The iconic Faust Hotel in New Braunfels is getting some new luster. A group of local families will reopen the beloved Hill Country landmark at 240 S. Seguin Ave. as a boutique destination with 45 rooms, a restaurant and bar, refreshed outdoor spaces, and a basement speakeasy set to open in spring 2026.

Photo by Garrett Smith/Giant Noise Partners

The refresh brings a more modern look.

The painstaking renovation preserves the historical details of the storied property, which first debuted as the Traveler’s Hotel in 1929. Original Spanish Colonial Revival touches, such as stairway tiles, doors, the front desk, sconces, and the exterior fountain, will be blended with contemporary flourishes like statement wallpaper, playful art, and poppy furnishings.

The guest rooms will feature plenty of creature comforts. All will be outfitted with luxuriously appointed king beds, walk-in showers, custom vanities, 55-inch streaming televisions, retro Frigidaire mini-fridges, Nespresso coffee makers, and complimentary Wi-Fi. Six corner suites can be upgraded to up to three bedrooms with a separate living space, and nine junior suites provide additional room for travelers.

The bathroom's color scheme is a subtle nod to 1920s Art Deco.Photo by Garrett Smith/Giant Noise Partners

The remodel will also include a brand-new restaurant, Wilhelm & Werner, described as “a Texas brasserie with European influences.” The planners are keeping mum on the menu for now, but the cozy 130-seat eatery will be awash with natural light from a skylight and include an indoor-outdoor fireplace, lounge seating, a long bar, and patio seating.

Beneath the restaurant, Walter’s speakeasy nods to the hotel’s Prohibition era roots, serving craft cocktails in an intimate setting. The legendary Prince Solms Lobby Bar and a refreshed Magnolia Patio will provide additional spots for hobnobbing.

The Faust Hotel, managed by boutique operator Lark, also plans to open its doors to executive meetings, retreats, weddings, and holiday celebrations. The 2,000-square-foot Grand Ballroom can host up to 110 guests and is decked out with modern amenities.

Prior to the revitalization, the Faust Hotel was vacant for more than two years. The group of New Braunfels locals felt the heritage site was too important to let languish.

"In my mind, there is nothing better than a well-done historic renovation," says owner Andy Duettra. "You get the style and feel of a properly artisan-built property combined with modern amenities. You literally cannot recreate this in the modern world, and we're losing enough of our historic buildings to make the effort worthwhile in every respect."