Oh, how a year changes all the good that a single place could ever have. As you all can see, I have consistently reviewed this place as an exceptional place to stay, but because of the unfortunate lack of care and attention to retaining long-term folk from current GM Kimberly the luster and beauty of a place can be so completely and utterly tarnished! Will admit our group was admonished for opening a door not properly marked as an emergency exit. After a second infraction I personally apologized and we shook hands and went on with an understanding from her that all was OK. Only to find out she reports to her board of this serious situation where we didn't obey her authority! Trust me the only situation here is the building in a violation of a state fire code that they don't want advertised. Very small and pedantic minded person to state we had no issue but after we have left and are miles away will in turn admonish you and abolish your reservation without any type of due process or knowledge other than the impersonal email. Absolutely abominable service behavior even if it wasn't towards decades long patrons. This new GM Kimberly is the complete antithesis of a service oriented person! She tells lies, will not resolve dangerous obstacles in patrons way, is not maintaining a good aesthetic to the building or grounds (overgrown vines and accumulating trash) and she does not fully report situations how they occurred. Very unprofessional! And to further show her lack of character, Kimberly invoked other long standing fine employees as part of the lie that she told her board. To the Garden Club: you to need to review the behaviors of your manager instead of revoking reservations. Maybe even ask around what Kimberly's nickname is amongst staff and citizens alike. Sad sad state of affairs at Excelsior. PS I write this in two states: having already spoken with Kimberly this morning trying to resolve this situation amicably and secondly fully knowing my reservation will be revoked too. I will certainly let you all know how this issue is further managed. read more

The building and furnishings are quite nice and the courtyard lovely so it is especially disappointing that the amenities are not. We had no idea there would not be any housekeeping services during our 3 night stay, we took our own trash down to the reception to be emptied, we had to ask for towels and carry them up to our room; the room needs dusting; the door facings are dirty with finger prints; the mattress is terrible and needs to be replaced as it sags in the middle; the pillows are of poor quality; there is no place to hang clothes. Our room is the Hayes Room which overlooks the roof and A/C unit. The real issue is our disappointment not to find all that your website promises. The room rate was quite expensive! read more

This place was so cool! It was like sleeping in a piece of Texas history. The staff was super helpful and the rooms were very clean and organized. The balcony over looking the courtyard and fountain made doe some great pictures. We didn't hear any ghosts but that's okay! Had a great night's sleep and highly recommend! read more

It was truly a pleasure to stay at this hotel. The Excelsior House Hotel is a charming historic hotel in the heart of the small town of Jefferson Texas. The hotel is the oldest continually operated hotel in the state and has had a slew of prominent guests including President Rutherford Hayes, Ladybird Johnson, and Oscar Wilde. I stayed in room 213 which was the room that President Hayes stayed in. The hotel has done an excellent job with maintaining the historic integrity of the building and of each room. The ladies working at the front desk were very nice and welcoming and I met a few of the other guests who also said that they loved the place. Given the age of the hotel do not expect high technology, but the charm of this place is the history. Some say the hotel is haunted and it's mentioned on the ghost tour if you go on that. The room i stayed in was really phenomenal and at an amazing price. I loved every minute of it and the bed was very comfortable. If I'm back in Jefferson this is where I will stay again. read more

See all

Took my boyfriend here for his birthday, he has been to Jefferson a few times before and always wanted to stay here because of the supposed haunting. The hotel is really old but so beautiful. The staff was friendly and willing to answer any questions we had. Check in was easy, you have to pay a deposit to rent a room here and if you don't pay upfront you will pay at check in. We booked a room with double beds because my son was here with us. There is a $25 extra person a day fee which was no problem. It states on the website. We were asked if we would be having breakfast at the hotel there but we declined. It was about $13 a person. The dining area was really nice. Rooms were clean and the ac worked great. Room got very cold, there were ac units. The balcony on the back porch is for the guests and they have several rocking chairs and tables for you to lounge around in. A pretty fountain and then more tables and chairs on the ground level under the balcony. It was so relaxing and serene. We went on a ghost tour while we were there and heard about some haunting at the hotel. We think we witnessed a few activities. We were told there was a perfume lady that walks through the court yard. I could smell an amazing floral scent throughout our stay but could not figure out where it was coming from and was told later that that is what it is. Our bathroom kept unlocking while someone was in there using it. We heard knocking on the walls and door and voices and screams so that was a little creepy. We will definitely stay here again. It was everything we expected or wanted. There is an ice machine. No snacks but they sell sodas and waters at the front desk and have a huge book of menus of all the local restaurants which was really nice. read more

