If you’re planning a trip to Fort Worth, choosing where to stay can make a big difference in how much you enjoy your visit.
Fort Worth is a big city, but many of the attractions visitors come to see are concentrated in a few distinct areas. You can stay in the heart of the historic Stockyards, walk to restaurants and attractions in downtown Fort Worth, or choose the quieter Cultural District if museums and the arts are more your style.
I recently spent time exploring Fort Worth as part of my Houston to Fort Worth and Dallas Road Trip, and I realized that choosing the right neighborhood is important if you don’t want to spend your vacation sitting in traffic.
Where is the Best Area to Stay in Fort Worth?
For most first-time visitors, these are the best areas to stay in Fort Worth and the hotels I would recommend.
- Fort Worth Stockyards – The Stockyards is a great area to stay in if you’re planning to enjoy the western culture, watch the cattle drive and do a little two-stepping at Billy Bob’s.
- Downtown/Sundance Square – Great for first-time visitors and if you’re planning to walk around downtown and see the sites.
- Cultural District– Best for spending time in the museums, art and a quieter atmosphere.
Where to Stay in Fort Worth – My Pick for First-Time Visitors
If this is your first trip to Fort Worth, I would choose downtown Fort Worth or the Stockyards.
I stayed downtown during my visit, and I liked having restaurants, attractions and entertainment relatively close by. I also enjoyed walking early sunday morning when the streets were quiet and almost no one was around. It was a beautiful sunny day, and the wide, flat sidewalks lined with red bricks made it a pleasant walk.
But if your main reason for visiting Fort Worth is to experience the cowboy culture, staying in the Stockyards puts you right in the middle of the action.
Before booking: I always compare hotel locations, parking fees, cancellation policies and recent guest reviews. I recommend checking current rates on Booking.com before making a decision because prices can vary considerably.
1. Fort Worth Stockyards: Best Area for Western Culture
I went to Fort Worth to experience the whole Cowboy Culture, and honestly it was so much fun. The Stockyards is the place to be. The fashionable outfits definitely included cowboy hats and boots. I would say that this district is the most popular attraction in Fort Worth.
The Stockyard National Historic District is lined with brick streets, western shops, restaurants, saloons and entertainment. Exchange Avenue is the main pedestrian hub of the district. Major bus stops are easily accessible and there is free parking on the side streets.
If you’re planning to enjoy the nightlife in the Stockyards, I would definitely recommend staying in the hotels in the area. When choosing where to stay in Fort Worth, there are three main areas and plenty of hotels to choose from.
Hotel Drover: Best Luxury Hotel in the Stockyards
If money is no object, Hotel Drover is definitely my first choice in the Stockyards. The western-inspired luxury hotel sits right at the end of Mule Alley, within walking distance of restaurants, shops and all the Stockyards entertainment.
Even if you don’t plan to book a room in this hotel, it’s worth a visit and maybe have a drink at the bar, just to check out the gorgeous western decor.
Check Hotel Hotel Drover rates and availabilty.
Hyatt Place Fort Worth Historic Stockyards: Best Mid-range Choice
Hyatt Place Fort Worth’s biggest advantage is its location, right in the Stockyards. Keep in mind that The Stockyards is an entertainment district. There is music and singing on the streets and overall noise. If you’re a light sleeper, you might want to try downtown or the Cultural District instead.
2. Downtown Fort Worth: Best Area for First-Time Visitors
The Worthington Renaissance: Best Upscale Downtown Hotel:
A contemporary upscale hotel located on Main Street, in Fort Worth’s Sundance Square. I did not stay in this hotel, but the location is perfect for a weekend stay. Rates are on the high-end.
Kimpton Harper:
A 4-star boutique hotel located in a historic landmark. I chose this hotel for its location and reasonable room rate. I can definitely recommend it. The rooms are spacious and well appointed. As with many downtown hotels, parking was off-site, around the corner from the hotel and costs $45 per night. Breakfast was not included in my rate, but the restaurant Il Modo on the ground-floor does serve breakfast.
Hampton Inn & Suites Fort Worth Downtown
If you’re looking for something more budget-friendly without having to drive into town, I would consider Hampton Inn & Suites Fort Worth Downtown. This hotel is just steps from the Fort Worth Convention Center, and five minutes from the Fort Worth Water Gardens. Breakfast and WI-FI are included in some rates.
