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Summer 2 Edition - 2015 Port Royal Resort - Port Aransas,
Texas
Port Royal Resort
to a Frien
dPass
Accommodations Attractions Events Destinations
Call an for your
Hotel Guide pecial rate.
22ndAnniverary
Sandperl Resort St. Augustine Downtown Orlando
Tropical Paradise
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About the Cover:Experience one of Texas top resorts. A perfect
getaway for the Summer. (Photo: Courtesy of Port Royal Resort)
Downtown Orlando
TexasPort Royal Resort 8
Natural Bridge Caverns 10
Texas Swimming Holes 12
Texas Aquariums 16
Fun in Port Arthur, Texas 18
Mansion at Judges Hill - Austin, TX 22
Table of Contents
www.thehotelguide.com 3
Destinations 27Downtown Orlando 28
Phoenician Resort - Scottsdale, AZ 30
Inn at Newport Beach 32
Sandperl Resort 33
St. Augustine, Florida 34
Experiences 36Surin Phuket 37
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EXPLORE SAN ANTONIOWITH A HOP ON HOP OFF CITY TOUR
The Alamo - MAIN BOARDING POINT
The River Walk
The San Antonio Museum of Art
The Pearl Brewery Complex
The San Fernando Cathedral
The Spanish Governors Palace
Tower of the Americas
LONDON STYLE DOUBLE DECKERS
Tel. 210 224 8687
12 BusStopsIncluding...
San Antonio Page Advert.indd 1 03/03/2015 16:33:00
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www.riosanantonio.com(210) 244-5700 (800) 417-4139
elcome to San Anto-nio! Hop on a Rio San Antonio Cruises barge
for a narrated tour of the River Walk. Visit
our website to find one of our four convenient locations.
For our Rio Taxi service, hail one of the checker-flagged barges
for a trip to your River
Walk Destination.
Ride the Rio
W
Edward R. LeosPublisher
Jennifer LeosAssociate Publisher
Christa ThompsonSenior Travel Writer
Katherine Belarmino
Nicole ConnollyDr. Cacinda Maloney
Callie SummerlinMichelle Tijerina
Travel Writers
Daniel LeosIllustrator
Deanna BarrettCarla Ferrer
Margo Gonzalez HuckabayChriselda Pacheco
Contributors
Contact Information:The Hotel GuideP.O. Box 592418
San Antonio, TX 78259Toll-free
(877) HTL-GDE1phone (210)
[email protected]
Special Thanks to: Las Vegas Convention and Visitors
Authority
Denver Convention & Visitors Bureau Texas Department of
Tourism
Texas Department of Transportation Texas Hotel and Lodging
Association
Texas Travel Industry Association Las Vegas CVB
Austin CVB Tyler CVB
GalvestonCVB Houston CVB
Corpus Christi CVB New Braunfels CVB
El Paso CVB Lubbock CVB
Granbury CVB San Antonio CVB
ummer always get you thinking
about having fun at the beach or hitting up the lake. Many
people appreciate a great outdoor adventure. This edition of The
Hotel Guide offers a myriad of great things for everyones taste. In
Texas? Then heading to Port Aransas and staying at the Port Royal
Resort is a must. This tropical paradise is a perfect family
getaway and boasts the states largest pool. If you are going to be
outside the Lone Star State, head to sunny Florida. Here, make your
way to Downtown Orlando and enjoy their rich culture while mixing
in with the locals. Or, you can visit St. Augustine and take part
in their 450th Birthday celebrations. Tons of incredible activities
and events happening in this culturally-centric city. From the East
Coast to the West Coast, you can hit up the world-class Phoenician
Resort in Scottsdale, Arizona and engage in some golf, spa
treatments and incredible dining. As you embark on your journey
towards sunny California, make the Inn at Newport Ranch your chosen
destination. For great story ideas or to be a part of our
Experiences section, send me a personal e-mail by clicking here.
Looking for great hotel deals? Remember that you can book all of
your travel from our website or by simply clicking here. Happy
Travels!
