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Thunderbird Hotel
Category: Event Planning & Services Hotels Hotels & Travel Hotels Hotels [Edit]
601 W San Antonio StMarfa, TX 79843
(432) 729-1984
- Price Range:
-
$$$
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Wi-Fi:
- Paid
20 reviews for Thunderbird Hotel
20 reviews in English
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Review from super f.
San Francisco, CA
8/11/2011 1 Check-in Here
Minimalist but clean. Has a small but beautiful pool. They have bikes for rent which is pretty useful for getting around town to check out all the art. They use real metal keys still which is cool.
If you ever make your way out to Marfa, I'd highly recommend the Thunderbird Hotel, it's just cool man :) -
Review from Frances M.
San Antonio, TX
6/16/2011
Honestly, I cannot one up the reviewer below, Chris K. His review is so blatantly true, I just couldn't have summed it up better myself. My trip was in March of 2011.
On another note, If you're traveling through Marfa and looking for a place to stay, you'll probably come to realize there's none too many options out there.
Listen to me, unless you want to be thoroughly disappointed. Don't stay in Marfa. Stay in the next town over, Alpine. Marfa, really has nothing to do and while Alpine probably has just as little going on, atleast the people there are friendly and grateful for the business. Go to Marfa for the day and drive the 30 min back to Alpine to sleep. That's what I'd recommend. -
Review from Tine K.
Brooklyn, NY
1/8/2011
Minimalism at its worst. A recent stay over NYE at the not-so-inexpensive price of $175/night for their "holiday" rate yielded:
1/ Terrible front desk service. Check your bank statement before you leave ladies and gents, because the high school dropouts that manage the checkout system somehow finessed the closing bill of $160 for 2 nights (sans $235 deposit) to a whopping $790 (via 3 separate transactions) which they could not figure out how to delete out of their system. Two hours later, I was forced to leave with a copy of a letter that had been faxed to my bank to negate the transactions. The net result? A week later, they resume charging my card for an additional $391. To date, calls to management go unreturned.
2/ A mistaken reservation. With barely an apology to account for their error, they "accomodated" us with a leftover asylum cot squeezed into a friend's room.
3/ A sad excuse for housekeeping. Apparently the concept of laundering sheets and towels is too overwhelming for their staff to manage, and the unswept concrete floors are reminiscent of a prison cell.
4/ A few ridiculous "amenities" like the broken iPod dock/clock/radio and the little blowdryer that just couldn't.
5/ Want ice? You'll have better luck hitting up the local convenience store, as their ice machine spits 'em out at the thrilling pace of 2 cubes per hour.
For a better experience in charming little Marfa, GO ELSEWHERE. -
Review from Chris K.
Brooklyn, NY
1/8/2011
One word: Thunderturd. This place thinks cool stationary is more important than, I don't know, competent staff or a pleasant stay.
Basically this "hotel" has its own little version of Texas Chainsaw Massacre going: it traps out-of-towners and plays games with them.
Read the other reviews. Messing up reservations, getting charges wrong, and staff that is perpetually unavailable or shoddy is expected.
I live in New York. You think New York is expensive? The Turd charges New York prices for the following "Marfa-style" amenities, which require translation:
-- Blocked shower drain = closest you'll get to an indoor pool. MARFA STYLE.
-- Do not confuse the website's "24 rooms" for meaning you can actually check into your room 24 hours a day. MARFA STYLE.
-- The "international art collection" is posters (for shitty bands, like Okkervil River, no hate). MARFA STYLE.
-- The "guest lounge" is a derelict rec-room - and without the bar you'll need after the hotel staff has tried your patience. MARFA STYLE.
-- The hugeness of the ice machine bears an inverse relationship to its effectiveness (I just used too many words to say even the ice machine doesn't work). Say it with me, one last time: MARFA STYLE.
The 'Turd gives you far too little for far too much. -
Review from Cara S.
