Artemis Ranch and Retreat — Hotel in Lampasas

We want to start out by saying that our one week stay at the cottage on the Artemis Ranch was an absolutely incredible experience. The location of the cottage and the surroundings abounded with peace and serenity and provided us with ample relaxation. The recently constructed two story 3 bedroom 2 bath cottage was first class and included a fully furnished kitchen, on outdoor fire pit, beautiful pool, and a hot tub with ample room for several couples as amenities. Firewood for the pit was furnished and so were very nice deck and pool furniture. We stayed there in late May using the upper level master suite and outdoor deck. While the days were starting to get warm at that time of year, the evenings cooled quickly, allowing us to sit outside on either the upper or lower cottage deck or by the pool where we enjoyed several colorful and surreal sunsets. A bonus in our stay was the abundance of wild exotic animal species that roamed the ranch. It was common, especially in the evening, to see several of these wandering around the cottage area, providing for spectacular viewing or unique photo opportunities. From our perspective, the combination of the ranch environment and these exotic animal species didn’t make it very difficult to picture yourself as if one was in Africa. And we cannot forget to say that we had a SUPER host during our stay, providing us with wine, fruit, and cheeses to enjoy as well as a bonus riding tour of the ranch showing everything it had to offer! A large 11 bedroom lodge was under construction during our stay and, for sure, this will absolutely be the venue in the near future for weddings, corporate retreats, and the like. As a reminder for those who plan to enjoy a stay there, it is about a 25 minute drive to the city of Lampasas, so if your plan is to enjoy cooking out or preparing any meals while there, be sure to bring that in advance so you do not interrupt an absolute fabulous time at the cottage by having to drive into town for any needed...

Our March wedding at Artemis Ranch and Lodge was nothing short of a dream come true. Nestled in the heart of the Texas Hill Country, the venue offered a breathtaking blend of natural beauty and upscale charm that set the perfect backdrop for our special day.

As our guests arrived, they were welcomed by the serene scenery and the incredible sight of exotic wildlife—majestic watusi, graceful antelope and deer, and even a few zebras roaming freely across the property. It was a magical first impression that no one will forget.

We exchanged our vows on the lush lower lawn, surrounded by rolling hills and peaceful countryside. The setting was both intimate and grand, making for the most picturesque ceremony.

What truly set Artemis Ranch and Lodge apart was the incredible staff. From the moment we began planning to the last dance of the night, they were attentive, professional, and genuinely invested in making our day perfect. Every detail—big and small—was thoughtfully handled. They anticipated our needs before we even had to ask, ensuring that everything flowed seamlessly and that we could be fully present with our guests.

As the sun set, the celebration continued on the poolside patio and within the stunning lodge. The lodge itself is a masterpiece—rustic elegance with refined finishes. Handcrafted cocktails flowed effortlessly from the copper-covered bar, and guests were treated to a selection of upscale hors d'oeuvres that were as delicious as they were artfully presented.

Every element of the day came together flawlessly, and we owe so much of that to the care and dedication of the Artemis team. If you're dreaming of a wedding that feels like a luxurious Hill Country escape with first-class service, this...

We attended a wedding at this ranch over the weekend, and while the land itself is truly beautiful, the experience was anything but.

The afternoon initially felt disorganized and tense with people scrambling to get stuff done. It didn’t take long to figure out why. Midway through the reception, the owner had a temper tantrum at one of his employees right in front of guests. It was condescending and deeply inappropriate. The poor girl hadn’t done a thing wrong and that was quickly realized by all of us. It wasn’t a one-time slip, either. Throughout the day we heard unsettling comments from him, including racist remarks that have absolutely no place in any workplace—let alone at a public event like a wedding.

It became painfully clear that the issue isn’t the staff (who were doing their best under pressure). It’s the leadership. What we witnessed was a toxic culture fueled by ego and a shocking lack of respect. This man was walking around bragging like he owned the world, while his team looked like they were doing damage control behind the scenes. No-one cares about your expensive wine and fancy building if you're not even nice to your people.

Here’s the thing: this is God’s country. We believe in treating folks with respect and lending a hand when someone’s working hard. That’s what Lampasas is all about. What we saw at this ranch doesn’t reflect those values. Not even close.

Until something changes at the top, I can’t in good conscience recommend this place to anyone. A beautiful venue means nothing if the people behind it don’t know how to treat others with kindness...