Make holiday memories at The Howdy Retreat, a spacious 2,400 sq. ft. family-friendly vacation rental in College Station, Texas, with room for your whole crew.
Planning a visit to Santa’s Wonderland? Enjoy the festive lights and holiday attractions, then return to a comfortable home where everyone can relax, play, and spend time together. The 2026 season runs November 13 through January 3, with select dates closed, so be sure to check the official calendar before planning your visit.
Traveling with kids? We’ve stocked the house with family-friendly essentials to make your stay easier, including a high chair, Pack ’n Play, baby bathtub, toddler-friendly dishes, kid-friendly toys and books, and a stroller. Pack a little lighter and enjoy more time making memories together!
With four bedrooms, multiple living areas, a garage game room, a fully equipped kitchen, and a backyard fire pit, The Howdy Retreat is designed for family vacations, holiday gatherings, sports tournaments, campus visits, and group getaways.
Why Families and Groups Love The Howdy Retreat
* Sleeping accommodations for 12–16 guests * Four bedrooms plus a sleeper sofa * Two living areas and a garage game room * Ping-Pong, foosball, a Pac-Man arcade, and board games * Smart TVs throughout the home * Private backyard with fire pit and yard games * Custom Aggie mural and neon “Gig ’Em” photo spot * Fully equipped kitchen for family meals * Family-friendly amenities, including a high chair, Pack ’n Play, baby bathtub, stroller, toddler-friendly dishes, toys, and books * Ample driveway, garage, and street parking
Visit Santa’s Wonderland This Holiday Season
Make your College Station holiday trip extra special with a visit to Santa’s Wonderland, featuring dazzling Christmas lights, festive attractions, Santa visits, and seasonal entertainment.
The 2026 season runs November 13, 2026, through January 3, 2027, with select closure dates. Check Santa’s Wonderland’s official calendar for operating dates, hours, tickets, and attraction details before your visit.
After a festive evening, head back to The Howdy Retreat for a game night, a relaxing evening by the fire pit, or quality time with family and friends.
Spacious Bedrooms for a Comfortable Stay
Primary Suite
* King bed and Smart TV * Private ensuite bathroom with soaking tub * Walk-in closet and workspace
Bedroom 2
* King bed * Smart TV and USB charging stations
Bedroom 3
* Two queen beds * Full-length mirror
Bedroom 4 – Bunk Room
* Two twin-over-twin bunk beds * Dresser and space for kids or groups
Additional Sleeping
* Sleeper sofa in the second living area
Game Room and Entertainment
There’s plenty to keep everyone entertained, whether you’re staying in for the evening or taking a break between activities.
* Main living area with a 75-inch Smart TV and oversized sectional * Second living area with a 50-inch Smart TV * Garage game area with Ping-Pong * Foosball table * Pac-Man arcade featuring 14 games * Board games and books * Neon “Gig ’Em” photo spot
Backyard Fun and Relaxation
Enjoy some fresh air in the private backyard, with space to unwind and spend time together.
* Fire pit with Adirondack chairs * Outdoor dining for six * Lounge seating for eight * Cornhole, Giant Jenga, and Connect 4 * Custom Aggie mural for a memorable photo
Cook, Dine, and Gather
The fully equipped kitchen makes it easy to prepare family meals, snacks, and holiday favorites.
* Gas stove and full cookware * Keurig and traditional drip coffee makers * Blender and toaster * Toddler-friendly dishes * Dining table seating six * Additional bar seating for four
Convenient College Station Location
The Howdy Retreat puts you near College Station favorites and local attractions, including:
* Santa’s Wonderland * Texas A&M University and Kyle Field * Blue Bell Park * Reed Arena * Davis Diamond * Bryan Regional Athletic Complex and Travis Fields * Local restaurants, coffee shops, shopping, and nightlife
Whether you’re visiting for holiday attractions, a family gathering, a youth sports tournament, or a Texas A&M event, you’ll have a comfortable home base with room for everyone.