Plano, TX
8/10/2010
We booked a night here after a 9 hour drive from Dallas. In some ways I wish we had opted for an extra night at El Cosmico instead, but it wasn't bad. Here's why:
(the pros)
A/C -- we arrived in a much cooler clime than home, but it was nice to have cool air blowing on us (remote-controlled, too) since 90 degrees in a tent isn't much fun.
cool light fixtures and decor -- lots of ambient light and the controls for the light switches were like modern works of art in themselves.
cable tv--we felt like zoning out after the drive. found some interesting churchy channels, and watched trashy TV without one bit of guilt.
chairs / front porch -- the most comfy chairs ever. also, hedges/flowery bushes in front of the door acts as a partial screen from people if you want to have some semi-privacy while you're engrossed in a book.
a pool--though we didn't swim in it
the lounge-- good breakfast spread in the morning. we didn't make it there by 8 am, but unlike most other places that serve breakfast and take it away if you're a late riser, we checked out at 11 and there was still coffee, cereal, fruit, and some yummy carroty-cakey bran muffins for us to gobble.
friendly staff in the morning. much more welcoming than the sole lady who checked us in the day before.
DVD rentals. Although we didn't take advantage of this, they have quite a good array of movie choices you can rent from the front office.
(the cons)
price. --yes, i liked this hotel, but i felt sad that it cost $150 for a summer weekend night. overpriced for what you get -- and i read that a couple of years ago, it was priced at $79/night. it seems like the most costly, trendy place to stay in Marfa.
hipster basket. -- My inner temptation monster resented the American Spirit cigarette packs both available at the front desk AND in the room's "snack bar" basket. Not good for ex-smokers in danger of relapse after a 587-mile drive with aching feet and broken cruise control. Ashtrays were on all the tables outside, too. It's so cool to smoke at the Thunderbird Hotel! The hipster basket included swedish fish, gummy bears, a Vosges bacon-chocolate bar, and a one-use LOMO camera. I almost opened those $9 cancer lollipops but thankfully my boyfriend stopped me.
cow/animal skin rug: i don't know why but it seemed dirtier than a place that had carpet. i didn't want to step on it with bare feet. i was also a bit wary of the bathroom floor.
price. again, i could stay at El Cosmico for a better experience and for less moolah. -
Review from James C.
San Francisco, CA
11/16/2007
My girlfriend and I were traveling across country in a U-Haul and decided to stop in Marfa. The Thunderbird came recommended so I reserved a $135 room two months in advance and paid half of it ($68) up front. Fair enough.
The morning of the day we were scheduled to arrive, we called them from the road to verify the reservation and check-in time. They confirmed that we had a reservation for that evening and that they would be in the office until 9pm.
We arrived in Marfa at 8:15pm and found an empty office with no key in the drop-box. I called twice but there was no after-hours answer. The Thunderbird left us high and dry on a twice-confirmed reservation.
We made it to the Hotel Paisano just before they closed, and got a room that cost us slightly more than our Thunderbird reservation.
The next morning, I went into the Thunderbird office and politely asked them what the f- they were thinking. They told me the reservation was for the next night and that I was wrong. I showed the lady her own email confirming my reservation and she apologized. Fair enough. Mistakes happen, right?
After refunding my deposit, the manager came out and asked if she could do anything to make it up to us, such as a free stay. I don't plan to go back to Marfa anytime soon, but I said "Sure" and gave them my address for the gift certificate.
Two months later, after never receiving the gift certificate, I called to ask what happened. They apologized and told me they would mail one. I received it today. The certificate is for $75, not a free stay like we were promised, and says, "Hope this makes up for any inconvenience this may have caused you. Hope to see you soon. Good for one year from this date."
Pathetic.
Perhaps I should call and ask for a credit to the San Jose in Austin instead. I might actually use that one. I won't be going back to the Thunderbird. -
Review from pat b.
Austin, TX
1/12/2010
Really just not worth it. It's way overpriced for what it is and the historic Paisano hotel right down the street provides a much better experience.
