X Bar Ranch Nature Retreat
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About
#1 of 1 ranch in Eldorado
Location
4.7
Rooms
4.8
Value
4.6
Cleanliness
4.9
Service
4.8
Sleep Quality
4.9
The X Bar Ranch Nature Retreat is the ideal sanctuary for anyone interested in the splendor of the Texas countryside. It is a five-generation family ranch with diverse terrain including ample native flora and fauna, scenic vistas, star-filled night skies and magnificent sunsets over gentle rolling hills. We invite you to experience our welcoming hospitality, private, comfortable and uniquely decorated cabins, lodge and guest house and our splendid natural surroundings on the western edge of the Texas Hill Country.
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Property amenities
Free parking
Free High Speed Internet (WiFi)
Pool
Hiking
Patio
Kids stay free
Children's playground
Meeting rooms
Internet
Pool / beach towels
Outdoor pool
Highchairs available
BBQ facilities
Non-smoking hotel
Outdoor fireplace
Outdoor furniture
Shared lounge / TV area
First aid kit
Room features
Air conditioning
Private bathrooms
Coffee / tea maker
Kitchenette
Microwave
Oven
Cable / satellite TV
Flatscreen TV
Refrigerator
Stovetop
Kitchenware
Room types
Non-smoking rooms
Family rooms
Good to know
HOTEL STYLE
Romantic
Mid-range
Languages Spoken
English, Spanish
Location
8115 Farm-to-Market, Eldorado, TX 76936-0696
Getting there
Mathis Field
47.4 mi•
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Rental Cars
Reviews
Traveler rating
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Detailed Reviews


So beautiful and comfortable! It took a little bit to figure out where we were as we arrived after dark and there were no lights, but we finally found it and the key to the cabin came with a flashlight which was very convenient. Plenty of parking in front of the cabin and it was nice and cozy. The beds were very comfortable with lots of blankets and the view was gorgeous. The shower is very small so taller/larger people be advised. I wish we could have spent more time there but we were on a time crunch (and also trying to stay ahead of a snow storm). Would definitely stay here again!
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Date of stay: December 2020Trip type: Traveled with family
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
We stayed at the Roundhouse and attended Kathleen B Hudson's Plein Air Workshop. Our group had the entire place reserved including the lodge. The accommodations were clean and comfortable. For anyone staying at the roundhouse, be sure and get directions prior to arriving as we didn't receive them and had a difficult time finding the entrance. One of the owners called us and told us they had forgotten to email us and gave us directions. I think a bigger sign by the road would be helpful Also, we had a sedan car which was not built for the caliche road. It would be best to have a larger vehicle like a SUV if you stay at the roundhouse. We had a blast and I would highly recommend this place.
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Date of stay: October 2022Trip type: Traveled with friends
Value
Location
Service
Room Tip:Â If you stay at the roundhouse be sure you have a SUV or similar vehicle.
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

My daughter and I had the whole place to ourselves when we visit on a week day. We went to do some astrophotography and were treated to beautiful clear dark skies all night. The facilities are nice and well kept. Comfortable beds and very astronomy friendly with almost no lighting outside at night. Bathroom and shower are very small (like RV camping small). Not a problem for us, but worth mentioning.
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Date of stay: August 2023Trip type: Traveled with family
Value
Location
Service
Room Tip:Â Week days are empty and nice if you like the isolation. The weekend I went there were a few...
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.