S
www.thehotelguide.com 5
A Word FromThe Publisher
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6 www.thehotelguide.com
Texas TEXAS
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ort Royal Ocean Resort, the premier Port Aransas Beach Resort,
features 210
beachfront condos set on a 25 acre enclave wrapping around four
lagoon pools, accented by palm trees, with stepped waterfalls
complete with two water-slides and an olympic size heated lap
pool.Great Rooms... Their condos are 1, 2, and 3 bedrooms with
large patio balconies that face the Gulf or both the Pool and the
Gulf. All condos are equipped with full kitchens, laundry
facilities and free wireless internet. The condos are decorated
with different characteristics; are all open floor plans with the
kitchen flowing into main living space and dining area that then
flows out to the spacious patio and the wonderful views of the
beach in Port Aransas. The resort is not a high rise but rather
just three stories with an open vista to the Gulf.Outstanding
Service Port Royal features a Guest Care Team of over 200 looking
after the enjoyment of our guests. Restaurant 361 is open
seasonally for breakfast, lunch, and dinner as well as our famous
Champagne Brunch every Sunday. Our on-site restaurant features some
of the finest cuisine offered in the area, prepared specially for
you by our nationally recognized Executive Chef. Poolside, you can
relax and enjoy local flavors in our swim-up Cabana Bar. Adjacent
to the lobby, the Bistro offers a delicious assortment of treats
and eats all day long. The Port Store is also stocked with all your
food necessities, beach wear, toys from blow ups to kites, and, of
course, ice cream!
P
Port Royal Resort
Tons to Do... Activities on property include tennis, volleyball,
water volleyball or the Arnold Palmer golf course just 2
miles away. Guest bring their own surfboards, windsurfing
boards, kite boards and fishing tackle or rent them in Port
Aransas. Nearby activities and excursions include deep sea fishing,
bay fishing, jet skis, sailing, surfing, kiteboarding, bird
watching, eco-excursions, beach horseback rides, water excursions
to local sites, yoga, pottery making, glass blowing and the
University of Texas Marine Science Institute tours of wetlands,
fish and aquatics. The National Seashore is an 18 mile drive to
expanses of pristine beach and teaming birdlife.More Information To
learn more about Port Royal
Resort and Conference Center visit them online at
www.port-royal.com.
A Texas Tropical Paradise
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On A Whole New Level.
MORE TO EXPLORE:
Imagine a place that towers overhead, even though its deep
underground. A place filled with delicate formations of solid stone
formed by single splashes of water. A place thats eons old, but
feels brand new every time you see it. From giant chambers that
echo with mystery to passages with discovery around every bend,
come see what makes Natural Bridge Caverns Naturally AMAZING.
NaturalBridgeCaverns.com 210-651-6101
22748_NBC_Hotel_Guide_May_2015_ad_v1.indd 1 5/22/15 9:49 AM
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pickPublishersTEXAS
fascinating trip awaits guests of NATURAL BRIDGE CAVERNS,
the
largest show cave in Texas. What makes the Discovery Tour so
awe-inspiring? The caverns, located in the Texas Hill Country and
minutes from San Antonio, contain cave formations that are
centuries in the making and still growing today. In March of 1960,
four college students from St. Marys University in San Antonio
obtained permission to explore the area. Lured by an amazing
60-foot limestone bridge and a large sinkhole, the explorers made
numer-ous attempts to find the large underground passages they
theorized were there. On their fourth expedition, Orion Knox Jr.
felt a cool draft from a rubble-filled crawlway. Such air currents
often indi-cate the presence of addition-al rooms or passages. Upon
clearing this 60-foot crawlway, the explorers made their way
through two miles of vast cavern passage before returning to the
sur-face to tell the landowners of their amazing discovery. The
discoverers knew immediately what an astonishing find they had made
and the land owners decided to develop the first mile, the most
spectacular part of the caverns, for the enjoyment of guests from
around the world. Natural Bridge Caverns Discovery Tour was
devel-oped with two main goals in mind: preservation of the cavern
system and comfort of its guests. The result is one of the worlds
premier show caverns. The Discovery was opened to the public on
July 3, 1964 and dedicated by Texas Governor John B. Con-nelly as a
Jewel in the crown of Texas attractions. Natural Bridge Caverns has
also been designated a State Historical Site and a Registered
National Natural Landmark.
A
Guided Tours Your guided tour, which takes approximately 75
minutes, will take you through vast underground rooms. Discover
Sherwood Forest, the Castle of the White Gi-ants and the Hall of
the Mountain King, a room the size of a football field. Amazing
delicate crystalline formations and gigan-tic stone monuments fill
these beautiful underground chambers. Since Natural Bridge Caverns
opened to the public, hundreds of thousands of guests from all over
the world have enjoyed the Discovery Tour. You are invited to see
this spectacular natural wonder, too. For more information, visit
Natural Bridge Caverns online at www.naturalbridgecaverns.com.
Texas Largest Underground AdventureNatural Bridge Caverns
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m floating on my back in the emerald waters of Hamilton
Pool,
watching droplets cascade from the cliff overhang above. Around
me, families splash in shallow waters. College students gather atop
massive rocks inside the interior walls of the cavelike structure.
