Hotel Guide: Texas & Road Trips From the Lone Star State

May 26, 2020

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Luxury Travel Advisor & Founder of Passport To Friday. Follow along on my travels and let me help you plan your dream trip or honeymoon!

I'm Chelsea.

While I may be living my city-dwelling life in NYC as of recently, I spent 5 years in Texas and started my career there – and oh boy did I fall in love with it! Check out some hotels below that are located in either Texas or a road trip away (okay, may be a long road trip depending where in Texas you live!)

If you would like more information or to book any of the following hotels, email me at chelsea@passporttofriday.com!

 

Austin, Texas

 

Lake Austin Spa

Named, a Top 10 Destination Spa in the U.S. by Travel + Leisure World’s Best Awards, Lake Austin Spa is an. ideal all-inclusive wellness getaway. Lake Austin Spa is located just 30 minutes outside of Austin, but you would never guess it. With a mixture of luxurious elements like their world-class spa and delectable cuisine to cozy relaxation rooms that make you feel like you’re staying in someone’s lake house, this resort has it all. The best part? You can wear your robe everywhere! My kind of resort. Enjoy a number of activities from stand-up paddleboarding, to cooking classes, varied fitness classes, wine sundowner cruises, and more.

See my Lake Austin hotel spotlight here!

perks: Daily full breakfast for two guests per bedroom

  • $100 spa services credit
  • Room upgrade & early check-in/late check-out, subject to availability

promotions:

  • Numerous promotions available – contact me for more details

 

 

 

Miraval Austin

Reopening June 25th

Miraval Austin is a luxury spa resort and health retreat set on 220 acres in the Balcoes Canyonlands Preserve, with views overlooking Lake Austin from above. Their approach to “conscious cooking” is the core to your culinary experience – with seasonal menus, immersive workshops (I loved the chocolate making class!), and cooking demonstrations. The opportunity for experiences is endless at Miraval too, with activities centered around fitness, meditation, outdoor adventure, hiking, yoga, farm activities, and more. Don’t worry though, no one will judge you if you just want to lay by the pool with a glass of wine instead 🙂

perks:

  • Daily breakfast for two guests per bedroom
  • $100 hotel credit
  • Room upgrade & early check-in/late check-out, subject to availability

current status & updates:

  • They will have activities and dinner services but with social distancing rules.
  • The spa will reopen starting July 31st.
  • Please see most recent updates here.

 

Four Seasons Austin

Currently Open

This recently renovated hotel will always be the epitome of lakeside luxury in Austin, with spacious rooms with lake views, a fabulous spa, and newly reimagined food & beverage concepts (including a stunning rooftop deck space!) And you can’t forget fun touches like the on-demand margarita cart and complimentary Taylor Guitars lending program.

perks:

  • Daily breakfast for two guests
  • $100 hotel credit
  • Room upgrade & early check-in/late check-out, subject to availability

current status & updates:

  • “Out of an abundance of caution, we have temporarily ceased operations of Ciclo restaurant and Live Oak lounge; in-Room Dining remains available from 6:00 am to 12:00 midnight daily. We have also ceased operation of The Spa and steam rooms until further notice, although our pool and fitness centre remain open with limited capacities. We continue to closely monitor the situation and to abide by all government recommendations.”

 

 

 

Austin Proper

Currently Open

Downtown Austin’s newest hotspot, Austin Proper Hotel is another Kelly Wearstler-designed gem. I loved everything about my stay here – from the location (right by where I used to live!), to the quirky and luxurious design, but my favorite part was the food & beverage outlets which are run by my favorite restaurant group, McGuire Moorman Hospitality. The lobby bar was a buzzing scene, Goldie’s gave you a feeling of exclusivity by only being able to have a drink there as a guest of the hotel, and I ate at Mediterranean restaurant The Peacock 3 times in 2 days. There’s also a fifth-floor pool with views of Lady Bird Lake, and two more food & beverage concepts coming soon (think rooftop ceviche & mezcal!)

perks:

  • $50 daily food and beverage credit
  • Room upgrade & early check-in/late check-out, subject to availability

promotions:

  • 30% off room rates through June 15th

current statues & updates:

