Waco, Texas, has transformed itself from a quiet Central Texas town into a vibrant destination known for the Magnolia Silos, Baylor University, and a growing food and culture scene.
The city offers a surprising variety of resorts for visitors. From family-friendly resorts with water parks to boutique hotels in the heart of downtown and cozy vacation rentals near the Silos, Waco has something for every type of traveler.
Top 20 Resorts in Waco Texas
1. Camp Fimfo Waco
Camp Fimfo Waco is the standout resort destination in Waco, offering a unique combination of camping, cabins, and resort-style amenities. Located in Cedar Ridge, this family-friendly resort is within a 15-minute drive of both Magnolia Market at the Silos and Baylor University, and it sits just half a mile from the Waco Mammoth National Monument and Hawaiian Falls. The resort features a complimentary water park, two outdoor pickleball courts, and two hot tubs for guests to enjoy.
The accommodations at Camp Fimfo range from RV sites to fully equipped cabins. The resort offers 85 air-conditioned rooms featuring kitchens with full-sized refrigerators, freezers, and ovens, along with 32-inch Smart televisions.
Guests can dine at Squirrely’s Tavern, grab snacks at the coffee shop, or relax with a drink from the swim-up bar or one of the two bars and lounges. Free self-parking is available on-site. For families seeking a resort experience with water fun and outdoor activities, Camp Fimfo is the clear choice in Waco.
2. Hotel Herringbone
Hotel Herringbone is a boutique property located in the heart of downtown Waco, just a three-minute walk from the Dr. Pepper Museum and a seven-minute walk from Magnolia Market at the Silos. This hotel features 21 individually decorated guestrooms with pillowtop beds, Frette Italian sheets, and partially open bathrooms with deep soaking bathtubs and rainfall showerheads.
Guests can enjoy Mediterranean cuisine at Red Herring, one of the hotel’s three restaurants, or take advantage of room service. The hotel also offers a complimentary reception daily, three bars and lounges, and a coffee shop. With its prime location and upscale amenities, Hotel Herringbone is ideal for couples and travelers who want to be in the center of the action.
3. Hotel Indigo Waco
Hotel Indigo Waco is a boutique hotel located less than 10 minutes from Baylor University, featuring an indoor/outdoor pool with a sun deck. Each room is equipped with a 42-inch flat-screen cable TV with premium film channels. The hotel is within a mile of the Waco Convention Center and about seven miles from Waco Regional Airport.
Hotel Indigo offers a distinctive, design-forward experience for travelers who appreciate something beyond the standard chain hotel. Guest reviews have historically praised the location and staff, though some reviewers have noted that room furnishings can vary.
4. Cambria Hotel Waco University Riverfront
The Cambria Hotel Waco is a newer property situated on the Brazos River in the East Riverside area, just a five-minute drive from both Magnolia Market at the Silos and Baylor University. The hotel is steps from the Waco Suspension Bridge and Bledsoe-Miller Park. Guests can enjoy meals at BLVD Steakhouse or relax with a drink at one of the two bars and lounges.
The hotel features a 24-hour fitness center and over 5,000 square feet of meeting space. With 130 guestrooms and a prime riverfront location, Cambria offers a modern, comfortable stay for both leisure and business travelers.
5. EVEN Hotel Waco – University Area
The EVEN Hotel Waco is a wellness-focused property located directly on the Brazos River, offering scenic views and easy access to downtown Waco. The hotel features dual outdoor swimming pools, an outdoor bar, and a hot tub, creating a resort-like atmosphere. Guest rooms include spacious king suites with separate living areas and full-size refrigerators, ideal for extended stays.
The on-site BLVD Steakhouse has received praise for its food, cocktails, and service. The hotel also provides in-room yoga mats, blocks, and rollers for guests who want to maintain their wellness routines. With a location within walking distance of Baylor University, downtown Waco, and the Magnolia Silos, EVEN Hotel is a versatile choice for all types of travelers.
6. Residence Inn by Marriott Waco
The Residence Inn Waco is an extended-stay hotel located within walking distance of Baylor University, McLane Stadium, Foster Pavilion, and Magnolia Market. The hotel offers apartment-style suites with full kitchens, separate living and sleeping areas, and free high-speed Wi-Fi.
Guests can maintain their fitness routines at the on-site fitness center or enjoy a swim in the indoor pool. The hotel is pet-friendly and surrounded by shopping and dining options, making it a convenient base for longer stays or family visits to Baylor.
