mayan ranch

I have to qualify my four stars. We were looking for a place to host our foreign executives, so we stayed here to check out the amenities. Fun? Yes! Upscale? Nope. We decided that we'd bring our family and friends here, but for executives, it didn't serve our needs.This place is best suited for kids outings, tourists wanting a unique Texas-style adventure, or church/family outings or reunions. The food is buffet style. Nothing fancy. Ambiance is casual western.The cabins are family-friendly and very retro 1950's. Not a lot of landscaping. But the rooms are all interesting. Make sure you pick wisely, because they vary greatly. Nice pool. The horseback riding makes the stay a colorfully memorable Texas experience. Close to town, restaurants and shopping, so not a bad choice.

this was a great few days and exactly what we were expecting. The cabins in the woods are great and the cowboy delivering coffee in the morning whilst sitting on the porch watching deer grazing a few feet away was super good. Breakfast at the river was also a good thing to do at least once. The trail rides twice a day were nice and generally in the sheltered woods out of the heat of a Texas summer. All the people at the ranch were really nice and very helpful at all times.My only criticism would be the service charge thats added automatically at 10% on the whole bill so really they should just include that in the nightly price but that i guess would make them compare unfavourably to their competitors but still it does amount to a bit of an uplift that you have no control over. In my opinion a service charge has to be earned not merely added to the end without any method of disputing it.That said it was an enjoyable couple of days although its expensive they do try very hard to make it fun and the upkeep of the property must be pretty substantial given the numbers of staff always around to offer assistance

We stayed here one night. We had live Texas country n western music. The smoked turkey they served here is about the best I have ever had. It was very moist and had a unique flavor profile that was delicious. The cabins are rustic but comfortable. We saw numerous deer running around. The Hicks family and staff were "down home" country friendly. For those who like an evening drink, they had a "old west" style bar on the grounds. There was also a couple singing country songs at the bar the night we were there. They also offer an early morning breakfast, accessed by horseback or a hay ride. We had to eat indoors as it was raining the morning we left. I recommend this as a place to get away from the "concrete jungles" for some "rest and relaxation".

This was the highlight of our Texas trip.We loved the ranch and especially the Hicks family who are the friendliest people in Texas.Cabins are lovely and very homely it is great to wake up to find young deer grazing outside.The horse riding is good and the horses are very sweet and easy to ride.We had some great evenings in the Saloon bar and we had great fun with the Hicks family.If you are in Texas and you want to have a great ranch experience then go here.

My family and I have been going here every summer for 23 years. The food is great and there is lots of activities like horse back riding, swimming, and lots of good programs for the grand kids. What really makes it great is the Hicks family that run the ranch. They have almost become like part of our family and they treat us great. There is no vacation like this!

I just came back from spending a week at the Mayan Ranch. It is a family owned and run operation. The Hicks family go completely out of their way to provide each and every person with a top notch experience. My wife and I took our two granddaughters who were continuously entertained with activities about the ranch; including a large, clean, sparkling pool and a natural river that run through the acre property. The food was amazing: fresh, appetizing, great tasting and given in abundance. The trail rides are very well orchestrated and the terrain is very safe. Tommy, the lead wrangler, does a phenomenal job in making sure each ride is of the best quality. So, we get there and immediately start to meet families that have been going to the Mayan ranch for generations! A person we befriended explained it by saying, " every time we come, it's like visiting our distant cousins." Another person described the ranch experience as, " a summer camp for adults."By the way, if are flying into San Antonio, I recommend you pay extra to be picked up and dropped off- it is much cheaper than renting a car you will park the entire week and not drive. I thanks every one at the Mayan Ranch for their hard work, superb customer service and a quality product. Yes, we booked again for next year! TA friends, I totally recommend this fantastic place to everyone. You will never be disappointed. Luis