Front desk service was rude from start to finish. An overpriced "package" was purchased by my wife, who loves that extra little something to make the experience really special. But a huge markup for a stupid broken old-fashioned typewriter, a disposable kodak camera, and a crappy portable record player was really pointless, in my opinion. I'm not here to write a freaking book with equipment that doesn't work. The A/C was a major problem... very loud, and never cooled the room down.
I get it. Some people obviously enjoy the kitsch value of staying in an "authentic" roadside motel court in the desert. This just reminds me of the kind of place I'd stay as a kid if my dad was trying to save money on a vacation.
I guess the real thing that got me was this: The rude front desk girl was chatting up her friends at the pool who were hanging out and enjoying the day with their kids. She went back in to the hotel office and some other, very polite local kids came in for a dip to take a break
from the unbearable heat. Then some more out-of-towners came in to cool off. Why not? It's probably the only swimming pool around for miles.
The front desk girl came back and rudely ordered the young boys to leave immediately. Then she rudely ordered the non-guests to leave, who looked as if they could be potential or previous customers anyway. Then she told US that the pool was only for hotel guests and asked what our room number was. Hey dumb bitch, we've been here for four nights already! Remember? Why is it okay to let her girlfriends hang out but not anyone else?
This brings me to a bigger dilemma with the whole Marfa thing: I get that the New York art crowd has taken a shine to this small dot on the map and has begun to build an interesting, if over-hyped, oasis in the desert. I really enjoy the galleries and restaurants that they've brought to Texas. But the disconnect and resulting tension between the art crowd in residence and the local townspeople is so obvious you could cut it with a knife. See "Get Go Market" for an good example. Chances are you'll never see a poverty-stricken local buying a five dollar apple here. We used to have a term for this sort that has fallen out of our modern vocabulary, but could be useful if resurrected: Carpetbaggers!
There's a lot of money coming into this town, and none of it seems to be benefitting the locals. Come on, people! I know for a fact that some of you new business owners are now on the Chamber of Commerce. If Marfa is to grow in the right ways, businesses like the Thunderbird and others need to accept the responsibility to help improve a city that they are essentially guests in.
Or at least don't be mean to the locals. -
Review from Jeff H.
Coppell, TX
9/3/2010
We decided to go to Marfa with my wife's sister and her husband as a road trip when they wanted to attend a wedding there. The hotel is an interesting place and fits the town of Marfa. Good, if your expectations are not too high.
Could have been cleaner; somewhat overpriced ... probably would not repeat the experience, but no regrets. -
Review from ClayAshley T.
San Clemente, CA
10/19/2010
The aliens brought us an '08 Cabernet Sauvignon to our doorstep just moments after we checked in! Cool retro utilitarian room, with great tolietries. The concrete floors might throw some folks off, but it went with the theme. Nice surprise for the badlands of west Texas. Comfy bed. Clay had to fix the blind because it wouldn't shut all the way, but he's my ultimate handyman so it wasn't a problem.
It was a nice room to come back to after being freaked out at night from the Marfa lights viewing station.
The overall decor and outside landscaping made this a stunning location with cactus, lighting, and 50's coolness. Our continental breakfast was fine once they fixed the toaster and coffee pot (the breaker had to be reset). -
Review from Jamie H.
Fredericksburg, TX
1/7/2011
I recently stayed at the Thunderbird over New Year's. At $175/night with a three night minimum, I found it to be very overpriced for what it was, which is essentially a motel. The first night, my friend's reservation was messed up, so we all had to share a room. That night was comped for us. However, housekeeping barely cleaned our rooms the entire stay, items didn't work or were missing from the room but were not fixed when asked. But the real problem was a billing issue upon check out that my friend had. The way it was handled was and continues to be highly unprofessional. The Thunderbird may be the most modern place to stay in Marfa, but I would recommend looking elsewhere. I stay at much nicer places with infinitely better service for around $30 or so dollars more a night.
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Review from Michael G.