See all

Our room is amazing! I'll have to get the name of it so I can recommend it! It's huge! The location is perfect... walking distance to several of the local shops. read more

We really enjoyed our stay here! The hotel is gorgeous and the staff is very kind and welcoming. We stayed in the Dolly Bell Room, previously named the Victorian Parlor, which was very large and had door which led to the beautiful courtyard. The bathroom was very modern and equipped with a large shower. The only downfalls to this hotel were the lack of amenities you would find in a regular hotel such as a mini fridge, hair dryer, iron, or safe. There was fresh coffee in the lobby in the morning and the hotel is filled with neat pictures and artifacts. If you like history, you will enjoy staying here for the experience alone. Jefferson was a lovely town and we cannot wait to visit again soon. read more

Spent the night in Room 103. We had a great time in Jefferson for a quick trip. Excelsior has great history attached to it and is well maintained for its age. Room was very clean. Staff was friendly and answered all our questions. Reason for 4 stars was the mattress in 103. I guess they wanted us to experience an"antique" mattress too, lol! For $200 a night I would expect a much better mattress. We would stay here again, just would definitely verify mattress quality. read more

Overall: 2.5/5 Paranormal Activity 4/5 Comfort 5/5 Customer Service I dragged my best friend along with me to do ghost tours in Jefferson (SUCH a cute town by the way!) and we stayed in room 205. 205 is supposedly one of the more active rooms in the hotel, but nothing major happened. There were some cold spots, the sound of footsteps walking around outside our door (even though there was no one upstairs at the time, we checked), the occasional knocking sound, and a dirty, child's hand-print appeared in the bathroom sometime while we were in our room. The hand print DEFINITELY was not there before we checked in, and we hadn't left the room yet by the time it appeared. No major activity unfortunately. As for the normal aspects of the hotel- It is DEFINITELY an old hotel (but honestly, how old it is is just part of the charm!) and has a bit of a musty smell, but the room we stayed in was clean and adorable! Not to mention, the beds are REALLY comfortable. Both me and my friend slept like rocks! The women on staff during our stay we absolutely delightful, and very helpful. They're aren't many places to go in Jefferson, but the ladies at the concierge desk helped us make the most of our stay and find the best places to eat and shop. We will be staying here again FOR SURE! read more

The front desk lady is so rude. Even over the phone she has a rudeness about her. She's been there awhile. I've called 3 times to make reservations over the last year and every single time, she has answered the phone. Just the tone of her voice and the price per night turns us off. So we end up staying at the Jefferson. The entire town is fun and there is so much history to explore. My advice, try to stay at the Jefferson or go to Marshall Texas and get you a modern room. read more

I have stayed at the Excelsior House many times over the years and it never seems to change. The hotel has been in continuous operation since 1850 with another part of the hotel built in 1864. Quite historic. Numerous luminaries have stayed there including Lady Bird Johnson and Robert E. Lee. The fact that it never seems to change is a double edged sword, my friends. A double room with breakfast was $168.00...lots more than I am usually willing to pay for a single night but hey, it's the Excelsior! So is it unreasonable to expect a room that lives up to that price tag? NO, it is not! Rather than enjoying the ambiance, we played a game: let's redecorate and fix up this room. It occupied us for hours! It starts like this. Why is there a king size metal bed in this tiny room? Why is the towel bar missing in the bathroom? Why does nothing in the "decor" go together? Why is the switchplate in the bathroom cracked? Why is the wallpaper peeling off the wall? Why are mismatched pictures hung randomly around the room? I could go on but..... Simple things need to be fixed. For real. How expensive is it to replace a switch plate or a broken towel bar? Glue down the peeling wall paper, for goodness sake. Just basic maintenance! whew.... On the plus side, the breakfast was wonderful! You are seated at a beautiful antique dining table that seat about 20 and served a real southern breakfast. Eggs, bacon, sausage, grits, fresh fruit and fresh squeezed OJ. Coffee and tea, of course and the most wonderful rolls and muffins. That alone is worth the trip to the Excelsior! I just wish the rooms could be spiffed up some...do a walk through, people. Fix the little stuff and then give us $300.00 and a week and we'll redecorate! read more

