You don’t always have to leave Texas to feel like you’ve gotten away. Sometimes, all it takes is checking into the right hotel. 

Whether you’re looking for a romantic weekend, family getaway, girls’ trip, or staycation, these five Texas hotels offer plenty of reasons to make the hotel part of the experience. Step into San Antonio history, escape to the Italian countryside in Austin, float through Houston’s famous Texas-shaped lazy river, spend a weekend at a massive Hill Country resort packed with activities, or experience one of Austin’s most iconic historic hotels. Each one offers something completely different — and you may find yourself not wanting to leave!

Hotel Emma — San Antonio

Hotel Emma isn’t your typical luxury hotel — it’s housed in a reimagined 19th-century brewhouse. Located within San Antonio’s vibrant Pearl district, the former brewery-turned-luxury hotel embraces the building’s industrial history and architectural elements. Here, the history isn’t tucked away; it’s built into the experience, with spaces that encourage guests to settle in and chat for a while.

The hotel is named after Emma Koehler, a prominent figure in Pearl’s history who kept the brewery running during Prohibition while keeping her entire workforce employed. (Look into the story of the Three Emmas for an interesting backstory!)

Industrial machinery, vintage touches, and eclectic furnishings blend with the hotel’s upscale feel, creating a space that feels both old and new — and full of personality. Large pieces of brewery machinery fill the lobby, while historic details are tucked throughout the property. An old staircase adds to the character, and even the elevator carries a darker piece of the building’s history. Leather chairs, wooden tables, cow-print pillows, and repurposed brewery containers create cozy seating areas throughout the hotel, giving guests plenty of places to gather.

I suggest stopping by Supper for dinner — the hotel’s American eatery — where the food is just as memorable as the architecture. The cauliflower soup came with a kick of spice, while the pumpkin seeds added flavor and texture, making it the kind of dish that seemed to get better with each bite. The fried green tomatoes had especially flavorful breading, while the Beef Sirloin “Santa Maria” was incredibly tender and savory. The duck fat potatoes and tomato-parsley chimichurri really elevated the dish. Dessert was a decadent chocolate cake that was every bit as rich as you’d hope for.

Beyond dining, Hotel Emma offers plenty of reasons to linger, including a curated gift shop, rooftop pool, and guest-only library with more than 3,700 volumes from the collection of San Antonio cultural historian and novelist Sherry Kafka Wagner.

For travelers who want more than just a place to sleep and appreciate hotels with a story, Hotel Emma delivers. It’s a great choice for celebrations, group getaways, weekend trips with friends, or anyone looking for a memorable place to stay in San Antonio. The hotel sits in the heart of the Pearl district and is just 1.5 miles from downtown San Antonio.

And if you needed proof of its exceptional design, history, and service, Hotel Emma is one of only three hotels in the entire state of Texas to earn not one but TWO Michelin Keys. Now that’s impressive!

Hotel Viata — Austin

If you want a little taste of Italy, Hotel Viata feels like stepping into the Italian countryside without actually leaving Austin. Tucked into the hills of West Lake Hills, the hotel trades the fast-paced city life for the rolling landscapes, greenery, and peaceful, slower-paced Hill Country setting. With Tuscan-inspired architecture, Italian touches, and local artwork, the spaces feel upscale without feeling too formal. One art collection even features musicians painted by a local artist.

One of my favorite things about Hotel Viata was that it manages to feel fancy but not too fancy, just enough that you can completely be yourself. The biggest draw to the hotel has to be the setting, though. Instead of the energy and traffic downtown you may be used to, you get peace and quiet, surrounded by rolling hills and greenery. With water loungers and cabanas at your fingertips, the courtyard pool is perfect to hang by on a summer afternoon (or any afternoon in Texas for that matter!) Grab a drink and snack poolside and soak in the sunshine. There’s even a hiking trail in the works, which will give guests another way to explore the landscape.
Tip: Even if you’re not a guest, you can always buy a day pass for access to the pool!

For couples, the Signature Suite is one of the hotel’s most popular options, and for good reason. The secluded suite includes a private hot tub and shower, giving couples the option for their own romantic getaway within the retreat.

If you’re looking for an even more relaxing escape, Spa Viata is worth checking out, as it was named one of Spas of America’s Top 100 USA Spas of 2025. Guests have access to an array of treatments, a sauna, steam room, and relaxation lounge, making it a place where you can easily lose track of time in the best way.

Then there’s Laurel Restaurant, the hotel’s Italian-inspired restaurant. Popular dishes include the house-made meatballs and fresh burrata; other highlights include crispy arancini, pappardelle Bolognese, a cheese monger board, and ribeye with whipped Yukon potatoes to round out the menu.

Hotel Viata always has some fun programming, so check the calendar before you visit. The “Eat the Film” series combines a movie screening with a menu and cocktails inspired by the film. This is a much more interesting way to enjoy outdoor movie night! 

Another thoughtful extra worth mentioning: the hotel offers guests a complimentary partnership with Tesla, making it easier to explore.

