The post Aiden San Antonio Riverwalk – Where History Meets Modern Chic appeared first on The Hotel Guide.

TEXAS HOLIDAY PARADES

     Kick off the holidays with parades across the state. Dubbed the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade of Texas, the HEB Holiday Parade in Houston features hot air balloons, marching bands, cheerleaders and costumed characters. Further west, El Paso’s “uniquely Texan” Thanksgiving Day parade, the FirstLight Federal Credit Union Sun Bowl Parade will celebrate “80 Years Around the World” for its 80th annual celebration.

Too busy cranking out that turkey? Join over 150,000 spectators the day after Thanksgiving for the Holiday River Parade & Lighting Ceremony along the River Walk in San Antonio. Enjoy the Christmas music concert, the lighting of the River Walk and wave at Santa as his sleigh floats by.

Texas-sized Holiday Light Displays

     For those looking for bright lights, small towns and big cities alike, host multiple holiday light spectaculars that almost outshine Texas’ big and bright stars. Most hail the name “trail of lights,” including the 52nd annual Austin Trail of Lights. Grab family and friends to sit by a traditional Yule Log, ride the Ferris Wheel, write a letter to Santa and more!

Just a few hours south in Houston, stroll through the Houston Zoo Lights for magical lights and musical entertainment from carolers and local musical groups. While most zoo creatures will be fast asleep, you can visit animals in the Reptile House, Kipp Aquarium, Bug House or Carruth National Encounters.

     Outside of Houston, take a hay ride through the trail of lights at the biggest Christmas attraction in the state, Santa’s Wonderland in College Station, TX. Get the full experience with a visit with Santa in Santa’s Town, a nostalgic Texas Christmas Village. Capture the experience for your Instagram under the “God Bless Texas” light arch, next to the giant Texas flag light display or in the “Giant Texas Sized Snow Globe.”    

     If you’d rather stay within the warm comforts of your car, you can experience it all from the passenger seat while driving through the Gift of Lights at Texas Motor Speedway in Fort Worth, Texas or the San Antonio Christmas Lights Fest.

ONE-OF-A-KIND CELEBRATIONS

     The Lone Star State is also home to some unique celebrations. No stranger to beautiful displays, the Dallas Arboretum fills twelve Victorian gazebos with costumed characters, whimsical animals and winter scenes to bring The 12 Days of Christmas to life!

     The Trains at NorthPark also call the Big D home. Experience all the trimmings of holiday train travel in more than 4,000 square feet of train themed environments. Nearby in Grapevine, adults can hop aboard the Christmas Wine Train and embrace the holiday spirit with festive treats and of course, wine! For a Western cowboy holiday, visit Christmas in the Stockyards in Fort Worth, TX. The one-day event takes place on December 2 and has western heritage activities for the entire family.

TEXAS HOLIDAY AT THE BEACH

     Feeling more like a holiday beach bum than cowboy? Spend the holidays on the beaches of Galveston, Texas and be amazed by incredible ice sculptures at A Caribbean Christmas at Moody Gardens. The resort brings in a team of master ice carvers to sculpt two million pounds of ice into an undersea journey of tropical fish, eagle rays, turtles dolphins and more!

     Also in Galveston, “Surf with Santa” at Schlitterbahn Waterpark Galveston Island’s Holiday Splash! Open weekends and select weekdays from November 25 to December 31. The holiday extravaganza also features a Snow Globe Float, Bahn Borealis Light Show, Ornament Factory, holiday characters and reindeer games!

MEXICAN CHRISTMAS FIESTAS

     Luminarias, traditional Mexican Christmas lanterns, light the San Antonio River Walk for the Ford Fiesta De Las Luminarias. The century’s old tradition begins at dusk Friday, Saturday and Sunday from December 2-18.  Further north and along the border in El Paso, revel the Annual Posadas Celebration and Luminaria Lighting Festival. Posada, the Spanish for “inn” or “shelter,” is a traditional celebration recreating Mary and Joseph’s search for a place to stay in Bethlehem. The presentation is followed by live music, the traditional Christmas Piñata ceremony, cultural dance presentations and the lighting of over 5,000 luminarias.

