Business Development Outlook
September/October 2002

THE COOK’S COTTAGE & SUITES
FREDERICKSBURG. TEXAS

T here is a reason The Cook’s Cottage and Suites has been selected as ‘One of the Top 25 Most Romantic Places in the United States,” (Travel & Leisure Magazine) and as “One of the Top 5 Most Romantic Inns in America,” (Country Home Magazine).

This Texas Hill Country Bed & Breakfast, located in the heart of The Historic District of the German community of Fredericksburg, Texas is about one hour from San Antonio and I — hour from the state capital of Austin. Here at this enormously popular B&B and sister property, Elizabeth’s Suite and Spa Room and Eva’s Suite, you quickly discover that it’s the little touches that make a guest feel special. This is why you find fresh flowers or herb sprigs in your “Breakfast in Bed Basket.” Why your dessert plate will be presented atop a starched white doily. Why the body lotions and bath gels will he hand made. And why the spoon YOU use to stir your coffee will he chocolate dipped.

Of course, if big -not little - is your thing, you’ll find plenty of that as well. You’ll enter The Cook’s Cottage through a screened and furnished porch perfect for relaxing and enjoying the herb and butterfly gardens and English antique stained glass windows. The focal point of this large unique suite is the magnificent waterfall double whirlpool set in a bed of Colorado River rocks, with architectural antiques, scattered throughout. The four-poster
 

cypress lodge-pole bed, with an antique Irish gate headboard, boasts a crystal chandelier hanging from the exposed rafters. A rattan swinging love seat dressed with burlap and lace pillows hangs at the foot of the bed.

For most people The Cook’s Cottage and Suites is what dreams are made of and certainly many memories. Each of the suites has its own unique ambience and appeal. But while the antiques and heirlooms are an important part of this Bed & Breakfast, the philosophy of Patsy Swendson (the hostess/owner) and ultimately what her guests come to realize, is that “The Cook’s Cottage is a state of mind - a slowing down- a place for making time for the really important parts of life. Everything else is just decoration!”

Soft music and flowers welcome guests. But things won’t be found in this haven for romance and relaxation is a television, telephone, computer, fax or modem.

Patsy Swendson, the innkeeper/owner, has long been a fast player in the kitchens of the world, writing 46 cookbooks (the latest TEXAS THE BEAUTIFUL COOKBOOK, HarperCollins), and hosting her own televised cooking show on the Texas CBS affiliate for 20 years. Additionally, she produced and hosted televised travel features while escorting tours to far—flung destinations. Four years ago she added the roll of innkeeper to her repertoire.

The Cook’s Cottage and Suites exudes super-indulgence. Not only are fantasy bedrooms available, little tidbits of culinary treats are found throughout. 

The Cook’s Cottage and Suites in the Historic District parallels Main Street by one block and is within easy walking distance of the Nimitz Museum, the George Bush Museum of the Pacific War, shops, restaurants, wineries, The Pioneer Museum, churches, historic homes and galleries.

Concierge service is also available for horse drawn carriage rides, hot air balloon rides, wedding services, moonlight picnics, and spa services.

The superb attention to detail, outstanding service, and respect for privacy have become expected at The Cook’s Cottage and Suites. As a note in the guest book says, “We hate to leave, this is truly our special place. We will be back.” This Bed and Breakfast has received national acclaim and well-deserved awards from well-known publications, but it is the praise of the many return guests that makes this place.'

For more information call
Phone: 210-493-5101
Toll Free: 888-991-6749
Fax: 866-869-0364
E-mail - patsyswendson@yahoo.com