Horseshoe Bay Resort
"Why did this hotel catch your attention?Perfectly-trimmed palm trees surround the giant, stone-accented, 400-room resort that’s right on Lake LBJ. Everything is meticulously maintained from the golf course to the pools to the sports courts and full-service marina. It’s 7,000 acres of country club meets lakeside yacht venue where buttoned-up business execs and their families come to unwind and enjoy the plentiful amenities. What's the backstory?Horseshoe Bay is part of Crescent Hotels & Resorts, and has a history of being a high-end wedding venue. Golf enthusiasts visit for the five golf courses, three of them award winning, that were designed by World Golf Hall of Fame members Robert Trent Jones, Sr., and Jack Nicklaus, and some use the complimentary private jet charter service from Dallas and Houston to fly to the resort with their booked golf package. Tell us all about the accommodations. Any tips on what to book?The resort has traditional rooms, suites, villas, condos, and vacation rentals, but the best places to stay are the rooms overlooking Lake LBJ like the Premium Balcony Rooms, Executive Suite, Presidential Suite, and Magnolia Suites; you don’t want to miss out on those gorgeous views. Designs are bathed in neutral grays and cream that come off as contemporary with slightly mod touches in the armchairs and lamps. Marble bathrooms have clean modern lines and walk-in showers, but mostly, the rooms don’t have a ton of personality because you’ll be spending much of your time out taking advantage of the wealth of resort amenities. Drinking and dining—what are we looking at?Eight different restaurants speckle the grounds. There is steak, Texas barbecue and Gulf Coast seafood of course, but also healthy spa-inspired dishes. Sandwiches, burgers, and snacks cater to the on-the-go crowd. Try the Texas corndog elotes, Hill Country omelet, or Hill Country chicken fried steak at J’s Restaurant and Bar, the chicken fried lobster or seasonal vegetable strudel at the Yacht Club, or the hole-in-one quesadilla burger at Slick Rock Grill. Anything to note about the staff?Efficient and upbeat service feels smooth, and although they’re not rushing, they’re certainly making sure you feel your needs are being handled promptly. What type of travelers will you find here?Golf enthusiasts, wedding parties, and families. Men in dress shorts and polos accompany women in tailored preppy dresses; they’re fashionable in freshly-ironed attire. By day, modern cut swimsuits and colorful wraps by the pool, or slacks and golf shirts on the course; by night, accessorized in contemporary fashions that could easily go from work to a sit-down dinner. What about the neighborhood? Does the hotel fit in?The resort fits in with the boating and water culture of the Lake LBJ community with kayak, paddleboard, and boats rentals, as well as with its yacht club and marina. Its golf courses stand out among others in the area though. Is there anything you'd change?Some restaurants have specific dress codes (so make sure to have the proper attire). Any other hotel features worth noting?In addition to the five golf courses (including an 18-hold putting course), there are multiple tennis and pickle ball courts, a full-service spa, several pools, and a kids club. Staff can organize sunset cruises on the lake, or area wine tours, and there’s an airport and jet center with hangar spaces and aircraft parking. Bottom line: Why are we choosing Horseshoe Bay?You'll everything for the type of stay you want at your fingertips; whether it’s relaxed and rejuvenating, or taking full advantage of the surplus of activities and amenities." - Mandy Ellis
