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1930
Hotel Settles
Big Spring, Texas
200 East Third Street, Big Spring, Texas 79720
Original Property Opened in 1930
Historic Hotels of America member since 2011
ghosts
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Originally opened in 1930, Hotel Settles is a historical Art Deco oasis that serves as the towering centerpiece of downtown Big Spring. Extensive renovations using the building’s original blueprints have brought back the stylish details that evoke the charm, craftsmanship, and architectural details of a bygone era. Hotel Settles welcomes guests with true Texas hospitality and a touch of relaxed elegance. Visitors are sure to find this spectacular historic hotel to be truly enchating, from its opulently restored grand ballroom and lobby, to the comfortably appointed guestrooms and casual, yet refined restaurant.
Discover
- Discover the Hotel Settles' elegant Art Deco architecture, which has been lovingly restored to its circa-1930s glory after an extensive renovation faithfully following the building's original blueprints. Its distinctive appearance and place in Texas history led to the hotel being listed on the National Register of Historic Places in April 2013.
- Marvel at the beautifully restored floors, woodwork, and plasterwork, which were originally designed by architect David Castle. W.R. Settles originally built this magnificent historic hotel during the late 1920s, as the surrounding community of Big Springs underwent a massive oil boom. He spared no expense in bringing the building to life, spending around $500,000 on its construction.
- Follow in the footsteps of Hotel Settles' most distinguished guests. Hailed as one of the finest hotels of its time, Hotel Settles hosted many illustrious individuals over the years, from Hollywood celebrities to politicians, with names like Elvis Presley, Lawrence Welk, Marilyn Monroe, Hand former U.S. presidents Herbert Hoover and Lyndon B. Johnson having graced its guestlist. The hotel even played a role in the 1969 film Midnight Cowboy.
Explore
- Explore the Hangar 25 Air Museum, where retired veterans and civil service employees trade memories of the hangar's glory days with visitors. In its past lives, the hangar was home to the Big Spring Bombardier School in World War II and later, from 1952 to 1977, part of the Webb Air Force Base, seeing more than 10,000 trainees pass through its doors on their path to become pilots. Today, guests can enjoy the seven decades of American military aircraft that reside at this amazing cultural institution.
- Wander through the Bush Family Home State Historic Site in neighboring Midland. This humble abode was once the home of former U.S. presidents George H.W. Bush and George W. Bush from 191 to 1955 and was purchased by the family for only $9,000. Listed on the U.S. National Register of Historic Places in 2004, this residence-turned-museum has been restored to its appearance during the Bush family's occupancy, from its "knotty pine" wall paneling to its original cabinets and hardware.
- Visit the Big Spring State Park, which was created by the Civilian Conservation Corps in 1934 and 1935. Extending for some 382 acres, this ruggedly beautiful expanse of arid plains terrain is popular among outdoor enthusiasts for its wealth of tranquil hiking trails. While there, be sure to take in the view from the top of the park's 200-foot bluff, which offers panoramic vistas of the surrounding area.
- Pay a visit to the spring that gave Big Spring, Texas, its name. Located in Comanche Trail Park, this natural landmark, one of the most significant of its kind in the state, is overflowing with history. Once a watering hole for prehistoric creatures like saber-toothed tigers, wooly mammoths, and mastodons, it later became a playground, of sorts, for the area's Comanche people, who would swim in the spring's waters and enjoy the beautiful views.
Experience
- Experience a live show at the Big Spring Municipal Auditorium, which has been the city's premiere performance venue. Through the years, locals and visitors have seen famous performers in symphony, drama, opera, and dance take to the stage, including such icons as Hank Williams Jr., Wayne Newton, and Elvis Presley.
- Take in a dome show, enjoy a summertime lawn concert, or simply embark on a self-guided tour of the Museum of the Southwest. Located in nearby Midland, Texas, this fascinating multidisciplinary institution's scope spans from regional history and art to outer space, featuring art exhibits, a children's museum, a historic home, and a planetarium. Partially housed within the historic Turner Mansion, which was built in 1937, the building itself is a piece of Texas history and was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1988.
- Enjoy a performance, take a hike, toss in a fishing line, or get in a round of golf or disc golf at Comanche Trail Park. Home to Big Spring's eponymous spring, as well as a 6,900-seat limestone amphitheater, the Rose Magers Trail, Comanche Trail Lake, an aquatic center, playgrounds, and more, this 400-acre park is a hub of activity for locals and visitors alike.
- Take a step back in time with a visit to the Heritage Museum of Big Spring. Open since the 1970s, this museum pays tribute to the rich history and cultural heritage of Big Springs and West Texas, featuring permanent exhibits on such topics as Texas Longhorn cattle, the oil and refinery industry, the Texas & Pacific Railroad, and more.
Taste
- Enjoy breakfast, lunch and dinner at the historic Settles Grill, where Texas comfort food meets serious meat-lover favorites, day and night. Here, diners can tuck into hearty, regionally inspired fare like Green Chile Queso, Chicken Fried Steak, and Steak Frites with chimichurri, offering the perfect way to refuel after a day of Lone Star State adventures.
- Head into Hotel Settles' onsite watering hole, Pharmacy Bar & Parlor. Taking its name from the hotel's original pharmacy, this sophisticated space pays homage to what was once the community's "water cooler," where locals would go to chat about the topics of the day, whether weather or politics. Today, Pharmacy Bar & Parlor offers a similarly welcoming atmosphere, as well as craft cocktails, beer, and wine.
- Savor some quintessential West Texas cuisine. Neighboring both New Mexico and Mexico, this part of the Lone Star State is known for its Tex-Mex cuisine, with dishes like enchilada beans and green chile pork and pinto bean stew being mainstays. Of course, no visit to Texas is complete without tucking into some barbecue. West Texas barbecue is often prepared "cowboy style," meaning that it is traditionally cooked directly over mesquite, giving it a distinctly smoky flavor.
FEATURED ACCOMMODATIONS
Featured Offers
National Trust for Historic Preservation Month Rate – Save 15% Off Best Available Rate
Friends of Historic Hotels of America receive up to 15% off the Best Available Rate using the code NHP.
Best Available Rate
Book the Best Available Rate at this property on HistoricHotels.org and receive a complimentary one-year family membership (a $30 value) to the National Trust for Historic Preservation.
AAA Member Rate
While this hotel typically offers the AAA Member Rate, availability is dependent on your exact dates of stay. Please also plan to present member ID at check-in to prove eligibility