 

Commodore Perry Estate

Opening June 22nd

This Auberge property opens its doors for the first time June 22nd, situated on 10 acres in central Austin. The Mansion is a historic landmark in which Commodore Perry used to throw swanky soirees for his friends and family, which will feature 5 suites, the Mansion restaurant, and the “Apothecary” and “Library” – two whimsical spaces that will feature unique experiences as well as a perfect place to sit back and enjoy libations. Within the estate you will find our pool, rose gardens, sunken English gardens and more. In your room expect personalized bar carts, as well as being assigned an Estate Host to help you during your stay. There is a lot of fun summer programming going on from sundowners to Fourth of July weekend to “the perfect Austin picnic” and more!

 perks:

  • Daily breakfast for two guests, up to $70 daily
  • $100 food & beverage credit
  • Welcome beverage
  • Room upgrade & early check-in/late check-out, subject to availability

promotions:

  • For 1 or 2 night stays: 20% off room rate + additional $200 resort credit
  • For 3+ night stays: 3rd night complimentary (offr is consecutive)

current status & updates:

  • Commodore Perry will continue to mirror what the state of Texas is dictating.
  • Encouraging guests to make pool reservations so that we can monitor occupancy.

 

 

Hotel Saint Cecilia

Currently Open

If I could live at one hotel in Austin, it would be Hotel Saint Cecilia. It quite literally represents everything I want out of a future residence – a hidden oasis feel in the heart of the action (it’s right off of South Congress Avenue, but you would never know it), a rock-and-roll meets Southern hospitality vibe, many front porches, and a very cool pool. The boutique hotel is comprised of five suites, six poolside bungalows, and three studios – each with a unique design. I also love that the lounge is for hotel guests only (or if you are a member, which in my 5 years living in Austin I was only invited over by members 3 times), adding to the exclusivity and allure of the hotel.

 

perks:

  • Upgrade to next room category, based upon availability at check-in
  • Guaranteed 2pm late check-out
  • 35 USD food and beverage credit per room, per stay

 

Omni Barton Creek

Currently Open

Fun fact – I resided at Omni Barton Creek for two weeks right after graduating college on my first work trip ever, and it was this trip that made me fall in love with Austin and move there… so thank you, Omni Barton Creek! Since then however, the resort has gotten a major $150 million+ facelift. The expansive property sits on 4,000 acres and is a golfer’s paradise as well as a retreat for anyone from families to romantic getaways to girls trips.

current status & updates:

  • Food & beverage outlets open: Bob’s Steak & Chophouse, Crenshaw’s, Nopales, Texas Spice, Velvet Joe’s, pool food service
  • Food & beverage outlets currently closed: Blind Salamander, Jim Bob’s, room service, spa food service
  • Pool & fitness center are open daily.
  • Spa is open every day except for Mondays and Wednesdays.
  • Please see updates here!

 

 

 

Hill Country & San Antonio

 

La Cantera Resort & Spa

Reopening June 3rd

The AAA® Four Diamond resort is located amongst the rolling hills of San Antonio in Texas Hill Country. It’s 550 acres features two 18 Hole Championship Golf Courses, nine bars & restaurants, 496 guest rooms & suites, four pools, numerous activities, and an award winning spa. There are also villas just a short golf cart ride away from the resort, complete with its own secluded pool and hot tub at the heart of The Villas.

See my La Cantera hotel spotlight here!

perks:

  • Daily full breakfast for two guests per bedroom
  • $100 resort credit
  • Room upgrade & early check-in, subject to availability

current status & updates:

  • Loma de Vida Spa & Wellness will open June 1 for hair and nail appointments only.
  • Signature will reopen its award-winning dining room on June 2nd for dinner and Sunday brunch.
  • The golf course is open seven days a week.
  • Social distancing in all restaurants and bars with single use menus, gloves and masks for service staff and elimination of self-serve buffets.

