This is such a beautiful house. The location is ideal. We walked to restaurants, coffee shops, and bars. Parking is free. Our room was stunning, and the coffee in the room was to die for. The noise wasn’t an issue because live music stops at 10 PM. Plus, there is a white noise maker in the room. We didn’t need the ear plugs that were in the room for us. We liked it so much, we decided to stay another night. All this for a fantastic price!

I personally witnessed the interaction between Dana Walker and the owner of Crystal River Inn, and I can confidently say that the account of the incident shared by Dana Walker is a fabrication. Everything she has stated about the owner is, in fact, a projection of her own behavior. The "friend" mentioned by Dana Walker was a paying customer of the Inn, and they had never met until moments before this incident took place. The way Dana Walker spoke to the owner was both shameful and rude, which was completely unacceptable, especially given that the owner was simply trying to assist her customers. The owner of Crystal River Inn is known for being kind, courteous, and dedicated to providing exceptional service. It is disheartening to see such a one-sided and inaccurate account of the situation. I was honestly surprised the owner did not ask them to leave and find other accommodations for their trip to San Marcos. However, she is such an altruistic person that she chose to continue providing service despite the disrespectful behavior. It’s important for everyone to understand the true nature of this situation and recognize the professionalism of the owner in this matter. Crystal River Inn takes great pride in delivering outstanding service, and I’ve personally witnessed how the owner strives to make every guest feel welcome and valued. We have been staying here since 2010 and plan to continue to do so.

This Inn was way better then expected. The room we stayed in was the San Miguel, in the Thomas House. Check-in went smoothly. The room was amazing. The decor would take you back to the late 1800s. If we had questions we could just text them and they would answer in a timely manner. Location was great. Restaurants and stores were just a walking distance. We read some reviews about the noise and were worried, but we did okay. I would totally recommend for a nice romantic getaway. We are for sure going again soon.

I love staying in an Inn vs a chain hotel. The charm and even imperfections are comfortable. I loved my room and the service. The only thing I would have added would be a small frig. Otherwise, it was perfect! Coffee stations are accommodating but for soft drink lovers, a frig is needed. I will be back, for sure!

Lovely small inn in old house in downtown San Marcos. Stylish, tasteful, comfortable. Easy access. Walk to river and shops.

Room was clean and tidy, I liked the fact they included a mini fridge, fresh towels in the bathroom and we even had a provided box fan! Our entire stay was very comfortable though they do warn you about the noise from a nearby business it wasn’t very bothersome, my only negative would be the parking but I do drive a full size truck.

Perfect place to stay with kiddos. Having the outdoor space was perfect for our girls to run around after a long drive. Being able to walk to campus, the square, and restaurants was perfect. Also having easy parking was pretty nice. The rooms were clean, large and perfect for our needs.

We reserved the Blanco Suite, 2 bedrooms either side of a shared bathroom. Beautifully furnished, lovely linens, comfortable beds and seating, both rooms with TV and extras like small fridge, water and French press coffee...even ear plugs for a potentially noisy establishment next door (which we did not need). Bathroom had separate bath and shower, plenty of good pressure, hot water, and towels. Grand old building, complete with creaky wooden floors. Walking distance to many restaurants, shops, bars and the town square, parking down a narrow drive on the side of the inn. Perhaps because this was Labor Day, the only contact/greeting/instructions we had with the proprietor were via text...we did meet up with a very friendly, helpful housekeeper, working in the rooms across the hall . Easy to follow directions but we did kind of miss a personal welcome.

I am so happy that Crystal River Inn has new ownership! They are doing the gorgeous old mansion right. My room, The Colorado, was lovely and the French press coffee is a great touch. If you’re new to San Marcos, this is the place to stay! Park your car and you can walk to everything as well as the river to float!

I really liked how they decorated the place! Very cool vibes.

The Inn is beautiful. I loved the antique decor. The Innkeeper is very nice and went out of her way to help us.

The staff was very friendly, the house I was in was quiet, and the room was very clean and quite charming. I had an unexpected deadline for work and needed extra time on my computer. I had paid the day before for early check in but hadn't thought I would need a late check out. The staff were all too accommodating and graciously let me get the 30 extra minutes I requested without even charging me. I will definitely be booking again. I'm in San Marcos a lot so this will be my go to. I've seen the property so many times and had always wanted to go try it out. After my very comfortable stay I'm asking myself why I haven't booked sooner. Thank you for such a wonderful stay

I had the entire building to myself for two nights! How fun is that! There is no breakfast, but there’s plenty of food within walking distance, plus your room has a fridge, bottled water, coffee, tea, and ice (downstairs). The sitting room in the front of the building has old-world elegance, and I loved the background music. I also enjoyed the chairs on the balcony, where we enjoyed a bottle of champagne. I typically stay at hotels where I can have free breakfast and earn points, but I think I found a new routine in San Marcos.

