June Naylor 
Hot deals on summer vacations in Texas
Previous Columns
June Naylor
- Pack a picnic basket with gourmet fare from Fort Worth cafes and markets
- German chocolate pie takes the cake
Related Content
With gas prices wreaking havoc on notions of a summer vacation, most of us are going to need a really good reason to get in the car to drive somewhere. This is no secret to hotels around Texas’ big cities, so they’ve come up with great plans for vacation savings. Here’s where the deals are hottest during the summer heat, whether you’re looking for a family trip, a couples’ escape or a girlfriend getaway. Most offers are valid through Labor Day, but check each for specifics.
Houston
Family trip: Weekend rates in July and August drop to as low as $109 per night at the Hotel Icon, a beautiful renovation of a downtown bank building. What’s more, the boutique hotel offers a "Destination Drive" program, giving you a $25-per-night credit for gas, as well as an online-only offer in which you get a 50 percent savings on a second-night stay. See offers and particulars at www.hotelicon.com; 713-224-4266.
Couples’ escape: The gorgeous Houstonian Hotel, Club & Spa resort’s summer special is a weekend-only offer that provides you a deluxe guest room with breakfast in bed or at Olivette, the on-site restaurant, plus a poolside kit with a logo beach towel, sunscreen and after-sun lotion, visor and hat, and use of the fitness club for $275 the first night and $129 the second. See more at www.houstonian.com, 800-231-2759.
Girlfriend getaway: Enjoy the new pool deck at the Four Seasons downtown resort with the "Cool by the Pool" package, starting at $215 nightly. You get a luxury room, drinks by the pool and a pool kit with a soothing eye-cooling mask, two Four Seasons drink "koozies," lip balm and after-sun lotion — all tucked into a Four Seasons soft-sided cooler. www.fourseasons.com/houston; 713-650-1300.
Austin
Family trip: With Horseshoe Bay Marriott’s "Summer Family Package," you choose from among hotel rooms, starting at $329; a villa at the Paseo, from $345; or a lakefront condo at the Waters, from $353. The resort is on Lake LBJ northwest of Austin. The package includes a $200 resort credit, 20 percent discount on midweek golf and spa services, free sodas for the kids, daily breakfast buffet and a fun pack for each kid. Details from www.horseshoebaytexas.com, 830-598-8600; or www.hsbresort.com, 877-611-0112.
Couples’ escape: The Hyatt, overlooking Lady Bird Lake downtown, has its "Live Music Capital Weekend Package," including breakfast and live music venue pass for two, along with a local artists’ CD; as well as the "Drive Package," including a $25 American Express gift card; and the "Awaken Package," including a full breakfast and 1 p.m. late checkout. Rooms start at $189. austin.hyatt.com; 512-477-1234. At the Omni in downtown Austin, your option is the "We Pay the Tax and You Just Relax" deal, which includes a $25 American Express gift card, $25 hotel food and beverage gift certificate, breakfast in bed for two — and the hotel picks up the tax on your stay. Rooms start at $179. www.omniaustin.com; 512-476-3700.
Girlfriend getaway: The ultimate retreat for moms and daughters, sisters and gal pals, Lake Austin Spa Resort has a three-day breakaway in which you buy two nights and get the third free, but you have to arrive on a Sunday or Monday. If your stay is in July or August, you’ll get the seven-course Sunday Supper with wine pairings. Rates start at $1,455 per person for double occupancy and include three meals and unlimited fitness activities daily, as well as a beautiful room. www.lakeaustin.com; 800-847-5637. At the Hyatt Lost Pines just east of town, the "Summer at Lost Pines" package includes a $50 resort card, two beach towels, two water bottles that can stay filled with any non-alcoholic beverage and 20 percent off spa services and golf green fees; rates start at $239. www.visitlostpines.com, 800-55-HYATT.
San Antonio
Family trip: The Hyatt Hill Country Resort and Spa offers its "Family Stay More, Play More" deal, which gives you $200-$500 in resort credit, depending on the length of your stay. From $279. www.hillcountry.hyatt.com; 210-647-1234.
Couples’ escape: At the Hyatt San Antonio on the Riverwalk, there’s free self-parking (usually $23 daily), and the hotel teamed up with Expedia to offer a $50 gas MasterCard reimbursement and a 30 percent discount on rooms if booked at www.expedia.com. In addition, there’s a fourth night free if you book four nights with the hotel, plus breakfast for two; rooms start at $159. Check out packages at www.sanantonioregency.hyatt.com; 210-222-1234.
Girlfriend getaway: The Westin Riverwalk has a number of good summer deals, starting at $180. The "Girls Getaway Package" includes a "superfoods" breakfast for two, $25 spa credit per person for two, 4 p.m. late checkout and two Heavenly robes to take home. Also ask about family theme park, river tour, golf and romance deals. Book the girlfriend deal at 866-716-8137; ask for rate plan WIGRLPKG. www.starwoodhotels.com/westin
