Schmitz Bed & Breakfast is a restored 19th-century boutique inn and luxury suite rental property located at 471 Main Plaza on the traffic circle in Downtown New Braunfels, Texas. Occupying the upper floors of the historic Schmitz Hotel building—originally founded in 1846 as the Guadalupe Hotel by German immigrant Johann Jakob Schmitz and replaced by the current three-story brick and iron-balcony edifice in 1873—the property combines authentic Texas Hill Country architectural heritage with contemporary apartment-style suites. Travelers choose the inn for its direct views over the Comal County Courthouse and Main Plaza gazebo, its four spacious upstairs vacation suites, and its ground-floor dining and cocktail venues right in the walkable historic core.
What to Expect at Schmitz Bed & Breakfast
Rather than operating as a traditional shared-house bed and breakfast with cramped quarters, the upper levels of the Historic Schmitz Hotel Bed & Breakfast have been converted into four independent, apartment-scaled luxury suites: the Lone Star Suite, Landa Loft, Guadalupe Suite, and Comal Suite. Inside, original 19th-century structural details—including exposed hand-laid masonry brick walls, soaring pressed-tin ceilings, tall arched sash windows, and longleaf pine hardwood floors—pair with full gourmet kitchens or kitchenettes, granite countertops, leather and custom-upholstered seating areas, and spa-inspired bathrooms equipped with walk-in tiled showers or soaking tubs. Guests entering from Main Plaza ascend to the residential second and third floors via secure keyless entry, where wide second-story wrought-iron balconies wrap around the corner of Main Plaza and East San Antonio Street, providing elevated views of downtown festivals, parades, and historic architecture.
Downstairs on the street level, the historic building houses two popular culinary anchors: Muck & Fuss Craft Beer and Burger Joint and the subterranean Sidecar Beer Garden. Guests staying in the upper suites can walk downstairs for house-ground Akaushi beef burgers, truffle fries, craft drafts, and craft cocktails accompanied by live acoustic music in the courtyard. Depending on group size and trip goals, couples gravitate toward the one-bedroom suites overlooking the plaza, while families, wedding parties, and Wurstfest groups frequently book the larger two-bedroom layouts or reserve multiple suites simultaneously to create a private multi-family compound above downtown.
- Four Signature Suites: Choose among the Lone Star Suite, Landa Loft, Guadalupe Suite, and Comal Suite, each featuring distinct floor plans, exposed 1873 brick walls, high ceilings, and modern living areas.
- Wrap-Around Wrought-Iron Balcony: Step out onto the historic second-floor veranda directly facing the Main Plaza bandstand and the 1898 Romanesque Revival Comal County Courthouse.
- Full Kitchens & Residential Amenities: Prepare meals or chill Hill Country wines using stainless-steel appliances, full-size refrigerators, stone countertops, wireless high-speed internet, and flat-screen smart TVs.
- On-Site Ground-Floor Dining & Nightlife: Enjoy immediate downstairs access to Muck & Fuss for gourmet burgers and shakes, plus Sidecar for speakeasy-style craft cocktails and outdoor courtyard seating.
- 1846 German Pioneer Heritage: Stay inside one of the oldest continuously operating hospitality sites in Texas, situated on the original stagecoach corner between San Antonio and Austin.
Schmitz Bed & Breakfast at a Glance
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Address | 471 Main Plaza, New Braunfels, TX 78130 |
| Neighborhood / Area | Downtown New Braunfels / Main Plaza Historic District |
| Operating Hours | Check-in typically at 3:00 PM; Check-out at 11:00 AM (24-hour suite access for registered guests) |
| Admission / Price Range | Paid nightly vacation rental rates ($$$); varies by suite size, season, and weekend events |
| Recommended Visit Duration | 2 to 4 nights (2-night minimum often required on weekends and festival dates) |
| Nearest Transit / Parking | Dedicated off-street guest parking behind the building off East San Antonio Street; easy access from I-35 Exit 187 |
| Official Website & Phone | historicschmitz.com | +1 830-660-7738 |
Visiting Tips, Getting There & Nearby Pairings
Because the property contains only four suites, advance reservations are essential, particularly during summer river-tubing weekends (May through August), the 10-day Wurstfest celebration in early November, and December’s Wassailfest on Main Plaza. Travelers driving along Interstate 35 can take Exit 187 onto Seguin Avenue and follow it six blocks northwest straight into the Main Plaza traffic circle. While public street parking around the plaza fills quickly during peak dinner hours, registered suite guests have access to dedicated off-street parking behind the building—confirm your arrival instructions and entry codes with management prior to arrival. Keep in mind that the suites occupy the upper levels of an authentic 1873 historic structure accessed by staircases, and evening acoustic music from the adjacent courtyard beer garden can occasionally be heard on Friday and Saturday nights before quiet hours begin.
Staying on Main Plaza places you within a five-to-ten-minute walk of New Braunfels’ top cultural and culinary landmarks. Directly across the street sits Naegelin’s Bakery (129 South Seguin Avenue), operating since 1868 and famous for warm apple strudel, kolaches, and Lebkuchen. Two blocks west along West San Antonio Street, you can browse the Sophienburg Museum & Archives to learn about Prince Carl of Solms-Braunfels and the 1845 founding of the city, or catch a concert at the restored Brauntex Performing Arts Theatre. For outdoor water recreation, the spring-fed Comal River tube chute at Prince Solms Park is less than a 12-minute walk (or two-minute drive) north via Seguin Avenue and East San Antonio Street.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the check-in hours and best times of year to book Schmitz Bed & Breakfast?
Standard check-in begins at 3:00 PM with check-out by 11:00 AM, utilizing self-service keyless entry codes provided prior to arrival. Spring (March to May) and autumn (October and November) bring mild Texas Hill Country temperatures ideal for exploring downtown and attending Wurstfest, while summer is peak season for tubing the Comal and Guadalupe rivers.
How much do suites cost and how do reservations work?
Nightly rates fall into the upper-midscale to boutique luxury tier ($$$), fluctuating based on whether you reserve a one-bedroom or multi-bedroom unit such as the Guadalupe Suite, Comal Suite, Landa Loft, or Lone Star Suite. Guests can check live availability and book directly through the official Schmitz Bed & Breakfast website or by calling +1 830-660-7738.
How many nights should travelers budget for a stay?
Most travelers schedule a two- to four-night stay to allow a full day for floating the Comal River or visiting Landa Park, an afternoon touring neighboring Gruene Historic District, and relaxed evenings dining around Main Plaza. Weekends and special event dates typically require at least a two-night minimum booking.
Is Schmitz Bed & Breakfast accessible and suitable for families?
Because the guest suites are situated on the upper floors of a preservation-protected 1873 building reached via historic interior stairs, the residential units are not step-free for wheelchair users, though the ground-floor restaurants are accessible from street level. The multi-room layouts, full kitchens, and living rooms make the suites highly practical for families and small groups traveling together.
When planning your New Braunfels travel guide or browsing verified hotels in New Braunfels, pair this stop with standout local spots including Lindheimer Home, Landa Park, The Resort at Schlitterbahn New Braunfels, and The Mess Around – Upscale Southern Comfort Food (nearby).
