A nearly 100-year-old building, a family who took a chance on it, and a town that never stopped showing up.
Built for the Railroad
H.B. Jordan built Hotel Turkey three blocks from the Fort Worth and Denver South Plains Railway depot as a place for ranchers, traveling salesmen, and anyone passing through the Panhandle. However, on June 12, a tornado leveled the building before it could even host its first guest. They got back to work rebuilding and in November, Hotel Turkey was open for business.
The Town Showed Up
From day one, the hotel was more than a place to sleep. Salesmen used the meeting room to spread their wares. Dances and banquets filled the dining room. Turkey, Texas, made it their living room.
Bob Wills Day Begins
Turkey started hosting Bob Wills Day in 1971 to honor the king of Western swing who claimed Turkey as his hometown. Hotel Turkey became the natural home base for the musicians and visitors who made the trip every last Saturday in April. Except for a COVID interruption in 2020 and 2021, it hasn't missed a year since.
Made It Official
Hotel Turkey is added to the National Register of Historic Places. Nearly 65 years of West Texas history — recognized.
A Future President Stops In
George W. Bush visited Turkey on October 29, 1994, during his campaign for Texas Governor. He stayed at Hotel Turkey and met with local residents and farmers. He won the election two weeks later.
Pat & Tina Take the Reins
Local residents Pat and Tina Carson purchase the hotel from Turkey rancher Cody Bell. Their goal: keep it standing, keep it full, and make it something the town is proud of.
Still at It
Historic rooms, Steel Suites, RV hookups, live music every weekend, and a restaurant worth the drive. The building's almost 100 years old and busier than ever.
Owners
Pat and Tina are locals — between the two of them, they've been part of the Turkey community for over 30 years. Tina grew up here, her family farming cotton, peanuts, and watermelon just down the road in Flomot. Pat found his way to Turkey the way a lot of people do: through family and a town too small to stay strangers in. Proud Red Raiders, they've raised their three kids in Turkey and wouldn’t want to be anywhere else.
A chance conversation in 2015 with then-owner Cody Bell about what it might be like to run a historic hotel turned into reality when Bell called them up a few months later with an offer. They took it, with a simple idea: take care of the building, take care of the guests, and take care of the town.
The Crew
Carley du Menil became a Turkey resident in 2018 and has been an integral part of Hotel Turkey ever since. As the one who keeps the day-to-day humming, she's probably the first face you'll see when you arrive and the reason everything runs as smoothly as it does.
Albert has been at Hotel Turkey since before the Carsons took over, and it's no coincidence that he's the one making breakfast. His personality alone will get your day started on the right foot. If you've had breakfast at Hotel Turkey, you've met Albert — and you probably haven't stopped talking about him since.
Kristy has been waiting tables since day one, and if you've ever eaten here or spent a night on the back patio, there's a good chance she's the one who took care of you!
Every member of the Hotel Turkey team keeps this place running. And there is no doubt that the crew at Hotel Turkey are a big part why guests keep coming back.
Friends of the Hotel
Hotel Turkey has never been a solo operation. When the Travel Channel called shortly after the Carsons took over, they had 12 days to get the hotel ready for filming. Friends, family, and neighbors showed up and worked long days and nights to make it happen. That spirit never really left.
Family members have been in the mix from the start, helping cook, taking orders, setting up, and lending a hand in whatever way was needed.
And then there's Neal, Ben, Steve, Jose, and Rob — the steak cooking crew. They show up every Saturday night to make sure the grill is running right, not because they have to, but because that's just what you do around here. Hotel Turkey wouldn't be what it is without them.
A two-story brick prairie school building that's been standing since 1927. Original architecture, wood floors, and walls that have heard a few good tales. On the National Register of Historic Places and still going strong.
Bands and songwriters roll through from all over the country, every Friday and Saturday night on the back patio. Cold beer at the Silo Bar and the Turkey, Texas, sky overhead. Come see who's playing.
From a proper West Texas breakfast to Steak Night on Saturdays, the kitchen does things right. You don't have to be a guest to eat like one.
Family-owned, community-run, and genuinely glad you made the drive. Everyone who walks through the door gets treated like they've been here before.
FIND US
The best stay, steak, and Saturday night between Amarillo and Fort Worth.