 

JL Bar Ranch Resort & Spa

Currently Open

Located in Western Hill Country on 13,000 acres of land about a 3 hour drive from Austin, JL Bar resort offers an escape for those looking for a luxury “socially distanced” vacation. Their 32 accommodations consist of luxury cabins or suites, each adorned with custom furniture in a rustic elegant style with modern amenities. Activities on property include cattle herding. horseback riding, range shooting, ATV-ing, cooking classes, yoga, sundowners and more.

current status & updates:

  • Activities, dining and the pool are open – email me more for more information!

 

Hotel Emma

Currently Open

This once 19th century Brewhouse, Hotel Emma is now a luxury riverfront hotel, dining destination, and the flagship for San Antonio Pearl District’s community. Here you will experience three farm-to-table culinary options – each with their own unique design – a 3,700-volume library, a rooftop pool, and complimentary Electra cruiser bikes.

perks:

  • Daily breakfast for two guests per bedroom
  • A complimentary lunch or dinner for up to two people, excluding alcohol, taxes and gratuities once during stay
  • Room upgrade & early check-in/late check-out, subject to availability

current status & updates:

  • “When prohibition began in 1919, the brewery president Emma Koehler had to innovate. She kept operations running smoothly and her workers employees by shifting production efforts to non-alcoholic goods and services like dry cleaning. In today’s unpredictable times, we look to our namesake for inspiration – and we’re here with open arms and open doors for our community.
  • Throughout the past few months Hotel Emma has followed state and local government mandates and CDC guidelines in regards to sanitization and safety. We have also limited entry into the hotel to guests of the Hotel or patrons of Supper or Larder. We have now begun the second phase of reopening per Governor Abbott’s address Monday May 18th.
    • Supper: An American Eatery can now operate at 50% occupancy
    • Sternewirth Bar & Clubroom will open Friday May 22nd operating at 25% occupancy
    • Our rooftop pool is open and available to guest of the hotels. We have also relaunched our refurbished Pearl Beer Truck at the pool. The truck is now offering poolside service.
    • Our Fitness center has now open at 25% occupancy”

Lucky Arrow Retreat

Currently Open

Set in the heart of Texas Hill Country on 15 acres in Dripping Springs, Lucky Arrow Retreat has all the bells & whistles to make for a relaxing Hill Country getaway. The accommodations are made up of 16 Courtyard Cabins (clusters in groups of four around a communal courtyard), 5 standalone Porch Houses with wraparound covered porches, 4 Breezeway Cabins, 10 Yurts, and a 4-bedroom Ranch House – all with AC (much needed in Texas summers)! Bell Springs Winery is accessible via a private access gate, and there is also a covered BYOB beer garden, communal fire pit, and pool to cool off in. You can also book private excursions in their Land Cruiser Troopy – from winery/brewery/distillery tours, to a BBQ tour, to going to Hamilton Pool, and more.

current status & updates:

  • Please see all updates here!

 

 

Camp Lucy

Currently Open

Camp Lucy is ideally located in Dripping Springs, near wineries, breweries, and a number of activities.  Guestrooms and cottages make up the accommodations, with all of the modern amenities you could want in you “base camp” in Hill Country. There is also a pool on-site, and a schedule of programming activities.

perks & promotions:

  • Complimentary breakfast
  • Rates are $229 per night plus tax

current status & updates:

  • Pool, Gym, Restaurant will be open at 50% occupancy starting May 22nd.
  • Activities are offered with Social Distancing in place – Same family groups only. Both complimentary and paid activities offered.
  • Complimentary breakfast, pick up in lodging office.
  • In room dining offered by restaurant on Monday and Tuesday – Tillie’s is closed these days.

 

Collective Retreats Hill Country

Currently Open

Overlooking Montesino Ranch in the heart of Texas Hill Country, Collective Retreats offers a glamping-esque retreat with accommodations housed in luxury tents.  Enjoy activities like horseback riding and outdoor adventures, and nearby wineries, art galleries, and musical venues.

current status & updates:

  • All dining will be offered as take-away:
    • Farm to Fork breakfast will be delivered to your tent
    • Farm to Table dinners will be served in an open-air dining environment with a maximum of 4 people per hour or available for pick up or delivery to your tent to enjoy on your deck
    • BBQ Baskets will be available and cooking times will be spaced apart
    • All meals will be plated on disposable dishes
  • Community events will be postponed.