3. Cultural District: Best Area for Museums and a Quieter Stay
The Fort Worth Cultural District is an arts and entertainment hub a few miles west of downtown Fort Worth, Texas. If you enjoy spending time in museums, this is definitely the area to be. Home to several world-class museums, including the Kimbell Art Museum, Modern Art Museum of Fort Worth and the Amon Carter Museum of American Modern Art. Dickies Arena, where the annual Fort Worth Stock Show and Rodeo is held is also in this area.
Bowie House: Best Luxury Option
Bowie House, Auberge Collection. A beautiful luxury option in the Cultural District. A modern interpretation of the Texas Western personality, Bowie House is a two Michelin Key Hotel. I have not yet stayed in this hotel, but it is on my hotel bucket list for sure!
Hotel Dryce: Best Boutique Stay
Hotel Dryce is a small boutique property with an artsy contemporary atmosphere. If you prefere a smaller independent hotel, Hotel Dryce is the one I would choose. Just a short walk from Dickies Arena and close to the Botanic Gardens.
Fort Worth Hotels: Which Area Should You Choose?
If you’re still wondering where to stay in Fort Worth, this is what I would think about:
Stay in the Stockyards if: You want cowboy culture, the cattle drive, rodeos, live music and nightlife right outside your door.
Stay downtown if: You are a first-time visitor and want restaurants, entertainmente and attractions within walking distance.
Stay in the Cultural District if: Museums and the arts are your priority and you’d prefer a quieter atmosphere.
For me, downtown is the best all-round choice. The Stockyards are only about three miles north of downtown Fort Worth and the Cultural District is also only a 10-15 minute drive.
Tips for Choosing a Fort Worth Hotel
Consider Parking
If you’re driving to Fort Worth, don’t look at the room rate alone. Parking downtown can add $45 or more to your total cost. Is breakfast and WI-FI important to you? Look at hotels that offer those amenities included in your rate, or if not, check for pricing on their restaurant menus. That way you’ll better idea of the overall cost.
Look at the Location
Fort Worth is spread out, and attractions aren’t all withing walking distance. I generally rather spend a little more for a convenient location than save a few dollars and spend my vacation driving around.
If you’re visiting Fort Worth as part of a larger Texas road trip, you might enjoy reading my Houston to Fort Worth and Dallas Road Trip: A 4-Day Texas Itinerary for my complete route.
Think About Noise
The Stockyards is a lot of fun, it definitely comes alive at night. If you’re going to a concert or an event at Billy Bob’s, it’s best to stay in the area, just be aware there might be street noise that might interrupt your sleep.
Final Thoughts: Where Should You Stay in Fort Worth?
Fort Worth surprised me with just how much there is to see and do. It’s much more than the Stockyards and cowboy culture, although that is one of the city’s biggest draws.
If you’re like me, where my enthusiasm gets the better of my overall physical stamina and I need a good nights rest at the end of the day, I would choose downtown Fort Worth for the best overall convenience and quieter atmosphere. Definitely the Stockyards for the most memorable Texas experience.
For the museums and a slower pace, don’t overlook the Cultural District.
Ready to plan your Fort Worth trip? Start with my Houston to Fort Worth and Dallas Road Trip: A 4-Day Texas Itinerary and then choose the neighborhood that best fits your travel style.
Happy Trails! Evie
If you enjoyed this article, you might like: 4 Days in Houston: The Ultimate Itinerary for First-Time Visitors
Best Time to Visit Houston: A Complete Seasonal Guide for First-Time Visitors
Where to Stay in Houston by Neighborhood: A Local Guide for First-Time Visitors
Protect your vacation investment from unexpected medical emergencies, trip cancellations, delays and lost luggage. Before you book your next adventure, read my guide to the Best Travel Insurance for Seniors and learn how to choose the right coverage for stress-free travel.
Protect your vacation investment from unexpected medical emergencies, trip cancellations, delays and lost luggage. Before you book your next adventure, read my guide to the Best Travel Insurance for Seniors and learn how to choose the right coverage for stress-free travel.
This post contains affiliate links. If you click one and make a purchase, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. This helps support the site and lets me keep sharing information and resources with you. Thank you for supporting wanderwithevie.com
