Located in Rio Grande City, Fort Ringgold is a monument to Texas' wild and perilous past. The fort was built in 1848, at the close of the Mexican War and was used for close to 100 years to guard the surrounding area. Today, the remains of the fort are owned by the Rio Grande school district. Of all the buildings, the Lee house, where famed Civil War general Robert E. Lee lived for a year, generates the most interest. Travelers planning to stay near the historic site will find a choice of hotels.
Built in 1899, the La Borde House was renovated in 1982 and turned into a full-service hotel. Today, the hotel is listed on the National Registry of Historic Places. The hotel is furnished with antique furniture and oriental rugs, and rooms are named in honor of local events and places. Rooms have televisions, microwaves, mini-fridges, bathrooms and seating areas. Some also have balconies and foot baths. Part of the unique appeal of the La Borde House hotel are the peculiarities associated with its age, like the secret tunnel that once ran all the way down to the Rio Grande before it was sealed by the Texas Department of Transportation, or the rumored paranormal activity.
If you prefer a chain hotel near Fort Ringgold, try the Best Western Garden Inn and Suites. Guest rooms are spacious, with cable television and free high-speed Internet. Guests can enjoy a free continental breakfast at the hotel each morning, or head out to one of the restaurants located nearby. Those who want to keep up with exercise routines can take advantage of the hotel fitness center, or swim a few laps in the outdoor swimming pool.
Another popular chain hotel in the Rio Grande City's Fort Ringgold area is Holiday Inn Express. Guests will find cable television, mini refrigerator, coffee machine and a microwave in the room. There is a business center, fitness center and an outdoor swimming pool on-site. Guests can enjoy a complimentary breakfast each morning, with options like juice, coffee, eggs, bacon, sausage, cereal and cinnamon rolls.
If you'd like to stay near the McAllen Miller International Airport, try the Casa de Palmas Renaissance, which is about 40 miles from Fort Ringgold. Rooms feature work space with free high-speed Internet, a mini fridge, coffeemaker and complimentary bottled water. Hotel amenities include a fitness center and outdoor swimming pool. The Casa de Palmas offers two restaurants: the Cantina Lomax/Lobby Bar, serving American favorites, and The Spanish Room, serving Nuevo Latino cuisine.