But I keep floating. Hamilton Pool Ive heard about this place for
years, but today marks my first trip to the natural pool that lies
just 30 minutes west of Austin. During peak times, visitors wait
for up to two hours to enter this pristine place, which is part of
a federal preserve and thus is regulated to ensure balance between
our enjoyment of it and the health of the plants and wildlife. A
bit of idling (plus a $15 vehicle admission fee) seems a fair price
to pay for play in Hamilton Pools ethereal waters, which are well
worth the wait. There are mossy stones, plants growing upside down
from the domed roof, and trails to exploreboth from the parking lot
to Hamilton Pool and along its interior rim. And its not the Hill
Countrys only gem. Krause Springs Farther north is Krause Springs.
This 115-acre property is listed on the National Register of
Historic Places and has been privately owned by the Krause family
for more than 50 years. The generous family pioneered improvementsa
lovely man-made pool overlooking the springs, stone picnic tables
and gazebos, and a butterfly gardenbuilding many structures by
hand. Below these resting points sits the main attraction: two
conjoined swimming holes. With massive cypress trees, waterfalls
tumbling over fern-covered granite, and a rope swing, Krause
Springs is an awesome spot for river-lovers. Those wanting an
overnight stay can pitch a tent in the campground or hook up an RV
in designated spaces. Day-trippers can end their journey with BBQ
in Spicewood, where Opies
I and Its All Good are two of the favorite establishments.
Wimberley To the south of Austin, youll find Wimberley, a quaint
Hill Country town known for its community of artists andyou guessed
itits swimming holes! The first, Jacobs Well, measures 12 feet in
diameter, but the relatively small opening doesnt dissuade
swimmers from cliff jumping. Lighter colors surrounding the hole
morph into dark hues that correspond to depth: Jacobs Well descends
30-ish feet. I visited on a fall day after the end of swimming
season, so I checked out the well visually, then hiked the trails
surrounding its northern edge. Because Jacobs Well is the smallest
of the swimming holes mentioned here, Id recommend arriving early
at this spot before venturing to Blue Hole later in the day. Blue
Hole Regional Park Blue Hole Regional Park is stunning: there isnt
a lit-eral swimming hole, but rather a winding river like what you
see at Krause Springs. The water is a lovely shade, thanks to
Jacobs Well (Cypress Creeks main water source) and the limestone
bluffs above Blue Hole (rain-water filters through the rocks holes,
causing lightening of color). In addition to swimming, Blue Hole
offers a modern pavilion, a sprawling lawn, and amenities that
include picnic tables (some with fire pits), basketball and
volleyball courts, and 3.5 miles of trails. Barton Springs When Im
in the mood for exploring Austins city limits, I hit up Barton
Springs. Barton Springs is as Austin as it gets. The popular
destination is located in Zilker Park (home to the citys annual ACL
Music Festival) and is known for its year-round temperature of 68
to 70 degrees, courtesy of spring-fed water coursing through the
Edwards Aquifer. Grassy knolls slope down to the waterway, where
adults and kids splash, float, and swim.
Texas Swimming HolesExperience the Wet Wonders
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800 Sorella Court | Houston, Texas 77024P 713.973.1600 | F
713.973.1601 | Reservations
866.842.0100www.hotelsorella-citycentre.com
Accentuating the Setting. Located in West Houstons prestigious
CITYCENTRE development. This
prime location is near the Westchase District and Energy
Corridor, with sophisticated retailers, elegant dining, upper-end
commercial o ces and luxury homes nearby. Equidistant from both
Houston airports:
Bush Intercontinental Airport (28 miles) / Hobby Airport (24
miles)
Indulging the Senses. 244 contemporary guestrooms / 30 Suites
and a Presidential Suite 6 exclusive one- and two-bedroom luxury
penthouse residences
and 11 condos atop Hotel Sorella, available for corporate lease
Custom-designed Hotel Sorella bed Goose-down pillows and
non-allergenic foam pillows Luxurious Egyptian cotton bed and bath
linens and plush terry robes Designer toiletries Co eemakers with
specialty co ees Proudly serving Katz Co ee, Roasted to
PerfectionSM MP3 compatible plasma flat-screen televisions
Complimentary wireless high-speed Internet throughout property
Delivering the Experience. Outdoor pool overlooking CITYCENTRE
plaza Pre-arrival guest preference service Doorman, bellman and
valet parking service Exclusive spa and fitness availability
Valencia VIP Loyalty Program The Monnalisa, a stylish bar and
lounge The Bistro and Bistro Bar Wine and espresso bar with outdoor
terrace overlooking the plaza Fitness center 6 a.m. 10 p.m. room
service Multilingual associates
Creating the Unexpected. From small meetings to large
conventions, to intimate social gatherings,
Hotel Sorella is the ideal choice. Featuring approximately
10,000 s.f. of meeting and event space, our nine meeting rooms
accommodate eight to more than 230, two VIP Boardrooms are perfect
for executive level meetings, depositions or breakouts. Hotel
Sorella o ers state-of-the-art lighting and sound, plus
complimentary wifi access and garage parking.
