Though it's often thought of as a country unto itself, Texas is a diverse and fascinating state that has something to offer everyone. From the beaches of Galveston to the mountains of Big Bend, there is no shortage of natural beauty. There are also incredible resorts in Texas that can fit any traveler’s budget and lifestyle. These include everything from upscale city hotels to beachside resorts.
The state's rich history stretches back to the days of the Wild West, and today, visitors can explore everything from impressive Spanish missions to national sites like The Alamo, to former cattle drives. Of course, no trip to Texas would be complete without sampling some of the delicious (and often spicy) local cuisine. With so much to see and do, it's no wonder that Texas is one of the most popular vacation destinations in the United States. And in this article, we’ll review the 18 best resorts that the state has to offer.
Look no further than AAA for great vacation deals and easy hotel booking for your next Texas resort getaway.
Four Seasons Resort and Club Dallas at Las Colinas
- Location: Irving, TX
- AAA Diamond Designation: Four Diamond
- Hotel Class: 5-Star Hotel
- Pricing for Standard Rooms: $498+
The Four Seasons Resort and Club Dallas at Las Colinas is a luxurious 5-star oasis just outside Texas’s capital city. The resort features elegant accommodations, world-class dining, and a variety of recreational activities, including, most notably, a pristine par-70 golf course. Guests can enjoy a round of golf on the championship course, take a dip in one of the outdoor pools, or relax at the resort’s full-service spa. The resort also offers an array of business facilities, making it the perfect venue for corporate events. Some of the top amenities offered at the Four Seasons Las Colinas are its multilingual concierge, its golf and tennis instruction, babysitting services, and private dining options. So whether you're looking for a romantic getaway or a family vacation, the Four Seasons Resort and Club Dallas at Las Colinas ranks highly among the best resorts in Texas.
Amenities and Features:
- Multilingual concierge
- Golf and tennis instruction
- Babysitting
- Private dining
Gaylord Texan Resort & Convention Center
- Location: Grapevine, TX
- AAA Diamond Designation: Four Diamond
- Hotel Class: 4-Star Hotel
- Pricing for Standard Rooms: $288+
The Gaylord Texan Resort & Convention Center is a AAA-rated, 4-star resort located in Grapevine, Texas, just north of metropolitan Dallas. The resort offers 1,511 guest rooms and suites, as well as over 400,000 square feet of event and meeting space. The Gaylord Texan is also home to two award-winning restaurants, a full-service spa, and an on-site water park. The Gaylord Texan Resort & Convention Center is the perfect choice for any type of stay, whether it’s a business trip or a family vacation. It’s also a more affordable option in comparison to resorts like the Four Seasons Dallas.
Amenities and Features:
- 10-acre waterpark and lazy river complex
- Zipline
- Poolside dining
- Glass Cactus nightclub and events
Grand Galvez
- Location: Galveston, TX
- AAA Diamond Designation: Four Diamond
- Hotel Class: 4-Star Hotel
- Pricing for Standard Rooms: $150+
The Grand Galvez resort in Galveston, TX, the self-styled “Queen of the Gulf,” is a luxurious resort with glamorous interiors housed in a historic Spanish Revival-style building. The resort has magnificent amenities that include a full-service spa, a fitness center, electric and hybrid vehicle charging stations, and complimentary bicycles. It also has easy beach access where guests can relax and enjoy the sights and sounds of the Gulf of Mexico.
Amenities and Features:
- Full-service spa
- Electric and hybrid vehicle charging stations
- Courtesy bicycles and helmets
- Event space
Horseshoe Bay Resort
- Location: Horseshoe Bay, TX
- AAA Diamond Designation: Four Diamond
- Hotel Class: 4-Star Hotel
- Pricing for Standard Rooms: $254+
Horseshoe Bay Resort is a beautiful lakeside resort located in Horseshoe Bay, TX, just outside Austin. The resort offers a wide range of amenities, including indoor and heated pools, a fitness center and spa, a shuttle service, and a Yacht Club pool access.