If I could give a negative star review I would. Had the absolute worst service and dealt with the rudest person who attends the front desk. I'm a tourist from Seattle and asked about the history of the hotel. This woman was to busy on Facebook to even acknowledge me . We walked into a room that had a beautiful Christmas tree she was quick to shoo me out. I told her she was being rude and then asked all of us to leave right away. Never had I had such a negative experience. read more

A two day trip to Jefferson turned into a four day stay at the Excelsior when an ice storm made returning home impossible. The staff at this historic property were so gracious about our unexpectedly longer visit. After the second day of worsening weather we were the only guests. Everyone made us feel right at home, offering to get anything we needed. We had taken the advice of another reviewer and reserved the Dolly Bell Key room (#101) on the first floor, which was an excellent choice. The traditional Victorian decor was paired with a modern bathroom and king bed. Double doors to the courtyard would be handy in more pleasant weather, but were kept closed due to the continuous rain. The usual amenities were provided and although there was no hair dryer in the room the front desk provided one on request. The cable tv and free wi-fi worked flawlessly. What could have been a dreary time was actually a delightful chance to slow down and relax. We're eager to return in the Spring to experience more of the true southern hospitality to be enjoyed at the Excelsior. read more

Whatever you do, DO NOT STAY AT THIS HOTEL. if you want durty rooms, clueless staff and a rude manager this is the way to go! We stayed there during a blackout, but when the whole city had lights this hotel magically didint have the power back. They lied to us and told us they were working on the issue, imagine our surpeises when we get up in the morning and they tell us they just started working on the issue. The manager also decided to not show and leave the comfort of her home where she had power, and left the rude clueless staff there running wild!! Takeesha talked back to me and was extremely rude. Stay at any b&b in this area except for this dirty "hotel". This was supposed to be our anniversary weekend and they ruined it for us. read more

We have only come here at Christmas time, best place to hang, close to restaurants, bars, shopping, carriage rides galore. Beautiful sunsets too. Whether alone or with friends we have a fabulous time. Love the food, the staff are excellent and the place is clean. How many times do you travel this planet, either new or old, and not see housekeeping items that require attention, it is not high tech, it's quaint and our spirits gravitate to Jefferson to get off the grid. Price of the room equates to the value you perceive, no $35 per day valet. As a hyper-vigilant traveler I may travel with glue and duct tape but am not in repair mode so I look the other way, most of the time. Yes I want light bulbs that light, coffee makers that perk, safes that lock, no roaches and sweet dreams guaranteed here. Not sure if these folks are pet friendly, of the four legged kind. Have noticed when my eyes are closed I can't see the decor. Buy their cook book, the orange muffins served at breakfast are yummy+. Parking easy, safe and secure. No bomb threats, as recently experienced in Toronto, ghosts, no big deal, history abounds! read more

Being someone who travels frequently for business, I enjoy it when I have the opportunity to stay at a Historic Hotel instead of a business hotel. I loved the decor of this hotel. I saw three rooms and they were great and all unique. Don't expect things you get in your normal Marriott. My room had no ironing board (although I heard some others did) and no hair dryer. Wifi was hit or miss. If you're okay missing these things (which I was) then you'll love the hotel. Staff was great and welcoming and parking is free and right in front of the door. It is located within walking distance to a lot of restaurants. Everything was great in this hotel, one star deduction for the train that came by and used its whistle every hour and the fact that I could hear the floors of the room above me creek. Did not eat breakfast here and the room rate was reduced because of this (nice!). read more

The staff has a terrible bedside manner. I would assume if you're in the hospitality industry, you'd have some concept of how to be hospitable. I feel uncomfortable and I'm paying to stay here. read more