Cond Nast Gold List ranked Best in the World, 2011, 2012 &
2013Cond Nast Traveler Readers Choice Awards, 2010, 2011 &
2012Boutique Lodging Lifestyle Hotel of the Year, 2012Stay
Authentic.
HOTEL SORELLA CITYCENTRE
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he typical Lone Star legend includes horses, cattle, and
rattlesnakes, but with 600
miles of coastline that opens onto the Gulf of Mexico, Texas
also is celebrated for its sea turtles, dolphins, wading birds, and
other coastal companionsfrom amber-jack to zooplankton. Downtown
Aquarium The Downtown Aquarium in Houston was just a ten-minute
drive from home, so we started there. The six-acre aquarium
com-plex was hatched from a mash-up of two city landmarksFire
Station No. 1 and the Central Waterworks Building. The result is a
wonderfully watery home to more than 200 species from Texas and
around the world. The exhibits are divided into different
environments, so we saw octopi and eels in a sunken shipwreck,
red-bellied piranhas and puffer fish in the rainforest, and several
scary-big sharks in the Gulf of Mexico. Speaking of sharks, one of
our favorite attractions was the Shark Voyage, a train ride that
took us into a glass tunnel. The light at the end of that tunnel
brought us into a 200,000-gallon tank containing a dozen or so of
these razor-toothed beauties swimming all around us. It was a bit
surprising to find animals that were real fish out of water at an
aquarium: two white tigers. Rare and endangered in their native
home of India, these extraordinary animals were brought to this
custom-designed enclosure as part of an extensive conservation
program. Forgoing the sea-themed amusement park outside, we had a
seafood lunch at the Aquarium restaurant, watching a continuous
parade of our entres distant relatives swim by in a tank in the
middle of the dining room.Sea Center Texas About 45 minutes south
of Houston is Lake Jackson, home to Sea Center Texas. It didnt take
long to figure out that this wasnt just your average aquarium.
There was a redfish hatcherythe largest in the worldand a 600-foot
boardwalk that took us on an adventure through the wetlands. After
picking up a nature checklist at the visitor center, we strolled
along the boardwalk, checking off
T
Texas AquariumsSealife on Exhibit the boxes for green tree
frogs, dragonflies, turtles, and a variety of birdsducks, ospreys,
pelicans, and hummingbirds, along with migratory species like
egrets and blue herons. We were bummed that we didnt get to see the
pink-plumed, flat-nosed roseate spoonbill, but admittedly relieved
that we didnt see one of the alligators that are native to the
wetlands. Back at the visitor center, we wandered through aquariums
representing the different Texas habitats. The Coral Reef had sea
cucumbersone look and it was obvious where the name
came fromand numerous little Nemos. The offshore tank was home
to the big fishsharks, tarpon, gray snapper, and moray eelin a
50,000-gallon pond. At the Touch Tank, schoolchildren were loudly
dar-ing one another to touch a large, skittering blue crab. At the
quieter end of the 20-foot pool, we found the sea anemones. One
gentle poke and the animal closed its feathery appendages around my
offending finger.Texas State Aquarium That same finger and the one
next to it were crossed in hopes that the three-hour drive down to
the Texas State Aquarium in Corpus Christi would be worth it. And
it absolutely, positively, 100% was. Where to begin? In addition to
the touch pools and six aquariums of colorful, darting fish, there
was the Flower Gardens exhibit, a replica of a real coral reef
located far out in the Gulf, about 300 miles out the aquariums back
door. Porcupine fish, cow-nose sting-raysthe name was totally
aproposand sleek barracu-das mingled among the coral until a scuba
diver sank to the bottom with snacks. At that point, it was every
fish for himself. One amazing experience here flowed into the next.
At Otter Creek, there were several adorable North American river
otters that were native Texans, like me. They did me proud,
executing a number of amusing tricks with their trainer. We met Bo,
a ten-foot American alligator, at Swamp Tales, and watched
lumbering sea turtles become graceful ballerinas as they moved from
land to sea at Tortuga Cay.
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oaring bridges spanning scenic waterways lead to
outdoor adventure filled with birding, fishing and wildlife.
