hill country escapes

Blissful Hill Country oasis named a top Vrbo vacation rental of 2025

An extraordinary resort-style home in the Austin-area town of Dripping Springs is the sole Texas property to make vacation rental company Vrbo's list of 2025 Vacation Rentals of the Year.

The fourth annual awards showcase 10 top vacation rentals in popular destinations around the country at various price points. More than 2 million U.S. properties were sorted based on their high ratings, positive guest reviews, standout amenities, and more.

This isn't the first time a Hill Country vacation rental has been featured; a breathtaking Dripping Springs riverfront hideaway was highlighted in Vrbo's 2023 list. In 2024, a modern retreat in Westlake (an Austin neighborhood) was the sole Texas property to make the cut.

Dripping Springs Social is a spacious nine-bedroom property located less than 200 miles west of Houston, featuring panoramic views of the gorgeous Hill Country. The 6,070-square-foot primary residence can accommodate up to 20 people and includes luxurious amenities like a resort-style pool and hot tub, a grill, fire pit, three full RV hookups, a fully equipped kitchen, and much more.

Dripping Springs Social, Vrbo Vacation Rentals of the Year 2025, pool Watch the sun go down by the pool.Photo courtesy of Vrbo

The property has plenty of space for guests to stretch out by the pool, on one of the multiple balconies, or on the back patios.

"Laze your days away poolside or hang out in the beach cabanas for that extra touch of luxe," Vrbo says. "Enjoy almost 360-degree views of the wild countryside from the spacious back patio or the glorious hot tub."

The most impressive feature of the property is the dedicated entertainment barn. Guests can host movie nights or play video games using the built-in projector, play pool or shuffleboard, or play a round of poker at the convertible dining table. The barn also comes with plush seating areas, arcade games, a private kitchen and bar with a keg connection, a full-size fridge, and a separate ice maker.

The barn also contains a bedroom furnished with a queen-sized bed and XL twin bunk beds.

Dripping Springs Social, Vrbo Vacation Rentals of the Year 2025

Photo courtesy of Vrbo

Dripping Springs Social is located an hour from Austin.

Dripping Springs Social, Vrbo Vacation Rentals of the Year 2025, entertainment barn The swanky entertainment barn is the go-to spot for parties.Photo courtesy of Vrbo

The property is located less than half an hour away from popular outdoor Hill Country attractions like Pedernales Falls State Park and Hamilton Pool Preserve. Dripping Springs also boasts several breweries, wineries, and other fun vacation activities.

"Travelers love that our rentals look like designer hotels but offer all of the amenities they enjoy at home — and then some!" said property owner GuestSpaces Vacation Rentals.

The average nightly cost for the rental is $2,188, making it an ideal destination for large groups or a corporate retreat.

"The vacation rentals on this year's list reflect nearly 300 10/10 guest ratings, experienced and dedicated hosts, and stunning spaces that offer the most requested amenities on Vrbo from private pools to fully equipped entertainment rooms," said Vrbo general manager Larry Plawsky in a press release.

The full list of Vrbo's 2025 Vacation Rentals of the Year are:

No. 1 – "Domus Pacis" in Seagrove Beach, Florida
No. 2 – "Deep Water Days" in Folly Beach, South Carolina
No. 3 – "Dripping Springs Social" in Dripping Springs, Texas
No. 4 – "Scottsdale Luxury Family Estate" in Paradise Valley, Arizona
No. 5 – "Under The Tram" in Jackson, Wyoming
No. 6 – "Heaven's Crown" in Gatlinburg, Tennessee
No. 7 – "Luxury A-Frame" in Bethel, Maine
No. 8 – "Woodpecker House" in Jewett, New York
No. 9 – "Lake Michigan Beach Estate" in Saugatuck, Michigan
No. 10 – "Villa Fabulosa" in Temecula, California

dripping springs hill country travel vacation rentals vacations vrbo

Riverside Reno

Fresh makeover turns Hill Country hotel into modern riverside refuge

Photo courtesy of Hacienda Del Rio\u200b

No matter how cosmopolitan the hotel gets, nothing can beat the trees around this pool.

After a two-year renovation and rebranding, Hacienda Del Rio Hotel and Bar has opened in Gruene, a historic district within New Braunfels. Formerly the Gruene Outpost River Lodge, the property along the Guadalupe River now has 48 renovated rooms, new outdoor sports like pickleball, and updated amenities at the pool.

The River Lodge's previous aesthetic was DIY and rustic, but the new Hacienda Del Rio has a much more cosmopolitan, contemporary design. The new look is full of midcentury styles, but with other eclectic elements mixed in. A press release declares the space was "designed in the spirit of Spanish colonial architecture," but don't expect anything old-fashioned.

$Hacienda Del Rio\u200b Hotel and Bar interior$ These earthy tones mellow out an otherwise energetic space.Photo courtesy of Hacienda Del Rio

Texas-based hotel group French Cowboys was behind this major makeover, which started in April 2023. That puts Hacienda Del Rio in a family with Camp Comfort and The Meyer Hotel in the Hill Country town of Comfort; the Claire Hotel near Canyon Lake; the Gruene River Inn and Heidelberg Lodges in New Braunfels, and Webber East in Austin.

The Hacienda can accommodate up to 178 guests in a variety of room layouts including kings, double queens, and suites. Bathrooms and showers are new, and rooms are outfitted with smart TVs, plus custom steel doors and windows. Photos of guestrooms, although they are colorful, show off a streamlined sensibility.

A new clubhouse and cocktail bar draws guests who may not be staying overnight. Coffee and breakfast will be available in the morning, followed by daytime snacks, and finally a full bar in the evening. Anyone who stops by can enjoy beer, wine, and signature cocktails, plus shuffleboard, a pool table, and even some workspace. There will also be a new conference room for presentations, retreats, and more.

$Hacienda Del Rio\u200b Hotel and Bar interior$ This lounge is open to hotel guests and the public.Photo courtesy of Hacienda Del Rio

Departing from the artsy interior to New Braunfels' beautiful surroundings, guests can play pickleball, beach volleyball, and basketball on a half-court, plus fire pits near the river and kayaks, paddleboards, and floats. River adventures will be facilitated by Paddle Texas, which will offer rentals and experiences. Finally, a renovated pool and deck provide more leisure space.

“‘Del Rio’ reflects the area’s deep connection to the Guadalupe River, where guests can jump in, float, or just hang out by the water, whether it’s at the river or our pool," said French Cowboys co-founder Dylan Petrich in a press release. "And Hacienda captures our vision of creating a vibrant, social place where people can kick back, enjoy the outdoors, and grab a drink, all in one of the Hill Country’s most iconic destinations, without breaking the bank."

Rates start at $125 per night, and the food and beverage space is open every day. Introductory rates are available for those who book through December 31, 2025.

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Riverside Reno

Fresh makeover turns Hill Country hotel into modern riverside refuge