I just happened to pick Utopia fairly blindly when planning a weekend away with my boyfriend. So glad I did! It's a lovely spot, from the friendly proprietors and their cheerful staff, to the hummingbirds that gather in feeders by the dozens, to the deer that prance through the backyard at regular intervals. The river in the backyard is crystal-clear and gorgeous, but there's also a pool and hot tub. Rooms are spacious and clean, and the complimentary breakfast is downright delicious (hot peaches and biscuits, oh my!). We couldn't have enjoyed ourselves more and will no doubt be back.
(5)
Sarah P.
What an oasis! Travelled alone and was a little concerned about being somewhere new etc but owners were very hospitable, room was beautiful and nothing beats the view of the deer right outside my window! Great spot for a romantic getaway or even stop in with the family. Breakfast was very good and plenty of food. Spent a little time walking around outside just spending time with nature and it was so peaceful! If I'm ever back that direction I'd love to bring my husband!
(5)
Steve H.
I brought my fiance here on her 31st birthday for a two day stay and was rather surprised by how awesome this place was . Every morning we woke up to an incredible breakfast, to be fair I skipped out one day so I could sleep. I've never been much for breakfast but the one day I did wake up and give it a shot it was great. I cant say enough good things about the sausage biscuits they made. Utopia is somewhat remote so try to bring everything you need with you so you don't end up having to make a trip to the store. If you do have to go to the store you can plan on at least a 45 minute to an hour drive maybe more. They have a very very nice pool here and since they have so few rooms I felt like I had it and the awesome hot tub to myself the entire time I was there. The pool is complete with towles and was very well taken care of. All of the employees I met here were great too.. very friendly!
(4)
Amanda S.
I first visited Utopia on the River about 20 years ago as a kid with my family. I finally made it back for my 31st birthday and it was perfect. We stayed two nights and enjoyed a nice breakfast made for us each morning. It was simply delicious! The bed and breakfast is located on the Sabinal River and you can walk, hike, swim and fish there. It really is a picture perfect experience here and so relaxing. There is also a nice, well kept pool and hot tub on the property. There are only 12 rooms at the bed and breakfast and during my stay they were not fully booked so it was quiet around, which was nice. my fiance and I enjoyed sitting on the porch swing watching the sunset and the deer. The property is also a wildlife sanctuary and in the evening the deer come out to eat. There were probably 20-30 deer within 30 yards of you. Very cool to watch! If you are looking to get away from the hustle and bustle of the city this is the place to go for sure! The WiFi here is also pretty good, especially since it is so remote; we were still able to stream and browse when we wanted.
(4)
Tamie S.
My family and I came to stay for 2 days because we were going to Garner State Park. If your not into camping at the park then this is the place for you! The staff were super friendly and helpful. The grounds were just beautiful! Every night and morning at 7:30 the deer feeder across the parking lot spray corn for the deer. Around 40 - 50 deer show up and it is just amazing to watch these beautiful creatures. There are hummingbirds EVERY where on the property! I have never seen hummingbirds up close and it was AMAZING! Oh! Did I mention the horses? There are horses surrounding the property. The kids were having a great time petting them. The river is just behind the property. The rooms were extremly clean and it was nice to have the microwave and refigerator! The breakfast in the moring is really good! Everything is made fresh and the apple bacon and apple sauce cake are really good. I am giving 4 stars because there is no room service. Be sure to eat dinner or bring snacks back to your room because there is nothing really close by. If your in the area you really need to stay here!! I took a bunch of pictures but could not upload the darn things from my phone. Take my word for it, this is a beautiful place and the staff are A+++
(4)
Cheryl T.
Ditto the "great tranquility & service" of another reviewer! Very friendly hosts and employees, unassuming - yet welcoming - lodge and guest rooms, and lovely grounds along the river with plentiful deer, squirrels, and songbirds. Unbelievable giant cypress trees! Yummy, hearty, home style breakfasts, and if you go hungry it's your own fault! Menu varies by day, but we enjoyed fried eggs/patty sausage/biscuits/hot spiced peaches and scrambled eggs/link sausage/French toast plus juices & coffee/hot tea while there. We LOVED that breakfast is served come-and-go over a one-hour period and early enough to allow jumpstarts on day trips to Garner or Lost Maples parks or a golf outing. Rooms are spacious and spic 'n span. We had two rocking chairs plus a nice table, and all rooms have a small fridge & microwave. Decor is somewhat dated, but that adds to a "cabin/lodge" feel...if you're looking for upscale lodging, you're probably not the right guest for Utopia on the River Lodge. This would be a great place for a family reunion stay (wish we'd had family along), and it's ideally located as base for easy access to popular parks and sights in the area. Wifi & TV for the less adventurous. :-)
Betsy L.