In addition, Horseshoe Bay Resort provides guests with access to a private beach club and marina. It’s perfect for both families and couples looking for a relaxing getaway. And the pricing is also very reasonable, especially given its many luxurious amenities. Overall, Horseshoe Bay Resort is an excellent choice for those looking for a luxurious experience at a fraction of the cost that many other resorts would charge.
Amenities and Features:
- Indoor and heated pools
- Fitness center and spa
- Shuttle service
- Yacht Club pool access
Hyatt Regency Hill Country Resort and Spa
- Location: San Antonio, TX
- AAA Diamond Designation: Four Diamond
- Hotel Class: 4-Star Hotel
- Pricing for Standard Rooms: $340+
The Hyatt Regency Hill Country Resort and Spa is a full-service resort located in San Antonio, Texas. On site, there’s an 18-hole championship golf course, tennis courts, a 5-acre water park, and a spa. The Hyatt Regency Hill Country Resort and Spa also has several restaurants and bars, as well as a 24-hour fitness center. Pricing for standard rooms at this resort starts at $340 per night.
Amenities and Features:
- Five-acre waterpark
- Pet-friendly
- Convenient access to SeaWorld, the Alamo, the Riverwalk and more
Hyatt Regency Lost Pines Resort and Spa
- Location: Cedar Creek, TX
- AAA Diamond Designation: Four Diamond
- Hotel Class: 4-Star Hotel
- Pricing for Standard Rooms: $415+
Hyatt Regency Lost Pines Resort and Spa, located in the Texas Hill Country in south and central Texas, features an on-site water park, spa, and golf course, as well as multiple restaurants and bars. Guest rooms in this AAA Four Diamond hotel are luxurious and spacious and start at around $415 per night. The Hyatt Regency Lost Pines Resort and Spa is a great option for those looking for a relaxing getaway with plenty of activities and amenities in a unique region of Texas.
Amenities and Features:
- Bicycle rentals
- Shoe and boot shine
- Electric vehicle charging stations
- Nightly s’mores service
- Guest washer and dryers
JW Marriott San Antonio Hill Country Resort & Spa
- Location: San Antonio, TX
- AAA Diamond Designation: Four Diamond
- Hotel Class: 4.5-Star Hotel
- Pricing for Standard Rooms: $270+
JW Marriott San Antonio Hill Country Resort & Spa is a luxury resort located in the heart of Texas Hill Country. The resort offers guests reasonable rates with similar amenities to more upscale resorts, such as a golf course, a spa, and pools. Guests can also enjoy upscale dining at one of the resort's restaurants. Pricing for JW Marriott San Antonio Hill Country Resort & Spa starts at $270 per night for a standard room. However, rates can vary depending on the time of year and availability. Guests looking for the best possible deal should consider booking during off-peak periods, such as mid-summer.
Amenities and Features:
- Waterfalls and fireplaces
- Shuffleboard, checkers and chess
- River Bluff Water Experience waterpark
- 1,100-foot lazy river
Isla Grand Beach Resort
- Location: South Padre Island, TX
- AAA Diamond Designation: Three Diamond
- Hotel Class: 4-Star Hotel
- Pricing for Standard Rooms: $99+
To score an amazing deal at one of the best resorts in Texas, set your sights south – that is, South Padre Island.
The Isla Grand Beach Resort in South Padre Island, Texas, is nestled atop white sand dunes and surrounded by clear blue waters. It offers a wide range of beach and watersports activities, such as parasailing, snorkeling, and even pirate ship cruises!
Isla Grand has very reasonable pricing for a 4-star hotel, with standard rooms starting at $99 per night. And with private beach access and a host of other offerings, it may just be one of the best beach resorts in Texas.
Amenities and Features:
- Private beach access
- Tennis courts
- Two pools and hot tubs
- Sand volleyball courts
- Nightclub
La Cantera Resort & Spa
- Location: San Antonio, TX
- AAA Diamond Designation: Four Diamond
- Hotel Class: 4-Star Hotel
- Pricing for Standard Rooms: $259+
La Cantera Resort & Spa is a luxurious getaway in the heart of Texas Hill Country. Set among rolling hills and live oak trees on 19 secluded acres, the resort offers breathtaking views of its surrounding countryside. Guests can choose from a variety of accommodations, including spacious suites with private balconies overlooking the golf course or guest rooms with scenic views of the pool area.
