For travelers catching an early flight, it’s hard to beat the location of this Grand Hyatt, which is right inside Terminal D of the Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport. This upscale hotel is especially convenient for those flying American, as check-in and security are just outside the lobby. It’s not as close to the other terminals, and travelers still have to budget time for the shuttle, but overall it’s a pretty impressive property. Many of the nearly 300 guest rooms overlook the runway but are still quiet. There’s an upscale restaurant, a separate sushi bar, a cafe, and a spa.
For travelers catching an early flight, it’s hard to beat the location of this Grand Hyatt, which is right inside Terminal D of the Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport. This upscale hotel is especially convenient for those flying American, as check-in and security are just outside the lobby. It’s not as close to the other terminals, and travelers still have to budget time for the shuttle, but overall it’s a pretty impressive property. Many of the nearly 300 guest rooms overlook the runway but are still quiet. There’s an upscale restaurant, a separate sushi bar, a cafe, and a spa.
The 189-room Driskill Hotel sets a new standard for historic hotels. The hotel was built in 1886 and beautifully restored, and the gleaming marble floors, towering columns, and stained-glass ceilings evoke a bygone era. Tasteful, elegant rooms follow suit with designer furnishings, towering ceilings with crown moldings, brocade carpeting, and pretty bathrooms with black marble floors and counters (but shower/tub combos). They're a bit small, though -- but that's to be expected in a historic downtown hotel. There's no pool or other on-site amenities besides a nice fitness center and small massage room, but the location in the heart of Austin's famous Sixth Street entertainment district is prime.
The 189-room Driskill Hotel sets a new standard for historic hotels. The hotel was built in 1886 and beautifully restored, and the gleaming marble floors, towering columns, and stained-glass ceilings evoke a bygone era. Tasteful, elegant rooms follow suit with designer furnishings, towering ceilings with crown moldings, brocade carpeting, and pretty bathrooms with black marble floors and counters (but shower/tub combos). They're a bit small, though -- but that's to be expected in a historic downtown hotel. There's no pool or other on-site amenities besides a nice fitness center and small massage room, but the location in the heart of Austin's famous Sixth Street entertainment district is prime.
The La Copa Inn Beach Hotel offers a great waterfront location with easy access to the beach over a pretty wooden walkway. The hotel resembles the local La Quinta Inn, but is slightly more polished. This is a beach hotel for the budget-conscious, with tired hallways and furniture, but a nice outdoor pool with plenty of lounge space. The outstanding feature here is the waterfront location on a popular beach at the southern end of South Padre Island's hotel sprawl. The basic fitness center and small business center are somewhat lackluster, but there's a small snack bar near the swimming pool. Rooms are simple and some offer balconies. While free Wi-Fi and daily breakfast make this hotel great value for the appealing location, some guests complain about wear and tear.
The La Copa Inn Beach Hotel offers a great waterfront location with easy access to the beach over a pretty wooden walkway. The hotel resembles the local La Quinta Inn, but is slightly more polished. This is a beach hotel for the budget-conscious, with tired hallways and furniture, but a nice outdoor pool with plenty of lounge space. The outstanding feature here is the waterfront location on a popular beach at the southern end of South Padre Island's hotel sprawl. The basic fitness center and small business center are somewhat lackluster, but there's a small snack bar near the swimming pool. Rooms are simple and some offer balconies. While free Wi-Fi and daily breakfast make this hotel great value for the appealing location, some guests complain about wear and tear.
**Travaasa Austin is closed and will reopen as Miraval Austin in late 2018. We will update our photos and review as soon as possible. **Travaasa Austin is an upscale spa resort set on a hilltop of a gorgeous nature preserve with forested canyons, about half an hour from downtown Austin. Its 72 rooms are housed in seven buildings and offer private balconies with beautiful canyon or garden views. Hiking trails, an infinity-edge pool enclosed by a wooden deck, and a luxurious spa are just some of the amenities here, and there's a restaurant serving organic, local fare, with many of the ingredients used sourced from the hotel's own farm. The serene atmosphere is furthered by the over-16 policy. For something kid-friendly, travelers might want to consider the Lakeway Resort and Spa instead, which is scenically set on Lake Travis and also has a pool, spa, kids’ play area, and waterslide.
