Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Your Home Under the Stars in Marathon, Texas
Established in 1940, the Marathon Motel & RV Park has evolved into a premier destination for travelers seeking comfort and connection with nature. Our property features ten newly renovated rooms across four duplex cabins, offering modern amenities while preserving mid-century charm. The 29-space RV Park provides full hookups and convenient access to the Big Bend region. Our adobe-walled courtyard with native landscaping serves as a gathering space for guests to enjoy mountain vistas and stargazing opportunities. Recognized for our commitment to dark sky preservation, we offer unique astrophotography experiences through the Marathon Skypark.The property has hosted notable events including film productions and community gatherings. Our team maintains a focus on sustainable practices through water conservation and natural building materials. With over eight decades of service, we continue to blend historical significance with modern comforts. Our location serves as a gateway to Big Bend National Park and the Big Bend region's natural attractions.
Services
Motel Rooms
RV Park
Skypark Access
Star Parties
Wedding Venue
Astrophotography
Storm Chasing
Camping
Webcam Access
Historical Tours
Details
- Year established: 1940
Highlights and features
- Established in 1940 with continuous operation for over 80 years
- Bortle Scale 1 dark sky designation for optimal stargazing
- Adobe courtyard with native landscaping and mountain views
- Full-service RV Park with 29 premium hookups
- Recognized filming location for 'Paris, Texas' movie
What people say
Breathtaking night skies
Historic ambiance
Scenic mountain views
Excellent stargazing
Unique experience
Services
Motel Rooms
Ten newly decorated rooms across four duplex cabins offer comfortable accommodations with private baths, streaming internet, and mountain views. Each unit sleeps up to four guests with roll-away bed options. Modern amenities blend with historic charm in this 1940s-era property.
RV Park
29 full-hookup RV spaces with electrical, water, and sewer connections. Additional camping available in secluded rear property areas with mountain vistas. Park amenities include laundry facilities and vending machines for guest convenience.
Skypark Access
Bortle Scale 1 dark sky experience at Marathon Skypark with concrete pads, 110 power, and shade cloth barriers. Free access for guests with $15/night fee for non-residents. Ideal for astrophotography and stargazing activities.
Star Parties
Guided stargazing sessions using 20" and 24" Dobsonian telescopes. Two-hour family-friendly events conducted nightly when weather permits. Educational programs cover celestial navigation and deep-sky observation techniques under pristine dark skies.
Wedding Venue
Adobe courtyard with fountain, fireplace, and mountain backdrops hosts weddings and special events. Fully equipped catering kitchen available for functions. Natural surroundings provide scenic photography opportunities during day and night hours.
Questions
What makes Marathon Motel's location special?
We're situated in the Big Bend region with unobstructed mountain views and Bortle Scale 1 dark skies - the darkest classification in North America.
Do you offer amenities for astrophotographers?
Yes, our Skypark features concrete pads with power, shade barriers, and telescope access for professional and amateur astrophotographers.
What room configurations are available?
We offer double rooms (sleep 4), single rooms (sleep 2), and a fully equipped apartment with kitchen facilities for extended stays.
Can I visit Skypark without staying overnight?
Yes, our Skypark is accessible for $15/night fee or free with room or RV rentals. No charge for undeveloped area access.
What payment methods do you accept?
We accept credit card deposits for reservations and cash/check payments at check-in for remaining balances.
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