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The Palmer's Guest House - The Great Getaway in Central San Marcos

Cottage with patio, 4-minute walk to Texas State University

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Living area includes leather sleeper sofa, mini fridge, DVD player and Wi-Fi
Plush, pillow top queen mattress
Relax with a glass of wine in your private patio
Warm and cozy bedroom with Queen size bed
Living area with pull-out, queen-size leather sofa, chair, & bistro table

Reviews

9.8 out of 10
Exceptional
1 bedroom1 bathroomSleeps 451.1 sq m

Popular amenities

  • Breakfast available
  • Outdoor space
  • Laundry
  • Free WiFi
  • Air conditioning

Explore the area

View map
  • Place, Texas State University
  • Place, San Marcos River
  • Place, Rio Vista Park
  • Airport, Austin, TX (AUS-Austin-Bergstrom Intl.)

Rooms & beds

1 bedroom (sleeps 4)

Bedroom 1

1 Double Futon and 1 Queen Bed

1 bathroom

Bathroom 1

Toilet · Shower only

Spaces

Deck or patio
Porch or lanai
Outdoor play area
Dining area

About this property

The Palmer's Guest House - The Great Getaway in Central San Marcos

Beautifully furnished, quaint and cozy guest house nestled in the charming historic district of San Marcos. Located just 4 blocks from the downtown square and Texas State University, with convenient access to the Outlet Malls and the San Marcos River. Multiple restaurants, cafe's, coffee shops, a laundromat, gas station and a grocery store are all within walking distance.

The Palmer's Guest House is right next door to the famous Palmer's Restaurant Bar and Courtyard. Included with your two-night stay is the "Palmer's Welcome Package" which includes a welcome bottle of Texas Wine and a $30 gift certificate to enjoy a fabulous meal next door at Palmer's Restaurant, Bar & Courtyard. Come enjoy a taste of the Hill Country and everything San Marcos has to offer. *Please call Kristin to add on the "Palmer's Welcome Package" to any booking for only $29.

Keywords: Guest House, bed and breakfast, B&B, romantic

Add dates for prices

Amenities

Free WiFi
Air conditioning
Laundry
Outdoor space
Breakfast available
Parking available

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House Rules

Check in after 3:00 PM
Minimum age to rent: 18
Check out before 11:00 AM
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Children

Children allowed: ages 0–17
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Events

No events allowed
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Pets

No pets allowed
Even the most well-behaved pets have dander.
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Smoking

Smoking is not permitted

Check-out instructions

The host requires you to complete the following before checking out:
Gather used towels
Remove personal items, remove leftover food and drinks and take out the rubbish
Turn off the lights and lock the doors
To lock door, push top button then twist deadbolt.
Please text Kristin at 512-775-7770 to inform of departure.
Failure to complete these may result in a negative review from the host.

Important information

You need to know

Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
On-site parties or group events are strictly prohibited
Host has not indicated whether there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property; consider bringing a portable detector with you on the trip
Host has indicated that there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher, a first aid kit and a deadlock

We should mention

A car is not required for transport to and from this property

About the area

San Marcos

Located in San Marcos, this cottage is in the city centre and near theme parks. Quail Creek Golf Club and Three Dudes Winery are worth checking out if an activity is on the agenda, while those looking for area attractions can visit Wonder World Cave & Adventure Park and Young County Arena. Looking to enjoy an event or a game while in town? See what's happening at Bobcat Soccer Complex or Bobcat Ballpark. Make sure you get close to the area's animals with activities such as game walks and birdwatching.
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Map
San Marcos, TX

What's nearby

  • Texas State University - 3 min walk - 0.3 km
  • San Marcos River - 12 min walk - 1.0 km
  • Rio Vista Park - 15 min walk - 1.3 km
  • Wonder World Cave & Adventure Park - 17 min walk - 1.5 km
  • San Marcos Premium Outlets - 6 min drive - 8.6 km

Getting around

  • San Marcos Station - 16 min walk
  • Austin-Bergstrom International Airport (AUS) - 37 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Zelicks - ‬3 min walk
  • ‪The Square - San Marcos - ‬9 min walk
  • ‪Blue Dahlia Bistro - ‬8 min walk
  • ‪Gumby's Pizza - ‬5 min walk
  • ‪North Street - ‬2 min walk

Frequently asked questions

Is The Palmer's Guest House - The Great Getaway in Central San Marcos pet-friendly?

