HOUSTON – Whether it’s a road trip to a neighboring city or a resort a few miles away, sometimes you just need to get out of your house.
From the Hill Country to downtown and from lakes to beaches, Texas is home to a variety of “staycation” destinations.
With record gas prices and skyrocketing airline ticket costs, many folks are likely taking a closer look at staying close to relax and recharge without the heaps of costly travel that come with multi-state or international trips.
These luxury resorts in Houston and within a few hours of driving from Houston’s center offer everything from helicopter tours over Houston to floating water meditation at Lake Austin. Take a closer look at these options that just might be your perfect “staycation” destination this summer:
Houston
400 Dallas St., Houston, Texas
“A luxe hotel experience with inspiration rooted in Houstonian style. Our interior design and culinary partners have completely redefined the idea of modern indulgence, making it a truly alluring experience,” according to the hotel’s website. “Through a fusion of sensuous materials, sophisticated touches, impressive guest rooms, and incomparable culinary offerings – the C. Baldwin holds secrets of the past and promises of the future.”
The Post Oak Hotel at Uptown Houston
1600 W Loop S, Houston, Texas
“The Post Oak Hotel is the only Texas Forbes Five-Star Hotel and Spa and Houston’s only AAA Five-Diamond destination boasting elegant accommodations masterfully blended with extensive conference space, prominent office space, designer fashion, signature dining and sophisticated amenities all in one tower.<’ the hotel’s website reads “The 700,000-square-foot tower embraces every desire of savvy business and leisure travelers alike. Add commanding views of downtown Houston, the unmatched culinary excellence of Mastro’s, Texas’ only Forbes Five-Star Spa and direct helicopter pad access, The Post Oak Hotel is sure to satisfy even the most discerning taste.”
The Post Oak Hotel at Uptown Houston – a lavish experience so uniquely refined there can only be one.
1080 Uptown Park Blvd, Houston, Texas
“This hotel offers a luxurious, sophisticated, and secluded environment reminiscent of an Italian Villa,” the hotel’s website reads. “Discover the magic of our ‘little corner of Italy’ in the heart of Houston, Texas. Our guest rooms and suites are recently renovated, featuring new carpeting, furniture, and updated lighting.”
Spring
1250 Lake Plaza Dr., Spring, Texas
The 2,000-acre City Place community boasts three Marriot hotels, an array of restaurants, retail and entertainment offerings, a waterfront plaza, plus miles of trails and hundreds of acres of greenspace to enjoy. Located just north of Houston and south of The Woodlands, City Place also provides convenient access to a multitude of nearby family-friendly activities, including TopGolf, Hurricane Harbor Splashtown, iFly Indoor Skydiving and City Place’s own Star Cinema Grill. There’s also plenty of shopping and the opportunity to visit Old Town Spring and expansive Woodlands Mall, both located within minutes of City Place.
Galveston
2024 Seawall Blvd, Galveston, Texas
“Grand Galvez has pleased guests worldwide for more than 100 years. Our AAA four-Diamond property is the only historic beachfront hotel on the Texas Gulf Coast and renowned as one of the finest Galveston hotels on the beach,” the resort’s website reads.
The Woodlands
2301 North Millbend Drive, The Woodlands, Texas, 77380
Celebrate the season with access to multiple pools, a double helix waterslide, a 1,000-foot lazy river and a weekend packed with programming like poolside games, karaoke, turtle feeding, arts & crafts and more. Choose from unique experiences like the Kid’s Glamping Package with in-room tent and sleeping bag setup, plus camping-themed gifts and games, as well as Independence Day S’mores kit for the outdoor fire pit – or more adult-oriented offerings such as the Tame Your Game Package, which incorporates deluxe accommodations, breakfast for two daily in The Woodlands Dining Room and 18 holes of play on either the Panther Trail or The Oaks courses with a cart and unlimited access to practice facilities and range balls. And don’t forget to reserve your table at Back Table Kitchen & Bar.
San Antonio
16641 La Cantera Pkwy, San Antonio, Texas
“Total relaxation is a way of life at La Cantera Resort & Spa,” the resort’s website reads. “Each of the resort’s rooms and suites overlook the rolling hills of Texas Hill Country yet offer serene, sophisticated décor within. More than just a place to rest, their allure also lies in the amenities and activities available at La Cantera. Treat yourself to a Hill Country escape like no other.”
