Things to be aware of: *The suite only has a whirlpool tub with a handheld shower wand. There is no standup/walk-in shower.* *Construction is occurring at the property behind this one. As a result, you might experience construction noise, particularly during day light hours on weekdays.*
The Austin Street Retreat is an authentic historic home built by European settlers well over a century ago. Restored and embellished through the decades with modern amenities, there are now five unique suites. Located one block off Main Street in Fredericksburg's National Historic District, this premier property is an authentic Texas treasure built of stone, timber and stucco. It is situated on a large double lot shaded by old growth pecan trees and perennials from the LBJ Ranch. Each suite features elegant, charming decor along with a private terrace.
The Spanish word el jefe (the boss) is a fine description of this suite. A stand alone two story suite, it is entered through a Moroccan gate into the private terrace with fountain. Downstairs is a combination bedroom/sitting room, kitchenette and powder room with electric fireplace. Upstairs is a bath “palace” with jetted tub for 2, dressing table and balconette overlooking the Retreat.
The suite uses Brooklinen sheets and towels.
House Rules as Required by the City of Fredericksburg's Short Term Rental Ordinance - Observe the City of Fredericksburg Quiet Hours (10pm to 7am in residential zones). No music of any kind after 10 pm. - The City of Fredericksburg is a Dark Sky Community with outdoor lighting restrictions. All outdoor lighting is encouraged to be turned off when no one is present to use the light. - Observe the designated on-site and off-site parking spaces. - Place all trash in designated containers.
Property manager
Gästehaus Schmidt
Premier Host
Languages
English
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This property is managed by a professional host. The provision of housing is linked to their trade, business or profession.
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 and a first aid kit
Property Registration Number 8056000842
About the area
Fredericksburg
Fredericksburg Historic District, a neighbourhood in Fredericksburg, is home to this cabin. Pioneer Museum and Fort Martin Scott Historic Site are local landmarks, and travellers looking to shop may want to visit Main Street and Das Peach Haus. Spend some time exploring the area's activities, including winery tours.
National Museum of the Pacific War - 15 min walk - 1.3 km
Enchanted Rock Fissure - 3 min drive - 2.7 km
Fredericksburg Theater Company - 5 min drive - 4.6 km
Getting around
San Antonio International Airport (SAT) - 75 min drive
Restaurants
H-E-B ATM - 2 min drive
Fredericksburg Brewing Company - 16 min walk
Lost Draw Cellars - 2 min drive
Hill & Vine - 14 min walk
Rock Haus - 8 min walk
Frequently asked questions
Is El Jefe's Casa | Extraordinary 2-story Suite pet-friendly?
No, pets are not allowed at this property.
How much does it cost to stay at El Jefe's Casa | Extraordinary 2-story Suite?
As of 6 Jun 2025, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at El Jefe's Casa | Extraordinary 2-story Suite on 8 Jun 2025 start from £190.6, including taxes and fees. This price is based on the lowest nightly price found in the last 24 hours for stays in the next 30 days. Prices are subject to change. Choose your dates for more accurate prices.
What time is check-in at El Jefe's Casa | Extraordinary 2-story Suite?
Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.
What time is check-out at El Jefe's Casa | Extraordinary 2-story Suite?
Checkout is at 11:00 AM.
Where is El Jefe's Casa | Extraordinary 2-story Suite located?
Located in Fredericksburg Historic District, this cabin is within a 5-minute walk of Pioneer Museum and Main Street. Artisans At Rocky Hill and Fredericksburg Winery are also within 10 minutes.
Reviews
8.6
Excellent
Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
This review comes from a trusted partner site and has not been verified.
10/10 Excellent
TRACY G.
12 Dec 2024
Lovely anniversary getaway
Had a great weekend getaway with my husband and El Jefe was perfect! Hate that you took out the wood burning fireplace but overall still 10/10.
TRACY G.
This review comes from a trusted partner site and has not been verified.
10/10 Excellent
Rogelio S.
30 Nov 2024
We Love El Jefe
We just celebrated our 23rd anniversary by enjoying a lovely and relaxing stay at El Jefe. I believe this our fifth time staying here including our first anniversary in 2002. Thank you very much for another wonderful experience.
Rogelio S.
This review comes from a trusted partner site and has not been verified.
10/10 Excellent
Rogelio S.
30 Nov 2024
We Love El Jefe
We just celebrated our 23rd anniversary by enjoying a lovely and relaxing stay at El Jefe. I believe this our fifth time staying here including our first anniversary in 2002. Thank you very much for another wonderful experience.
Rogelio S.
This review comes from a trusted partner site and has not been verified.
10/10 Excellent
Morgan T.
20 Sept 2024
Adorable historic home
I loved the El Jefe cottage. Such a cute place to stay in a perfect location.
Very quite and just what was needed in our stop over.
Stephanie L.
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2024
This review comes from a trusted partner site and has not been verified.
10/10 Excellent
Amber G.
