The Astronomers Lodge is the highest lodging in Texas. Perched atop Mount Locke at 6,700 feet, it shares a summit with the Otto Struve, Harlan J. Smith, and other telescopes.
Astronomers Lodge Room Request
The Lodge is not a hotel. It was built to accommodate astronomers and staff on official business at McDonald Observatory, and this is still its primary purpose. However, rooms may also be reserved by limited members of the public.
Who Can Stay at the Lodge
- Observing astronomers
- UT faculty and staff traveling for official business
- Friends of McDonald Observatory
- Members of the Board of Visitors
- Participants in special programs
Rooms are subject to availability and first priority is given to observers.
Rooms and Amenities
The Astronomers Lodge provides modest accommodations. Private rooms include private bath, a king size bed or two twin beds. Click here for photos of rooms.
There are no televisions, radios, hair driers, rooms phones, etc. There is complimentary Wi-Fi available in each room. Cell phone service is limited in most areas.
The Lodge has a meeting room, with AV set-up, that can accommodate up to 40 people which may be reserved for meetings, presentations, meals, or just as a workspace.
Meals
Lodging costs include meals for the duration of a stay (dinner on your first night, breakfast after your last night, and three meals on all other days).
If you do not require a room, you may still request meals, at a cost, prepared and available for your research group, these can be hot meals available in the Lodge dining room (plated or to-go) or sack lunches available for pick-up.
Please communicate any dietary concerns as early as possible and we will do our best to accommodate. We are unable to accommodate all dietary restrictions. Note: we cannot guarantee no cross contamination of allergens in the kitchen.
Policies
- Cancellations must be made 24+ hours in advance; no-shows incur a $50 per night fee.
- Check-in is after 3 p.m.; checkout is 11 a.m., with exceptions for official business.
- Room assignments may change to accommodate researchers.
- Rates are subject to change.
- Rooms are only available for guests aged 12 and older.
- No pets allowed unless they are trained service animals.
- We accommodate both daytime and nighttime sleepers and require minimal noise or disruption.
Payments
The charges for the Astronomers Lodge can be made via IDT to your travel account(s). This requires that the Lodge receive a copy of your RTA. Otherwise, we accept cash, checks, VISA, and MasterCard. (Note: periodic network outages can limit credit card availability).
Contact
All questions concerning lodging should be directed to the Astronomers Lodge manager at a.lodge@astro.as.utexas.edu.