7. SpringHill Suites Waco Downtown
SpringHill Suites Waco Downtown is located in the heart of the city, within walking distance of Baylor University, the Hurd Welcome Center, Foster Pavilion, Magnolia Market, the Waco Convention Center, Cameron Park Zoo, and Balcones Distillery. The hotel offers spacious suites with free high-speed Wi-Fi, flat-panel TVs, and ergonomic workstations.
Guests enjoy a complimentary hot breakfast with options including waffles, eggs, and fresh fruit. The hotel features a 24-hour fitness center and an outdoor pool, making it a solid choice for both business and leisure travelers who want to be close to everything.
8. Hilton Waco
The Hilton Waco is situated on the banks of the Brazos River, offering premium views and a central location near Magnolia Market and Baylor University. The hotel is connected to the Waco Convention Center via a covered walkway and offers over 10,000 square feet of versatile meeting space.
Guests can dine at Brazos Grille, which serves steaks and Italian cuisine with river views, or grab coffee from the Starbucks kiosk. The hotel features an outdoor pool, a 24-hour fitness center, and beautifully landscaped outdoor event venues. With its riverfront setting and proximity to downtown, Hilton Waco is a reliable choice for both business and leisure travelers.
9. AC Hotel Waco Downtown
The AC Hotel Waco Downtown is a modern, design-forward property located just steps from Magnolia Seed and Supply and within easy walking distance of the Silos. The hotel offers a contemporary European-inspired aesthetic with comfortable rooms and a stylish lobby.
It is an excellent choice for travelers who appreciate clean lines, efficient spaces, and a central location. The AC Hotel’s proximity to downtown Waco’s shops, restaurants, and attractions makes it a convenient base for exploring the city.
10. Element Waco
Element Waco is an extended-stay hotel that combines contemporary essentials with thoughtful amenities, including spacious, pet-friendly guest rooms and suites with full kitchens. The hotel offers a signature free Rise breakfast and a complimentary weeknight Wine Down reception.
Located steps from Magnolia Table and the La Salle Trolley route, Element provides convenient access to downtown Waco and the Magnolia Silos, all within reach of Baylor Campus. It is an excellent option for travelers seeking a balance of work and leisure during their stay.
11. Homewood Suites by Hilton Waco
Homewood Suites offers spacious suites with all the comforts of home, including fully equipped kitchens with full-size refrigerators, coffee makers, microwaves, and dishwashers. The hotel features separate living and sleeping areas, flat-screen televisions, and an outdoor pool overlooking scenic Legend Lake.
Guests enjoy a complimentary Suite Start hot breakfast every morning and an evening Welcome Home manager’s reception with a light meal and beverages every Monday through Thursday. The hotel also offers a complimentary grocery-shopping service and a 24-hour Suite Shop. It is a strong choice for extended stays and families.
12. Residence Inn by Marriott Waco South
The Residence Inn Waco South is a pet-friendly extended-stay hotel located off I-35 and within walking distance of Central Texas Marketplace. The hotel features outdoor amenities including a year-round pool, sports court, firepit, and putting green. Guests can start their mornings with hot breakfasts and stay active at the 24-hour fitness center.
The spacious studio and one-bedroom suites include full kitchens, work desks, free Wi-Fi, and 49-inch flat-screen TVs with Netflix. It is conveniently located near Baylor Scott and White Health, Baylor University, Lake Waco, the Texas Ranger Museum, Cameron Park Zoo, and Magnolia Market Silos.
13. Hyatt Place Waco
Hyatt Place Waco offers a comfortable, modern stay with a location just minutes from Baylor University and within easy reach of major attractions. The hotel provides complimentary breakfast for all guests and features spacious rooms with contemporary amenities. It is a reliable choice for travelers seeking a well-known brand with consistent quality in a convenient location.
14. Candlewood Suites Waco
Candlewood Suites Waco is an extended-stay hotel located less than four miles from the Silos at Magnolia Market and less than five miles from Baylor University. The hotel offers spacious suites with fully equipped kitchens and numerous upscale amenities. Guests have access to a 24-hour business center, free Wi-Fi, free parking, and a free laundry facility.
The hotel also features an outdoor pool and a fitness center. It is pet-friendly and conveniently located off Interstate 35 and Highway 6, providing easy access to McLane Stadium, the Dr. Pepper Museum, and Cameron Park Zoo.
15. Comfort Suites Waco Near University Area
Comfort Suites Waco Near University Area is centrally located within a five-minute drive of both Baylor University and Magnolia Market at the Silos. The hotel offers recreational amenities including a fitness center and a seasonal outdoor pool.