29 May 2024
Amazing
Loved our stay!
The place was so unique and well-kept.
Would go back again and recommend it to others!
Amber G.
This review comes from a trusted partner site and has not been verified.
10/10 Excellent
Eustolia R.
25 May 2024
Amazing expierence. .
Felt like I went back in time to simpler times. So cozy and so relaxing. Loved the house! So beautiful and the bed was so comfortable!. Recommending to everyone I know! And will definitely rent again!!
Eustolia R.
This review comes from a trusted partner site and has not been verified.
10/10 Excellent
Michael B.
23 Jan 2023
Anniversary trip
Wonderful cabin with jetted tub. We will be back!
Michael B.
This review comes from a trusted partner site and has not been verified.
8/10 Good
Mike M.
13 Oct 2022
Nice litte place
El Jefe was a charming little place that had unique features. Tucked away at the back of the property, it was pretty quiet. I wish the TV had an arm on it allowing you to view it from the bed, and the construction that began on Monday morning directly behind us was frustrating, but other than that, it was a nice getaway.
Mike M.
This review comes from a trusted partner site and has not been verified.
10/10 Excellent
30 Sept 2022
El Jefe
Great stay
This review comes from a trusted partner site and has not been verified.
6/10 Okay
David W.
24 Jun 2022
Left wanting more
Enjoyed the privacy that El Jefe afforded. The bed was comfortable, but the height of the bed could be difficult for some people. The tv, internet and wifi was terrible and virtually unusable. Attention to cleaning needs improvement, carpet, dusting, clean a/c filter. While the bathtub looked great, actual use was somewhat difficult. Will not return to El Jefe.
David W.
This review comes from a trusted partner site and has not been verified.
10/10 Excellent
Tanya H.
24 Jun 2022
Nice
Perfect location and charming house.
Tanya H.
This review comes from a trusted partner site and has not been verified.
4/10 Poor
Stephanie M.
24 Jun 2022
El Jefe
I have been coming to El Jefe for 17 years and have never walked in to a mess until this last stay. The tile surrounding the tub had dried, sticky soda that had exploded on it. I have pictures if you want to look further into this. I called the management company and told them and was told they would try to send someone out. No one ever showed so my husband had to clean the sticky tile himself with a towel.
Stephanie M.
This review comes from a trusted partner site and has not been verified.
2/10 Terrible
Deborah B., United States
24 Jun 2022
El Jefe's Dec 1 - 3
We were very disappointed in the accommodations at El Jefe's. There are so many other choices in F'Burg but we have stayed at Austin Street Retreat MANY times and have a bit of nostalgia for the place.
Upon arriving, the what used to be cute courtyard was messy and the fountain was full of black muck. We were looking forward to having a glass of wine in the courtyard as we have in the past, but chose to not spend any time out there.
The first thing I noticed when we entered the room was the the musty (old hotel room) smell. The carpet was dirty (clearly hadn't been vacuumed). I stepped on a piece of glass (I left it on the counter in the kitchenette). Fortunately, I didn't get cut. My foot found another sharp object (a piece of broken plastic) before our stay was over.
I ran a bath for myself. When I sat in the tub, I could feel the soap/bubble film above the water line, presumably left over from the last stay. It made me wonder, along with the other observations, if the room had been cleaned at all after your last guests.
Rather than feeling like I had an “Austin Street Retreat” experience, I was disgusted by the room and feeling like I wasted my money.
We will likely have to find another favorite place to stay on our next visit.
Thank you for reading our opinion.
Debi Brannan
Deborah B.
This review comes from a trusted partner site and has not been verified.
6/10 Okay
Charles E.
24 Jun 2022
Quaint cottage
Very different type lodging. Bed is high if you have short legs or arthritis take a step so you can get into bed. Could use a good cleaning vents were very dusty. Advertised water fountain is clogged and only a trickle comes out. Bath jacuzzi is also not a choice due to it being outlined in very slippery tile, a broken hand bar and dirty water that comes out of jets.. it was private and walking distance to town..
Charles E.
This review comes from a trusted partner site and has not been verified.
10/10 Excellent
Michael S.
24 Jun 2022
El Jeffe
The El Jeffe was awesome. Once got onto the property it felt like being in an old village. Very cool compared to a traditional hotel or home. The room was clean and AC was cold which is a must.
Michael S.
This review comes from a trusted partner site and has not been verified.
6/10 Okay
Dianne C.
24 Jun 2022
Our stay
I sh w stayed at 2 other houses on this property- I won't stay at this one again- half of the lights didn't work- the upstairs woukd not cool off- we finally decided to take the ac filter off of the unit and then it woukd finally blow some air- it was so dirty. The outside fountain was filthy and not in working order- it was at the front door. It woukd have been a nice little sitting area at front entrance but don't think it has been cleaned in I don't know when. Very disappointed- I stayed 3 nites there - very disappointed
Dianne C.