No, pets are not allowed at this property.

What time is check-in at The Palmer's Guest House - The Great Getaway in Central San Marcos?

Check-in begins at 3:00 PM.

What time is check-out at The Palmer's Guest House - The Great Getaway in Central San Marcos?

Checkout is at 11:00 AM.

Where is The Palmer's Guest House - The Great Getaway in Central San Marcos located?

Located in the heart of San Marcos, this cottage is within a 5-minute walk of Witliff Collections and Texas State University. Calaboose African American History Museum and Hays County Historic Courthouse are also within 10 minutes. San Marcos Station is 16 minutes by foot.

Reviews

9.8

Exceptional

10/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Amenities

10/10

Property conditions & facilities

10/10

Check-in

10/10

Communication

9.8/10

Location

9.8/10

Listing accuracy
Rating 10 - Excellent. 167 out of 184 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 15 out of 184 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 1 out of 184 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 1 out of 184 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 184 reviews

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Carley M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Great location and wonderful guesthouse. We truly enjoyed our stay. The location doesn’t get much better, neither does the hospitality. We can’t wait for our next stay. Highly recommended!
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Liberty K.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Cute and accommodating

This was a quick overnight to enjoy my university town with my best friend, whom I met there almost 30 years ago! I had no idea this place existed behind Palmer’s! It was a great spot to walk around. Coffee and breakfast location just a short walk away, and the place itself was cozy and private.
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Kim G.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Super Cute Place

Loved the place, close to everything, will stay again!
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2023

6/10 Okay

Michelle F.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location
The place itself is charming, but there’s very little privacy. It’s attached to the restaurant office, so staff were constantly going in and out of the gate, and one morning I woke up to someone watering plants right outside my bedroom window. The location is in a busy area, not quiet, but it is convenient — within walking distance to bars and restaurants. Great if you want to be in the middle of everything, not so great if you’re looking for peace and privacy.
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2025
This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Lisa H., Frisco, TX

Comfortable beds and great location!

Palmer's guest house took care of all my needs promptly. It was great being right next door to the restaurant, which has fabulous food and service!
Stayed 3 nights in Dec 2016

10/10 Excellent

Melissa H.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Lots of charm at this cottage style

Great stay! Lots of charm at this cottage style place. Better for 2 people. We had 4 in our party and it was just a little small for us. But overall, amazing place to stay. Palmer’s Restaurant had exceptional food with great service.
Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2024

10/10 Excellent

Melissa A.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Cutest Guest House

I love The Palmers Guesthouse! This is my 2nd visit! It is cute, clean, and close to the square! The back patio is so relaxing! I look forward to staying there again soon!
Stayed 3 nights in Apr 2024

10/10 Excellent

Misti R.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Cozy Retreat

Felt cozy and safe. Kristin was so communicative and accommodating. Loved the location. Perfect retreat for my birthday weekend.
Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2024

10/10 Excellent

Catherine T., Kent OH

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Graduation weekend

Our stay was very nice. We are in town for grandson’s graduation from TX State. We had a wonderful dinner last night at Palmer’s.
Stayed 1 night in May 2023

10/10 Excellent

Melissa A.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

The Cutest Little Guest House

The Palmer’s Guest House is super cute and was perfect for my son and I to visit my other son who is a student at Tx State. It’s close to the square, the San Marcos River, and many historic homes. We loved it!
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2023
This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Christopher C.

Great service and very clean

The house is beautiful and the staff is very friendly and helpful. It made the experience amazing and an unforgettable first year anniversary for my girlfriend and I.
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2016
This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

ann g.

Great Getaway Spot

This spot was a great getaway for our family simply because of the ambience of Palmer's restaurant! We love their patio and to be able to dine alone while our children were just steps away in the Guest House was a treat. Everything in the Guest House is clean and tidy, and the hospitality was great. Thanks, Kristin!

