We came to Archer City for its literary legacy and stayed at a hotel that felt like part of the story.
First Impressions
Spur Hotel‘s lobby is inviting, a mix of exposed brick, cheerful red walls trimmed in white, and white bookcases filled with books. Unlike Hotel 1928 in Waco, which we also adore for very different reasons, this place feels more casual, more approachable. You can lift a book from the shelf, flip through a few pages, and feel perfectly at home.
Next to the lobby, there’s a cozy sitting area with a fireplace, an acoustic guitar, and rustic decor that adds to its charm. Between the lobby and the kitchen, a bright meeting space fills with natural light. During our stay, it was arranged for the Archer City Writer’s Workshop, which I attended.
Step outside, and you’ll find the Archer Public Library and Murn’s Café right across the street, with the Larry McMurtry Literary Center just a tenth of a mile down Center Street, an easy three-minute walk, depending on your pace.
The Stay
The Spur advertises itself as “down the road from ordinary.” It’s a quiet boutique hotel with only twelve rooms and a trusting, self-service kind of charm. No daily housekeeping here, so there’s no need to hang a “Do Not Disturb” sign on the doorknob. You won’t be disturbed.
Speaking of doors, you open them with genuine old-fashioned keys.
There are no refrigerators or microwaves in the rooms, but guests can use the shared kitchen’s refrigerator and microwave. Mind the posted rules, and expect the vibe of a church kitchen: functional, clean, and community-oriented.
Simple, Quiet, Local
We stayed during Homecoming weekend. The home team won. Go Wildcats! A class reunion party gathered on the main floor that night, and though we passed through a jovial crowd on the way to our room, all was quiet before ten.
The only sounds that roused us came from pickup trucks heading off to work or to hunt in the early morning hours.
There are twelve rooms, free WiFi, and a modest continental-style setup in the lobby with muffins, granola bars, yogurt, and a Keurig for coffee. The WiFi worked fine for writing, but Chris, who needed more speed for client work, struggled from time to time. The Archer City Writers Workshop was happening in the hotel; it’s what I was there for, so we were all likely sharing bandwidth.
Free parking lines the street out front, and it’s easy to settle in here because there aren’t many distractions in Archer City at all.
A Town for Readers and Writers
Our mornings followed a simple rhythm.
We’d step outside, walk half a block down Center Street, turn east on Main, and keep walking until the sun blinded us. Then we’d turn back toward Murn’s Café for breakfast. Chris’s favorite was the breakfast burrito. I enjoyed my meals equally, French Toast one day and an omelet the next.
After breakfast, I’d head to the Archer City Writers Workshop. Chris played his guitar and caught up on work. At lunch, we’d meet up and either cross the street back to Murn’s for lunch or drive to the Dairy Queen, where Larry McMurtry famously read Walter Benjamin and later wrote about it in his memoir Walter Benjamin at the Dairy Queen.
Larry McMurtry’s spot at the Dairy Queen in Archer City.Ratings and Reflections
According to Texas Time Travel, the Spur opened in 1929 as the Andrews Hotel, “just in time for the stock market crash and the Great Depression.” Nearly a century later, though it’s served different purposes, the building stands as a survivor of many times.
Today, it’s a 3-star hotel that feels like a guesthouse. Expedia lists 109 reviews averaging “wonderful,” and it holds a 4.7 out of 5 on Google.
Archer City isn’t exactly on the beaten path, but that’s beginning to change. The Larry McMurtry Literary Center aims to put it firmly on the literary tourism map, drawing writers, readers, and book enthusiasts.
At the Spur Hotel, you won’t find spa robes or cocktail bars. You’ll find books, comfortable beds, and a slower pace. It’s a fitting base for those hoping to enjoy quiet time. I especially recommend it if you’re looking for a place to get away to write, read, shop for books, and limit distractions.
If You Go: Spur Hotel in Archer City, Texas
Address: Spur Hotel, 110 North Center Street, Archer City, Texas, 76351
What to Expect: A quiet 12-room boutique hotel that’s “down the road from ordinary.” Think vintage keys, community kitchen, books in the lobby, and a peaceful, small-town rhythm.
Nearby:
- Larry McMurtry Literary Center – 3-minute walk down Center Street
- Murn’s Café – right across the street, great for breakfast and lunch
- Archer City Library – across from the hotel, small but welcoming
- Dairy Queen – a local landmark featured in Walter Benjamin at the Dairy Queen
Parking & WiFi: Free parking along Center Street and nearby side streets. Complimentary Wi-Fi (may slow down during busy times).
Amenities: Continental breakfast items like muffins, yogurt, granola bars, and a Keurig for coffee. Shared kitchen with refrigerator and microwave for guest use.
Read Larry McMurtry Literary Center: A Booklover’s Pilgrimage for more on the city’s literary destination.
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