This review comes from a trusted partner site and has not been verified.
2/10 Terrible
Andrew E D.
24 Jun 2022
Save your $ stay anywhere else!
Good afternoon,
I'm responding to a solicitation of feedback after our recent visit to one of your properties. We travelled to the area for a special event and decided to splurge a little to treat ourselves. I typically try to say nothing if my comments are anything negative, but my impressions of this property were so strong I feel that you would want to know what's going on with this one. The house did NOT appear as though ANYTHING had been done to prepare for our visit aside from fresh linens and towels. There was debris , dead plants and cobwebs littering the courtyard area.The stagnate water in the malfunctioning water feature caused an infestation of mosquitoes. There was a thick layer of dust on the lights in the bathroom, several lights were burned out throughout the house. The air filter and grate covering it were FILTHY. This particular failure caused a very restless night for us as we both suffer from significant allergies. I was so disappointed as I had quite high hopes for our visit and feel like the rate we paid was not commensurate with the accommodations. The dimly lit driveway coupled with the storage facility adjacent to it made me feel like I was navigating a back alley rather than approaching a guest house. The storage facility was chocked full of mattresses etc all of which were clearly visible through the dirty windows. We've stayed at several Amazing B&B's in Fredericksburg over the years and were so underwhelmed with this one.I would strongly recommend a thorough cleanup of this property before you consider taking anyone else's hard earned money in exchange for a stay here. About the only good thing I can say is that thankfully we were only booked for one night.
Andrew E D.
This review comes from a trusted partner site and has not been verified.
8/10 Good
Robin J.
24 Jun 2022
Nice Romantic get away needs some updates
This place is very charming with the private court yard and upstairs bathroom with a nice jetted tub. It was very clean and the location quiet for the most part. There is a major lack of privacy with the front door and downstairs curtains being lace and you can see all the way to the street. It makes it hard to relax thinking everyone can see you laying in bed from outside the room! The bed is VERY high and there needs to be some kind of step stool provided to get up on it. I am 5'6 and still pulled my back trying to struggle to get in and out of bed at night. The place provides basic plates utensils, cups and wine glasses but there was no wine cork so we bought one and left it in the room for others. There is no shower provided just the tub and the hand held shower on it doesn't work. We won't be booking this place again.
Robin J.
This review comes from a trusted partner site and has not been verified.
10/10 Excellent
Genevieve I.
24 Jun 2022
Amazing private place
This was our second time staying here,. This has become one of our favorite places. If you wanna smoke a cigar in the patio you are free to, there is a big jetted tub upstairs call mom when we went in the winter the fireplace was wonderful and then the summer it is nice and cool with the air conditioning. Located right in town this is an extremely convenient location if you want to be in the heart of Fredericksburg. It is always clean and very well-kept
Genevieve I.
This review comes from a trusted partner site and has not been verified.
10/10 Excellent
Emily R.
24 Jun 2022
Romantic getaway
I stayed here with my husband for a ten-year anniversary trip. El Jefe's Casa was cozy and unique! Loved having the little private courtyard with a fountain where we could sit outside and enjoy the beautiful spring weather. The two-story format was unique as well. Very comfy, lots of privacy, and within walking distance of Main Street attractions. We would definitely stay here again!
Emily R.
This review comes from a trusted partner site and has not been verified.
8/10 Good
CONRAD R.
24 Jun 2022
Beautiful place
Very beautiful old world place. Felt like I was in Europe especially because the wet weather. Only drawback was the tub. Would've preferred to have a shower.
CONRAD R.
This review comes from a trusted partner site and has not been verified.
10/10 Excellent
Craig T.
24 Jun 2022
El jeffe
We had a wonderful stay. We were able to check in early which was nice because it was too cold to walk around Main Street. We also loved that you could restock your own firewood. It would have been inconvenient to have to call and wait. The fireplace was the best part of the cabin and being able to have a real fire going without having to worry about running out of wood was great. The tub was also a nice feature. The venue felt secluded even though it was conveniently located off of Main Street. The following day we were able to walk Main Street without the worry of finding parking spaces. We will definitely use your locations again when we visit Fredericksburg. Thank you... we really needed a nice retreat.
Craig T.
This review comes from a trusted partner site and has not been verified.
10/10 Excellent
Quay O.
24 Jun 2022
El Jefe's
It is always a wonderful stay! We hope everyone enjoys the experience as much as we do. I would recommend staying at any Austin Street Retreat property. We come every year and look forward to it more and more. The guest service is great and the customer service is unmatched.
Quay O.
About the host
Hosted by Gästehaus Schmidt
Gästehaus Schmidt 231 West Main Street Fredericksburg, Texas (TX) 78624
866-427-8374 830-997-5612 info@gastehaus.com
Monday - Friday 9am to 6pm Saturday 10am to 5pm Sunday 10am to 4pm
Languages:
English
Premier Host
They consistently provide great experiences for their guests