Recently in Texas Category

If you're as sick of winter as we are, then Spring Break can't come soon enough. Well, now is a great time to take an early Spring Break getaway, because the Sheraton South Padre Island Beach Hotel & Condominiums is offering a special Family Vacation on the Beach Package that will make your first dose of sunshine this year all the sweeter. Book by March 4 for stays March 5 - 28, 2010 and enjoy family-friendly perks like a deluxe ocean-view room, breakfast each day at the Beachside Bar and Grille, two bottles of water daily, free sunscreen, free internet access, one in-room movie, 50% off valet parking, and more. You can even enjoy discounted water sports at Sonny's Beach Service, including parasailing and banana boats - a perfect way to start vacation season off on a high note. This stylish destination on the south Texas shoreline boasts gorgeous beaches, breathtaking views of the Gulf of Mexico, and the largest swimming pool in South Texas, including a swim-up bar. Spend your day searching for sea shells, playing volleyball, or sailing on the high seas. And when evening comes, retreat to the hotel's Beachside Grille, where international cuisine is served in an atmosphere of casual elegance. Rates start at just $286 per night (up to four per room) with a two-night minimum length of stay. To make a reservation, visit here or call 1-866-716-8134 and ask for rate plan SPFAM.

The brand new Westin Austin at the Domain will open its doors for the first time on March 11, 2010, and you can be among the first guests to experience this cutting-edge hotel in one of the city's premier destinations. With the Be the First package, you can enjoy rates starting at $119 a night for stays through April 8, 2010 and get a first look at this exciting new hotel. The Westin Austin at the Domain is located in the Domain business, retail, and residential center, which is home to several multinational corporations and scores of upscale shops and restaurants. Buy a new outfit at Neiman Marcus, a bag at Louis Vuitton, or something sparkly at Tiffany and Co. and then treat yourself to a glass of fine wine at Crú, one of the city's finest wine bars. But set aside some time to explore the hotel, which has all the amenities you need to be at your best. Sweat out your stresses in the WestinWORKOUT gym, splash around in the outdoor heated pool, or stay in touch with colleagues using the free high-speed internet access in public areas. And when it's time for dinner, request a table at Urban, the hotel's signature restaurant that serves contemporary American cuisine in an atmosphere of casual sophistication. Visit here and be the first to experience Austin's most dynamic new destination.

As winter begins in earnest, one's thoughts naturally drift to tropical climes, where abundant sunshine and gentle breezes restore the energy and vitality that the cold takes away. Every year, sun seekers in the continental U.S. flock to the southern coasts of Florida and California, but if you're looking for something a little bit different, venture to the southern tip of Texas. A pristine barrier island along the Gulf Coast, South Padre Island enjoys a humid subtropical climate, with January highs of 67 degrees Fahrenheit (19 C), 253 days of sunshine a year, and some of the most beautiful beaches in the country. It's also the home of the Sheraton South Padre Island Beach Hotel, which happens to be one of this week's participating Starpicks properties, with last-minute rates of at least 20% off regular rates for stays during the next eight weeks. This exciting resort has everything you need to fight the winter blues. Take a walk on the beach. Go for a dip in the biggest pool in south Texas, a 6,000 square foot tropical paradise complete with waterfall and swim-up bar. Relax in the oversize Jacuzzi. Or indulge in a pampering massage treatment. And when the sun goes down, retreat to the comforts of the Beachside Bar & Grille, where international cuisine comes with a postcard view of the Gulf of Mexico. New Starpicks properties are posted every Tuesday, so check the list for the latest deals.

Houston is a fun town to visit, with equal measures of Southwestern charm and big city culture. If it's been a while since you've visited this charming Texas metropolis, how about an autumn getaway? The Sheraton Houston Brookhollow Hotel is one of this week's participating Starpicks properties, with last-minute rates of at least 20% off regular rates for stays during the next two weekends, so it won't take much to make your Western wishes come true. Located in the northwestern corner of the city, this distinguished hotel is just minutes from some of Houston's greatest attractions. Start your day with a stroll through the nearby Houston Arboretum and Nature Center, a 155-acre nature sanctuary with extensive walking trails through a variety of native environments. Then, expose yourself to the Impressionist and post-Impressionist masterpieces on display at the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston, with works by Henri Matisse and Georges Seurat and an inspiring sculpture garden. If there's time left over in the afternoon, swing by the Houston Museum of Natural Science, where a temporary collection of Terra Cotta Warriors is in its final weeks. When evening arrives, bring your appetite to the hotel's Cimarron restaurant, where Southwestern cuisine is served in an airy, welcoming atmosphere. Toast your evening at Tuxedo's Lobby Bar, and you've got a perfect Texas day. New Starpicks properties are posted every Tuesday, so check the list for the latest deals.

Don't make plans for October 23rd until you've read this: To celebrate its $4 billion transformation, Sheraton is giving away thousands of free night's stays at nearly 100 new or newly renovated Sheraton Hotels and Resorts in North America, and you could find out instantly if you're a winner. The Check-In On Us Giveaway is a way of introducing people to Sheraton's new updated look, and it only takes a few clicks to find out if you'll be staying in one of these exciting properties on Friday, October 23, 2009. You can even choose your destination. For some fun in South Florida, check out the Sheraton Sand Key Resort, with ten acres of private beach and a gorgeous palm tree-lined outdoor swimming pool. If Hawaii's more your style, explore the Sheraton Waikiki, with breathtaking oceanfront views and a first-of-its-kind, newly-opened "super pool." The Sheraton Dallas Hotel (pictured), meanwhile, offers a contemporary take on Texas style, with an urban design and several excellent restaurants. This promotion only lasts a few more days, so sign in now to see if you're a winner.

San Antonio was named after St. Anthony of Padova on June 13, 1691 by a group of Spanish missionaries, and since that fateful day it has grown into one of the most dynamic and culturally rich cities in the Southwest. With a mild climate and plenty to see and do, it's a great destination for an autumn getaway, so how about spending a few days in scenic West Texas? The Westin La Cantera Resort, San Antonio is one of this week's participating Starpicks properties, with last-minute rates of at least 20% off regular rates for stays during the next eight weeks, so you could be experiencing its hill country charms in no time. Located on the hilltop site of a former limestone quarry, the resort provides the perfect mix of luxurious amenities and Lone Star character. Active travelers will appreciate its two world-class golf courses, complete with driving range, pro shop, and preferred tee times for resort guests. Families may want to take advantage of the resort's complimentary shuttle to nearby Six Flags Fiesta Texas, a 200-acre amusement park with dozens of rides and shows. Of course, lovers of leisure have several outdoor swimming pools to choose from, as well as the Castle Rock Health Club & Spa, which offers a range of therapeutic massages. Dining is a delight at restaurants like Francesca's at Sunset, where inventive Southwestern cuisine is served in an atmosphere of casual elegance. The Westin La Cantera Resort is just one of dozens of Starpicks properties this week, so check the list for the destination of your dreams.