Samantha Brown Reveals One Of Her Favorite Family-Friendly Hotels In Texas
One could argue that Samantha Brown was among the first travel influencers. Brown catapulted to fame in 1999 when she became a regular on the Travel Channel, and years later, she's still gracing screens everywhere with her PBS show "Samantha Brown's Places to Love." Her friendly face and relatable personality make her the kind of person you'd gladly take travel tips from.
Besides being an expert on destinations around the world, the TV personality has learned a lot over the years about choosing top-notch hotels — one of her old Travel Channel gigs was even hosting the series "Great Hotels." She can easily spot a hotel worth staying at, as well as those that could use some work. And, as a mother, Brown knows what makes a place perfect for the entire family.
So when asked in an interview with CNN what her favorite hotel is for families, the travel guru didn't name a five-star accommodation in New York City or a boutique hotel in Paris with a view of the Eiffel Tower. Rather, she chose a Hyatt Regency branch located in the Texas Hill Country.
This Texas hotel is brimming with family-friendly fun
Samantha Brown's go-to hotel for families is more than just a place to sleep. The property boasts plenty of amenities for guests of all ages, including a five-acre water park that's heated and open all throughout the year. As Brown told CNN, "One of my favorites is the Hyatt Regency Hill Country outside of San Antonio, where there is this awesome lazy river. The kids can go crazy, but you can just float along." There are also numerous outdoor pools (including one for small children and another for adults only), hot tubs, a waterslide, and a surfing wave pool.
Brown is also a fan of the hotel's more luxurious amenities. "I think a spa is a must when you're a mom so you can get away, and they have a great one," the travel expert noted. Hyatt Regency Hill Country's on-site spa, Wildflower, is practically a destination in itself. It's situated on 300 acres of green meadows and treats guests to massages, facials, manicures, a sauna, and other pampering services.
You'll find plenty of other family-friendly activities at the hotel, too, including golfing at the property's 27-hole course, cruising down its biking trails, outdoor movie nights, and more. As Brown added, "It's all about the family coming together, so I would love to go back there."
What to do during a stay in Hill Country
If Hill Country wasn't on your travel bucket list, perhaps it should be. Besides being home to one of Samantha Brown's favorite hotels for families, the region offers endless down-home Texas-sized fun. The region is truly the heart of the state, situated right smack dab in the middle and occupying a space that includes the cities of Austin, San Marcos, New Braunfels, Fredericksburg, and Sonora. Hyatt Regency Hill Country is located on the edge of Hill Country, so you'll want to have a car to explore the different areas.
Whether you have kids in tow or not, Hill Country is best experienced outdoors. There's the stunning Garner State Park, the hikable (and breathtakingly beautiful) Enchanted Rock, and Schlitterbahn, often regarded as one of the best water parks in the country. To maximize your outdoor activities, consider visiting during warm-weather months, as some spots close down for the winter.
You'll also find plenty of small-town gems throughout the area, which Brown herself highlighted in an episode of "Places to Love." For instance, the host visited Gillespie County to explore its old one-room schoolhouses, many of which are open to visitors. She also spent time at Wildseed Farms in Fredericksburg, where you can feast your eyes on the blankets of colorful wildflowers. Finally, Brown made a stop at Naeglin's Bakery, sure to be a crowd-pleaser for the whole family. The bakery is the oldest in Texas and serves cookies, pies, and other sweets.