You better hope you don't have to cancel. They demand full seven days notice to give a partial refund. I would not complain if they kept a portion of the deposit, after all, business is business, but to keep the entire $200+ with a two day cancellation notice is theft. In an effort to not have my money stolen, I asked if I could apply the deposit for a latter date, but this was also refused. One star greatly over rates the customer service, and has assured I will never spend another dollar there, nor recommend them. Jefferson is a great town to visit, and I would not discourage anyone from visiting the town, but spend your money at businesses that appreciate it. read more

I had read previous reviews and thought this hotel had a history of being haunted. I tried to ignore that and looked at the website, I didn't see anything about it so I was good to go. We spent one night there. The hotel has its own charm we stayed in room 201 upstairs and to the right last room on the right. For being as old as it is, it is in good condition. I do think the room 201 could stand to be redone as well as the bathroom. I will say the water pressure in the shower is horrible. There is no hairdryer so bring your own. I also suggest bringing water bottles but they do have fruit immersed water in the lobby, along with a pot of coffee in the am, anyway. We enjoyed our stay, it was nice enough. The steps up to the second floor are very steep so if you have trouble taking steps don't stay here on the second floor, there is no elevator. We had the breakfast the next morning, which we made reservations in advance. It was good enough. The mini biscuits and muffins are great as well as the fruit bowl with poppyseed dressing. Scrambled eggs, grits, ham slice and slice of watermelon is what we got. It was ok. Nothing really stood out to me as outstanding at this hotel. It was just all okay. The history was fascinating and the location is great, that is the best I can say about it. read more

As a touring musician,ive stay in many hotels over last year, and i like this one because ita an antique place,im giving a 5 star because the staff in here are very nice, now, let me remark that if u are looking for a high end hotel, this is NOT the place for you, staying at this hotel from the 1800s expect that the ambience feels like the 1800's, feels like i was living back in the day!!!! If u like to experience this kinda vibe this is the right place to be. Inside the room are comfy and really good place to sleep, i will most definitely come back to this place even if im off tour!!!! read more

Very interesting to say the least. Holds true to the period, but requires updates badly...worn out & no water pressure!

We stayed on a Monday night so they gave us a break on the rate but it was still almost $100. The staff is very friendly. The hotel is quaint and charming. It is and extremely old building so this might not be the place for you if you want everything to be perfect. There is a pretty courtyard in the back. Don't miss the fish and turtles in the fountain. We enjoyed sitting outside and watching them. The room was fine and everything was clean. The tub was a little stained but like I said it's old. Over all we had a nice stay and felt welcomed by the staff. read more

Sure, the hotel is historic, but that doesn't mean it shouldn't be well maintained. Our room #209 was tiny with peeling wallpaper, dirty carpet and tile in the bathroom, a noisy window a/c, musty smell and bed covers that didn't appear clean. On top of that, the Wi-Fi didn't work and no one had bothered to change the clock back an hour almost 3 weeks ago so we panicked when we woke up. When I mentioned the problems to the front desk person (Sherika, I think), she couldn't have cared less - didn't even thank me for bringing the shortcomings to her attention. She definitely was NOT a customer service person - should not be dealing with guests at all. read more

Nice historic place, convenient to just about anything you would want to do in Jefferson for a weekend stay. Only issues I had was when I tried to check in. I showed up about 45 minutes before their check in time, and was told I couldn't check in until check in time, come back in 45 minutes, Really???After a long drive, that's not what you want to hear. No hotel ever does that that I've experienced. First morning there, no hot or even warm water, in December! I was not impressed at all by that. The room was nice and it was clean. But check in was a head scratcher and be prepared for a cold shower. read more