Amenities and Features:
- 19 secluded acres
- LakeHouse spa facility
- Unlimited smoothies and juices
- Complimentary parking, Wi-Fi and resort gifts
Lake Austin Spa Resort
- Location: Austin, TX
- AAA Diamond Designation: Four Diamond
- Hotel Class: 4-Star Hotel
- Pricing for Standard Rooms: Contact property for rates
Along the shores of Lake Austin, the Lake Austin Spa Resort is a secluded oasis that offers guests a chance to escape everyday life. The resort features a variety of accommodations, including suites with private balconies overlooking the lake. Guests can enjoy unique amenities, such as wine cruises on the lake, a unique LakeHouse Spa, and guided fishing outings. You can contact the property to learn more about rates.
Amenities and Features:
- Wine cruises
- Exclusive LakeHouse Spa
- The Nurturing Table
- Guided fishing outings
Lakeway Resort & Spa
- Location: Lakeway, TX
- AAA Diamond Designation: Four Diamond
- Hotel Class: 4-Star Hotel
- Pricing for Standard Rooms: $200+
Lakeway Resort & Spa is one of the most stunning resorts in Texas, located in Lakeway, just northwest of Austin city. It offers a variety of accommodations, including suites, villas, and cottages, all with stunning views of Lake Travis. Guests can enjoy any number of activities on the lake, including swimming, boating, and fishing. Inside the resort, there’s an award-winning spa that offers treatments designed to relax and rejuvenate guests. In addition, the resort features several restaurants, cafes, and bars, as well as a championship golf course. This Four Diamond resort has reasonable rates starting at $200 per night for standard rooms.
Amenities and Features:
- Swim-up bar
- Family dining options
- Fitness center
- Happy hour and cocktail hour
Moody Gardens
- Location: Galveston, TX
- AAA Diamond Designation: Four Diamond
- Hotel Class: 4-Star Hotel
- Pricing for Standard Rooms: $128+
Moody Gardens is a must-visit family fun destination in Galveston, as it’s one of the best family resorts in Texas. It’s not only a hotel but a spa and convention center with exciting attractions and a golf course. The rainforest pyramid at Moody Gardens is home to over 250 species of birds, reptiles, and small mammals. The Aquarium Pyramid houses sharks, penguins, and sea turtles. And the Discovery Pyramid has hands-on exhibits about the Gulf of Mexico. Outside of the pyramids, Moody Gardens has an IMAX theater, a zip line course, and a ropes course. Visitors can also take a ride on the SigurRoer Railroad or paddle boats in the lagoon.
Amenities and Features:
- Spa
- Golf course
- Kid-friendly events
- Convenient location to attractions
Omni Barton Creek Resort & Spa
- Location: Austin, TX
- AAA Diamond Designation: Four Diamond
- Hotel Class: 3.5-Star Hotel
- Pricing for Standard Rooms: $345+
The Omni Barton Creek Resort & Spa in Austin, TX is a special place for many reasons. First, its location is simply stunning. Nestled in the scenic Texas Hill Country, the resort provides breathtaking views of its lush environs. It also features four championship golf courses, making it one of the best golf resorts in Texas – perfect for golf enthusiasts of all levels. And for those looking to relax and rejuvenate, the on-site spa offers exclusive treatments and services. The Omni Barton Creek Resort & Spa has a Four Diamond designation from AAA; its standard rooms start at $345 per night.
Amenities and Features:
- Daily breakfast options
- Four golf courses
- Four pools
- Valet and self-parking
Rosewood Mansion on Turtle Creek
- Location: Dallas, TX
- AAA Diamond Designation: Four Diamond
- Hotel Class: 5-Star Hotel
- Pricing for Standard Rooms: $500+
The Rosewood Mansion on Turtle Creek is a historic estate turned luxury 5-star hotel located in the heart of Dallas. It’s situated on five acres of land that was once belonging to a single residence. Today, the hotel features 142 rooms and a bevy of amenities, such as a 12,000-square-foot spa with massage studios and a fitness studio.
The Rosewood Mansion on Turtle Creek epitomizes high-end luxury. And for this reason, its standard rooms start at $500 per night.