TEXAS NEW YEAR HOEDOWNS

     Once you’ve made all your holiday stops, it’s time to ring in the new year, and what better place than the largest honky tonk in the world, Billy Bob’s in Fort Worth? This year the dance hall will feature two Texas-born acts, Eli Young Band and Green River Ordinance for New Year’s Eve at Billy Bob’s Texas.

    If you’re looking to celebrate riverside, you can enjoy live music, carnival games and rides and festival food at the annual Celebrate San Antonio New Year’s Eve celebration. The event takes place downtown and ends the night with a fireworks extravaganza.

     For the families, kids are welcome (more like encouraged) at the Children’s Museum of Houston annual Rockin’ New Year’s Noon Bash. Watch the New Year’s Eve Daytime Ball Drop after the countdown to noon after the New Year’s Noon Parade.

The post Texas-Style Holidays appeared first on The Hotel Guide.

HISTORY

     On February 24, 1993, Hyatt Regency Hill Country Resort and Spa became the first destination resort in Texas and the nation’s first resort designed around living history—the Rogers-Wiseman Ranch, a family-owned property and working cattle ranch that stretched across thousands of acres. For more than 100 years before the resort opened its doors, the Rogers-Wiseman family cultivated the Hill Country land the ranch operated on, offered true Texas hospitality to visitors and raised three generations of family members on the thriving ranch.

AMAZING

     From 1887 purchaser D.G. Rogers, to his prodigal son Henry and his wife Mary, to their daughter Blanche and her husband, Papa Ed, the history of the family is woven throughout the resort.

NATURAL BEAUTY

     Hyatt Regency Hill Country Resort and Spa honors its heritage by maintaining the integrity and natural beauty of the 300 acres surrounding the property, and by offering a welcoming, relaxing and casually-elegant destination with world-class services for visitors and locals alike. Guests can still see the Rogers-Wiseman family influences and memorabilia throughout the property, like the original bill of sale from the 1880s and historic family photos that line the hallways, and the ranch’s ‘99’ cattle brand on jars of the resort’s house-made fire-roasted salsa.

     “Our history is what sets us apart and makes us a destination unlike any other. By honoring the family who preserved and made this breathtaking setting possible, we’re able to offer an incredible experience that allows guests to unwind and reconnect with what truly matters—the relationships and memories we share,” said General Manager Joe Hindsley. “Two of the property’s most iconic spaces for socializing are named after family members. Aunt Mary’s lawn is where families gather on blankets during the summer to watch movies under the stars, and Henry’s Hollow, named after the ranch founder’s son who was known for merrymaking, is where we toast s’mores over a roaring fire each night with new and old friends.”

WOODBINE DEVELOPMENT

     Before the resort ever opened its doors, when it was only open land full of grazing cattle, Dallas-based Woodbine Development Corporation recognized that the history of the land and the family should inform and inspire the look, feel and experience found on property. Serving as the developer/owner, Woodbine brought the resort to life in close collaboration with the family, who maintains an interest in the property to this day through the Rogers-Wiseman Family Interests.

     “Several decades ago, we never dreamed our early conversations with the Wiseman family would give way to a partnership that would become the foundation for this award-winning Texas resort,” said John Scovell, founder and chairman of Woodbine.

PERFECT SOUTH TEXAS GETAWAY

     “Over the years and still today, Hyatt Regency Hill Country’s success has remained deeply rooted in relationships cultivated during vacations, meetings, milestone celebrations and even workdays,” Scovell added. “This destination has become part of the stories of countless people who have come here to learn, explore, make memories and make a living. This property is also very special to Woodbine’s story and our legacy with Hyatt, and we feel honored to be part of this resort’s past and present and look forward to its future.”