Guests enjoy a complimentary buffet breakfast served daily. The 74 guestrooms feature refrigerators, microwaves, and LCD televisions with cable programming. The hotel also offers a 24-hour business center, express check-out, and free self-parking. It is a practical, well-located choice for families and business travelers.
16. Moon River Ranch
Moon River Ranch is a unique 550-acre wildlife ranch and river preserve situated along the Brazos River. This ranch resort offers one-of-a-kind accommodations, from Western Wagons for sleeping under the stars to glass-walled V7 Vessels designed for total immersion in the landscape. The ranch is home to more than 500 wild animals, including zebras, wildebeest, and oryx, living year-round on the property.
The property also features a 20-bedroom Main Lodge and riverside outposts. For travelers seeking an unforgettable, nature-focused stay with a sense of adventure, Moon River Ranch is unlike anything else in the Waco area.
17. 3 Story River Estate
The 3 Story River Estate is a spacious vacation rental located on the Brazos River, about five miles from downtown Waco and Baylor University. This property features five bedrooms, seven beds, a private outdoor pool available year-round, a private hot tub, and a backyard overlooking the river.
The home includes a full kitchen, dedicated workspace, free parking, and a washer and dryer. With a 4.75-star rating and Superhost status, this estate is ideal for large families or groups seeking a private, riverside retreat with resort-style amenities.
18. The Elvis House
The Elvis House is a charming vacation rental with a unique story: Elvis Presley himself visited the home in the 1950s to unwind. Built in 1924, the house has been reborn as a vacation rental decorated in Elvis-era furnishings and retains much of its historic character.
Located in the Dean Highland neighborhood, it is within a 10-minute drive of Magnolia Market at the Silos and Baylor University. With a 10/10 guest rating, The Elvis House offers a one-of-a-kind stay for music lovers and history enthusiasts.
19. Lindley’s Little Gem
Lindley’s Little Gem is a cozy 1930s cottage that has been completely restored, located just blocks from The Silos and Baylor University. The cottage is furnished with antiques and features a spa-like bath with a deep copper Japanese soaking tub, along with Kitchen-Aid and Nespresso appliances.
This vacation rental is ideal for couples or small families who want a homey, character-filled base for exploring Waco. It is within walking distance of Baylor games and events, as well as the Silos and all that Waco has to offer.
20. Flat Creek Farms RV Resort
Flat Creek Farms RV Resort is a 78-acre property offering 78 full hook-up RV sites with stunning waterfront views and 20/30/50 amp power. The resort features wide asphalt roads for easy maneuvering of large RVs, commercial laundry facilities, and separate bathhouses for men and women.
An upcoming expansion will introduce a workout room, family lounge, heated swimming pool and spa, and a general store. The resort is located just minutes from downtown Waco, Baylor University, McLennan Community College, Magnolia Market, and local wineries and breweries. It is an excellent option for RV travelers who want a peaceful, well-equipped base for exploring the area.
COMPARISON TABLE: Top Places to Stay in Waco, Texas
| Property | Type | Best For | Key Feature | Price Range |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Camp Fimfo Waco | Resort & Campground | Families, outdoor enthusiasts | Complimentary water park, cabins, RV sites | Medium |
| Hotel Herringbone | Boutique Hotel | Couples, downtown explorers | Three restaurants; walkable to Magnolia Silos | High |
| Hotel Indigo Waco | Boutique Hotel | Design-conscious travelers | Indoor/outdoor pool; modern design | Medium-High |
| Cambria Hotel Waco | Modern Hotel | Business and leisure travelers | Riverfront setting; BLVD Steakhouse | Medium-High |
| EVEN Hotel Waco | Wellness Hotel | Health-focused travelers | Dual pools; in-room yoga equipment | Medium-High |
| Residence Inn Waco | Extended-Stay Hotel | Families, Baylor visitors | Full kitchens; indoor pool | Medium |
| SpringHill Suites Downtown | Hotel | All travelers | Walking distance to Baylor and Magnolia | Medium |
| Hilton Waco | Full-Service Hotel | Business travelers and events | Riverfront location; convention center access | Medium-High |
| AC Hotel Waco Downtown | Boutique Hotel | Design lovers | Steps from Magnolia attractions | Medium-High |
| Element Waco | Extended-Stay Hotel | Longer visits | Full kitchens; pet-friendly | Medium |
| Homewood Suites | All-Suite Hotel | Families, extended stays | Lake views; full kitchens | Medium |
| Residence Inn Waco South | Extended-Stay Hotel | Families and pet owners | Sports court; putting green | Medium |
| Hyatt Place Waco | Hotel | Brand-loyal travelers | Free breakfast; Baylor proximity | Medium |
| Candlewood Suites | Extended-Stay Hotel | Budget-conscious travelers | Full kitchens; complimentary laundry | Low-Medium |
| Comfort Suites Near University | Hotel | Families and business travelers | Free breakfast; outdoor pool | Low-Medium |
| Moon River Ranch | Ranch Resort | Adventure seekers | Wildlife encounters; Western wagons | High |
| 3 Story River Estate | Vacation Rental | Large groups and families | Private pool; hot tub; river views | High |
| The Elvis House | Vacation Rental | Music fans and couples | Elvis-themed décor; historic setting | Medium |
| Lindley’s Little Gem | Vacation Rental | Couples and small families | Copper soaking tub; walkable location | Medium |
| Flat Creek Farms RV Resort | RV Resort | RV travelers | Full hookups; waterfront sites | Low-Medium |
Tips For Understanding
1. Camp Fimfo Is the Only True Destination Resort
If you are specifically seeking a resort experience with a water park, multiple dining options, and extensive on-site activities, Camp Fimfo Waco is your primary choice in Waco. Other properties on this list are excellent hotels, but they operate more as upscale lodging than as comprehensive resorts.