My wife and I with the three grandkids were the only ones there.
Disappointments were:
Grass/growth not mowed or cut with a weed eater. I at least expected the area around our cabin to be mowed but nothing was mowed, not even the areas with chairs and table next to the cabin
Water pressure in the kitchen sink was horrible. It took almost 15 seconds to fill up a glass of water.
Swingset/playground area for kids is a safety hazard. My four year old granddaughter was swinging on her own (no help from others). and her head came within an inch of a large tree limb. I made her move to the other swing.
Steps leading up to the platform next to the swing set are unstable.
With nothing mowed and the play area somewhat unsafe, I would say it was not a good place for kids.
The price for my room was published on the internet at 174.00, they charged me 195.00. I questioned that and she said 195.00 was the correct rate. I stayed on a Monday and Tuesday night.
Good things:
Staff was friendly and accessible
Cabin was clean
Pool was perfect (grass wasn't mowed to walk there though).
Disappointments were:
Grass/growth not mowed or cut with a weed eater. I at least expected the area around our cabin to be mowed but nothing was mowed, not even the areas with chairs and table next to the cabin
Water pressure in the kitchen sink was horrible. It took almost 15 seconds to fill up a glass of water.
Swingset/playground area for kids is a safety hazard. My four year old granddaughter was swinging on her own (no help from others). and her head came within an inch of a large tree limb. I made her move to the other swing.
Steps leading up to the platform next to the swing set are unstable.
With nothing mowed and the play area somewhat unsafe, I would say it was not a good place for kids.
The price for my room was published on the internet at 174.00, they charged me 195.00. I questioned that and she said 195.00 was the correct rate. I stayed on a Monday and Tuesday night.
Good things:
Staff was friendly and accessible
Cabin was clean
Pool was perfect (grass wasn't mowed to walk there though).
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Date of stay: June 2021
Value
Location
Service
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
I stayed in an RV site. The place is pretty remote from the freeway, but there are large trucks at night/early am on the ranch road. There were no facilities open to use, i saw one other family, but this place was creepy at night and the rv sites are minimal at best. I was happy to get out of there in the am. Too remote for me and I camp in remote areas.
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Date of stay: March 2023Trip type: Traveled solo
Value
Location
Service
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
If you’re looking for a place to get away from it all, it doesn’t get much better than the X Bar ranch. The rooms are clean, beds are comfortable, and the star cluttered sky is a gem to gaze at in this part of Texas. The main lodge is charming as can be, as are the cabins. Christy, who helped arrange out reservation, coordinated everything with excellence, and was very accommodating. I would highly recommend this place.
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Date of stay: January 2020
Rooms
Cleanliness
Service
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
We stayed at the Spiny Star Cabin. It had a full kitchen and sleeps about 6 people. The outside porch was lovely and was equipped with a grill. The Live Oak Lodge was right in front, so we went there and played some lawn games as well. This is perfect for a weekend getaway. The Lodge was super easy to miss so keep an eye out for the sign. It was super quiet and peaceful and we could see all the stars at night. This place was 15-20 mins away from the Caverns of Sonora which was beautiful. The sweet lady i talked to over the phone Kristi was super helpful and very nice. She helped us with random questions to booking the places etc., Overall if you're looking for a nice disconnect from the busy city life - this was it.
A couple of suggestions however: Trail maps need to be updated. Map shows 3-4 trails but only one of them is active. The hot/cold water buttons in the shower in Spiny Star Cabin was oppositely named. So if you wanted cold water you'd turn it to the hot water knob.
A couple of suggestions however: Trail maps need to be updated. Map shows 3-4 trails but only one of them is active. The hot/cold water buttons in the shower in Spiny Star Cabin was oppositely named. So if you wanted cold water you'd turn it to the hot water knob.
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Date of stay: March 2020
Value
Cleanliness
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
The owners were top notch. We lacked for nothing. The personal cozy touches everywhere showed their thoughtfulness.. Loved the trail and was well marked--did early one morning in 28 degrees! we had no idea a continental breakfast was included-and wait until . A great place with caring owners you see the huge kitchen wonderfully appointed
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Date of stay: January 2021
Value
Location
Service
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

This was my third visit. The cabins are in excellent condition. There is a large lodge building where you can gather. For astronomy or just simple stargazing, it's tops. Although only 3 hours from Dallas, Austin, and San Antonio, the skies are between bortle one and two and a flat, wide and unobscured observing field adjoins most of the cabins. The hosts are gracious and generously sharing of their family's long term jewel of a west texas ranch. The sunrises and sunsets are breathtaking, and the quiet is a refreshing change to the number and volume of auditory distractions that are part of our everyday lives. We stayed in Spiny Star, and it is sited so that you can have breakfast on the deck watching the morning sun but have a shaded dinner in the evening. Full kitchen, well equipped, roomy, clean, and nicely decorated. All and all, one of my favorite destinations.
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Date of stay: August 2020
Rooms
Service
Sleep Quality
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
We stayed at the Spiny Star cabin for a family vacation and had the whole place to ourselves! The Spiny Star is very close to the pool, which was nice. The pool is above ground with a deck, I think it is above ground due to the wildlife all around. It is a very nice pool, deck with table and chairs and lounge chairs as well. There are lights for nigh swimming also. The lodge is also a nice amenity with pool towels, a large dining table.
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Date of stay: July 2020Trip type: Traveled with family
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
They have a big hall with a large kitchen, fully equipped that you can use. There are no cooking facilities nor fridges in the rooms. There is one little town about half hour away, I think there was one restaurant. Bring your stuff with you ! There's an outside fire grill and a GREAT back porch to sit on and eat.
"This is far from anything. Make sure your cooler is stocked. The lodge kitchen and the kitchen in Spiny Star were perfect. "Read full review
"Week days are empty and nice if you like the isolation. The weekend I went there were a few others doing astrophotography as well."Read full review
"This is not a hotel, but a lodge with separate cabins. We really enjoy the Birdsong cabin and try to get it each time."Read full review
LOCATION
United StatesTexasEldorado
NUMBER OF ROOMS
10
Prices are the average nightly price provided by our partners and may not include all taxes and fees. Taxes and fees that are shown are estimates only. Please see our partners for more details.
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Frequently Asked Questions about X Bar Ranch Nature Retreat
What are some of the property amenities at X Bar Ranch Nature Retreat?
Some of the more popular amenities offered include free wifi, a pool, and free parking.
Which room amenities are available at X Bar Ranch Nature Retreat?
Top room amenities include a kitchenette, air conditioning, and a flat screen TV.
What food & drink options are available at X Bar Ranch Nature Retreat?
Guests can enjoy barbeque facilities during their stay.
Is parking available at X Bar Ranch Nature Retreat?
Yes, free parking is available to guests.
Are there opportunities to exercise at X Bar Ranch Nature Retreat?
Yes, guests have access to a pool during their stay.
Which languages are spoken by the staff at X Bar Ranch Nature Retreat?
The staff speaks multiple languages, including English and Spanish.
Is X Bar Ranch Nature Retreat accessible?
Yes, it offers reduced mobility rooms. For specific inquiries, we recommend calling ahead to confirm.