Excellent experience for my wife and I's anniversary (they do offer an anniversary/honeymoon package so call ahead and ask about it!). My wife loved our room (Medina) and the little den area downstairs, and I loved the cleanliness and the price! Location is excellent and going in and out of the inn is very easy. We would definitely stay here again!

molly b

Best experience I’ve had at a bar by far! We met Griffin, the manager, and he made my boyfriend and i feel at home, as we just moved to town and stopped by for a drink. We will definitely be back… he also mentioned they’re opening up a new spot in the town over, and have other joints in town! We will be stopping to check them all out…

Frances Pratt

I like Zelicks because it is unpretentious and has deliciously cold drinks. I've always been treated with respect by the bartenders and they honestly seem to care when they give you tequila shots. There is a nice water station positioned central to the bar. Even when it is packed in there you don't have to wait long for service. They have a nice pool table and PLENTY of seating. It's a good mix of locals and students. Good beer selection too.

moses ruiz

Lucky to taste delicious new fall drink with Empress gin called ‘Your Looking Violet, Violet’.

Melissa Hovde

Excellent food and drinks! Outside seating with lots of fans. Love the staff, friendly and accommodating. Zooper Zelicks!

Tanner Hoch

Hey Daniel if you’re asking about prices at Zelicks, maybe you should buy your beer at HEB and stay home and drink. The bar is great. Drinks are very fairly priced and the atmosphere is both relaxed and fun. This is the go to spot for my friends and I. The bartenders are great. They’re friendly and definitely know what they’re doing. I’m hoping this business stays open for many more years! Been coming here since 2018.

Mariah Roberts

Every time we come down to San Marcos, we have to stop by Zelicks for a Bloody Mary. I don’t normally drink them, but THIS one, is delicious. We love the outdoor vibe and the staff is always great!

Julie Castilleja

Came here for steak night as I hadn't been here in a long while for their steaks and the only thing I was disappointed in was the fact that I got there late because baked potatoes had run out but they substituted loaded fries instead. Other than that, this place is THE best place to be in San Marcos for a steak in my opinion... Especially for the fact that it comes from a bar and it comes from a food truck you would not even know it!!! The establishment has their system down to a T and the staff let me tell you, EVERYONE is so friendly- from the door guy, to the bartenders, to the"bussers" picking up after you've finished eating to even the customers themselves. It is such a chill place and the fact that they are pet friendly I feel is a plus because it just gives me the opportunity to love on some fur babies after I finish my meal🤷🏽‍♀️

Awab Hassabelnabi

Loved the 2024 Back the Bobcats Block Party, ordered a burger and fries

+3

Jakub Sciora

Our fav bar in San Marcos. Great food, drinks, atmosphere, live music. Wonderful place to hang out

+2

Abel Gonzalez

My absolute favorite place for drinks when visiting San Marcos! Shoutout to Stetson and Dario for the great service! I highly recommend checking this place out. So many good drinks and great atmosphere!

Amy Akers

Great place to relax and listen to live music. Always love the seasonal drinks! The apple cider old fashioned wasn't great, but Spencer was super accommodating with my recommendation on 'fixing' it. Just needed a bit more sugar and spice! 😉

Tanya

I got a frozen drink similar to a Pina Colada but with lime. It was ver refreshing! I didnt try any food if they serve it. It was a comfortable cozy place to chill n have a few drinks, listen to music, play pool, n sit n bs with buddies! 👍🙂

Tad Palmer

It's a bar. That being said, do not think this is someplace that is built around food. Its atmosphere caters to an older crowd, with a relaxing and warm ambiance. They do serve food, and it's good. But this is a bar, not a Michilen rated restaurant. You come here for fun, decent food, and drinks. Occasional live music. It's just a fun place that's not loaded down with college age kids. Leave your kids at home, and enjoy a night out in a place that's well established here in San Marcos. You might even catch some old cars surrounding the place for an impromptu car show.

+28

Matt Hess

Came down from Austin to visit and friend and popped in for a bite. This place has it all. Plenty of seating for large groups, pup friendly, well stocked bar, broad pub menu. This is my new anchor when I come to town.