10/10 Excellent

James W.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

San Marcos

Excellent
Stayed 3 nights in Apr 2023

10/10 Excellent

Debra B., Hondo

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

A Quiet Retreat

Again, Palmer House delivered. Enjoyed Easter brunch at Palmer’s Restaurant, relaxed on patio, and enjoyed a restful night’s sleep. 🌷
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2023

10/10 Excellent

Tracy F.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Cute Cozy Cottage

Private little gem. This place was in a convenient location. Palmer's restaurant next door was delicious, too! Kirsten, the owner was absolutely wonderful in making our stay comfortable by communicating through text to answer any questions. Great experience! We will definitely stay again. ❤️
Stayed 1 night in Jan 2024

8/10 Good

Debra B., Hondo

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

The Best

This is the BEST place to stay when one visits San Marcos. My daughter and I attended the Mermaid Festival parade and TXST football game! Too much fun!! We had a Friday night dinner at Palmer’s to kickoff our weekend and Palmer’s Sunday brunch to close out the weekend. Our food was delicious: crab cakes, chicken fried, bacon pasta, salads all fantastic! Service exceptional. Cocktails yummy too! Hostess, Kristin always available yet never intrusive. An Aveda concept salon is a few steps away. Downtown too. The cottage is cozy. Stay here if you can! I have, since 2019. Never disappointed.
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2023

10/10 Excellent

Randy R.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Great place! Cute and central to everything TXST. We came in for a campus tour and it was perfect!
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2025

10/10 Excellent

Peter B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Incredible location, impeccably clean, beautifully decorated, fantastic hosts, who have the best restaurant in town and give a you a dinning credit and a bottle of wine.
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Terri P.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Hidden Gem!

Fabulous STAY perfect location will be back!
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Rhoda A.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Great little house! Close to everything and was stocked well with towels and extra little things. The bed was super comfortable! We would definitely stay again!
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Amy G.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Cute cottage and host was super responsive! Stayed cool inside during the summer heat and loved that it was walking distance to shops and restaurants!
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Valier B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Perfect overall!

This is the only place we stay. Love it!
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

Janice D.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Perfect stay

Myself, husband, and 18 year old daughter were in town for TXST new student orientation. The home was neat and tidy. It’s best for two but we only needed the couch bed for one night as our daughter only stayed with us the night before orientation started.Location is super close to campus. You could walk if you don’t mind walking up a very steep hill. The welcome gift of wine and a 30 gift certificate to the Palmer Restaurant was much appreciated. (Side note the home is next to the restaurant which I highly recommend). I would most definitely stay here again!
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

Juana B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Birthday for my sister.

Cozy little place, nicely decorated, and Kristin communicated with us promptly, very nice. We did have an issue with gnats the whole visit but other than that we enjoyed ourselves. Thanks Kristin
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

Jordan L.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Wonderful Guest House

We really enjoyed the guest house and it's location! Palmer's Restaurant was a great spot to eat, but there are many other good choices within walking distance.The private covered parking area was a big bonus.
Stayed 2 nights in May 2025

About the host

Hosted by Kristin Sheffield

Host profile image
The Sheffield Family has been in the hospitality business for over 50 combined years. we are a family run business who supports our local community.
We look forward to your stay!

Why they chose this property

Perfectly nestled in the heart of San Marcos. Walking distance to TXST, downtown, the historic district, the square, HEB and many other shops, restaurants and the San Marcos River! Enjoy the ambiance and amazing food and drinks right next door at Palmer's Restaurant, Bar, & Courtyard. Indulge in the "Palmer's Welcome Package" FREE with any two-night stay, or for just $29 with a one night booking. Please call Kristin to purchase this special treat at (512)775-7770.

What makes this property unique

San Marcos is located half-way between Austin and San Antonio, Texas, known as the Gateway to the Hill Country. In We are known for our crystal clear, San Marcos River which is always 72 degrees and can be enjoyed year round. San Marcos is home to Texas State University and the guest house is within walking distance to the entire campus. In addition to being located right next door to the fabulous Palmer's Restaurant, we have a convenience store right next door for anything you may have forgotten to pack, multiple coffee shops, bars, a grocery store and a liquor store all within a few blocks of the property. And for endless shopping pleasure, San Marcos boasts the biggest outlet malls in Texas just four miles down the road. There is so much to do and see here you will need to come again!

Languages:

English

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