Whether it’s for a birthday celebration, romantic weekend, girls’ getaway, or mini staycation, the relaxed atmosphere at Hotel Viata is a perfect option. It’s a place where you can experience an Austin staycation that feels like an escape to the Italian countryside. You just may start planning a trip to Italy after staying here!

Marriott Marquis Houston — Houston

If you’re heading to Houston for an Astros game, you really can’t stay anywhere better than Marriott Marquis Houston. Located right in the middle of lively downtown, the hotel is just a five-minute walk from Daikin Park. The location is hard to beat; the hotel is also right by the George R. Brown Convention Center, which makes it super convenient for a game or another big event.

You can’t talk about Marriott Marquis Houston without mentioning the Texas-shaped lazy river. People travel from all over the world to experience this pool. Aside from the location, it’s safe to say the lazy river is the most popular part of the hotel. The lawn on the deck even has giant games scattered around, plus big-screen TVs outside where you can watch the game without leaving your pool chair. It’s easy to spend the day and night here!

The pool area has a party-like atmosphere, especially during baseball season, so expect big crowds. Enjoy some food and drinks at High Dive, then head to Altitude Rooftop & Bar to keep the fun going throughout the night with a live DJ.

When you need a break from the crowds, head to the M Club! The M Club offers a quieter place to hang out while enjoying complimentary snacks and drinks, as well as breakfast and lunch items during certain hours. It’s a nice escape from the constant activity.

If your focus is wellness, the hotel offers rooftop yoga along with an 11,000-square-foot fitness center. On the relaxing side, Pure Spa is at your convenience, offering treatments ranging from custom massages to an 80-minute Pure Ultimate Zen Ritual, which features a full-body polish.

When you’re ready to eat, stop by Biggio’s for some of the best game-day food. The buffalo wings and loaded queso fries are so tasty that I completely forgot to take a picture! There are six dining outlets on property, so you’re bound to satisfy any picky eater.

And when you want to get out and explore a little more, there’s a nearby lake where you can take boat rides. The view from your balcony gives you a look at the energy below, especially on Game Day, with people either heading to the game or coming back from one.

At Marriott Marquis Houston, you’re paying for more than just a room — you’re paying for the whole experience. Float in the Texas-shaped lazy river, book a spa treatment, grab dinner with the Houston skyline as your backdrop, or simply look out your balcony at all the fun happening below. Between the location and constant energy, this hotel is worth spending money on. Sometimes the best getaway is the one where you don’t have to leave the hotel!

JW Marriott San Antonio Hill Country Resort & Spa — San Antonio

JW Marriott San Antonio Hill Country Resort & Spa is the kind of place where you can check in for the weekend and never have to leave. Set on 600 acres in the Texas Hill Country, this resort has everything you can imagine for a fun-filled getaway with family. Between the nine-acre water experience, championship golf courses, massive spa, pools, multiple restaurants, and activities for the whole family, there is more than enough to keep both kids and adults entertained.

The resort is huge, but the lobby still manages to feel homey, with seating areas that almost feel like multiple living rooms, complete with fireplaces and plenty of cozy spaces. Even on a Wednesday, the resort was buzzing with activity. You could easily spend a few hours here chatting or working.

The River Bluff Water Experience is easily one of the biggest draws. The nine-acre water wonderland has a 1,100-foot lazy river, a 47-foot body slide, temperature-controlled pools, and a Sandy Beach. The kids will not want to leave, but at least you won’t be hearing “I’m bored” for the next few hours. And parents, don’t worry — you have your own escape, too, with the adults-only infinity pool that overlooks the Hill Country and golf course. It’s a quieter place to relax away from the kids, plus there’s enough shade to make sitting outside bearable in this Texas heat! Whether you want to float the lazy river, feel the thrill of the slides, or lounge poolside with a margarita in hand, there’s something for everyone.

If sitting by the pool all day isn’t your thing, the resort is home to TPC San Antonio and two 18-hole PGA TOUR championship golf courses, along with tennis, basketball, pickleball, fitness classes, yoga, walking trails, and even Topgolf Swing Suites. 

When you need a break from all the action, Lantana Spa offers a completely different, more serene side to the resort. The award-winning spa has its own relaxation areas, spa pools, and, of course, full-body massages and treatments ranging from body treatments to facials. (I could go into way more detail about the spa, but I’ll be sharing more in a separate article, so stay tuned for that!)

With seven restaurants and bars on the property, you don’t have to worry about leaving the resort to eat. Rivertop Grill is perfect for a casual poolside lunch. High Velocity is where sports fans should go to watch a big game. Tip: The burgers and mozzarella sticks are amazing! For breakfast, you have Cibolo Moon. The breakfast buffet was one of the best I’ve seen at a hotel, with plenty of choices that make it worth getting out of bed for. For an easy dinner, grab a pepperoni or oyster mushroom pizza from Flammé.