RENOVATIONS AND MORE

     Throughout its history the resort has undergone renovations and expansions to maintain the level of excellence guests have come to know and expect from the property. Today the resort boasts a five-acre water park with a FlowRider® wave machine, two-story waterslide, four swimming pools, and lazy river styled after the Guadalupe River; the Hill Country Golf Club, a sprawling 200-acre, 27-hole championship course designed by Arthur Hills and Associates with diverse terrain, lush hillsides, tree-shaded plateaus and tranquil ponds; and Windflower–The Hill Country Spa, a full-service spa set in an 1880s-style ranch house, featuring 21 treatment rooms offering a barn full of bliss to all who pass through its doors. The 300-acre property features 500 guestrooms and suites that are classically styled with Hill Country touches and modern amenities, and more than 100,000 square feet of flexible indoor and outdoor meeting space, including three ballrooms and a newly-renovated, glass-enclosed outdoor pavilion.

     “In 2018 we celebrate 25 years of being a part of the cherished Texas tales of San Antonians and families all over the world,” Hindsley said. “We look forward to the next chapter in our story and ensuring guests create beloved memories here for generations to come.”

MORE INFO

     For the history of the Rogers-Wiseman Ranch and Hyatt Regency Hill Country Resort and Spa, visit http://bit.ly/HyattHC25Years.

The post Hyatt Hill Country Resort – San Antonio appeared first on The Hotel Guide.

     Now, our magazine covers the world, is direct emailed to 24 MILLION travelers yearly, seen online at www.thehotelguide.com and across our social media networks. To say that we have grown is an understatement!

      None of this would be possible had it not been for my former partner and original visionary of The Hotel Guide – Robert Ruggiero. His steadfast sense of detail and creativity launched a “pet project” of his into a global platform. Simply…amazing.

     This year we plan on commemorating as much of our history as we can but also focusing on the terrific future that lies ahead. This edition is a testament to that. We have a new logo, new brand, new design. Why? Because it matters. 25 years is a long time and our readers deserve to always have the best of us.

     This edition again covers some of Texas grandest escapes – including a feature on West Texas and another 25th Anniversary celebration in the Hyatt Hill Country Resort.

     Don’t forget to check out our “Destinations” section along with our updated “Wellness Travel” section. You won’t want to miss that informative content.

     For great story ideas or to be a part of our “Experiences” section, send me a personal e-mail by clicking here. Looking for great hotel deals? Remember that you can book all of your travel from our website or by simply clicking here.

     Travel. Make Memories.

Remember that you can book all of your travel from our website or by simply clicking here.

     Remember, we make travel easy.

The post 25th Anniversary – Spring Edition appeared first on The Hotel Guide.

     Historic and cutting edge attractions make this Texas gem an appealing getaway for every member of the family. Travelers can enjoy archeological wonders with the World-Heritage-designated San Antonio missions; test their courage with adrenaline pumping rides at theme and water parks; and stroll along the extended River Walk that meanders into neighborhoods, downtown and cultural and historic districts.

Here is a sampling of what’s new for summer family travel in San Antonio:

Six Flag Fiesta Texas celebrates 25 years with the world’s largest rocket blast water coaster

     Six Flags Fiesta Texas, an adventure park themed around the distinct culture of Texas, is celebrating its 25th anniversary with the world’s largest rocket blast water coaster opening June 3, 2017. Adrenaline junkies will ride the power of a storm with Thunder Rapids, a three-story, 942-foot-long roller coaster and water slide in one with lightning-fast uphill speeds and adrenaline-pumping drops. It’s located in White Water Bay, Fiesta Texas’ water park (included with admission).

     Six Flags Fiesta Texas is also introducing virtual reality to their drop ride Scream and debuting an all-new fireworks extravaganza, Celebrate! Summer Night Spectacular.

Morgan’s Inspiration Island, the world’s first ultra-accessible splash park

     Excitement is peaking at the chance to enjoy the world’s first ultra-accessible splash park, Morgan’s Inspiration Island. Opening this summer, Morgan’s Inspiration Island will be a magical destination that inspires people with special needs to do things previously thought impossible such as a river boat adventure ride with twists and turns through a jungle where bird and animal sounds fill the air. The experience continues with five water play areas offering a variety of splash elements like raintrees, falls, pools, geysers, jets, water cannons and tipping buckets.

