By Saul Pink,Staff Writer
The Michelin Guide included Sophie’s Gasthaus in New Bruanfels in its vaunted guide to the world’s best hotels.
A boutique hotel in the Hill Country just got a nod from the lauded Michelin Guide.
Sophie’s Gasthaus, an eight-bedroom luxury hotel in a historic estate in downtown New Braunfels, was added to this year’s guide to the world’s best hotels.
“At its root, it’s as old-fashioned as hospitality can get: just a lovely house with a character all its own, backed up by service that’s both friendly and professional,” the guide reads.
The guide notes that the hotel’s minimalist nature is part of what makes it special.
“Facilities are somewhat minimal — in addition to the eight suites you’ll find a pool, a hot tub, and a café — but they’re more than enough, given the house’s proximity to New Braunfels’ compact and walkable town center,” it reads.
The hotel opened in 2020. It hosts small weddings and gatherings in addition to people stopping in for a few nights.
It’s the first New Braunfels hotel to be added to the guide.
Michelin started giving certain hotels the “Michelin Key” designation — the hotel equivalent of the vaunted Stars for restaurants — in 2024. Hotel Emma at the Pearl in San Antonio is the only hotel in the area to receive such designation, getting two Keys.
Four downtown San Antonio hotels are also mentioned in the guide, which includes 70 Texas hotels.
Anonymous “inspectors” slip into hotels that apply for Michelin status multiple times over the course of six months to determine whether they're worthy.
“Our team has worked diligently to curate a boutique hotel and gathering space that celebrates its German heritage and creative spirit; a space that is warm, inviting and inspiring,” Jamie Seals, the owner of Sophie’s Gasthaus, said in a statement.