Texas A&M Gameday Transportation
Visiting for an Aggie football game? The property is located on a Texas A&M gameday shuttle route. University shuttles are generally free, but routes and operating schedules vary by game. Check Texas A&M Transportation Services for current route and service information.
Good to Know Before Booking
* No pets permitted * Two exterior security cameras: front entrance and driveway * Single-step entry * Fireplace is currently unavailable * Check-in: 4:00 PM * Check-out: 12:00 PM
We look forward to hosting your group at The Howdy Retreat and helping make your College Station stay a memorable one!
Our prices include all fees. No hidden fees.
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This property is managed by a private host (a party not acting within their trade, business or profession). EU consumer law, including the right of withdrawal, will not apply to your booking. The cancellation policy set by the private host will cover your booking.
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 indicated that there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property
Host has indicated that there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher, a first aid kit and a deadlock
About the area
College Station
Holleman - Dobrovolny, a neighbourhood in College Station, is home to this holiday home. Texas A&M Golf Course and Grand Station Entertainment are worth checking out if an activity is on the agenda, while those wishing to experience the area's natural beauty can explore Lemon Tree Park and Anderson Athletic Park. Travelling with kids? Make time for Santa's Wonderland, or head to an event or a match at Kyle Field. Take some time off to enjoy the winery tours and health/beauty spas in the area, or get some fresh air with adventures like horse riding and cycling nearby.
Texas A&M Appelt Aggieland Visitor Center - 18 min walk - 1.6 km
Texas A&M University - College Station - 19 min walk - 1.6 km
Texas A&M Golf Course - 6 min drive - 2.3 km
Getting around
College Station, TX (CLL-Easterwood) - 9 min drive
Restaurants
McDonald's - 14 min walk
Dutch Bros Coffee - 12 min walk
Bahama Bucks - 16 min walk
Starbucks - 16 min walk
Napa Flats Wood-Fired Kitchen - 18 min walk
Frequently asked questions
Is The Howdy Retreat at Texas A&M
.. pet-friendly?
No, pets are not allowed at this property.
How much does it cost to stay at The Howdy Retreat at Texas A&M
..?
As of 18 Oct 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at The Howdy Retreat at Texas A&M
.. on 19 Oct 2026 start from £453, 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.
How much is parking at The Howdy Retreat at Texas A&M
..?
On-site parking is available at the property.
What time is check-in at The Howdy Retreat at Texas A&M
..?
Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.
What time is check-out at The Howdy Retreat at Texas A&M
..?
Checkout is at 12:00 PM.
Where is The Howdy Retreat at Texas A&M
.. located?
Located in Holleman - Dobrovolny, this family-friendly College Station holiday home is within a 10-minute walk of Lemon Tree Park and Anderson Athletic Park. Texas A&M University - College Station is 1.4 mi (2.3 km) away.
Reviews
10
Exceptional
Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
Great stay, with amazing hosts! If you are looking for a good Aggieland stay, this is the place. Great location, and very comfortable accommodations. Cool house too!
Property was perfect for our family & friend weekend in College Station. Communication with homeowner was quick and they were extremely helpful with our specific needs. Would definitely book a stay again.
We had whole family in town for ring dunk and A&M game. Location was easy to get to and house accommodated us well. We will definitely be staying here again!
Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2023
Response from VrboOwner on 22 Apr 2024
Howdy Tammy! We are so happy that the Howdy Retreat suited your needs for your trip to Aggieland. We’d love to have you back for an upcoming stay. P.S. our books are open for the 2024 football season!
The perfect place to stay while in town to drop our oldest son at college! Clean, comfortable, many fun activities for the younger kids. No one wanted to leave. Thank you for making our last weekend with our son so memorable.