Port Arthur unites land and sea in Southeast Texas, where our motto
is laissez les bons temps rouler. That translates to let the good
times roll, and its our attitude for welcoming tourists to the
shores of Lake Sabine.Tons of Water Nearby Port Arthur offers
wetlands and Gulf beach-es, salt and fresh water fishing and a
comfortable year-round climate that is perfect to enjoy Sea Rim
State Park, a completely natural beach. Experi-ence our strong
Cajun and other cultural influ-ences through cuisine and music.Lots
to Do... Catch the excitement at the Zachary Breaux Jazz Festival
and the Buu Mon Lotus and Bamboo Festival. Museum of the Gulf
Coasts Jurassic to Joplin experience includes a replica of Janis
Joplins psychedelic Porsche and tributes to The Big Bop-per, Jimmy
Johnson, Robert Rauschenberg. Our Lady of Guadalupe Shrine and
Queen of Peace Shrine & Gar-dens highlight our faith trail.
Local Attractions: Museum of the Gulf Coast -Janis Joplin, Jimmy
Johnson and The Big Bopper are in music and sports hall of fame
here. Visit a replica of Joplins psychedelic Porsche, the largest
indoor mural of the southwest, the original Sa-bine Lighthouse
lens, a Robert Rauschenberg art gallery, regional history and glass
and shell collection are high-lights. Visit
themuseumofthegulfcoast.com Pompeiian Villa - Barbed-wire King
Isaac Ellwood built this pink stucco mansion in 1900. The grandiose
home is a replica of a Pompeiian home of 79 A.D. with a three-sided
courtyard and antiques. Hundreds of Santa figures
Sadorn the mansion at Christmas.Nature Abounds Port Arthur
offers wetlands and Gulf beaches, salt and fresh water fishing and
a comfortable year-round climate that is perfect to enjoy Sea Rim
State Park, a completely natural beach. Visit Sea Rim State Parks
West Dune Boardwalk or Gambusia Nature Trail. Sail or fish on
Sabine Lake. Bird Sabine Woods, The Mcfaddin National Wildlife
Refuge, and the nearby TexasPoint National Wildlife Refuge. Were a
nature lovers paradise! Larrys French Market and Cajun Restaurant
Legendary throughout Southeast Texas for its Cajun and Creole
dishes, Larrys
French Market and Cajun Restaurant is the place to come hungry
and ready for zesty taste sensation. Try house specialties such a
spicy crawfish etouffee, chicken and sausage gumbo, boiled seafood,
boudain or fried offerings such as alligator or frog leg. The dance
floor comes alive with sounds of swamp pop, Cajun and zydeco music
Thursday through Saturday. Visit larrysfrenchmarket.com The areas
distinctive Cajun flavor, both musical and culinary, is on full
display at Larrys French Market and Cajun Restaurant. The feel good
rhythms of live zydeco music and a large dance floor will prove
irresistible to most. Larrys draws a wide range of patrons and
offers a glimpse of authentic Cajun culture, from its delectable
food to its joyous, life-affirming music. Get moving to live music
on the dance floor and get your mouth set for gumbo, boudain and
crawfish. Visit larrysfrenchmarket.com
Port Arthur, TexasTexas Hospitality Meets Cajun Charm
continued on page 20www.thehotelguide.com 19
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Our Lady of Guadalupe Visit Our Lady of Guadalupe Church and
Shrine which reflects the Hispanic Culture of the region. An
inspiring 17-foot-tall bronze statue rests atop stones brought from
Mount Tepeyac in Mexico City, where the Virgin Mary appeared to
Juan Diego. Other Area Attractions: Shangri La Botanical Gardens is
a world-class outdoor showplace that connects nature lovers with
birds, bayous, herbs and butterflies. Visit Shangri La and rekindle
your sense of wonder. Explore the welcome center museum, 252 acres
of botanical gardens, Gift Shop & Caf. Visit
shangrilagardens.com Gator Country Beloved and feared, alligators
are Texas most fascinating native creatures. GC is home to about
200 gators, including Big Al, the largest gator in captivity at
13ft long and topping 1,000 lbs. Hold a baby gator at this wildlife
adventure park that is also home to crocodiles, turtles and snakes.
Visit gatorrescue.com
The Spindletop Gusher spurred the largest oil boom in the USA.
Visit the Spindletop-Gladys City Boomtown Museum and relive the
past in the reconstructed
boomtown complete with oil derricks, shops, businesses and a
replica gusher that blows water hundreds of feet into the air.