I just happened to pick Utopia fairly blindly when planning a weekend away with my boyfriend. So glad I did! It's a lovely spot, from the friendly proprietors and their cheerful staff, to the hummingbirds that gather in feeders by the dozens, to the deer that prance through the backyard at regular intervals. The river in the backyard is crystal-clear and gorgeous, but there's also a pool and hot tub. Rooms are spacious and clean, and the complimentary breakfast is downright delicious (hot peaches and biscuits, oh my!). We couldn't have enjoyed ourselves more and will no doubt be back.
(5)Sarah P.
What an oasis! Travelled alone and was a little concerned about being somewhere new etc but owners were very hospitable, room was beautiful and nothing beats the view of the deer right outside my window! Great spot for a romantic getaway or even stop in with the family. Breakfast was very good and plenty of food. Spent a little time walking around outside just spending time with nature and it was so peaceful! If I'm ever back that direction I'd love to bring my husband!
(5)Steve H.
I brought my fiance here on her 31st birthday for a two day stay and was rather surprised by how awesome this place was . Every morning we woke up to an incredible breakfast, to be fair I skipped out one day so I could sleep. I've never been much for breakfast but the one day I did wake up and give it a shot it was great. I cant say enough good things about the sausage biscuits they made. Utopia is somewhat remote so try to bring everything you need with you so you don't end up having to make a trip to the store. If you do have to go to the store you can plan on at least a 45 minute to an hour drive maybe more. They have a very very nice pool here and since they have so few rooms I felt like I had it and the awesome hot tub to myself the entire time I was there. The pool is complete with towles and was very well taken care of. All of the employees I met here were great too.. very friendly!
(4)Amanda S.
I first visited Utopia on the River about 20 years ago as a kid with my family. I finally made it back for my 31st birthday and it was perfect. We stayed two nights and enjoyed a nice breakfast made for us each morning. It was simply delicious! The bed and breakfast is located on the Sabinal River and you can walk, hike, swim and fish there. It really is a picture perfect experience here and so relaxing. There is also a nice, well kept pool and hot tub on the property. There are only 12 rooms at the bed and breakfast and during my stay they were not fully booked so it was quiet around, which was nice. my fiance and I enjoyed sitting on the porch swing watching the sunset and the deer. The property is also a wildlife sanctuary and in the evening the deer come out to eat. There were probably 20-30 deer within 30 yards of you. Very cool to watch! If you are looking to get away from the hustle and bustle of the city this is the place to go for sure! The WiFi here is also pretty good, especially since it is so remote; we were still able to stream and browse when we wanted.
(4)Tamie S.
My family and I came to stay for 2 days because we were going to Garner State Park. If your not into camping at the park then this is the place for you! The staff were super friendly and helpful. The grounds were just beautiful! Every night and morning at 7:30 the deer feeder across the parking lot spray corn for the deer. Around 40 - 50 deer show up and it is just amazing to watch these beautiful creatures. There are hummingbirds EVERY where on the property! I have never seen hummingbirds up close and it was AMAZING! Oh! Did I mention the horses? There are horses surrounding the property. The kids were having a great time petting them. The river is just behind the property. The rooms were extremly clean and it was nice to have the microwave and refigerator! The breakfast in the moring is really good! Everything is made fresh and the apple bacon and apple sauce cake are really good. I am giving 4 stars because there is no room service. Be sure to eat dinner or bring snacks back to your room because there is nothing really close by. If your in the area you really need to stay here!! I took a bunch of pictures but could not upload the darn things from my phone. Take my word for it, this is a beautiful place and the staff are A+++
(4)Cheryl T.
Ditto the "great tranquility & service" of another reviewer! Very friendly hosts and employees, unassuming - yet welcoming - lodge and guest rooms, and lovely grounds along the river with plentiful deer, squirrels, and songbirds. Unbelievable giant cypress trees! Yummy, hearty, home style breakfasts, and if you go hungry it's your own fault! Menu varies by day, but we enjoyed fried eggs/patty sausage/biscuits/hot spiced peaches and scrambled eggs/link sausage/French toast plus juices & coffee/hot tea while there. We LOVED that breakfast is served come-and-go over a one-hour period and early enough to allow jumpstarts on day trips to Garner or Lost Maples parks or a golf outing. Rooms are spacious and spic 'n span. We had two rocking chairs plus a nice table, and all rooms have a small fridge & microwave. Decor is somewhat dated, but that adds to a "cabin/lodge" feel...if you're looking for upscale lodging, you're probably not the right guest for Utopia on the River Lodge. This would be a great place for a family reunion stay (wish we'd had family along), and it's ideally located as base for easy access to popular parks and sights in the area. Wifi & TV for the less adventurous. :-)
(5)