There’s always something happening at the resort, so be sure to check the daily programming. While I was there, they had a root beer float booth and different craft activities like painting, magnet decorating, and flower pot decorating. Between the scavenger hunts, outdoor movies, crafts, sandcastle contests, s’mores, and other daily activities, there’s always something new to try.

For families, this resort truly has something for everyone. Kids can spend the day at the water experience, parents can sneak away to the adults-only pool or spa, then everyone can come together in the evening for dinner or a shared activity. Whether you’re planning a family vacation, birthday celebration, or just need a change in your routine, JW Marriott San Antonio Hill Country Resort & Spa really feels like a vacation all on its own. There’s so much to do here, you may discover that the hardest part is deciding what to do first!

The Driskill — Austin

The Driskill is one of those Austin landmarks that almost everyone knows about, but how often do you actually stop by? If you’re looking for a hotel that offers way more than just a place to sleep, The Driskill should be at the top of your list. Built in 1886, this historic hotel has been a huge part of Austin for nearly 140 years. The iconic hotel recently completed a top-to-bottom renovation, giving visitors and locals a new reason to stop by. The timing couldn’t have been better as The Driskill is celebrating 140 years this December!

The renovation gives the property a fresh, polished feel while still keeping its original character. The goal here was more about evolution than reinvention, as the original architectural details, rich materials, and old Austin charm are still front and center, just with a more modern feel. Walking through the property, you’ll see the renovation balances two eras: the grand, historic side with ornate details and the updated contemporary spaces that somehow work together without overpowering each other. 

Several of the hotel’s public spaces have been transformed over the years. For example, the Crystal Room once served as a horse stable and valet area. The Victorian is one of the hotel’s main cocktail places, but it originally served as a bank teller booth in the 1800s. Then it became a small barber shop in the 1930s, and later housed Austin’s first television studio — owned by Lady Bird Johnson and Lyndon B. Johnson.

In 1884, Colonel Jesse Driskill purchased the hotel’s original lot at the corner of Brazos and Pecan streets for a total of $7,500. Yes, you read that right! Pecan Street was later renamed to Sixth Street, putting this luxury hotel in the midst of all the action in one of downtown’s busiest areas.

The Driskill almost disappeared permanently from Austin during the 1970s and 80s, as the hotel was struggling financially and on track to be demolished. (I’m talking plans and blueprints ready to go!)

The Driskill is famously rumored to be haunted, with legends of ghostly brides, a child bouncing a ball down the grand staircase, and even Colonel Jesse Driskill himself roaming the halls. Whether you believe the stories or not, it certainly makes the 140-year history a little more interesting!

If you’re planning an overnight stay, the 189 newly reimagined guest rooms are where you really get to experience the renovation. The historic guest rooms embrace the hotel’s old-world charm. History lovers will especially appreciate the Heritage Suite, which was once frequented by President Lyndon B. Johnson. The Historic rooms are more traditional and warmer, while the Tower rooms have a modern Texas-inspired feel.

You don’t have to book a room to experience the newly-renovated Driskill. Chef April Bloomfield and Executive Chef Nick Erven have given the hotel’s culinary lineup plenty of reasons to stop by, whether for a nice dinner, cocktails, or a casual spot to hang out. The menu at Driskill Grill & Bar focuses on Texas beef, properly aged steaks, classic sides, martinis, and desserts. The space itself has been redesigned with deep burgundy and green tones, along with rich wood and brass accents that give it a classic steakhouse feel.

After dinner, head over to The Victorian for cocktails in the two-story space inspired by Old West saloons and English pubs. The space has a huge mahogany bar, velvet drapes, cowhide details, and vintage-inspired décor. For a more casual gathering spot, 1886 Café & Bakery is an easy place to stop for breakfast, coffee, or a quick bite. Grab a fresh pastry in the morning before exploring downtown!

The lobby has also been given new life as part of the renovation. The grand staircase and historic details turn the lobby into what the hotel calls “Austin’s living room.” Even if you’re not staying the night, it’s worth taking some time to walk through and see the details.

With more than 18,000 square feet of meeting and social spaces, The Driskill has long been a gathering place for politicians, cattle barons, oil tycoons, and celebrities alike. The 2,800-square-foot Citadel Ballroom was once a private club with a secret entrance used to bring in liquor during Prohibition!

Whether you’re planning an Austin staycation, celebrating a special occasion, or simply want to stop in for dinner and drinks, The Driskill is perfect for experiencing one of the city’s most historic hotels. The renovation brings fresh energy to the hotel while keeping the character that made it an Austin icon to begin with. And 140 years later, this icon is very much alive. Sometimes you don’t have to go far to make it feel like you’ve gotten away!

_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Cover Photo courtesy Marriott Marquis Houston

Leean Vargas is the The Lone Star Low Down newsletter editor at Texas Lifestyle Magazine and an honors graduate of Texas State University with a bachelor’s degree in Public Relations. She is a concert enthusiast who loves traveling, photography, good food, and discovering new hangout spots in her beloved city, Austin, Texas.