**Travaasa Austin is closed and will reopen as Miraval Austin in late 2018. We will update our photos and review as soon as possible. **Travaasa Austin is an upscale spa resort set on a hilltop of a gorgeous nature preserve with forested canyons, about half an hour from downtown Austin. Its 72 rooms are housed in seven buildings and offer private balconies with beautiful canyon or garden views. Hiking trails, an infinity-edge pool enclosed by a wooden deck, and a luxurious spa are just some of the amenities here, and there's a restaurant serving organic, local fare, with many of the ingredients used sourced from the hotel's own farm. The serene atmosphere is furthered by the over-16 policy. For something kid-friendly, travelers might want to consider the Lakeway Resort and Spa instead, which is scenically set on Lake Travis and also has a pool, spa, kids’ play area, and waterslide.
The 312-room Barton Creek Resort is sprawled across lovely grounds centered within three golf courses in the hills west of downtown Austin. You’ll find plenty to do on-site, including golf, tennis, a spa, indoor and outdoor pools, a large fitness center, great shopping, and even family-friendly scavenger hunts -- but Austin’s downtown attractions are nearly a 30-minute drive away. Rooms are spacious and thoughtfully decorated with at-home touches, and each one comes complete with fabulous views of the surrounding areas, as well as large flat-screen TVs equipped with satellite cable channels and a gaming system -- though there's a daily fee for Wi-Fi.
The 312-room Barton Creek Resort is sprawled across lovely grounds centered within three golf courses in the hills west of downtown Austin. You’ll find plenty to do on-site, including golf, tennis, a spa, indoor and outdoor pools, a large fitness center, great shopping, and even family-friendly scavenger hunts -- but Austin’s downtown attractions are nearly a 30-minute drive away. Rooms are spacious and thoughtfully decorated with at-home touches, and each one comes complete with fabulous views of the surrounding areas, as well as large flat-screen TVs equipped with satellite cable channels and a gaming system -- though there's a daily fee for Wi-Fi.
This budget property is situated about a 20-minute drive outside of San Antonio. There's not much in the immediate area, though it's built just off of the I-35 North, making it easy to commute across the city. The hotel offers bland suites with kitchens and many guests complain of cleanliness issues. Nevertheless, the property attracts extended stays, offering low rates that draw some repeat guests. Simple amenities include free parking, laundry facilities, and vending machines stocked with snacks and drinks. For an alternative budget option with more features, check out La Quinta Inn San Antonio Lackland which has two pools and free hot breakfast for just slightly higher rates.
This budget property is situated about a 20-minute drive outside of San Antonio. There's not much in the immediate area, though it's built just off of the I-35 North, making it easy to commute across the city. The hotel offers bland suites with kitchens and many guests complain of cleanliness issues. Nevertheless, the property attracts extended stays, offering low rates that draw some repeat guests. Simple amenities include free parking, laundry facilities, and vending machines stocked with snacks and drinks. For an alternative budget option with more features, check out La Quinta Inn San Antonio Lackland which has two pools and free hot breakfast for just slightly higher rates.
Hotel Contessa, located on a quiet stretch of the River Walk, sells itself as San Antonio's "only luxury all-suite hotel," and in many ways it lives up to that claim. The 265 suites range in size from 500 to 800 square feet, and all feature separate living rooms and bedrooms with contemporary, southwestern-inspired decor, two 37-inch flat-screen TVs, and free Wi-Fi -- but microwaves or mini-fridges only upon request, for a fee. The urban chic rooftop pool and Jacuzzi area is a nice perk, but the pool is small and gets crowded quickly. Those looking for some quiet relaxation should head to the adjacent rooftop day spa.
