The hype
Travelers love the pool area and the convenient location for wine tasting, but many feel the price is high for a place with no service.
The Bentley Hotel on 290
$150-335/ night
Book this if You want a cheeky, adults-only pool party basecamp for a Hill Country wine weekend and don't mind a DIY service vibe.
Why People Love It
- Heated year-round pool and hot tub that stays open late
- Themed rooms (James Bond, Marilyn Monroe) add a fun, kitschy twist
- Walking distance to the 290 Wine Castle for pizza and tastings
Quick Take: It’s a fun, unstaffed motel makeover with a great pool, but the 'luxury' label is doing some heavy lifting against thin walls and glass bathroom doors.
Reviewed by @sushigirl_atx: I had the most fun stay at The Bentley! My room was flamingo-themed and super chic. Sipping wine on my private balcony while watching the Texas sunset was the highlight of my trip. It’s the perfect spot for a girls' weekend on the wine trail.
Guest Who Stayed Here Said
Reality check
The 'glass bathroom door' situation is a relationship tester, and the AC units can sound like a jet engine taking off next to your bed.
- You're planning a girls' trip or couples' getaway focused on wine and pool time
- You prefer contactless check-in and zero interaction with staff
- You want a heated pool in the dead of winter
Cleanliness & Maintenance
7.8
- Housekeeping: Hit or miss. Some guests report spotless rooms; others find dust and missed spots. No daily service.
- Bathroom hygiene: Generally good, though some reports of water stains on glass doors and weak water pressure.
- Maintenance: A weak point. Reports of broken door handles, leaky ceilings, and temperamental AC units are too common.
- Linens & towels: Decent quality, but check for wear. Pool towels are provided but can run out on busy weekends.
- Odors & scents: Usually neutral/clean, but some rooms can smell musty if the AC hasn't been running.
Sleepability™
5.5MODERATE
0-4LOUD
4-7.5MODERATE
7.5-10SILENT
- Loud in-room air conditioning units that cycle on/off
- Highway 290 traffic noise (especially in front-facing rooms)
- Thin walls between themed rooms
Before you book
Good to know
- Check-in is strictly 3:00 PM - 6:00 PM; late arrival requires prior coordination for a code
- There is NO on-site restaurant, though breakfast is sometimes offered weekends poolside
- Coffee makers are Keurig-style — bring your own pods if you're picky
What to pack
- High-quality earplugs or a white noise machine (essential)
- Eye mask (blue lights on AC units can be bright)
- Pool floaties (the pool is the main event here)
Room Genie
Best picks
- Clint Eastwood Room (Hill Country View) — tends to be quieter than the pool-facing suites
- James Bond Suite — Two-story layout offers more space, though stairs are involved
Rooms to avoid
- Pool-facing rooms if you want to sleep in (noise from early risers/late swimmers)
- Any suite where the 'glass bathroom door' is a dealbreaker — ask specifically before booking
Room Request Genie – copy & paste
“I am a light sleeper and would love a room facing away from Highway 290 and the pool if possible (perhaps the Clint Eastwood room?). Also, please confirm if my assigned room has a solid bathroom door or the glass version.”
FAQ & Hidden tips
Everything you actually want to know before you book.
Is there really no front desk?
Correct. It operates more like an Airbnb. You get a code via email. If you need towels or help, it can be hard to reach someone immediately.
Is the pool heated?
Yes, the pool is heated year-round, which is a huge perk for winter wine trips.
Can I bring my dog?
No. The hotel has a strict no-pets policy.
Is breakfast included?
It's inconsistent. Some weekends feature a complimentary poolside breakfast, but don't count on it. Plan to drive to Lady Bird Lane Cafe.
How bad is the bathroom privacy?
In several themed rooms, the bathroom door is clear or frosted glass that offers little visual or audio privacy. If you're not comfortable with that, this isn't your spot.
Is it walkable to dinner?
Not really. You can walk to the 290 Wine Castle for pizza, but for proper dinner, you'll need to drive 2-5 minutes into Johnson City.
Insider Tips
- ✨
The 'Hill Country View' rooms generally offer more privacy than the 'Pool View' rooms.
- ✨
Friday nights often have a Happy Hour for guests — a good time to meet the owners if they are around.
- ✨
The spiral staircases in the two-story suites are narrow; avoid if you have heavy luggage or mobility issues.
5 things to know before you go
💡The 'glass bathroom doors' are literally see-through in some lighting conditions.
💡The AC units have bright blue display lights that illuminate the room all night.
💡Housekeeping is not daily; it's a 'turnover only' service unless requested.
💡The hot tub jets can be temperamental.
💡You might find a 'James Bond' or 'Marilyn Monroe' cardboard cutout in your room.
Local Playbook
Map
See where The Bentley Hotel on 290 is located and what's nearby.