I'll preface this by saying that I greatly enjoy historic places and things. My wife and I, and teen daughters went on a road trip to this and another historic hotel this summer. The hotel, though 150 years old, seemed well maintained all things considered, in my opinion. The rooms were clean and bright, and had everything we needed, short of a hair dryer, but more than made up for that in old world charm and appeal. Though there were a lot of the modern amenities, such as a television, the rooms' decor had retained a lot of period furnishing and decorations. There is a balcony the length of the second floor overlooking a beautiful courtyard with a fountain in its center. The in keeper overnight was very friendly and personal, and quite willing to discuss the hotel, the town, the history, etc. Restaurants are within walking distance (Including a Cajun restaurant, my favorite) The town itself is a Norman Rockwell painting, from the historic downtown area to the numerous Victorian and Victorian era homes nearby. We stayed on a Sunday night, which had its own appeal, as there was hardly anything stirring in the town... something to consider. All in all it was quite enjoyable, and reasonably priced. read more

Anniversary trip for hubs and me. We would've given it a 5 if the fireplace in our room, Hayes 213, would've worked. This room was also priced higher than others which had what appeared to have faux fireplaces. The advertised picture for the higher priced Hayes room had the fireplace prominently shown, with a gas line with briquettes that appeared as if they would work. The website does not actually say whether it works or not. But with the higher price, I assumed it did. I asked about that downstairs (after we arrived, of course) and they said it was just part of the decor. That's what I get for assuming, and there went that romance. The other reason for the low rating - the mattress felt SUPER old. It was very lumpy, and slumped in the middle. We joked it was probably the actual mattress the former President slept on! Really, it reminded me of my grandma's old mattress from back in the 1970's. Also, two of the women we encountered of the three on the night we stayed were not very nice, snobby and off putting. Not the hospitality I'd expect for $200/night. On the upside, room was clean, and the bathroom had been renovated, so that was good. This place is not haunted, from my experience. I've also stayed at another 'haunted' hotel in Jefferson, and it wasn't, either. It's fun to wonder, though. All in all, we will very likely stay in Jefferson again, but we will not consider this hotel. read more

This is a great couples getaway! The staff is amazing. Woke up next morning with a flat tire on the vehicle. They jumped into action and made this easy for us. The bed, pillows and wifi exceeded what you might expect in an historic hotel. We stayed in the Diamond Bessie room and had our own sun room with wicker furniture and TV. The TV has limited stations, but that is not why we traveled to Jefferson, Texas. We were able to walk to everything. Antique shops, many restaurants and walk home after the glass of wine or beer. Had planned a one night visit, but stayed for two. Great experience. If you travel with children, take care, as many of these antiques are two hundred years old with irreplaceable glass. Hope to get back during month of December, as all shops, hotels, b&b's were decorating with lights and music. Even a Christmas train ride available during that time. read more

Way over-priced, and it would not be if the place wasn't as dog-eared. The owners need to invest some cash and TLC into this hotel, and even a little would help. I can overlook some bad art, 80's wallpaper, cheap plastic flower arrangements, and even the foundation issues . . . what I cannot overlook were things like the wallpaper in the bathroom having paint splatters all over and peeling off someplace on all 4 walls, or a cheap molded-fiberglass shower with grunge on the grout and mold on the shower curtain. Clients rarely like dated, shabby bathrooms, even in old hotels. Our room was large and the furniture was nice, if mismatched; however our rollaway cot, though new, kept collapsing under the weight of my 60 lb daughter, who finally put the mattress on the floor. The sheets were a cheap, thin, polyester-blend and my bottom sheet was not a fitted one and too small, and came off all during the night (a seemingly small issue but sleeping on a hotel's bare mattress is a particular pet peeve of mine). My friends' room (Victorian Room) was smaller and it could not get cool until the sun went down, and was always a little muggy. The rooms would benefit from ductless split a/c units but I believe the management is light-years from that. No blowdryer or pen/notepad or iron, though there was an ironing board, go figure - for $189/night, there should be amenities that even a Comfort Inn would offer and there were not. The dining room is the nicest part of the hotel (best room, best art, best furniture) and it is lovely; however, you do not get much of a chance to appreciate it unless you eat there. We had their breakfast and unfortunately found that disappointing too and again, over-priced. Much of the furniture scattered about the hotel is too fragile to be used, so the signs indicate... well, there needs to be more that one can use. Texas has no shortage of vintage furniture so if it can't be utilized, then it is really just junk (unless it has some significant meaning, and then it should be identified as such.) The lumpy, faded antique couches in the lobby should be distributed to the areas that now have the only-for-show furniture, and some substantial, comfortable seating should be available in the lobby; when it comes to lobbies, function should override form. I'm not a drinker but the place could stand a bar or a café as well, and would benefit well from it, and could open up to the sparsely furnished and under-utilized large veranda in front. A hotel lobby of a hotel someplace like The Excelsior House should be somewhat grand and filled with people wanting to enjoy it, instead of feeling like they are in a 2-bit museum. Had these conditions existed in the rooms of some chain-hotel in Jefferson, I'd have given it 2 stars or less. So why 3 stars? The Excelsior House (the building itself) does have a lot of character and historic value, and that usually goes a long way with me. I truly love buildings with history - I've lived in homes as old as the Excelsior House, and will choose a historic hotel over a brand new one every time; since I've had experience in the area, I am familiar with very old features and am not confusing charming patina with neglect. I think that is what bothers me the most: it is significant, meaningful building to Jefferson that is being used somewhat shoddily, and the hotel's potential is being ignored. I won't be back unless there is a major overhaul, and I truly hope that is the case in the near future. read more

