Hyatt Regency Lost Pines Resort and Spa

"Snaking down the hotel’s winding and wooded entrance through the McKinney Roughs Nature Park, you might feel like you’re off to camp even though you’re just 30 minutes east of Austin. But the resort’s remote setting makes it more of a family adventure escape than a base for exploring the southwest music capital. Surrounded by forested hills with 16-miles of hiking trails, the 442-room hotel’s exterior is reminiscent of a 19th century Texas farmhouse with front porches and balconies. But those pioneers never saw anything like the glass-walled lobby with dueling fireplaces framing the view of a tidied-up Colorado River (but they wouldn’t have approved of the garish multi-hued carpet that runs rampant). While service is friendly, and the rooms are spacious, the great outdoors is the “Lone Star” here with an exhausting array of activities: three pools (one with a kids’ water slide and lazy river), on-site horseback riding, kayaking, rafting, tennis, and a golf course just steps from the lobby. The full-service Spa Django offers music-themed body-treatments, yoga and a 24-hour gym. Choose from four restaurants and two bars, but buy snacks for the in-room refrigerator from the faux country store since room service closes at 1am. Historical memorabilia line the hallways, and don’t miss the photo collection of renowned Texas musicians. After your action-packed day, relax by a fire pit near the river and gaze at the stars. You’ll quickly understand why those settlers--and this hotel--chose this spot."