Hotel 1928 Waco Review: Fixer Upper Meets McMurtry
Hotel 1928 in Waco, Texas, is more than a boutique hotel; it’s a compelling intersection for book and design lovers. The building was transformed by Magnolia brand founders, Chip and Joanna Gaines, of HGTV’s Fixer Upper fame. Their boutique hotel honors the building’s history, has a soaring two-story library filled with books that once belonged to Pulitzer Prize-winning novelist Larry McMurtry, and it makes guests feel at home.
For me, the chance to see McMurtry’s typewriter and shelves of his books was reason enough to make reservations. After watching Fixer Upper: The Hotel, the season that documents the renovation, my excitement doubled. Chip and Joanna won me over with their warmth, humor, and talent. I now see why so many are devoted fans.
The Intersection of a Literary Legend and a Design Duo
“If you wait, all that happens is that you get older.” – Larry McMurtry — His typewriter graces the desk.Chip Gaines spent many summers in Larry McMurtry’s hometown: Archer City, Texas. It’s the town where Chip’s parents and grandparents grew up.
In 1971, Larry McMurtry opened Booked Up with his friend Marcia Carter in Georgetown, Washington, D.C. The area’s rising retail rents sparked a return home for McMurtry. He brought Booked Up and its 300,000 books to what, for him, was once a bookless town, Archer City. It was 1986. His bookstore once occupied multiple buildings downtown.
On Fixer Upper: The Hotel, Chip recalled how his mom used to bring him to Booked Up as a child. After McMurtry’s passing in 2021, Chip purchased the store’s contents in 2022, incorporating part of the collection into Hotel 1928. For book lovers like me, the library is the hotel’s heart: a sanctuary.
First Impressions
At check-in, Lisa welcomed us with warmth and conversation that rivaled any five-star property we’ve visited. She made us feel like old friends returning home, not just guests passing through. We chatted with her several times throughout our stay.
The Library
The two-story library is reserved exclusively for hotel guests, which makes it feel like an exclusive treasure. One morning, Chris and I played chess at a table tucked among the shelves of McMurtry’s books while waiting for The Café at Hotel 1928 to open.
Location
Hotel 1928 is conveniently located in downtown Waco. The Silos at Magnolia, Shops at the Silos, and Magnolia Market are all a short walk from the hotel—ditto for Fabled Bookshop & Cafe and The Dr. Pepper Museum. On one of our walks, Chris spotted a salon and blow-dry bar just a four-minute walk away. My hair needed help. Stylist Liza gave me “The Flirtini Blowout,” complete with a conversation so delightful that I left feeling radiant, both inside and out.
Our Room
Impeccable and stylish in a way that made us feel at home, we appreciated its thoughtful touches. The fridge was stocked with Texas favorites—including Dr Pepper, which I couldn’t help but imagine would have pleased McMurtry. Turndown service included cookies, water, and slippers, which made returning after a long day feel indulgent.
Dining at Hotel 1928
The Café at Hotel 1928
Breakfast began with a cinnamon roll, warmed up for me and then topped with frosting, paired with a maple syrup oat milk latte for me and a classic black coffee for Chris. The barista greeted us with “Hi friends!” Later, we returned for tea and cold brew in the afternoon. Its space is pleasant to hang out and work in.
Bertie’s on the Rooftop
Dinner at Bertie’s was equally memorable. We ordered 44 Farms’ Filet with crispy potatoes and asparagus. The steaks were slightly overdone, but still flavorful—and I have no doubt they would have remade them had we asked. The service, led by our kind server Hector, was exceptional. The wine list was well chosen, and the cocktails were delicious.
Hector convinced us to end our evening with Warm Dr. Pepper Fudge Cake, topped with chocolate, black cherries, vanilla gelato, and soft cream.
The Brasserie at Hotel 1928
On our second evening, we dined at The Brasserie at 1928, which has a slightly more relaxed yet elegant atmosphere compared to Bertie’s Rooftop. Chris went for Jo’s Korean Style Wings—served with kimchi pickles and ranch—while I chose the Kale Caesar with cornbread crumbs, parmesan, lemon, and added chicken breast. Both dishes felt fresh, flavorful, and thoughtfully prepared.
Chris couldn’t resist also ordering the Cast Iron Mac ’n’ Cheese, made with a three-cheese Mornay sauce, corkscrew pasta, and a golden, crispy crust. I stole a bite, and it was creamy, indulgent, and absolutely delicious.
As with Bertie’s, we appreciated the thoughtful cocktail and wine selections, though this time we couldn’t be tempted into dessert again.
Lasting Impressions
As we checked out, rain fell steadily. Maybe Waco wasn’t ready for us to leave. I planned to dash outside with my jean jacket over my head, but a hotel staff member offered to escort me to the car under a hotel umbrella. Not a drop of rain touched me. It was a small gesture, but a much-appreciated gesture. We were wowed by the hospitality from arrival to departure. If you’re ever feeling down about life, the state of the world, or anything else, go to Waco and stay at Hotel 1928. You’ll feel better about life.
Get a Glimpse of Our Stay at Hotel 1928
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Continue your bookloving literary pilgrimage with a trip to the Larry McMurtry Literary Center in Archer City, Texas.
Do your travel dreams involve bookish stays? You might like Torel Palace Porto Review: A 5-Star Literary Hotel Stay.
Interested in Larry McMurtry and Road Trips? Check out Roads by Larry McMurtry: A Literary Road Trip Review.
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