Hotel Contessa, located on a quiet stretch of the River Walk, sells itself as San Antonio's "only luxury all-suite hotel," and in many ways it lives up to that claim. The 265 suites range in size from 500 to 800 square feet, and all feature separate living rooms and bedrooms with contemporary, southwestern-inspired decor, two 37-inch flat-screen TVs, and free Wi-Fi -- but microwaves or mini-fridges only upon request, for a fee. The urban chic rooftop pool and Jacuzzi area is a nice perk, but the pool is small and gets crowded quickly. Those looking for some quiet relaxation should head to the adjacent rooftop day spa.
The Best Western Ocean Villa is a 49-room motel-style property in Port Aransas. Rooms are bland but sizable, with either two queen beds or a king bed and a love seat. Guests get free breakfast and access to a 24-hour business center, in addition to free Wi-Fi throughout the property. Near the beach as well as restaurants and shops, Best Western Ocean Villa is a convenient option for families and other travelers on a budget.
The Best Western Ocean Villa is a 49-room motel-style property in Port Aransas. Rooms are bland but sizable, with either two queen beds or a king bed and a love seat. Guests get free breakfast and access to a 24-hour business center, in addition to free Wi-Fi throughout the property. Near the beach as well as restaurants and shops, Best Western Ocean Villa is a convenient option for families and other travelers on a budget.
This mid-range hotel from the Holiday Inn chain offers 116 clean and spacious guest rooms and a solid set of features that add value to a stay here -- but there's not much in the area and it's over a 10-minute drive to the Texas A&M University campus. The hotel has a restaurant that's open for breakfast (not included in rates) and dinner, a small shop, and business facilities, as well as wellness facilities like an indoor pool, hot tub, and a small fitness room. Guest rooms come equipped with flat-screen TVs, Keurig coffee machines, microwaves, and mini-fridges, while suites add living rooms with sofa beds and some whirlpool tubs. For something with a better location that's within walking distance of dining options and the university, check out Hyatt Place College Station.
This mid-range hotel from the Holiday Inn chain offers 116 clean and spacious guest rooms and a solid set of features that add value to a stay here -- but there's not much in the area and it's over a 10-minute drive to the Texas A&M University campus. The hotel has a restaurant that's open for breakfast (not included in rates) and dinner, a small shop, and business facilities, as well as wellness facilities like an indoor pool, hot tub, and a small fitness room. Guest rooms come equipped with flat-screen TVs, Keurig coffee machines, microwaves, and mini-fridges, while suites add living rooms with sofa beds and some whirlpool tubs. For something with a better location that's within walking distance of dining options and the university, check out Hyatt Place College Station.
Warwick Melrose Hotel, Dallas is an upscale landmark property in Uptown that dates back to 1924. Its 184 rooms are clean and spacious, with marble bathrooms, robes, minibars, and Keurig coffeemakers. Highlights include an ornate lobby, an elegant ballroom that's popular for weddings, a fine-dining restaurant, and a boisterous lounge that regularly features live music performances. The hotel's fitness center is nicely equipped, but there’s no pool or spa. There's also a free shuttle takes guests within a three-mile radius, but guests with cars should note that parking is valet-only and it’s expensive. Travelers looking for a hip, modern vibe might prefer the upscale Hotel Zaza nearby, but should expect to pay more.
Warwick Melrose Hotel, Dallas is an upscale landmark property in Uptown that dates back to 1924. Its 184 rooms are clean and spacious, with marble bathrooms, robes, minibars, and Keurig coffeemakers. Highlights include an ornate lobby, an elegant ballroom that's popular for weddings, a fine-dining restaurant, and a boisterous lounge that regularly features live music performances. The hotel's fitness center is nicely equipped, but there’s no pool or spa. There's also a free shuttle takes guests within a three-mile radius, but guests with cars should note that parking is valet-only and it’s expensive. Travelers looking for a hip, modern vibe might prefer the upscale Hotel Zaza nearby, but should expect to pay more.