Visit spindltop.org Swamp Tours Cruise the Blue Elbow Swamp in
22-passenger airboats. Day and night tours available. Great group
discounts. Visit airboatridesinc.com
Port Arthur Hotels The city has a myriad of hotels to choose
from, including The Holiday Inn Park
Central, The Holiday Inn Express, The Hampton Inn and Suites, La
Quinta Inn and Suites, Best Inn and Suites and Comfort Inn and
Suites.As well, the Jack Brooks Regional Airport is serviced by
American Airlines via American Eagle.Alligator Wedding Shh.. Save
the Date! Surprise your group with Port Arthur, Texas Alligator
Wedding Ceremony and Cajun Dining Experience at Beau Reve
(Beautiful Dream) fine dining restaurant More Info?For more
information on Port Arthur, visit www.
VisitPortArthurTx.com ore-mail Callie Summerlin,
Director of Sales at409-985-7822,
[email protected]
www.thehotelguide.com 21
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he Mansion at Judges Hill has a history as storied as the city
it dwells in.
Originally built in 1900, the Mansion was a wedding gift to
Goodall & Ella Wooten by Thomas Dudley Wooten, one of the
found-ers of the University of Texas. The two both had a passion
for life and they used the Mansion as a fountain of new ideas. In
fact, in 1929, they hired Neiman Marcus at a cost of $10,000
(todays esti-mate of $1 million) to re-decorate the home. Since its
inception, this grand venue has combined the elegance of its
historical roots with the vi-brancy of its future.Fluffy. Not
Stuffy. At the Mansion, you are whisked away to a timeless era with
the hint of today. Each room in this fabulous boutique hotel is
different, uniquely-appointed with an inviting appeal. All the
rooms have a personality all their own. Even the bathrooms have
texture and color to give it more style and panache. Amenities in
these incredible accommodations include: 310 thread count Egyptian
cotton linens, hypo-allergenic down and duvets and pillows,
complimentary LOccitane and Gilchrist & Soames custom bath
products, private stocked honor bar, complimentary wireless &
high-speed internet access, cable television and dvd players.
Additionally, there is twice daily housekeeping services. Food for
Thought. The Mansion has its own dining room that boasts a
five-star chef and an impeccable array of delica-cies. Here you
will find an exquisite blend of Internation-al Modern and Classic
Cuisines. The food is always fresh and the plates are designed to
allow you to experience many tastes all in one meal.
T
Mansion at Judges Hill
The
1900 Lounge is open everyday from 4 pm - 11 pm and features
stunning carved wood accents, intimate tables, vivid draperies and
the attentive and friendly atmo-
sphere the Mansion has come to be known for. Here you can enjoy
a delicious martini, tempting frozen margarita or a glass of wine
from our selections. Special Events and More. The Mansion offers
groups the perfect backdrop for their events. Regardless of the
formality, tastes or budget, they can weave a tapestry of simple
elegance into any function. Whether its a busi-ness meeting,
wedding reception, or conference, they can create the right
atmosphere for you and your guests. The venue can accommo-date up
to 250 people.
Contact Us For more information on this world-class, boutique
hotel, visit them online at www.judgeshill.com or call (512)
495-1800.
Elegance in the Texas Capital
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5 Hotels within 50 MilesWEVE GOT HOUSTON, KEMAH AND GALVESTON
ISLAND, TX COVERED!
713.228.1520innattheballpark.com
281.334.9880kemahboardwalkinn.com
409.744.1500sanluisresort.com
409.744.5000galvestonhilton.com
409.740.5300holidayinnresorts.com/
galveston-bch
24 www.thehotelguide.com
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Be a part of theTexas Travel Industry Association.
Join today.www.ttia.org
destinationswww.thehotelguide.com 27
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hen you think of Orlando, theme parks seem to come to mind.
However, the heart of
the city has its own character and charisma that allow tourists
and locals alike to meld together. Come discover your urban with
these Top 8 things to see and do.
1. First Friday Jazz Series, A Jazz Show sponsored by True
Marketing, Downtown Development Board and the Thornton Park
District. Remaining dates include August 7, September 4, October 2,
and November 6.
2. Orlando Farmers Market. Every Sunday from 10:00 am - 4:00 pm
at Lake Eola Park. This market is more than just your average
farmers market. Find seasonal fresh produce, a wide variety of
indoor and outdoor plants, artwork, handmade craft items like
jewelry, pottery and soap. Thornton Park also offers a Farmers
Market on Wednesday evenings from 5:00 pm - 9:00 pm.
3. Movieola. Lake Eola Parks free outdoor movie series.
4. Orlando City Soccer Club game. New for 2015, the City of
Orlando is proud to have a Major League Soccer team. The season
runs through fall.