 

Hoffman Haus

Currently Open

If you’re looking for the most precious bed and breakfast in Fredericksburg, look no further than Hoffman Haus. It is located in a quiet neighborhood just a block from all of the action of downtown Fredericksburg and is composed of rooms, suites, and small houses. Each room is unique but all have the same comfortable feeling of home with a mixture of new and old.

One of the best parts of staying at Hoffman Haus is the freshly cooked breakfast served via picnic basket to your doorstep promptly at 9am each morning. The menu changes daily, but can vary from Mushroom Quiche to French Toast to Eggs Florentine to Blueberry Bake and more!

See my Weekend Getaway Guide to Texas Wine Country here!

perks:

  • Complimentary picnic basket breakfast delivered daily (included in all stays)

Dallas, Texas

 

Rosewood Mansion on Turtle Creek

Reopening August 1st

This Dallas institution has the intimate feel of a private residence with all of the luxuries of a 5-star hotel. The infamous restaurant resembles a 1920s formal dining room, featuring new American cuisine with French influences. The Mansion Bar is a hotspot for locals and visitors alike – an icon in the Dallas scene. Another bonus is the Mediterranean-style pool.

perks:

  • Daily breakfast for two guests per bedroom
  • $125 food & beverage credit
  • Room upgrade & early check-in/late check-out, subject to availability

promotions:

  • Book a suite and receive a $300 hotel credit (through December 30, 2020)
  • 3rd night complimentary (through December 19, 2020)

 

 

 

Four Seasons Resort & Club at Las Colinas

Reopens June 1st

This sprawling resorts offers an ideal retreat for Texans looking to lounge by the pool, golf, and enjoy wellness time. With  three on-site pools, five dining options, two golf courses, a 176,000-square-foot sports facility, 12 indoor/outdoor tennis courts, and robust wellness and fitness programming and the Well & Being Spa – you will never find yoursef bored!

perks:

  • Daily breakfast for two guest per bedroom
  • $100 resort credit
  • Room upgrade & early check-in/late check-out, subject to availability

promotions:

  • 20% off  Room Rate with your stay of two or more night (through December 31, 2021)
  • Complimentary third night with every two consecutive paid nights(through December 31, 2021)

 

Marfa, Texas

El Cosmico Marfa

Currently Open

For a truly unique experience, head West to El Cosmico in the outskirts of Marfa, Texas  – a bohemian-style village comprised of airstream trailers, yurts, tents and tepees. While this would not be your choice destination for a “luxury” stay (think primarily outdoor-only or communal showers), with powerhouse hotelier Liz Lambert, owner of Bunkhouse Group, behind it – you know it sure will be cool.

 

 

 

Hotel Saint George Marfa

Currently Open

Housed in a converted 1930’s building in downtown Marfa, Hotel Saint George is nearby all that Marfa has to offer. The 55-room boutique hotel has an immpresive art collection, a pool to cool off in those hot Texas summers with poolside dining service, and a French-inspired restaurant, LaVenture.

 

current status & updates:

  • The Kitchen & bar at The Pool Marfa and in-room dining are currently open. LaVenture Restaurant hopes to reopen this summer.

Santa Fe, New Mexico

 

Rosewood Inn of the Anasazi

Currently Open

Just steps away from the Santa Fe Plaza, Rosewood Inn of the Anasazi is perfectly located for those looking to explore Santa Fe. Rosewood’s modern take on Pueblo style is comprised of earth tones, rich wood floors, kiva fireplaces in each room, and art by contemporary Native American artists – truly giving you a sense of place.

perks:

  • Daily breakfast credit for two guests per bedroom
  • $100 food & beverage credit
  • Room upgrade & early check-in/late check-out, subject to availability

promotions:

  • 3rd night complimentary (through Deccember 19, 2020)

current status & updates:

  • In-room dining available
  • “Currently all restaurants and bars in New Mexico / Santa Fe remain closed. We are anticipating a reopening by June 1 however the parameters surrounding this are yet to be provided by the Governor.”