SeaWorld San Antonio unveils Wave Breaker:

The Rescue Coaster

Wildlife enthusiasts can see if they have what it takes to race into action with SeaWorld’s animal rescue team on Wave Breaker, a one-of-a kind coaster inspired by the award-winning Sea Rescue® program.

     Designed exclusively for SeaWorld San Antonio, Wave Breaker replicates the adrenaline rush of a watercraft rescue mission. It’s more thrilling than a jet ski as riders hurdle 60 feet in the air over SeaWorld’s lake. Opening June 16, 2017.

Witte Museum welcomes $100 million in renovations to include new Naylor Family Dinosaur Gallery

Hailed as an oasis where nature, science and culture meet, the Witte Museum just unveiled $100 million in renovations. One of the most notable additions is the new Naylor Family Dinosaur Gallery. Adventurers can follow the large carnivorous Acrocanthosaurus as it leaves tracks along ancient Texas shorelines; explore predator and prey as a mosasaur hunts for dinner in the ancient seas; and behold the massive skeleton of a Tyrannosaurus rex.

     In the new Dino Lab, Witte guests will discover what fossils uncover about the era when dinosaurs roamed Texas, compare the jaws and teeth of meat eaters with those of plant eaters, learn what ancient footprints say about dinosaur behavior and examine links between dinosaurs and modern-day birds.

     This is just a sampling of the new experiences in San Antonio. There’s more to discover. While in town, travelers can stop by the Visitor Information Center across from The Alamo to grab a map, get more ideas on what to explore and have San Antonio questions answered.

     Getaway packages, discounts and more information can be found at visitsanantonio.com.

The post San Antonio – Perfect Summer Destination appeared first on The Hotel Guide.

     In this edition of The Hotel Guide, we feature incredible beaches and top destinations. For instance, some can’t-miss stops in Texas include San Antonio,Arlington and beachgoers can revel at South Padre Island.

     Every good traveler also needs to focus on their Health and Wellness and that’s another reason we launched our Wellness Section sponsored by IDLife. Get tips to stay healthy while traveling and even utilize a new state-of-the-art teledoc via Hello, Alvin.

     Ready for some international travel? You don’t want to miss the 5-star, all-inclusive resort called Secrets Maroma Beach Riviera Maya. This impeccable resort will help you make memories to last a lifetime. While in Mexico, be sure and visit the state of Campeche and learn about tons of Mexican history and culture.

     For great story ideas or to be a part of our “Experiences” section, send me a personal e-mail by clicking here. Looking for great hotel deals? Remember that you can book all of your travel from our website or by simply clicking here.

     Remember, we make travel easy.

The post Summer Edition Out appeared first on The Hotel Guide.

Prize-Winning

     The Buckhorn’s most prized record holder is the famous ‘78 Point Buck’.  This impressive rack was sold to the saloon owner himself, Albert Friedrich, for a mere $100 dollars back in 1890.  Other amazing specimens include a record 1,056 pound black marlin and a 10,000 year old pre-historic Irish elk.

History

    In 1881, seventeen-year-old Albert Friedrich, a bartender and bellhop at San Antonio’s Southern Hotel on Main Plaza, decided to open his own saloon across the street. Little did Friedrich know, over 130 years later his Buckhorn Saloon and Museum would be one of San Antonio’s top attractions and continue to entertain tourists from all over the world.

     Shortly after opening The Buckhorn Saloon, Albert learned that many folks traveling off the ol’ dusty trail didn’t have much money in their pockets. Albert had the brilliant idea to accept horns and antlers in exchange for a free beer or whiskey from his saloon. From then on, The Buckhorn collection grew to become one of the world’s most unique and largest collections of horns and antlers. The impressive horn and antler collection lined every wall and ceiling, which is why it is known as the Buckhorn Hall of Horns.

     In 1922, the first year of Prohibition in the United States, the Buckhorn made its first move to the corner of Houston and South Flores Streets. Many saloons, unable to serve alcoholic beverages, closed their doors, but Friedrich used his collection and his creativity to keep the Buckhorn afloat.

     In 1956, the Lone Star Brewery of San Antonio purchased The Buckhorn and built a facility to house the original bar and collection that would serve as their hospitality and sampling room. The collection continued to grow and the Buckhorn persevered as one of San Antonio’s most popular tourist attractions.