JW Marriott San Antonio Hill Country Resort & Spa
23808 Resort Pkwy, San Antonio, Texas
“Nestled amid 600 acres of oak-covered hills in Texas Hill Country, JW Marriott San Antonio Hill Country Resort & Spa is a luxury haven within a stunning landscape,” the resort’s website reads. “Explore San Antonio’s most popular attractions near our hotel, including wineries, SeaWorld, Shops at La Cantera, Natural Bridge Caverns and Six Flags Fiesta Texas. Retreat to our hotel for a River Bluff Water Experience, a nine-acre water park featuring a 1,100-foot lazy river. Celebrate or collaborate in 268,000 square feet of sophisticated event space, featuring outdoor pavilions and elegant ballrooms. After a full day of business or sightseeing in San Antonio, savor delectable fare at one of our six resort restaurants or rejuvenate in our luxury spa. Find your respite in upscale hotel accommodations with expansive floor plans, plush furnishings, premium amenities and breathtaking views of Texas Hill Country. An inspiring destination with something for everyone, our resort offers quiet luxury in the beautiful Texas Hill Country near San Antonio.”
Austin
98 San Jacinto Blvd, Austin, Texas
The hotel’s website reads, “Austin’s particular brand of cool is evident in every detail of our downtown Hotel, from local art to Texas-inspired spa treatments. Come for our incredible margaritas and saltwater pool, then stay for lawn games, miles of lakeside trails and spacious rooms overlooking idyllic Lady Bird Lake.”
1705 S Quinlan Park Rd, Austin, Texas
“At our secluded hideaway only 30 minutes from downtown Austin, our guests enjoy the luxuries of comfort in accommodations that complement our beautiful natural setting,” the resort’s website reads. “With just 40 rooms, every guest experiences the added luxury of truly personal service. Our fabulous food and plentiful activities are all included in our special packages.”
Dallas
Four Seasons Resort and Club Dallas at Las Colinas
4150 N MacArthur Blvd, Irving, Texas
“Discover an unexpected mix of cosmopolitan amenities and nature-filled surroundings at Texas’ original urban resort,” the resort’s website reads. “Meet us for a round of golf, cool off in our pools, get your adrenaline pumping at our expansive sports and recreation club, or take a break from it all at the Four Seasons Spa and Salon. Come nightfall, gather with friends and family near our larger-than-life, rustic fireplace on OUTLAW Taproom’s patio, drinks in hand and hearts full.”
2121 McKinney Avenue, Dallas, Texas
“At The Ritz-Carlton, Dallas in Uptown, the Lone Star spirit is alive and thriving,” the hotel’s website reads. “Recognized as the only Forbes Travel Guide Five-Star Hotel in Texas, guests will enjoy our legendary service, locally inspired amenities, and exclusive experiences on The Ritz-Carlton Club Level. Dining is led by Dean Fearing, the Father of Southwestern Cuisine, whose margaritas are the inspiration behind one of the spa’s signature treatments.”
Grapevine
Gaylord Texan Resort & Convention Center
1501 Gaylord Trail, Grapevine, Texas
“Standing on the shores of the majestic Lake Grapevine, Gaylord Texan Resort & Convention Center welcomes guests to a stunning, one-of-a-kind experience,” the resort’s website reads. “From the 10-acre Paradise Springs Water Park, to an exciting lineup of family-friendly activities and entertainment, there’s something for the entire family to enjoy. Guests can explore the four-and-a-half acres of airy, indoor garden atriums, four award-winning restaurants, bars, the world-class Relâche Spa, and a state-of-the-art fitness center. For those planning or attending their next meeting or event, the resort features 490,000 square feet of flexible meeting space, 1,814 beautiful guest rooms, and 127 spectacular suites as well as our lakeside events venue, Glass Cactus, perfect for live entertainment and events. Located near DFW Airport, LEGOLAND Discovery Center, Cowboys Golf Club, Historic Downtown Grapevine, and water sports on Lake Grapevine itself, are all convenient so everyone can do more of what they love.”
Are you planning a staycation this summer? Let us know in the comments where you’re planning to go.