5. The Great Escape Room. A real-life room escape game based on
the popular computer and mobile phone escape games. After entering
a room with your team, the door is locked behind you with 60
minutes on the clock. The team must work together in order to find
clues and solve puzzles that will lead you and your team to escape.
It is park scavenger hunt and part puzzle game.
6. Third Thursday. Third Thursday Orlando is a monthly
celebration of Downtown Orlando arts, business, food and culture.
On every third Thursday of the month, downtown cultural groups hold
a diverse range of events and open their doors to visitors in order
to engage
Downtown Orlando
more people in the arts and culture that exists in the Downtown
area.
7. Thornton Park Wine and Art Walk. The 2nd Thursday of every
month, a crowd gathers for the Thornton 2nd Thursday Wine + Art
Walk. Guests come to celebrate the community, art and partake in an
evening of sights, sounds, food, shopping, and some tasty tastings
all along the walk!
8. Swan Boat Paddle Boa Rentals. A ride on a paddle boat is a
great way to explore Lake Eola. Lake Eola Park has swan-shaped
paddle boats available for rent for $15.00 per half hour. Each boat
holds 5 adults.
Some other areas of interest in the greater Orlando area would
be Loch Haven Park. Loch Haven Park is home to a cluster of
theaters, museums, the Orlando Science Center, and the Orlando
Ballet. The Orlando Science Center was just named #1 in a list of
Orlandos Family-Friendliest Museum Offerings from USA Today.
Currently, the Orlando Science Center is hosting a Mummies of the
World Exhibit.
For more information on Downtown Orlando, visit them online at
www.downtownorlando.com.
Discover Your UrbanW
FL.
28 www.thehotelguide.com www.thehotelguide.com 29
pickPublishers
URBAN.DISCOVER YOUR
Theres always something NEW TO DISCOVER in Downtown Orlando. Be
ENTERTAINED with a Broadway show at the new performing arts center.
TASTE local flavor while dining outdoor at one of our award winning
restaurants. EXPLORE local art at a nearby art gallery. INDULGE in
retail therapy with boutique shopping. UNCOVER Orlandos rooted
history with a walking tour.
downtownorlando.com
AND WITH EXCITING NEW DEVELOPMENTS TO DISCOVER, YOULL WANT TO
KEEP COMING BACK.
FL.
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AZ
30 www.thehotelguide.com
LIFE IS A COLLECTION OF EXPERIENCESLET US BE YOUR
GUIDEthephoenician.com/offers 800 888 8234
Capture the moment, as well as the imagination. With elegant
accommodations, award-winning cuisine, a stunning golf course and a
lavish spa, The Phoenician
is where your highest expectations are met and always celebrated
in style.
2014 Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. All Rights
Reserved. The Luxury Collection and its logo are the trademarks of
Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc., or its
affiliates.
IL TERRAZZO
THE CENTRE FOR WELL-BEING
J&G STEAKHOUSE
RELISH BURGER BISTRO
www.thehotelguide.com 31
AZ
ince it first opened its doors in 1988, The Phoeni-cian has set
the standard for luxury and service in the Sonoran Desert. The AAA
Five Diamond resort is a visual masterpiece, spanning 250
acres of lush gardens and dramatic desert terrain against the
spectacular backdrop of Camelback Moun-tain in Scottsdale, Arizona.
Tons to Offer Everyone But what truly sets The Phoenician apart is
the re-markable diversity guests will find here, allowing them to
create the travel experience of their dreams. Accom-modations range
from luxurious guestrooms to resi-dential-style casitas. Dining can
be a casually elegant affair, as found at the Italian-inspired Il
Terrazzo;as informal as a refreshing salad enjoyed poolside; or as
memorable as a romantic feast just for two under the stars. The
world-class recreational offerings of The Phoeni-cians golf, tennis
and spa facilities are balanced by the more unconventional
pleasures of touring the resorts fascinating Cactus Garden or
exclusive $25 million art collection; or feeding Koi at Necklace
Lake Lagoon.Spacious, Elegant Accommodations The Phoenician offers
guests a choice of 643 spa-cious accommodations from guestrooms and
luxurysuites to casitas with private entrances. In the main resort
building, there are 450 beautifully decoratedguest rooms, plus 12
luxury suites and two expansive, 3,000 square-foot presidential
suites. The intimate Canyon Suites, nestled against Camel-back
Mountain, is a boutique resort within the resort offering guests
enhanced signature services, such as a personal wake-up call served
with a choice of fresh-brewed tea or coffee in a sterling silver
set, a seasonal amenity presented by Executive Chef Paul Carterand
a Canyon Ambassador to take care of the guests every desire. The
Canyon Suites features 20 guestrooms, 38 luxury suites and two
presidential suites, as well as its own secluded edgeless pool and
cabanas. A short stroll from the main building adjacent to the
Necklace Lake Lagoon, the casitas include anadditional 119
guestrooms and suites offering doorstep parking and private
entrances. Award-Winning Dining The Phoenician offers seemingly
endless dining op-tions that are as diverse as they are inspired.