We had a wonderful stay! The location was perfect—close to the university. There was tons of games and entertainment. The house itself had plenty of space and lots of sleeping options, which worked out great for our group. Communication with the owners was excellent—they were quick to respond and made the whole process smooth and easy. Overall, it was the perfect spot for our trip, and we would definitely stay here again!
Marcie and Rene are amazing hosts! I had some issues while booking, but they went above and beyond to make sure I was able to reserve their property for my graduation weekend. The home was clean, spacious, and the backyard was perfect for playing games and spending time with family. I truly appreciate their hospitality and would absolutely stay here again.
We were in College Station for my son’s New Student Conference at Texas A&M University. It was his grandparents first time in town. Staying at the howdy house was a great experience. The house was cozy, clean, and decorated beautifully. We will definitely be back!
Great location, various restaurants close by, close to Santa’s Wonderland, large fenced in backyard with fire pit and barbecue pit, which we did not use, but a nice perk! Clean area with comfortable beds and plenty of bathrooms. Plenty of seating space in backyard and inside living area. Ideal for large families or a few class reunion couples. Great cartoons for toddlers on TV. Teenagers enjoyed ping pong table in garage.
The house was perfect for a Celebration of my daughter's graduation. Very cozy places to sit and eat and just have a fun time hanging with family and friends. We did not get to utilize the backyard due to weather, but the yard was cute and looked exactly like the pictures.
Great stay for Aggies' destruction of Mizzou - October 2024
The property was a great place for our group of 8+ guys. House was very clean and well-appointed. Sleeping arrangements were comfortable and entertaining space was excellent - especially the back yard.
Close enough to walk to Kyle Field (though we chose to drive and park at the Chicken).
Owners Marcie and Rene were very responsive and friendly. 5-stars all around - we'll be back!
This house has everything that you would need and more. My granddaughters loved the bunk room and play room. My grown children loved everything about the design of the house along with the ping pong table and foosball table. We loved having all the extra space to accommodate everyone very comfortably.
Thank yall so much for this great property and we will definitely be back!
If you are looking for a superior home with a lot of entertaining space then this is the place for you! From the minute I booked this home the owners were in constant communication. The house has 4 large bedrooms with some of the most wonderfully comfortable beds I have ever slept in. The house sleeps 12 comfortably. The open concept floor plan is very welcoming. The back yard has several sitting areas. We spent so much time around the fire pit in oversized Adirondack chairs. The home is located minutes from popular restaurants as well as campus. If I could give this renal 10 stars I would. You will be seeing us again soon.
Howdy! My husband, Rene, and I have always enjoyed welcoming friends and family to our home, and we are excited to have the opportunity to extend our hospitality to you and your group.
We love travel, college football, and exploring new places as a family. If you have any questions about our property or things to do in the area while you're in town, feel free to reach out.
Thanks & Gig 'em, Marcie & Rene
Why they chose this property
-The neighborhood is quiet with no thru traffic, offering a peaceful stay. -The backyard backs up to a dry creek and park, providing a relaxing and scenic atmosphere.
What makes this property unique
Your Aggieland Home Base
Whether you're in town for Texas A&M athletics, spring tournaments, university events, or a family celebration, The Howdy Retreat is the perfect College Station short-term rental. With spacious rooms, fun amenities, and a prime location near campus and sports venues, your group will feel right at home in Aggieland. Book your stay today and experience true Texas comfort!
Guest Access:
-Guests enjoy full, private access to the entire home: -Private entrance -Fully equipped kitchen -Two living areas + game rooms -In-unit washer & dryer -Backyard patio with seating, fire pit & grill -Garage with Ping-Pong table -Free covered garage, driveway, and street parking available. -Smart lock access — code provided prior to arrival.
Other Things to Note -Quiet neighborhood with no thru traffic -Backyard backs up to a dry creek & park -Single step into/out of main living room -Two exterior security cameras are in place
Languages:
English, Spanish
Premier Host
They consistently provide great experiences for their guests