Step Inside Chip and Joanna Gaines’s Hotel 1928 Where Luxury Meets History and Charm

A requisite, perhaps, of any self-respecting Texan is having familiarity with the playful banter between HGTV superstars, Chip and Joanna Gaines. From watching countless episodes of “Fixer Upper,” to day trips to The Silos, to preparing recipes featured in Joanna’s books and magazines, we know the allure and magnitude of the Magnolia Network. With Waco, Texas being less than a 2-hour drive from Austin, the Gaineses’ sparkling charm is infused in our culture in Central Texas and beyond. We know shiplap, we know modern farmhouse chic, and we know inspirational signs as home decor, but the latest business venture of the Magnolia masterminds comes with a twist — a dip into moody colorscapes and a touch of drama, elegance, and opulence in the form of a luxury boutique hotel. 

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Hotel 1928 (photo by Heidi Okla)

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Hotel 1928 (photo courtesy of Magnolia Network)

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Hotel 1928 Library (photo courtesy of Magnolia Network)

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Library at Hotel 1928 (photo by Heidi Okla)

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Portrait of Chip Gaines at Hotel 1928 (by Heidi Okla)

Hotel 1928 Mixes a Passion for Renovation + Design

As documented in the Magnolia Network’s six-part television series, “Fixer Upper: The Hotel,” viewers were invited to come along on the journey of constructing Hotel 1928. Interestingly, the historic structure was not originally used as a hotel, but opened as the Grand Karem Shrine Building in 1928, designed by Dallas architects H. Greene, E. LaRoche and G. Dahl in a Spanish Revival style. It served as a meeting place for Freemason affiliates, followed by a variety of uses for community gatherings. In 1995, the building was sold to the county of Waco and sat mostly vacant when the Gaineses purchased it in 2018.

On a trajectory to propel and celebrate the city of Waco, Chip and Joanna Gaines partnered with AJ Capital Partners to re-imagine, re-envision, and re-format this historic structure into a 33-room boutique hospitality experience — a new undertaking to mix their passion for renovation and design.

Step into Hotel 1928

We arrived in Waco mid-week to visit Hotel 1928, where we appreciated the slower pace and sleepiness of the city, a respite from Austin busyness. Quiet from the outside, it seemed that the life of the city could actually be found inside the hotel itself which was buzzing with happy energy — possibly a bit of roaring 1920s excitement.

We appreciated the impressive architectural features from the moment we walked through the building’s Moorish-style arched entryway. Colorful beams along the ceiling were decorated with symbols of Freemasons and Shriners. The hotel’s Brasserie on the ground floor was bustling with diners and happy hour patrons sipping cocktails in the glow of natural light streaming in from large glass windows. A dreamy lounge area was outfitted with a gorgeous fireplace and bountiful bookshelves, elegant seating and cafe tables, where guests were engaging in lively conversations. 

The true “ooh ahh” moment came as we descended down the grand staircase into the hotel’s stunning two-story library. A true jewel of this property, floor-to-ceiling bookcases are packed with well-loved books sourced from the once-owned bookshop of Pulitzer Prize-winning author and Texas legend, Larry McMurtry. Packed with antiques and cozy nooks, it’s one of the most gorgeous spaces of the hotel.

Impeccable Hospitality

As grand as many spaces are in Hotel 1928, it’s a surprisingly intimate space, offering 33 rooms, including four suites. We stayed in a Franklin room, a “traditional king and queen” room, that was lovely and peaceful. The bed was truly one of the most comfortable we have experienced. With impeccable hospitality, you can expect a turndown service in the evening, offering fresh water, snacks, and slippers. And in the morning, fresh coffee will be delivered to your door.

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Guest Room at Hotel 1928 (photo courtesy of Magnolia Network)

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Bathroom at Hotel 1928 (photo courtesy of Magnolia Network)

Beautiful Restaurants with Seasonal Dishes

We had a memorable meal in the rooftop restaurant, Bertie’s on the Rooftop. The dining room is beautifully adorned with flowers, and pink and green hues. Open for brunch and dinner, we enjoyed a wonderful evening meal with cocktails and conversation. We savored the Cowboy Caviar, Roasted Beets, Cedar Plank Salmon and Roasted Potatoes. Every bite was delicious. We topped off the evening with a glass of wine on the outdoor terrace overlooking downtown Waco.

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Bertie’s on the Rooftop at Hotel 1928 (photo by Heidi Okla)

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Bertie’s on the Rooftop at Hotel 1928 (photo by Heidi Okla)

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Bertie’s on the Rooftop at Hotel 1928 (photo courtesy of Magnolia Network)

In addition to Bertie’s, Hotel 1928 offers a first-floor Brasserie featuring Southern food, along with the Cafe, a casual spot that serves coffee and baked goods by day and wine and beer at night. All of the dining options are open to all visitors regardless of whether you’re overnight guests or daytrippers, but be sure to book your reservations in advance.

Shopping at the Silos

Hotel 1928 is conveniently located just a short walk to the Silos property which is home to the original Magnolia Market and the Silos Baking Company where cupcakes are an indulgence you cannot past up. You’ll also find several shops curated by Joanna featuring jewelry, candles, home goods, clothing, bath and body products, books, paper, plants and more. The shopping and dining experience around the Silos is a perfect way to round out your stay at Hotel 1928.

If the lure of the Roaring Twenties beckons, you’re sure to enjoy an exquisite experience at Hotel 1928. Learn more about the property and book your stay at www.hotel1928.com.