Hotel Drover, an Autograph Collection hotel, is now open in Fort Worth Stockyards’ National Historic District. The hotel will serve as the anchor to award-winning Mule Alley, an entertainment destination transformed from beautifully restored 100-year-old horse and mule barns.
The building architect was HKS Inc. and the hotel interiors were ownership driven and spearheaded by Kayla Wilkie, creative design and development, Hotel Drover and Craig Cavileer, EVP, Majestic Realty & co-managing partner, Fort Worth Stockyards.
“Hotel Drover is designed to pay homage to the storied history of the great cattle drives in Texas through a modern, elevated lens,” Wilkie said. “Around every corner, the spirit of the West comes to life through intentional and eye-catching touchpoints including the mix of both traditional and modern art, extensive use of reclaimed woods, copper, steel and native Texas Stone.”
Hotel Drover offers guests endless opportunities to indulge in the historic destination, from Texas-inspired cuisine, daily cattle drives on Exchange Ave., the newly opened John Wayne Museum to rodeo shows and live music from local and national talent.
“It was our goal from the outset to ensure that the Hotel Drover design and guest experience embody the same core values of honor and dignity exemplified by Texas drovers, cattlemen and women of their time. I believe we exceeded that in the end,” Cavileer said.
Hotel Drover is an urban ranch oasis, embodying a rustic-luxe design throughout, including the signature neon Cowboy installation by Austin’s famed Neon Jungle, historic fountains and a life-size “Drover” hybrid metal sculpture by world renowned artist John Lopez.
Global and local artists alike are showcased in public spaces and guestrooms, as are custom furnishings from Texas artisans such as Hotel Drover-branded leather check-in booths, a two-story lobby library filled with Texas-inspired books, bespoke antler and blackened steel chandeliers and cowhide lounge chairs. Hotel Drover brings 200 luxurious guestrooms and spa suites representing a collection of distinct room designs like Texana, Frontier and Republic, each with their own decor, style and spirit.
Each guest’s stay will offer a new Drover-inspired experience as no two guestrooms are alike. Standouts include the The Bunkhouse rooms with playful but luxurious bunk suites featuring a king bed with a double overhead bunk for flexible sleeping arrangements and custom-designed rooms from Texas-based Lucchese Custom Collection and King Ranch. The Presidential Suite showcases an indoor and outdoor fireplace and 26 suites have oversized bronze soaking tubs, fireplaces and expansive terraces.
