Hyatt Regency Hill Country Resort and Spa

The majestic oak trees that grace the rolling hills of this former Texas family ranch help create a tranquil environment that makes this resort a favorite among families and convention groups alike. Even some of the lovely pool areas are shaded by these ubiquitous trees with their long, sweeping branches. Inside the lobby is just as soothing, with bright natural stone walls and floors, huge fireplaces, and comfortable furniture like rocking chairs set throughout the roomy space. A circular stone activity desk rests adjacent to a cave-like stone entrance. A large iron sculpture of a Texas cowboy riding his horse reminds guests of the property's rancher past. With a golf course, stand-alone spa, and five pools spread out in this sprawling, 300-acre complex, the activities at this peaceful resort tend to be spread out as well. Guests range from families to couples to event attendees. 

The resort is located northwest of downtown San Antonio in the scenic rolling hills of Texas Hill Country. With no shuttle service or good public transportation options, the location requires a car (or pricey taxi rides) to get to downtown attractions or the airport. The River Walk and Alamo in downtown are a 25- to 30-minute drive. San Antonio International Airport and the Six Flags Fiesta Texas amusement park are 30 to 35 minutes of driving. Lackland Air Force Base is about 20 minutes away, as are the upscale Shops at La Cantera and North Star Mall. SeaWorld is less than two miles away or about seven minutes driving. The resort isn't within walking distance of other restaurants or shops, but several options are only a few minutes away by car. Parking at the resort is free on a surface lot. 

This Hyatt's 500 rooms underwent a soft renovation in 2013 that included new carpeting, wall coverings, and pillow-top, Hyatt Grand Bed mattresses. Rooms convey a rustic elegance with distinctive herringbone-patterned carpet in gray tones. High-quality furnishings include natural-wood headboards and bed frames, nightstands, dressers, reddish brown leather armchairs and matching ottomans, and desks with media plug-ins. Light-tan walls are adorned with framed photos of the resort’s countryside and landmarks. Bed throws in a Southwestern design liven up the all-white bedding. Spacious bedrooms are outfitted with either one king or two double beds. Standard Rooms are 238 square feet, as are Deluxe Rooms, which also have French doors that open onto either a first-floor patio or balcony with a table and two chairs. All rooms include 40-inch flat-screen TVs, mini-fridges, and coffeemakers. Safes, robes, and iHome docking stations also are included along with free bottled water and free Wi-Fi. Sizable vanities with granite tops stocked with hairdryers and magnifying mirrors sit outside the bathrooms. Inside the bathrooms, simple beige tiles frame the shower/tub combos. Hill Country Suites offer 500 square feet and include parlors with sleeper sofas and dining tables for four people. Large hospitality and VIP suites are available as well. Regency Club Room guests receive a free breakfast, beverages, and afternoon appetizers in the exclusive club room. Guests in any of the rooms can expect a lovely view of the resort grounds.

This Hyatt Regency Hill is overflowing with upscale features for both families and business travelers, but expect to pay a daily resort fee that covers access to the full-service spa’s facilities, free bikes to borrow, golf-bag storage, and use of the resort’s golf practice facilities. The stand-alone spa has a full-service salon and 21 treatment rooms for various facials, massages, and body treatments. It also has a private steam room, sauna, whirlpool, and pool, as well as a gift shop. The resort’s 27-hole, Arthur Hills-designed golf course includes a pro shop, practice facilities, and tavern. A tennis court also is on-site, along with a winding walking and biking trail. There are eight different bars, cafes, and restaurants at the resort. The full-service restaurant serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner, but breakfast is not included in room rates. There is a cafe as well as a general store that sells pizza, Starbucks coffee, and other items throughout the day. Poolside service is available, and there's a tavern by the golf course for casual fare. Charlie's Long Bar is a laid-back Texas-style choice with peanut shells on the floor. Room service is available as well. A major draw are the three outdoor whirlpools and five heated pools that are open year-round and include an activity pool, adult pool, and toddler pool. A lazy river, surf-simulator machine, and waterslide are among the aquatic attractions. Poolside cabanas with flat-screen TVs and safes are available for rent. The fitness center includes a complete range of Lifefitness cardio and weight-training machines and free weights. During the high season (weekends only for the off season) there are daily planned activities for children. The resort also hosts free outdoor movies for families, and it operates a day care service and children’s activity center. There's a video game arcade as well. The resort offers 54,000 square feet of indoor meeting space, including the Independence Ballroom that opened in 2013 as part of the hotel’s renovation. Free Wi-Fi is accessible throughout the complex, and the 24-hour business center includes Internet access. On-site guest laundry facilities and valet dry cleaning are available. Pets are welcome in select rooms.