 

 

 

Four Seasons Resort Rancho Encantado

Reopening June 4th

Set against the foothills of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains on 57 acres with stunning views of the Jemez Mountains and Rio Grande River and Valley, Four Seasons Resort Rancho Encantado is a serene oasis on the outskirts of Santa Fe. Its 65 casita-style rooms & suites each have a Southwestern flare and their own adobe fireplace. Start your day with sunrise yoga, enjoy a spa treatment utlizing local ingredients, then soak up the sun at the pool. Experience the flavors of northern New Mexico at Terra, their stylish signature restaurant – we recommend the Steak For Two!

perks:

  • Daily breakfast for two guests per bedroom
  • $100 resort credit
  • Room upgrade & early check-in/late check-out, subject to availability

promotions:

  • “Experience More” Offer:
    • $150 or $200 Resort Credit (varies per room category) to be used towards food and drink, spa treatments, guided tours or any other incidental charge.
    • Choice of two complimentary experiences per room, per stay (contact me for more information regarding these)

current status & updates:

  • The restaurant will be running at 50% occupancy with proper social spacing
  • The pool deck will be open for the summer
  • Awaiting guidance from the Governor and State of New Mexico on the Spa/Fitness Center and Movement Studio
  • Contact me for more information regarding the new activities & excursions they are offering!

 

The Inn of The Five Graces

Currently Open

The Inn of the Five Graces complements its Southwestern adobe exterior with an eclectic and vibrant interior – filled with finds from the owners’ global travels. Rooms are all adorned with a kiva fireplace and toiletries from nearby Taos. Located in downtown Santa Fe, the location appeals to those looking to explore the town, but the Inn also draws guests in to their Ayuverdic spa.

perks:

  • Daily full breakfast for two guests per bedroom
  • $100 spa services credit
  • Room upgrade & early check-in/late check-out, subject to availability

current status & updates:

  • The restaurant is open with tables spaced six feet apart and guests seated at every other table. You also have the option to enjoy your breakfast in the comfort of your room.
  • More information here.

 

 

Rest of New Mexico

Vermejo, a Ted Turner Reserve

 Currently Open

With over 550,000 acres of land (yes, you read that number right), Vermejo is the perfect place to social distance. Of all of the Ted Turner Reserve properties, Vermejo offers the widest range of accommodation options ranging from intimate guest cottages to an eco-friendly mountaintop lodge to a turn-of-the-century mansion. You won’t find yourself bored here with 19 fishable lakes, 30 miles of pristine streams, and activities such as fly fishing, multiple hikes, horseback riding, shooting, UTV-ing, and more.

perks:

  • Daily breakfast (included in the rates)
  • $100 hotel credit
  • Castle Rock Sundowner: includes cocktails for up to 4 guests at Castle Rock viewpoint
  • Room upgrade & early check-in/late check-out, subject to availability

current status & updates:

  • Self-guided activities and guided activities will be available, with different protocols for both.
  • Vermejo Spa will remain closed per New Mexico state guidelines.
  • Dining room is currently closed, however they have a variety of in-room dining and private dining options to choose from.
  • The bar and lounge are closed for now, however you may bring drinks to enjoy during your visit.
  • More information here.

 

Los Poblanos Historic Inn & Organic Farm

Currently Open

Los Poblanos is a healthy and serene retreat set on 25-acres housing the inn, farm, two pools, a culutral center, and a restaurant – all in avillage located just four miles from Old Town Albuquerque. Here you’ll find lavender fields, cottonwood tress and lush formal gardens. The organic farm serves as the source of the seasonal ingredients used in their dining – I mean Bon Appetit did rank Los Poblanos as a “Top 10 Hotel for Food Lovers in America”.

current status & updates:

  • They have a newly launched in-room dining program with the option to dine on your outdoor patio.
  • Property is only open to hotel guests, with the exception of Campo Curbside pick up.
  • Regular outdoor activities may still be enjoyed for groups of up to five people with propert distancing.
  • The fitness center and outdoor swimming pool are temporarily closed.

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Hi, I'm Chelsea Martin, Luxury Travel Advisor & Founder of Passport To Friday. I've been planning bespoke luxury vacations and honeymoons for almost a decade now. I can't wait to help you plan the trip of a lifetime! 

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