     In 1996 Stroh’s Brewing Company, decided to divest itself of the historical collection. The future of the Buckhorn looked bleak until Mary Friedrich Rogers, granddaughter of Albert Friedrich, and her husband, Wallace committed to preserving this important part of San Antonio history, stepped forward to purchase the collection. While the Buckhorn continued to entertain more than 150,000 visitors a year at its former location, the new owners felt that a more central downtown location would be advantageous.

     In 2006, The Buckhorn Saloon and Museum expanded again when an additional museum, The Texas Ranger Museum was added onto the attraction. The Texas Ranger Museum features hundreds of authentic Texas Ranger artifacts including automatic handguns, shotguns, badges and more. The museum also features a recreation of San Antonio at the turn of the century in Ranger Town. The town includes a replica Buckhorn Saloon, a jail cell, blacksmith and a replica of the 1934 Ford V8 Deluxe—the famous Bonnie & Clyde getaway car.

More Information

To learn more about one of San Antonio’s top attractions, visit them at www.BuckhornMuseum.com.

The post The Buckhorn Museum – a San Antonio Gem appeared first on The Hotel Guide.

     For instance, San Antonio, Texas has always been a family favorite. With tons of awesome attractions, resorts, dining and more, there is no wonder why the Alamo City is a fan favorite.

     While there, don’t miss touring the city via City Sightseeing Tours and partaking in the famous Buckhorn Museum.

     Ready for the beach? Visit South Padre Island or visit the world’s number one water park – Schlitterbahn. You are sure to have a blast.

    Ready to venture outside of Texas? You don’t want to miss Springtime in Monterey County, California, or the 50th Anniversary of the Summer of Love in Berkeley, California. For the adventurous, there is the Great Las Vegas Beer Festival too.

     For great story ideas or to be a part of our “Experiences” section, send me a personal e-mail by clicking here. Looking for great hotel deals? Remember that you can book all of your travel from our website or by simply clicking here.

     Remember, we make travel easy.

The post Family Travel Edition Out appeared first on The Hotel Guide.

The dynamic classes take place in a state-of-the-art CycleTheatre® led by CycleStar® instructors who take participants through a 50-minute high-energy ride. The CycleTheatre® features tiers for 48 bikes plus LED lighting, wide-screen graphics and state-of-the-art audio with a DJ booth. Riders will be able to track their performance via CycleStats® as well as download the playlist used during their classes using Cyclebeats®. After class, riders cool down with fresh fruit and water, while aromatherapy helps guests relax throughout the facility. For more information, visit  stoneoak.cyclebar.com.

CycleBar offers a pay-per-class model, with no memberships. Concierge service and amenities include free shoes, complimentary water bottles, snacks, towels, showers, lockers, and other toiletries.

In addition to individual cycling sessions, the Cyclebar philosophy centers on an innate passion for giving back to the community by creating exciting and energetic indoor cycling rides for charities, companies, teams, groups and families to help raise proceeds that benefit their cause.  CycleGiving is a philanthropic movement created for this sole purpose. In recent months CycleBar has supported local charities such as San Antonio Pet’s Alive, Johnson High School PTSA, Leukemia Lymphoma Society and San Antonio Threads.

The post CycleBar San Antonio appeared first on The Hotel Guide.

We added John Zambrano as our Vice-President of Sales and Marketing along with Esmi Gonzalez and Dawn Levis as our additional Regional Account Managers.

Our commitment is still to be the best publication on the market and give you, the reader, tons of information to make your travel escape that much more enjoyable.

This edition is lined with incredible destinations and hotels/resorts. Don’t miss out on San Antonio, Texas or the upgraded Hotel Phillips in Kansas City and the El San Juan Hotel in Puerto Rico.

For great story ideas or to be a part of our “Experiences” section, send me a personal e-mail by clicking here. Looking for great hotel deals? Remember that you can book all of your travel from our website.

Remember, we make travel easy.

The post Spring Break Edition Out appeared first on The Hotel Guide.