NPR Reviews Provided by
The Summit At Big Bend
TripAdvisor Traveler Rating: 11 reviews
STRANGERS IN OUR CAVE!
User: harleymomma74 from: Cypress, Texas
Published Date: Jan, 8, 2024
Travel Date: Jan, 1, 2024
Rating: 4
This was absolutely one of the most unique glamping experiences of my life. As soon as we arrived at Crystal Cave we found another couple inside our cave lying on the bed. Although this was very upsetting the host sorted it out very quickly. Because the cave door isn’t operated by code entry, there is a key that dangles openly from the keyhole for guests to use during their stay. Obviously, this presents the opportunity for anyone to walk up to the cave and go right in when the key is left unattended. I’m sure our situation was just a one off and this type of thing is not common. However, I hope the host takes this into consideration and invests in a more secure entrance to the cave for future guests. Yes, everything is beautifully decorated, the bed is comfortable, and the surroundings are breathtaking. The cave greets you with a fairly challenging incline from your parking space to the cave landing. We brought a wagon and made several trips up and down this incline while unloading our gear. If you aren’t in shape, it will not be easy. There are some stone steps, but they are not all even, and the loose rocks can cause you to lose your footing. Be advised, be prepared, and don’t do this in the dark. If you are not able to handle this kind of physical challenge, request the Onyx Cave as you can just park right there next to your cave with no obstacles. The host mentioned prior to our arrival that there would be firewood & that the first bundle was free and then $10/bundle after that. Luckily, we brought our own firewood because there was none upon arrival (hence several trips for our wagon haul). The next day two workers dropped off four small bundles of firewood. If you plan to use the firepit as much as we did, the four bundles they provide will not last long. Plumbing. Where do I begin? The water from the faucets in the kitchenette and washroom worked only part of the time. Once turned on, water would flow for a few seconds then large air pockets would burst out. Water would then barely trickle from the tap then eventually, nothing. We'd wait for a while, I guess for the water tank to fill back up, then start the process over again. Washing dishes, washing hands, and brushing teeth were a struggle. Same thing with the shower. I contacted the host and they said they were sending maintenance right away. They never showed up. We spent two nights there unable to shower but for a few seconds at a time. It was miserable. Basically, we had to sponge bathe once we were able to halfway fill the sink. I didn’t wash my hair until the morning we left to which it was difficult to rinse out the shampoo. Thank goodness the toilet worked! As mentioned, it was an incredibly unique glamping experience. Met with challenges and inconveniences such as plumbing issues which upset me the most. However, we could not have been more thrilled to be high on that hill with some of the most amazing views and a gorgeous cave room all to ourselves. Breathing in the cool crisp air, watching the gorgeous sunset, cooking over an open fire on our cast iron pan, gazing at the darkest starry sky in Texas, and absorbing the peacefulness that surrounded us. That’s what brought us to The Summit, and it bestowed.
Subratings:

Off the beaten path
User: hbaxamoosa from: Austin, Texas
Trip Type: Family
Published Date: Nov, 23, 2023
Travel Date: Nov, 1, 2023
Rating: 5
Off the beaten path, but well worth the detour. Gorgeous night skies, and incredible sunrise views. Convenient if you are visiting Big Bend National Park. Close to several food options in Terlingua. The bed was so comfortable and while the toilets and showers are shared (we never had to wait) there is a sink in the dome. If you want to be disconnected... but not too disconnected and want to experience the region and feel like you are camping but not totally roughing it The Summit is a perfect option.

Not as the pic show
User: Jibarra8 from: San Antonio, Texas
Trip Type: Solo travel
Published Date: Nov, 2, 2023
Travel Date: Oct, 1, 2023
Rating: 3
It’s was definitely a nice experience something different the glamping experience. The dome was nice it had its own ac, sink, mini refrigerator in the room. The set up was nice bed was comfortable and they give u 2 green beers and 2 waters. The dome does not have much light just 2 lamps and wasn’t able to fully secure beside a hook on outside and inside so u want leave ur stuff there, the bathroom are out in the middle depending on ur dome it would be a little distance away, no hsk so don’t expect that no cell service but they do have WiFi. They come at a certain time and remove the cover of top of the globe so you can see the stars however I feel like the see through part of the dome need cleaning as it was hard to see the stars. Them in the morning they come and put the top back on so it’s not hot in your room it’s just a cover ur not exposed to the outside. The showers don’t have much pressure and are located on outside house. They did have a fire pit which was really nice and some chairs to hang around. The property has a 1.5 mile hike if you want to do that as well. The road to get to the glamp site is all dirt and if it rains know you will be in some mud. Over all good experience maybe not worth that much money

Not worth your money
User: 904fannyv from: Singapore, Singapore
Trip Type: Family
Published Date: Apr, 11, 2023
Travel Date: Apr, 1, 2023
Rating: 2
Very overpriced simple camping ground. No luxury, no cleaning, bedding is dirty and cheap. Very uncomfortable area to sit. Toilets are dirty and water in shower is cold. I would recommend to search for an other place in the area and don’t waste your money on this

Check their horrendous cancellation policy!!
User: Annemiekev143 from: Amsterdam, The Netherlands
Published Date: Mar, 15, 2023
Travel Date: Mar, 1, 2023
Rating: 1
Before you book please check their cancellation policy! Somewhere in small letters they tell you that you lose 50% of your deposit + 25 $ cancellation fee if you cancel after 48 hours. I did cancel after 5 days and my reservation is 7 months away. A total rip off because they probably rent the room again in 7 months time so they make extra money. I tried to reason with them but to no avail. There is no warning in the confirmation you receive like other hotels do. And I do know it is your own responsibility but I'm not used to this. Some help from the hotel is always nice. So who wants to stay with a management like this? I did think Terlingua was a laidback place.

© TripAdvisor 2024