Luxury Meets Old West: Hotel Drover Fort Worth Stockyards Tour

Last Thanksgiving, I finally checked into the Hotel Drover — a Marriott Autograph Collection 5-star property right in the heart of the historic Fort Worth Stockyards, a place I've wanted to stay for years. Quick verdict: Highly recommended! Pros: 1. Gorgeous decor — beautifully done with authentic Texas cowboy style throughout. 2. Perfect location — smack in the center of the Stockyards. Just 10 minutes' drive from I-35. 3. 97 West Kitchen & Bar on the ground floor is famous and highly rated on Google. Strongly recommend the Lobster Omelette — it's excellent. For Marriott Bonvoy elite members, there's no buffet breakfast, but you get a $30 credit (enough for two main dishes most of the time). 4. Unlimited complimentary bottled water from the hotel's brand — it's really good (unique taste). Grab it by asking at the front desk when you go down. Cons: 1. No executive lounge / business center lounge. 2. No self-parking — only valet parking available (around $48–52/night, prices may vary slightly by date). 3. Rooms feel a bit small / compact. The Fort Worth Stockyards have such a classic old-Texas vibe. Lots of guys walking around in cowboy hats. Next time, I'm definitely bringing the kids to watch a rodeo show!