I have been here 4 or 5 times over the years and it always feels like coming home. Yes, the food is incredible…no sandwiches for lunch, incredible breakfasts, lunches and dinners. Timmy does a FANTASTIC job with the "Cowboy Breakfast" he slaves over the fire starting at dawn so we can just ride in and eat a perfect breakfast. The steaks…OOOOOHHHHH the steaks, we are not talking 6 oz steaks that resemble hockey pucks JUST so a place can say they served steak, we are talking about GIANT incredibly seasoned, perfectly cooked steaks and yes I am a food snob. I travel to places just for the food. The Mayan's food is fantastic. Yet, it is not the entertainment (fantastic), or the food, or the tranquility. The absolute perfectness lies in the people, in the family. The Hicks family takes pride in what they can do for YOU. Every time I come back they remember us and ask about the kids, and hug you like a long lost family member. Not the hug that is the polite…pat…pat…on the back, the hug that means they are truly glad to see you.When our group thanked TImmy and Judy for all they had done, Timmy, said…No, thank you…you have a choice and you picked us. What was so amazing was that he truly meant it. He and they were thankful for us.Can you find a fancier place….probably…a better…absolutely not. Stop researching, give Shea or Kelly a call, make your reservation and tell them Cynthia said, "Hello". BTW…you can not find a better place for conferences and networking and ….cabin 16 is great!! Don't forget your fat pants….you will need them! Did I mention the food??

At almost the last minute, we decided to book a spring break at the Mayan Ranch. Timing is everything and we secured the last room due to a cancellation a few minutes prior. You will be well fed and entertained…but the beauty of this ranch comes from the intangibles. In the lobby, you can read the rewards, look at the family tree and listen to the staff as they speak proudly of their ranch. It s almost as though you are participating in the Hicks family reunion. A special call out to Judy and Tracey - their warmth and welcoming nature made us feel as though we were part of a reunion. We also loved the fact that this place is so laid back…Unlike other resorts where you hear "what room number" incredibly frequently, you simply help yourself to the snacks, drinks, coffee, beer…You pay the price and then don't take your wallet out again. We all loved the Mayan ranch and will be back again. We also awoke to a huge peacock on our back deck. Just part of the charm…Also, heads up about the gravy for your biscuits at breakfast - spicy/peppery/100% delicious! Fine job on experience and execution Hicks family!

Just home from our 6th visit to this fantastically friendly place. The Hicks family run ranch is about as friendly as you will find anywhere in the world.From start to finish all your holiday will be fun filled, well fed, busy or relaxing as you make it. The horses are great for absolute beginners as well as more experienced riders and the wranglers very experienced and great fun. The magic never fades, long may it reign. Learn how to crack a bullwhip,lasso a mock steer or get lassoed by Kevin Fitzpatrick and loads more

I have been going to the Mayan Ranch since the 80's. I just spent four days. Two days I was the only guest at the Ranch and then two other friends I had brought last year joined me. It continues to be a treat and a trip into the cowboy era of Texas. The food is good and plentiful. The Hicks family and others at the ranch treat you like a member of their family. I didn't ride a horse this time but I was able to groom three horses so I am still a cowboy for four days. I fed the deer outside my rustic cabin with a great view of the river and a rock fireplace to add to the experience. I'll be back.

This summer, we decided to take a motor trip to New Orleans and Dallas Texas from Miami. For something different, we spent three days at a "Dude Ranch" in Bandera, Texas. Rustic but clean and well appointed, the Mayan Ranch is fun and exciting or laid back by a great pool, you choose. The ranch is superbly run by the Hicks family since the early fifties. This friendly, accommodating clan handles it all with an engaging style. From a horseback trail ride to an outdoor breakfast cowboy style, a hayride country music hoedown with family cooked western dinner, Mexican night, Mariachi band, tons of things to do and games for kids and adults alike. Real Western Saloon with honky tonk piano, wine and beer, three great meals a day included.....we all loved it. We'll be back next year! dikbubba

after a long battle my father finally passed 5 years ago...my mom insisted that my entire family ,17 in all ,spend a week at the Mayan...The Hicks ands family did what they do best, without knowing the real effect they have on others lives. They show you the best time, service, food and entertainment. You will catch the Ranch FEVER! They helped us heal by just being themselves. We have been back every year and have already booked next year. Do yourself a favor and join them for a awesome time. Jack B

We have been bringing our grandchildren to the Mayan for the past seven years ... Every year we ask if they want us to make reservations for the following year. The answer is always a resounding, "Yes.". This family run ranch is consistently great. Importantly, it is safe for the kids to be on their own. We look forward to visiting the Mayan for many years to come.

If you're looking for a cowboy-style Texas vacation, this is the place. Most of the other guests are return visitors and they keep coming back because of how the staff makes you feel at home.

The relaxing atmosphere. Awesome food! Hospitality was the best.