Each room at the Ruby Hotel in Round Rock has a balcony overlooking the creek. Photo courtesy Ruby Hotel

Herons represent stillness, emotional balance and quiet confidence in some cultures, and I always feel reassured when I see one.

When I spotted a few of the tall, gangly birds nesting in oak trees across the creek from the balcony of my room at the Ruby Hotel & Bar in Round Rock, I let out a relaxed sigh.

The hotel occupies a quiet spot along Brushy Creek in a residential neighborhood. Each of the 39 rooms in the modern, two-story building has a balcony that overlooks the creek.

The hotel, decorated in rich blues and greens, takes its name from a hand-written letter, now framed in the bar area, that was unearthed during redevelopment. It begins, “Dearest Ruby.” Rooms are simple, with concrete floors and a small corner table, but velvet accent pillows and area rugs add a warm and inviting touch. The beds are cushy, too, with crisp linens.

The Ruby Bar occupies a 1960s-era home. Photo courtesy Ruby Hotel & Bar

Curl up on a sofa in the Ruby Bar and you’ll feel like you’ve slipped into a dark, cozy living room. The bar occupies a 1960s-era home where you can play vintage games, order cocktails or nibble flatbread pizzas, burgers and sandwiches.

During our recent stay, my boyfriend and I lounged by a tiny pool tucked beneath live oaks, and sampled items from the menu of the on-site restaurant. After a swim, we watched the sun set over the bar’s deck while sipping Ruby Old Fashioneds. As darkness fell, we could still make out the shadows of those herons gazing back at us.

The Ruby Hotel & Bar, at 400 Fannin Avenue in Round Rock, offers complimentary self-parking, Wi-Fi, and a basic fitness room. Room rates start at $200 a night. Pool passes area available Monday through Wednesday for $50. A special birdwatchers’ package, which includes a birding guide, binoculars and a complimentary cocktail at the bar, is also available.

For more information go here.