Rebuilding Together: A Flood Update from Hotel Giles in Comfort, Texas
First and foremost, thank you. We’ve been deeply moved by the outpouring of support and concern following the devastating flash flood that hit the Upper Guadalupe River on July 4. Your messages, phone calls, and generous offers to help have reminded us just how strong and caring our extended Hotel Giles family truly is.
We’re incredibly grateful to report that Hotel Giles sustained no damage during the flood. That fortunate position has allowed us to pivot quickly from being simply a charming historic getaway in the Texas Hill Country to something more: a support hub for Search and Rescue (SAR) teams, K-9 units, and families seeking loved ones. We’ve balanced those emergency needs with the care and hospitality our regular guests — here for weddings, anniversaries, or a peaceful vacation — have come to expect.
Behind the scenes, our entire team has stepped up in ways we never imagined. We’ve worked long hours, offered discounted lodging to SAR crews and volunteers, and opened our doors to grieving families. We created a network of local residents within 10 miles of Comfort who generously offered their guest spaces, free of charge, for those in need. Our kitchen has prepped meals, our washers and dryers have stayed busy, and we’ve offered a steady hand and open heart to everyone walking through our doors.
A Community That Cares
Comfort’s heart has never been more visible. Businesses, nonprofits, churches, and neighbors have all come together to house displaced families, feed volunteers, and gather critical supplies. It’s been nothing short of inspiring. We’re proud to be a part of this town and prouder still of the way it’s come together in the face of tragedy.
What Travelers Need to Know
Yes, parts of the Hill Country were hit unimaginably hard. But Comfort is open. All roads and bridges leading into town are safe, and our shops, wineries, restaurants, and inns are operating. In fact, many are offering “welcome back” specials. We need your continued support — especially as some locals face personal losses and need steady employment now more than ever.
That said, we ask all visitors to be mindful. There are ongoing SAR and cleanup operations throughout the Guadalupe River region. Water recreation is strongly discouraged right now — not only because it poses serious safety risks due to pollution and debris, but because it's disrespectful to the immense recovery efforts still underway. Please admire the rivers from afar for now.
How You Can Help
Whether you're planning a trip soon or simply feel moved to support, here are some trusted ways to contribute:
- Comfort Area Chamber of Commerce
Flood Relief Updates & Needs - Comfort Area Foundation 501(c)3
Flood Relief Fund - Kerrville Pets Alive
Pet Rescue and Supplies - GoFundMe for Liz Hastings & Paul Welch
Help Friends Who Lost Everything
Every dollar, supply, or shared link makes a difference.
Yes, You Can Still Visit
While the landscape around us changes, the spirit of Hotel Giles remains the same: welcoming, restorative, and full of heart. Our Friday Happy Hour and Open Jam in the Courtyard continues, offering a soft place to land for locals, SAR teams, volunteers, and guests alike. Whether you join us to sip a glass of Hill Country wine, sing a song, or simply sit among neighbors, this community gathering is healing in motion.
We know recovery will take months, maybe longer. But it’s already begun. And we hope you’ll be a part of it — by visiting, by donating, or simply by keeping us in your thoughts.
Texas Hill Country is open. Comfort is open. Hotel Giles is open.
The welcome mat is out. Come find comfort — in every sense of the word.
