Hotel Snapshot
In the kind of horizonless landscape that makes the sky appear massive, Lubbock rolls out in far northwest Texas like something from a John Wayne movie. Nouveau cowboys and ranchers still wear their hats around its hinterlands, vestiges of hometown boy, rockabilly icon Buddy Holly permeate everything, the scent of BBQ wafts through the air, and sometimes—just like you imagine it—those tumbleweeds roll by. A tony, little college town on the windy prairie, Lubbock has always sported a bold, artsy vibe and been a spotlight for the spirit of the Old West. But, it didn’t have a decent, luxury, modern-day, boutique hotel... until now. Enter: The Cotton Court Hotel by Valencia Hotel Collection, located steps from downtown and minutes from Texas Tech University. Creatively executed to pay homage to Lubbock’s prodigious cotton industry history, the super chic hotel brings a breath of fresh (prairie) air for both leisure and business travelers.
Design and Character
Ensconced in buildings that resemble the corrugated steel warehouses once used for storing cotton along the railroad tracks, the hotel frames a festive courtyard, replete with communal allurements: a swimming pool, fire pits for evening s’mores, hammocks, grassy play areas, and more. The double-height lobby summons thoughts of a historic cotton exchange, accented by large chalkboard with numeric patterns arranged into a portrait of Buddy Holly. Designed by Houston-based Rottet Studios, Cotton Court Hotel has 165 guest rooms, including a 1,600-square-foot Presidential Suite.
The Rooms
The spacious guest rooms are imbued with storytelling. They continue the hotel’s overall cotton country motif with carpets patterned to show an abstract aerial view of Lubbock’s cotton fields. Rooms are imbued with storytelling. Sliding barn doors open to oversized bathrooms, awash with colorful mosaic tiles. Desks reference antique sewing tables, while wardrobes take their cue from bygone factory lockers. Iron bed frames, a SMEG fridge, local products served up on a mini-bar tray, and wood-framed sofas lure guests to linger. In fact, you’ll sink into the lustrous 100 percent cotton sheets with glee. When you do, look up to see the pendant lighting, influenced by old cotton-weaving bobbins wound with colorful string. Don’t miss the framed, needlepoint Buddy Holly lyrics on the wall.
Food & Drink
It might sound snobby, but urbane folk may not expect stellar, high-brow American cuisine on the prairie. Midnight Shift Restaurant & Bar casts any doubts aside. Expect magnificent cocktails and sophisticated but casual fare from breakfast’s bacon and eggy Avocado Toast to Elk Chops and Truffle Burgers later in the day. Tip for salad lovers: We ordered the Charred Caesar and loved it so much that we went on to devour both other salads on the menu. Kudos to Chef Kate Diehl for her pizazz and prairie gastronomy.
Amenities
From complimentary self-parking to custom-designed Valencia Hotel Collection (dreamy) mattresses, Cotton Court has a slew of pampering amenities: branded bathrobes, Lather® Luxury Bath Amenities, 50-inch Flat LCD Smart TV, 24-hour fitness, and complimentary bike rental, to name a few.
Location and Neighborhood Recs
In the heart of the city, Cotton Court is ideal for Texas Tech parents visiting their kids, business travelers, wine tasters (Texas High Plains American Viticultural Area—AVA—lies here, responsible for more than 90% of the grapes grown in Texas), families, ranchers, and music buffs. Take in a show at Buddy Holly Hall or learn about local history at the National Ranching Heritage Center.
Fast Facts
Location: Minutes from Texas Tech University and seconds from downtown.
Vibe: Artsy, industrial, casual, historical, and simply fun
Rating: Four Star
Room Count: 165 rooms
Pricing: $129 to $800
Our Favorite Thing About the Hotel: The design, the friendly staff, and the fact that it provides a sassy place in Lubbock
Dining: Midnight Shift would be a hit anywhere. It deserves national attention..
Amenities: Classic upscale hotel amenities, but the 50-foot pool is a bonus, the 24-hour front desk is appreciated, and the Thursday Night Yappy Hour for travelers with dogs is a hoot.
Nearby Attraction: Wine tasting at various venues and the Buddy Holly Museum.
Airport: Lubbock Preston Smith International Airport