Stayed in Jefferson many times but first stay at the Excelsior. We were in the Blaylock room (102) for 3 nights, king bed, and then moved upstairs to the Rutherford (213). Enjoyed the stay but when they say hand held shower in 102 there is no shower curtain so you must take a bath. Rutherford had double bed but room so much nicer with walkin shower. Overall enjoyed hotel but probably would never stay in Excelsior again. read more

If I could give 0 Stars, I would! We were staying in a room with a Very small TV 12-15 ft. from the bed, making it useless! HORRIBLE wifi, and a tub with no shower stance or curtains!!!! The bathroom was not clean and the bedroom was very dusty. of course no mini-fridge or any amenities that would make your life easier! Very rude staff and lack of management made our stay even worse! The city lost power the afternoon of the first night we were there. 4 hours later around 10, the city got its power back EXCEPT the excelsior! They didn't have power until afternoon of the next day. I asked the front desk MANY times during the night if he has an update. He kept saying they are working on it, only to learn the started the next morning. When we wanted to speak with their manager, they kept saying she's not here and we don't know when she will be in. Since there was a power outage she refused to come in and be responsible! So we were left with rude & clueless employees. The manager was very rude on the phone with my wife and told her she doesn't want us to ever come back. WORST experience of my life!! I had to go to their chamber of commerce and file a complaint. They helped us get another room last minute somewhere else. Sleep in your cars before getting a room here!!!! read more

My wife and I stayed there and prepaid for a Saturday and Sunday night stay. We stayed in the Parlour Room on the first floor. It has a double door with full glass on each door. The room is very bright all night due the the lights in the hallway. Also the bathroom is VERY small and had a cheap plastic shower with a curtain that was very small and difficult to take a shower in. We woke up Sunday morning and a giant half dead cockroach was moving around on the floor at the foot of the bed. That was it! My wife would not spend another night after that. We paid over $330 for 2 nights. We asked for a refund for Sunday night due to the cockroach issue. We were told by the front desk person she would have to asked the manager and would call us. Well that was last Sunday and this is Thursday night, no call. Not surprised. I travel a lot and have stayed in motels that are a 3rd of the price that are 3 times better. There are many excellent places in Jefferson, my advice is to skip this place!!! read more

We have stayed at the Excelsior twice in the last two months and have found it to be an enjoyable experience. We stayed in the historic portion both times; first the Grant room and then the Ladybird room. Both rooms were spacious and clean. The Grant room did have an inconvenient shower in the tub, but that is being remodeled as I write this. The Ladybird room has a modern shower and contains a gift clock and associated letters from Ladybird. The breakfast is not great, but is more than adequate. The location amidst most of the best restaurants can't be beat. read more

What an overpriced dump!!! I'm from Jefferson Texas and have never stayed at this storied historic hotel, but the wife really wanted to and it sounded fun enough... So what the heck. Huge mistake, the furniture was rickitty, the door to the room didn't close and lock the wall spackle was peeling, the bed unsleepable and he room way over priced. I would be ashamed to recommend this pit to my friends. Huge RIPOFF!!! read more