Frequently Asked Questions
The Story Behind the Name
Over decades, this property has operated under several names – from Ulbricht’s Summer Resort to Heidelberg Lodges. Each era added a layer to the story of this land along the Comal, building a legacy that has lived on these banks since the 1930s.
As we step into this next chapter, we introduced the name Petit Cowboy to reflect both the intimate scale of the riverside cabins and the rugged character of the land. The name is a nod to our own crossroads: “Petit” references our founders’ French heritage, while “Cowboy” honors the independent spirit of our Texas setting.
Petit Cowboy reflects the soul of the property: close to the water, close to one another, unpretentious and enduring. It honors the quiet rituals that define a stay here – morning coffee on the porch, long afternoons in the river, and conversations that linger well after sunset.
To ensure Petit Cowboy thrives year-round, we have refreshed the grounds to support a high-quality experience in every season.
Room Enhancements
We’ve reimagined our units to blend colorful river heritage with modern functionality. These playful, character-filled spaces prioritize:
- Brighter Interiors: Every room features new flooring, fresh interior paint (including walls and beams), and updated lighting to open up the space.
- Thoughtful Furnishings: We’ve brought in all-new beds, nightstands, couches, and coffee tables. We also upgraded the cabinetry and shelving to make multi-day stays feel more organized, with new Roku TVs for your downtime. To elevate your morning routine, we’ve also added Keurig Mini coffee makers and Beekman 1802 bath products.
- Kitchens & Baths: These essential areas now feature new countertops, cabinets, and hardware. You’ll also find two-burner cooktops and clever, high-capacity refrigerators that maximize every inch of space. Note: Our Deluxe King rooms are the only units without cooktops.
Room Names & Access
We’ve updated our room names to reflect the new experience. To keep your stay seamless, we’ve also introduced new signage and secure, keyless locks – meaning you can transition from the water to your room without the burden of a physical key.
- Deluxe King (formerly Motel Cottage) – sleeps 2
- Deluxe Double Queen (formerly Efficiency Cottage) – sleeps 4
- One Bedroom Suite (formerly One Bedroom Cottage) – sleeps 4
- Premium Suite (formerly Two Bedroom Cottage) – sleeps 6
- Poolside One Bedroom Suite (formerly One Bedroom Cottage) – sleeps 4
- Poolside Premium Suite (formerly Two Bedroom Cottage) – sleeps 6
The Grounds & Amenities
In our commitment to the property’s long-term future, we have invested in a visual restoration of the grounds to ensure the exterior is just as inviting as the river itself.
- A Fresh Face: We’ve repainted all building exteriors, roofs, trim, and stairs to breathe new life into our historic structures.
- Poolside & Play: Both pools are now fully maintained for year-round use with new furniture and umbrellas. We’ve also refinished the existing slab into a dedicated pickleball court and refreshed our communal game area.
- Dining & Gathering: We’ve designated a new grilling space for those classic summer cookouts, designed for groups to gather comfortably.
- The Pool House: This central hub now serves as our lobby and soon, a welcoming bar – the perfect spot to grab a light bite or a drink and say hello. We open our doors at 8 AM daily. Join us for a morning pastry or stay for an evening toast; we are open Sunday through Thursday until 9 PM, and Friday and Saturday until 10 PM.
New Alcohol Policy (TABC Compliance)
To provide a full-service experience and ensure the property’s sustainability, we have obtained a liquor license and developed an in-house food and beverage program.
Per TABC (Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission) regulations, guests may no longer bring or consume outside alcohol in the pool area, clubhouse, or common spaces. You are, of course, still welcome to enjoy your own selections within the privacy of your cabin or on your private porch.
We know many of you cherished the “BYO” tradition. This shift is a legal requirement that allows us to operate a full-service bar – a change most guests we’ve spoken to have welcomed as a positive addition. To keep the river spirit alive, we are committed to offering affordable pricing and rotating beer specials for everyone to enjoy.
Property Guidelines
To ensure a relaxing, safe environment for everyone, we ask that you follow these shared guidelines for our common areas and grounds:
- Dining: We invite you to enjoy the Clubhouse Bar’s curated selection of light bites and refreshments; please note that outside food and coolers are not permitted in the pool area.