2. Location Matters for Different Attractions
If your visit centers on Magnolia Market at the Silos, properties like Hotel Herringbone, SpringHill Suites Downtown, and AC Hotel are within walking distance. For Baylor University visits, the Residence Inn Waco and EVEN Hotel are the most convenient. For riverfront views and access to the Waco Suspension Bridge, consider Cambria Hotel or Hilton Waco.
3. Book Early for Peak Seasons
Waco is a popular destination year-round, especially during Baylor home football games, graduation weekends, and peak Magnolia tourist seasons. Hotels and vacation rentals fill up quickly during these times. Book your accommodations well in advance to secure the best options and rates.
4. Vacation Rentals Offer Unique Experiences
Waco has a thriving vacation rental market with properties that offer experiences you won’t find in traditional hotels. From the Elvis House with its rock-and-roll history to Lindley’s Little Gem with its Japanese soaking tub to the 3 Story River Estate with its private pool, these rentals provide character and space that hotels cannot match.
5. Consider Extended-Stay Properties for Longer Visits
If you are planning a stay of more than a few nights, extended-stay properties like Residence Inn, Candlewood Suites, and Homewood Suites offer full kitchens, separate living areas, and laundry facilities that make longer stays more comfortable and economical.
6. RV Travelers Have Excellent Options
Waco is a popular stop for RV travelers, and the area offers several well-equipped RV resorts. Camp Fimfo offers RV sites alongside its cabins and water park, while Flat Creek Farms RV Resort provides full hookups and waterfront sites on 78 acres. Both are conveniently located near Waco’s attractions.
7. The Brazos River Is a Defining Feature
Many of Waco’s best properties are located along or near the Brazos River. From the Cambria Hotel and Hilton Waco to the 3 Story River Estate and Moon River Ranch, the river provides a scenic backdrop and recreational opportunities that enhance any stay.
Closing
Waco has evolved into a destination that offers a surprisingly rich variety of lodging options for every type of traveler. From the family-friendly Camp Fimfo with its complimentary water park and cabins to the boutique charm of Hotel Herringbone, from the wellness-focused amenities of EVEN Hotel to the unique wildlife ranch experience at Moon River Ranch, there is a property to match every preference and budget.
The city’s transformation has been remarkable. What was once primarily known as a stopover between Dallas and Austin is now a destination in its own right, drawing visitors from across the country to experience the Magnolia Silos, Baylor University, and the growing food and culture scene. The lodging options reflect this evolution, offering everything from budget-friendly extended-stay suites to luxury boutique hotels and one-of-a-kind vacation rentals.
For families, Camp Fimfo and the various extended-stay properties provide the space, amenities, and convenience that make traveling with children easier. For couples, boutique hotels like Hotel Herringbone and the charming Elvis House offer romantic, character-filled getaways. And for RV travelers and outdoor enthusiasts, Camp Fimfo and Flat Creek Farms provide well-equipped bases for exploring the region.
Whether you are planning a weekend getaway, a Baylor game-day visit, or a longer exploration of Central Texas, Waco’s resorts and hotels promise comfort, convenience, and a warm Texas welcome. Book early, explore all that this dynamic city has to offer, and enjoy your stay in the Heart of Texas.