Shannon Toy

Patrick the bartender was very attentive and kind. Atmosphere is chill. You never know who will walk in this place. Will definitely be back!

Jake M

I saw on the website that they have a Cilantro Jalapeno Margarita and really wanted to try it. So yesterday being National Margarita day, I just had to go try it. I was first surprised at how big it was on the inside. From the outside driving by it looks small. They have a beautiful patio area that wraps around the property. This place has great patio ambiance. I cannot wait to come back with some friends and show them how cool this place is. Here are some pictures of the Cilantro Jalapeno Margarita. They have a food truck that is parked outside and part of the place. You Order your food from the bar. I got the Bacon Blue Cheese Burger. The Food and Drink was fantastic. I highly recommend it.

+4

Overall, I enjoyed staying at this bed and breakfast. Other reviews have stated some updating of the rooms/bathrooms is needed, and while that is true, there is a sign in the kitchen that says we can explore the grounds and house at leisure, and to treat it like our home, and it felt like I was staying at someone’s home, so I didn’t mind the renovations aspect of things. They even had fresh and homemade banana bread and other baked goods in the kitchen for guests to take that were AMAZING. The breakfast was amazing both days we were there and it was overall cozy and quiet. The only thing I would give as constructive feedback is a bit more clarity as to how breakfast works. The times of breakfast changes on weekends and we had already selected 9:30AM for breakfast, and only when I noticed the times changed by reading a sign, was I able to change it to a time where we would not miss breakfast the next day. There was also no clarity to sit at a place with utensils, as each chair at the tables had cups and napkins, and I saw another guest get corrected somewhat rudely for sitting in the wrong place. But, despite that, I enjoyed staying here, its convenient location with walking distance to places in downtown, and would stay here again!

I'll stay here regularly when I'm in San Marcos, which will be often starting with this Fall semester. The rooms (we had two bedrooms with bathroom between) are big, beds are good, AC works good except in one room it made a dripping sounds. Zelensky's next door is loud - live music until 10, etc. But if you come knowing this, you can deal with it with the supplied sound machines, noise canceling headphones, etc. I think it's worth it rather than staying on the freeway and listening to that noise. There's also plenty of nearby food and drink aside from Zelensky's.

Stayed in the Blanco room, which was very comfortable, spacious and clean. Lots of charm in this old house. Communication with staff was great. Location is great - convenient to downtown, TXST and many options for dining and drinks.

Christina Gallegos

Dee-lish avocado Burger & kickin’ sloppy wings dippin’ in ranchy/bleu. Tap is a short list of 4stars. Open air chillax great for catching up with friends. Fur baby friendly. #SupportLocal #Localdive

Trey Robinson

Great bar. The house margarita was a little sweet, but the drink specials made up for it. Roll open garage doors and a great patio. It's 100% an ice house so if that's what you're looking for, you've found home.

Madelyn Carter

A great bar with great drinks but you can definitely tell at this bar this is a college town. I enjoyed my time there but maybe next time I’ll try a place with people more around my age haha. Once again being a college town, this is a particularly loud bar especially on weekends so if you’re looking for a quiet bar to sit and just enjoy a drink I’d recommend somewhere else in San Marcos.

Looks terrible in person compared to online and it’s right next to a frat house. Sort by negative reviews. They’re all the same because they’re all true. We booked like 12 hours before checking in (ie they didn’t have a lot of bookings) and when we got there it was not at all what we expected, so we called to see if we could cancel the reservation. The woman on the phone was literally the only unpleasant person I came across during our trip to Texas. She was condescending and rude. They wouldn’t cancel our reservation and gave me the cancellation policy speech like it was some big corporate hotel and it was out of her hands. It’s so small she probably owned the place. It wasn’t like we booked months in advance and they wouldn’t be able to make up the lost cost for the room…they had availability like 12 hours earlier. We never checked in and they still charged us. I’m still glad we didn’t stay there.

Daniel “CHIEF” Arriaga

Menus everywhere on the bar yet the kitchens closed. Bartender lied about drink prices when I had asked specifically about them then way over charged tab. Advertising says stout drinks but they were really weak. I was even tipping cash before he made drinks and it didn't help. Drinks all Ice in small small glass and he charged $11 just for the tequila plus $4 so $15 drinks is bullshit for place that doesn't even have air conditioning. Pool table has walls too close to play on too. We won't ever go back to that rip off place.