ON A SCALE OF SAFEST TO RISKIEST PANDEMIC ACTIVITIES, staying in a hotel overnight reportedly has the same moderately low risk factors as eating outside at a restaurant, going to a museum, or sitting in a doctor’s waiting room, according to the Texas Medical Association. It’s actually less risky than going to a beach or a backyard barbecue, if you can believe it.
With that in mind (and a simple reminder to mask-up and social distance on your travels), these are the Texas resorts worth booking right now—summer, after all, doesn’t end until September 22—with an array of outdoor amenities; brand new or recently renovated guest rooms and suites; and discounted travel packages to choose from.
Newly Opened
Commodore Perry Estate
It’s all about 1920s glamour at this Austin estate, the first urban destination from the luxurious Auberge Resort Collection and among the most anticipated hotel openings in Texas in years, thanks to the impressive design and stunning grounds. Located on 10 acres in Austin, the property features an array of gardens, a pool, a dashing library, and guest rooms, with an upscale restaurant to come. Plus, oodles of experiences to choose from—bike riding, enjoying a picnic, or bee’s knees on the lush grounds.
Margaritaville Lake Resort, Lake Conroe
The first Texas-based Margaritaville resort has opened in the Houston area, with 186 waterfront acres that will transport you to vacation-mode, whether you’re with the kids or seeking an escape. The 20-story resort features 303 luxury suites, as well as 32 lakefront cottages with boat slips available. There are five signature restaurants and bars; a three-acre water park; a heated pool; an 18-hole golf course; miniature golf course; pickleball and tennis courts; and a 10,000-square-foot fitness center. Boating, fishing, and waterskiing rentals are available, but you can also just relax at the St. Somewhere Spa. And, of course, there are numerous protocols in place to ensure everyone’s visit is a safe one.
Reopening
Omni La Mansión del Rio
Head to San Antonio to scope this AAA Four Diamond resort’s brand new multi-million dollar update, which includes new furniture, artwork, and amenities (including Smart TVs) in all 338 guest rooms, and yes, there are new Omni Safe & Clean protocols in place.
Rosewood Mansion on Turtle Creek
From the ultra-luxury Rosewood Hotels & Resorts collection, this newly revamped hotel in Uptown Dallas will reopen on August 10 with all new guest rooms, multi-bedroom suites, and gathering areas to match the gorgeous pool and events lawn it added to the property two years ago. Originally built in 1925 as a private residence, the intimate mansion offers numerous experiences for guests of all ages, fine dining at its Mansion Restaurant, a Commitment to Care to ensure guest safety, and a couple great packages to save you money on those brand new guest rooms. Go for the Suite Sojourn, which will get you up to 50-percent off of the best available rate for a suite, or the More Rosewood with a complimentary third-night stay for every two consecutive nights booked—both packages also offer a nightly $50 hotel credit.
Hyatt Regency San Antonio Riverwalk
Steps away from the Alamo, this massive resort on the River Walk (home to the highest rooftop pool in SA) reopened on July 29 with updated health and safety procedures and a new “Book Now & Save” promotion—book before August 31 and receive 20-percent off of your room rate when you click the Book Now & Save tab.
Zen Retreats
Miraval Austin
The 220-acre luxury wellness resort overlooking Lake Travis is open once again for those seeking outdoor activities galore—hiking, equine programming, a Challenge Course—and more, including culinary classes and updated safety protocols.
Lake Austin Spa Resort
The renowned destination reopened on July 1 after completing a multi-million-dollar renovation. There’re new dining menus and spa services, and because the resort has just 40 rooms spread out over 19 acres of property, a stay here rather lends itself to seclusion and social distancing.
For the Fam
Hyatt Regency Hill Country
Located in San Antonio, the resort provides several outdoor activities including on-site hiking trails; wildlife feedings; a 200-acre golf course with 17 holes of championship golf; and an award-winning five-acre waterpark. And until August 31, guests who book a two-night weekday stay (checking in between Sunday and Wednesday) will receive a 20-percent discount.
Gaylord Texan
Canvas painting, self-guided scavenger hunts, live music, duck races, trivia nights, and animal encounters are just some of the socially distanced summer experiences this Grapevine resort is rolling out right now. The resort features 4.5 acres of indoor gardens, waterfalls, and paths. Outside you’ll find a 10-acre pool complex with a family lagoon, lazy river, waterslides, and more. Your crew can also reserve a private cabana with its own lounge chairs, flat-screen televisions, refrigerators, and dedicated pool servers.
Hipster Getaways
Archer Hotel Austin
Guests can save up to 50 percent on stays at any Archer Hotel through April 2021 by booking the SURPRISE SALE; The best deals are for mid-week stays (Monday through Thursday) with with rates after discount starting at $149, and because one of Austin’s best restaurants, Second Bar + Kitchen, is on the ground floor, you’ll be feasting on pizzas, salads, and more great eats in no time.
Valencia Hotels
Texans can currently save up to 20 percent on stays at all Valencia properties and get a flexible 24-hour cancellation policy through summer. That includes Texican Court in Irving; Cavalry Court or The George in College Station; the Hotel Valencia Riverwalk in San Antonio; Hotel Alessandra here in Houston; and our personal favorite, the ever-kitschy and wonderful Lone Star Court in Austin.
One for the Road
The Barfield, Amarillo
Amarillo is home to the largest drivable canyon in the United States: Palo Duro. While you can already enjoy hiking, biking, horseback riding, and even Jeep tours, you’ll also be able kick back at this boutique hotel located in a historic downtown building just minutes from the famed Route 66 and about a 30-minute drive to the canyon upon its opening in January 2021.
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