Celebrating 30 Years of Service in Brenham, TX: Ant Street Inn

Thirty years ago, Ant Street Inn opened its doors in the heart of downtown Brenham. In 1995, there wasn’t much happening on Main Street, but the inn became a unique anchor for the community that helped ignite the area’s revitalization. Today, it remains one of the most beloved places to stay in Brenham, renowned for its ability to blend history with exceptional service.

Red brick building,

A Brief History of Ant Street Inn

While the building was finished in 1899, Ant Street Inn began with Pam and Tommy Traylor in 1995. Their vision was simple: create a boutique hotel in downtown Brenham that reflected the past while welcoming modern travelers. At the time, it was unusual to see hotels in Brenham located downtown, yet the Traylors believed in the future of the area.


In 2012, Suzy and Keith Hankins became the second owners. Since then, they’ve built on that legacy, keeping the inn’s character that it was known for while bringing in fresh energy. With only two families having owned the inn over the past three decades, guests at Ant Street Inn can be assured that they'll continue to enjoy the same experience that has been cherished for years.

For Keith and Suzy, running the inn has always been about more than just filling up guest rooms. They love to actively participate in downtown Brenham life, joining in on events such as Uptown Swirl, the Texas Arts & Music Festival, and Local History Day. Visitors will often find themselves welcomed in by the locals through these connections.


Suzy has also been a leader in the Texas Bed and Breakfast Association, serving as President from 2016 to 2018 and teaching at the annual conference. She demonstrates that their philosophy over the years has been clear: hospitality isn’t just about lodging, it’s about strengthening the bonds between people, businesses, and the town itself.

The Hankins Era: Community and Hospitality

Award for
Man and woman smiling, holding a trophy, in front of stained glass window.
Award plaque on a wooden counter next to a framed

Over the years, Ant Street Inn has been honored with awards that reflect its role in Brenham’s growth:


  • 2019: Outside the Box Award – for creative events brought to the community, such as BookFest and Mystery Dinners
  • 2022: Shining Star Award – for promoting local business and tourism
  • 2022: Favorite Party Facility – Brenham Banner-Press Reader’s Choice
  • 2024: Favorite Bed and Breakfast – Brenham Banner-Press Reader’s Choice
  • 2025: Partner of the Year Award – for continuing to support and serve the downtown area with a lens of "together we are better"


These recognitions highlight how Ant Street Inn has become more than a hotel; it’s a trusted partner in Brenham’s story.

Recognition and Awards Over the Years

What Guests Love About Staying at Ant Street Inn

Guests return year after year for thoughtful touches that make a stay memorable. Some favorites include:


  • Complimentary Blue Bell Ice Cream and seasonal snacks
  • A refreshment room with sodas and coffee 
  • Lawn chairs for parades and concerts on the square
  • Lots of entertainment like monthly themed movies, a game cabinet, and a lending reading library
  • A unique gift shop, The Vault, featuring Texas treasures and inn-branded items


These details, paired with comfortable rooms in a beautifully restored property, make Ant Street Inn stand out among hotels in Brenham.

Two men behind a counter in a store, likely selling goods. Shelves filled with products. Black and white photograph.
Brick building with arched windows, in black and white, outdoors.
Brick building with awnings over storefronts, a vintage car parked, and overcast sky.

Ant Street Inn and Brenham’s Downtown Growth

From the beginning, Ant Street Inn has played a vital role in downtown Brenham’s revitalization. By offering quality lodging, supporting local shops and restaurants, and building guest packages with area partners, the inn has helped create a thriving downtown. The Hankins’ guiding belief, “together we are better,” has shaped the way they run the inn and how they engage with the community.


For guests, staying at Ant Street Inn isn't just about having a place to sleep; it's about joining the ongoing story of small-town renewal.

Our Place Among Historical Buildings in Texas

While the focus of this anniversary is on people and community, the building itself also holds an important place among historical buildings in Texas. Its preservation has allowed visitors to step back in time while enjoying modern comforts. The inn remains a landmark in Brenham, symbolizing how history and guest experience can thrive together.


Throughout most of the 20th century, the building has served various roles in downtown Brenham, ranging from dry goods and department stores to other shops that supported the business district. Each chapter added to its story, leaving behind character and architectural details that can still be seen today. The careful restoration of Ant Street Inn not only preserved those elements but also gave the structure a new purpose as a welcoming place for Texas travelers.

Texas Historical Commission medallion on red brick wall, with accompanying historical plaque.

Come Celebrate 30 Years With Us

This year marks an incredible milestone: 30 years of Ant Street Inn. To commemorate the occasion, a 30th Anniversary Celebration will be held on Tuesday, September 23, 2025, from 12:00 to 2:00 p.m. in the ballroom. Visitors, locals, and friends are invited to join in celebrating three decades of heritage, hospitality, and community.

Book Your Stay at Ant Street Inn

If you’re looking for places to stay in Brenham, Ant Street Inn offers you the perfect place to rest. For 30 years, guests have chosen the inn for its comfortable rooms, warm southern welcomes, and prime location in the heart of downtown. Staying here means stepping into Brenham’s history while enjoying the thoughtful details and welcoming atmosphere that set the inn apart.


By booking your stay, you’re not only choosing one of the most trusted hotels in the area, you’re joining the story of a landmark that has supported the area for three decades. Come see why Ant Street Inn remains a Brenham tradition.