Amenities and Features:
- Mansion bar
- Mansion pool
- Fitness studio
- Massage services
The Houstonian Hotel, Club & Spa
- Location: Houston, TX
- AAA Diamond Designation: Four Diamond
- Hotel Class: 4.5-Star Hotel
- Pricing for Standard Rooms: $399+
The Houstonian Hotel, Club & Spa is a world-renowned luxury hotel located in the heart of Houston, Texas. Founded in 1980, the Houstonian has been consistently voted not only one of the best resorts in Texas but in the world. The Houstonian offers guests an unparalleled level of service and amenities, including tennis courts, yoga and cycle studios, steam rooms, a registered dietician for consultations, and massages. Whether you're looking for a romantic getaway or a family vacation, the Houstonian is sure to exceed your expectations.
Amenities and Features:
- Tennis courts
- Yoga and cycle studios
- Steam rooms
- Registered dietician
- Massages
The San Luis Resort
- Location: Galveston, TX
- AAA Diamond Designation: Four Diamond
- Hotel Class: 3.5-Star Hotel
- Pricing for Standard Rooms: $295+
The San Luis Resort is a stunning beachfront property located in Galveston. Guests can enjoy access to the resort’s private beach, which is perfect for swimming, sunbathing, and fishing. The San Luis Resort is situated near a variety of attractions, including the Galveston Island Historic Pleasure Pier and Moody Gardens. It’s widely regarded as an ideal family-friendly resort due to the many children’s activities offered both in-house and nearby. Additionally, the resort offers direct access to the Gulf of Mexico, making it easy to explore all that this region has to offer.
Amenities and Features:
- Electric vehicle charging station
- Children’s activities
- Beach access
- Entertainment staff
The Westin Dallas Stonebriar Golf Resort & Spa
- Location: Frisco, TX
- AAA Diamond Designation: Four Diamond
- Hotel Class: 4-Star Hotel
- Pricing for Standard Rooms: $415+
The Westin Dallas Stonebriar Golf Resort & Spa is a beautiful resort located nearby Dallas in Frisco, Texas. The resort offers a wide range of amenities, including a championship golf course, full-service spa, and state-of-the-art fitness center. The Westin Dallas Stonebriar Golf Resort & Spa also offers a variety of dining options, including a steakhouse, sushi bar, and buffet restaurant. In addition, the resort provides guests with complimentary shuttle service to and from Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport. The Westin Dallas Stonebriar Golf Resort & Spa is the perfect place for a relaxing getaway or an exciting vacation.
Amenities and Features:
- On-site spa and golf course
- TopGolf Swing Suite
- Dry cleaning
- Outdoor pool
The Woodlands Resort
- Location: The Woodlands, TX
- AAA Diamond Designation: Four Diamond
- Hotel Class: 4-Star Hotel
- Pricing for Standard Rooms: $289+
The Woodlands Resort is nestled among the tall pines of The Woodlands, just north of Houston. This AAA Four Diamond resort offers an array of activities and amenities for guests to enjoy. As its name suggests, the resort is set in a wooded area with numerous hiking and biking trails nearby. Guests can also take advantage of the two on-site golf courses, the full-service spa, or the resort's three pools. The Woodlands Resort is an ideal destination for those looking to escape the hustle and bustle of city life and enjoy some time in nature. And it’s the perfect family-friendly vacation destination, but also ideal for adults. The Woodlands Resort features a splash pad and an adults-only pool.
Amenities and Features:
- On-site restaurants
- Splash pad and an adults-only pool
- Bicycle rentals
- Shuttle service
- Waterpark
As you can see, resorts in Texas offer great value for your money with features like restaurants, pools, golf courses, and spas. And, unlike in colder climates, most of these amenities can be used year-round. Most importantly, they provide a relaxing atmosphere for you to enjoy your vacation. Whether you're looking for a romantic getaway or a family-friendly vacation, Texas has a resort that's perfect for you. So what are you waiting for? Start planning your next trip today!
Interested in using AAA to plan your next vacation to Texas? Get everything you need, like travel insurance and a Southwest TourBook, so you never miss the sites, scenery, or fun.