with this much history.
A ballroom simply makes a party feel bigger.
Light sleepers should know the bar can play music some nights. One guest noticed the bass upstairs.
Asking for a room away from the noise is a smart move.
Business groups can benefit as well. The hotel has offered group discounts when travelers asked about booking several rooms.
It never hurts to inquire.
Between the bar, ballroom, and mezzanine, the hotel works as more than a place to sleep. It’s a social hub with plenty of character packed into every floor.
Friendly Faces Behind That Old-Fashioned Front Desk
Old-school hospitality is getting rare, which makes it easy to notice here. Staff members regularly earn shout-outs by name for going the extra mile.
Front desk workers have brought extra towels, answered parking questions, and even helped a guest find an ATM. Servers have delivered pitchers of iced tea to rooms on request.
Small touches like these stick with people.
One overbooked couple got upgraded to a suite instead of a broom closet. That’s a happy surprise in anybody’s book.
Moments like that build loyalty fast.
The lobby helps set the mood too. It’s filled with comfy, inviting furniture that makes you want to linger.
A long day of driving melts a little in that room.
A few practical notes matter here. The giant historic front doors can be heavy, and the sidewalk can be tricky with luggage carts.
Older travelers may want a hand at arrival.
Booking directly with the hotel is also wise. Some third-party sites have caused confusion about pricing.
Direct booking keeps things simple.
Overall, the people make Hotel Settles feel personal. It’s the kind of place where staff remember faces.
That warmth matches the building beautifully.
Getting There Is Easier Than Most West Texas Detours
Here’s welcome news for anyone crossing West Texas: the detour is tiny. Hotel Settles sits at 200 E 3rd St, Big Spring, TX 79720, about three minutes from Interstate 20.
That makes it a natural overnight stop on long Texas drives. Travelers heading home from Big Bend have used it as a resting point.
Folks visiting Abilene have swung by for brunch too.
Parking is free and easy, which is a relief with a loaded car. The hotel is accessible and smoke-free.
An airport shuttle is listed among the amenities as well.
Pet owners, good news. The hotel is pet-friendly, so the family dog doesn’t have to stay home.
It’s kid-friendly too.
Free Wi-Fi comes standard, while breakfast costs extra. Rates vary by date and room type.
Checking the hotel directly gives the clearest current pricing.
Downtown location puts you near restaurants and spots to hang out. You can stretch your legs after dinner.
Bonus points for a short stroll instead of more driving.
Big Spring State Park is just 3.2 miles away. Families can add scenic views to the trip without much extra driving.
It’s an easy morning stop before hitting the road again.
Why One Night Might Turn Into a Return Trip
Plenty of hotels are fine for a night. Fewer make people plan a return visit just to enjoy the building itself.
Hotel Settles seems to do exactly that. A traveler with stays in 20 countries called it one of the best values they’ve ever seen.
Others compare it to luxury hotels without the luxury price.
I believe the secret is simple. The hotel kept its 1930 soul while adding modern comforts.
You get history, big windows, and a hot tub all in one stop.
It isn’t flawless, and that’s okay. Heavy doors, the occasional squeaky bed, and bar noise on some nights come with the territory.
Most guests still rate it highly.
For Texas families, it checks a lot of boxes. Kids get a pool and a historic building to explore.
Grandparents get a taste of travel the way it used to feel.
Road-trippers get something rarer: a stop worth bragging about. Lots of Texans have driven past Big Spring without a second look.
Now you know better.
Next time I-20 stretches ahead, maybe plan your night here. The sunset from upstairs might just convince you to come back.