- Drinks: Per TABC regulations, outside alcohol is strictly prohibited in all common spaces. We’ve stocked our bar with local favorites for you to enjoy.
- Atmosphere: To preserve the peaceful spirit of the property, we kindly ask that you refrain from playing personal music in common areas. We’ve curated a property-wide soundscape to keep the river vibes flowing for everyone.
As part of our ongoing commitment to guest safety and operational efficiency, our hotel operates as a fully cashless property. We are unable to accept cash for room charges, incidentals, dining, or other on-site services.
We accept major credit cards and secure digital payment options. If you have questions about accepted payment methods, please contact our front desk prior to arrival.
GRILLING & GATHERING:
We love that sharing a meal is part of your tradition! To keep our grounds beautiful, we’ve designated a specific home for your cookouts:
- The Grilling Area: This is the official spot for outside food and group hangouts, designed with the shade and seating your family needs to congregate comfortably.
- Equipment: To protect our landscaping and ensure safety, personal grills and tents are not permitted. Please make full use of our community grilling space instead!
CABIN AESTHETICS & AMENITIES:
- Decorations: We’ve poured our hearts into the new look of Petit Cowboy. To maintain the character of the property, please do not attach decorations (like banners, tape, or streamers) to the cabin exteriors.
- Laundry Services: Please note that we do not have guest washers or dryers on-site. To make your multi-day stay easier, we are currently partnering with a local laundry service that offers on-property pickup and return within 24-48 hours.
PARKING & VEHICLE:
- Vehicle Fees: Your first vehicle is complimentary; additional vehicles are $10 per night.
- No Tailgating: Tailgating and shade structures are not permitted in the lot. We encourage you to head over to the shaded Grilling Area to hang out and enjoy the outdoors!
Families & Loyal Companions
Petit Cowboy was built for families. The river and grounds remain a place for kids to explore and play, just as they have for generations. We also love welcoming your four-legged friends in our designated dog-friendly units.These cover each of our signature room styles – including our Deluxe Double Queen, Deluxe King, One Bedroom Suite, and Premium Suite – with the exception of our poolside units.
Dog Fees: $40 per night, per dog (with a maximum of 2 dogs per room).
Rates & Specials
From our Deluxe King rooms starting at $129 to our larger family suites, we offer a variety of ways to stay.
- The Legacy Rate: As a thank you for being the backbone of this property, guests who stayed with us during our Heidelberg days (before March 1, 2026) enjoy an exclusive 25% discount on off-season stays.
- Booking & Stay Window: March 1 – December 31, 2026
- Code: WELCOMEBACK
- Blackout dates apply.
- The “Stay 2, Get 1” Special: To celebrate our transition to Petit Cowboy, book a two-night stay during March and the third night is on us.
- Booking Window: March 1 – March 31, 2026
- Valid for Stays: March 1 – December 31, 2026
- Code: PETITCOWBOY
- Blackout dates apply.
Cancellation Policy
7 days during Peak Season (May 1 – October 31); 48 hours during the Off-Season.
Check In & Check Out
- 4 PM
- 11 AM
Our Social Contract
We understand that change can take a moment to get used to, and we realize some of these updates may not align with how you have traditionally stayed with us. If you have questions about whether these changes fit your upcoming visit, our local team would love to connect.
Please reach out to us at stay@petitcowboy.com or 830-625-9967 – we prefer a direct conversation and are here to personally assist you with any necessary adjustments.
About French Cowboys
French Cowboys is a Texas-based hospitality brand founded by Franklin Dusserre and Dylan Petrich, two Franco-American friends who grew up in Europe and fell in love with Texas. The company focuses on restoring and repositioning historic properties in small-town destinations across the state, typically within two hours of a major city, transforming overlooked landmarks into design-forward boutique accommodations. By bridging the gap between corporate hotel chains and high-end resorts, French Cowboys offers thoughtfully curated stays at accessible price points, ideal for leisure travel, group getaways, events and small corporate retreats. For more information, visit frenchcowboys.com.
Our Sister Properties
Explore more of our unique hospitality across the Hill Country:
For more information, visit frenchcowboys.com.