Round Rock, TX
4/22/2009
My wife and I stayed here one night on our way back from our honeymoon in Santa Fe and were happy with our stay. The decor and lighting were pretty cool and a nice change of scenery from your typical, similarly-priced hotel.
Another (very) cool thing is their management staff. We locked ourselves out of the room while unloading our bags from the truck after business hours, after being on the road for 8 hours. We got a hold of the staff and they showed up within about 20 minutes with a new key.
I would definitely stay at the Thunderbird again. -
Review from nathalie f.
4/6/2009
I truly enjoyed our stay at the Thunderbird. The room was very tastefully decorated in a very modern, yet not sterile style. The bathroom was very spacious with a huge closet for all our stuff so we didn't need to leave our bags in the bed room. The toiletries were fantastic and the best was the 'mini bar' basket filled with retro candy, a variety of really good chocolate, drinks, some Thunderbird merchandise and even a pack of 'American Spirits' cigarettes. Everything was really clean.
The pool area was lovely. Though it was too cold to go for a swim, it was wonderful just chilling out there with a drink and a smoke.
In the morning, they served a small breakfast in a common room. There was coffee, fruit, yoghurt, muffins and granola.
The only negative I can think of would be that there was no wireless internet in the room. Though apparently there was at the pool area, but I couldn't get a signal. However, free wifi was available in the common room next to the lobby. -
Review from Angela M.
Dallas, TX
5/15/2009
I've stayed at the Thunderbird three times, and it never lived up to its 5-star rating. My last visit earlier this month was majorly disappointing. The front desk clerk was incredibly unhelpful and our room was blah. It was tucked in a corner and it seemed like the noise from the train running through town was easier to hear.
I doubt we will be back. There are much nicer hotels in West Texas, maybe a little ways from Marfa, but more worthy of the nightly rate than the Thunderbird. -
Review from Bert H.
Austin, TX
8/7/2009
I guess I thought that this would be like the Hotel San Jose in Austin. It doesn't even come close to comparing to the San Jose.
Problems with the Thunderbird:
1. The pool isn't exciting (just like an old motel pool).
2. It's a lot of money for what you're getting.
3. There is no lounge (said there was on the Web site).
Upsides:
1. The white rooms are decent and clean. But they're not worth $160 a night or whatever I paid.
You're much better off getting a suite at the Paisano for the same price. Or even better, rent one of the many houses that are available in Marfa for much less than the Thunderbird. You can find them on http://marfa.org. The best-looking house was attached to one of the art galleries with an incredible backyard. -
Review from Molly c.
9/1/2008
the first time i stayed here i was in town for the alamo drafthouse rolling roadshow of the screening of giant - on the main street downtown for it's 50th anniversary in the town of it's making.
and i was floored.
i went with 2 good friends and we 3 shared a room with one queen bed and one day bed very easily and comfortably.
the grounds were beautiful, the front desk helpful with many postcards of art shows and food options and hours (not many), japanese incense for sale, cute tees ...
the cacti green and perfect, the design articulate and clever, comfortable but not luxurious in an excessive way.
we promptly borrowed the portable record played from the front office, the polaroid with "thunderbird motel" lined polaroid film, a few records (bill withers, neil young), put on our suits, made a make-shift cooler and got out to the pool.
people began to arrive and were in various stages of unpacking, joining us in the very retro pool area (with custom done low benching around a big, low, wooden table & groovy lounges and chairs made in mexico), heading out in search of food ...
we ventured out and ate, picked up some more food/drinks and were back in the pool.
ron, now gone, was the supercool and charismatic grounds-keeper, would make his way over to the mellow fire pit area and build a nice fire. the firepit area had another low, wooden table around it and benching with custom cushioning.
as the temperature dropped we slowly moved out of the pool and over ot the fire. people, as they either heard us or returned from dinner, would come join us - soon there were about 10-15 people around the fire - all sharing where they were from, how they heard of marfa/the motel / etc and off onto other topics.
it was awesome.
i think i even ended up sleeping outside by the fire on the cushions in the crisp night desert air in july.
