X Bar Ranch Nature Retreat — Hotel in Eldorado

My wife and I with the three grandkids were the only ones there.||Disappointments were:|| Grass/growth not mowed or cut with a weed eater. I at least expected the area around our cabin to be mowed but nothing was mowed, not even the areas with chairs and table next to the cabin|||| Water pressure in the kitchen sink was horrible. It took almost 15 seconds to fill up a glass of water.|||| Swingset/playground area for kids is a safety hazard. My four year old granddaughter was swinging on her own (no help from others). and her head came within an inch of a large tree limb. I made her move to the other swing. || Steps leading up to the platform next to the swing set are unstable.||With nothing mowed and the play area somewhat unsafe, I would say it was not a good place for kids.||||The price for my room was published on the internet at 174.00, they charged me 195.00. I questioned that and she said 195.00 was the correct rate. I stayed on a Monday and Tuesday night.||||Good things:||Staff was friendly and accessible||Cabin was clean||Pool was perfect (grass wasn't mowed to walk...

Rustic retreat with cabins and camping space. Great dark skies for astronomy. Electricity and wireless internet available. Nice cabins and a main lodge with a full kitchen.

Have stayed at X Bar Ranch for the annual El Dorado Star Party. Camped on the ranch for most of a week, with internet and power at my telescope where I was setup in a field.

I spoke with the ranch staff about astronomy during the rest of the year and was given business cards advertising their ranch as a site for astronomy. So they definitely welcome those with telescopes to rent cabins or camp out with their telescopes. Staff was very friendly and accommodating to everyone at the event.

Ranch is a just short drive away from Sonora Tx, a little further to Ozona, and just down the road from El Dorado. So going out for the evening to grab dinner, supplies, or whatever you need is always an option. Caverns of Sonora is also nearby, which makes for a nice day trip.

Ranch is very remote, away from everything, but offers all the amenities you need to feel at home when staying in one of the...

We stayed at the Roundhouse and attended Kathleen B Hudson's Plein Air Workshop. Our group had the entire place reserved including the lodge. The accommodations were clean and comfortable. For anyone staying at the roundhouse, be sure and get directions prior to arriving as we didn't receive them and had a difficult time finding the entrance. One of the owners called us and told us they had forgotten to email us and gave us directions. I think a bigger sign by the road would be helpful Also, we had a sedan car which was not built for the caliche road. It would be best to have a larger vehicle like a SUV if you stay at the roundhouse. We had a blast and I would highly...