got up and borrowed a bike from the front desk and cruised around.
i returned in december for new years that year and several times including the 2 subsequent new years ... and i had a GREAT time every time.
i won't be going back, though ...
to swim in the winter, the pool must be heated - they used to heat it but don't anymore because local kids would repeatedly trash the pool area late at night (i got all this inside info from ron - the groundskeeper) and another few unfortunate incidences surrounding the fire pit forced them to dismantle it.
the areas of communal gathering was what made this place so special. i mean sure it is attractive - but the whole point of going is the other like-minded people and the art and the desert.
now there's a bar (owned by the thunderbird) across the street with a fire - basically a fire in a barrel. there's plans in the works about a block or so down the street for a music venue and a restaurant.
now it's expensive and has a big head.
and has lost all that i thought was so amazing about it.
which is a bummer.
i do miss how it was though --- when they got it right - they got it really right.
also : the rooms can have really thin walls. i have been in the shower in my room and listened without trying whatsoever to a couple in the adjacent shower argue and discuss their day ahead with complete clarity. a couple times i thought i might go over and help them settle their differences.
3 years ago - i would have given this place ten stars but today ... one.
which hurts me more than it hurts them.Listed in: stylish slumbering
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Review from Adrienne S.
San Francisco, CA
12/22/2010
If you aren't into Minimalism, then you should skip Marfa altogether. But if like me you appreciate this aesthetic you will find the Thunderbird charming and cozy (clean, comfortable bed, well-lit, etc.) The only thing "cold" about it is the pool (unheated). The vibe is eerily similar to the Ace in Portland. ONE WARNING: Avoid Marfa on Mon/Tues. Most stuff is only open Thurs-Sun. and it's a ghost town in the early/midweek.
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Review from vitter r.
Austin, TX
8/6/2009
my boyfriend and i went here this past winter and it was amazing. we were there during the off season so it was very quiet...i think there were two other rooms occupied.
we were in a corner room on the second floor, and yeah, the train was loud but i actually loved that!
my boyfriend requested the romantic package and it was adorable!
i think the website promises breakfast at your door (muffins, etc) with this package but we never received that.
i don't know how this place usually is, but it was quiet and there was a full moon during our stay and it was beautiful.
the room was small, but perfect for a couple. -
Review from Jana H.
Fort Worth, TX
6/2/2010
We ended up staying at the Thunderbird when our other honeymoon plans fell through. It's a great place for couples and a nice break from the hokey rustic western decor you see in hotels across Texas. We were there during the week, so it was very quiet and the few others staying there were also young couples. The pricing is on par with other renovated motor lodges and smaller hotels in the area. Comfy bed and nice toiletries; no noticeable train noise. Would absolutely stay here again.
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Review from Abi T.
Nashville, TN
6/2/2008
I've always had sweet dreams at the Thunderbird. It's lux, yet low-key, which feels right for this tiny desert town full of art and dust. I love getting a record player in my room or spinning platters in the tiny bar. I do think it's a bit over priced, but worth it for a special indulgence.
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Review from jason r.
Manhattan, NY
1/5/2010
we came into marfa with reservations at the riata inn, and with the mindset that if we wanted to do one more day, then we would get a night at the thunderbird to "live the life."
we were looking forward to checking it out.
every time we interacted with thunderbird it was quite honestly not at all a customer oriented experience. so much so that we decided to continue to stay at the riata, which is what it is, a comfortable place to rest your heels without the pretension of being a boutique motel with something to prove.
the lounge that we were excited to get michelatas in was never, never open, and looked like an ikea storage closet when you peeked through. we didn't miss it.
and though we were able to rent their awesome bikes to play on around town, they gave us enough misguided grief to have almost averted getting that money from us, too.
if they are in a business of attracting consumers, smack me in the face. because i didn't see that at all.
this would be a one star item except the not-yet-ready thunderbird restaurant space looks fun, and i will try, despite their best efforts, to spend some money there when i next visit.