Among the nine restaurants is Il Terrazzo, featuring authentic
American-Italian cuisine; and J&G Steakhouse, show-casing a
bill of fare created by world-renowned Chef
S
Jean-Georges Vongerichten. For a more casual experi-ence, the
charming Caf and Ice Cream Parlor serves tempting treats and light
meals in a family friendly atmosphere; and the Oasis and Canyon
Grills present a variety of poolside favorites; while a complete
lineup of signature burgers, appetizers and desserts await at the
Relish Burger Bistro. For a more traditional experience, relax to
the rich temptations of Afternoon Tea in the Lobby Tea Court.
Another popular gathering spot, the Thirsty Camel Lounge, serves
luxury spirits, light fare and rarecigars with live piano or
saxophone adding to the ambi-ence. And for private dining, The
Praying Monkoffers an intimate, Renaissance-inspired setting for
small parties. World-Class Leisure Pastimes At The Phoenician,
world-class recreational options abound. The golf club offers 27
holes ofchampionship play on three, nine-hole par 70 combina-tions
designed by Homer Flint and Ted Robinson,Sr., while the 11-court
Tennis Garden is the only resort facility in the Southwest to offer
four playingsurfaces. Guests in search of enlightenment can indulge
in an array of pampering and rejuvenating spa treatments atthe
22,000 square-foot Centre for Well-Being, or learn about the
resorts many treasures both naturaland cultural with guided and
self-guided tours of the two-acre Cactus Garden and The
Phoenicians$25 million art collection.More info? Visit them online
at www.thephoenician.com.
The Phoenician ResortLuxury in Scottsdale
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CA
32 www.thehotelguide.com
FL
www.thehotelguide.com 33
ocated on 2,000 acres of unspoiled coastline about four
hours
north of San Francisco, yet light years away from the urban
sprawl the newly built Inn at Newport Ranch promises to be one of
the most transporting experiences you can have without leaving your
body. Many people ask how a Connecticut Yankee like me ended up
with a ranch in California, says the Ranchs owner Will Jackson, As
a youngsterI enjoy{ed} reading aboutthe opening of the West and the
land rush. When I discovered this ranch, with a mile and a half of
oceanfront and three miles of contiguous ridgelines with panoramic
views, I knew my dream of being part of the vast west had come
true!Magical Additions Over the years Jackson has added 20 miles of
private trails through the redwoods, allowing comfortable
exploration of magnificent forests, untouched meadows, and
meandering streams. In order to keep the property as pristine as
possible, when Jackson was ready to build his new inn he enlisted
renowned architects Dave Sellers and Jim Sanford and tasked them
with creating structures that honor the bounty of the area, connect
guests to the landscape, and highlight the spots rich
history.Incredible Features Unique architectural features on site
include a walk-in stone fireplace, a building supported by 24
individual redwood trees, and a 6-person hot tub on top of an
antique water tower that presents commanding views of the
L
Inn at Newport Ranch
surrounding landscape. Some of the boards used in the
construction were milled at the ranch out of redwood logs from the
sites previous life as a logging chute. Other amenities at this
one-of-a-kind ranch include cooked-to-order breakfasts, sourced
from local ingredients; an evening appetizer buffet with local
wines and beers; horseback riding or ATV safaris; and an on-site
spa coming soon.Stellar Rooms Each room and suite is individual, as
befitting a jewel of modern architecture. Whether you are renting a
guest room in the Main Inn building, with direct access to the view
hot tub on the water tower; the Redwood House with living room,
dining area, kitchen, fireplace, private hot tub, outdoor grill and
views of the ocean; or the Sea Drum cottage, Jacksons own
ocean-side vacation home, you can expect plush robes, LCD flat
screen TVs, Wifi, and all of the comforts of an upscale resort.
Info? Visit: www.TheInnAtNewportRanch.com.
A Destination Paradiseocated in Clearwater Beach, Florida, and
minutes from Tampa
and St. Pete-Clearwater Airports, Sandpearl Resort is a
luxurious beachfront retreat with pristine beaches and
Caribbean-esque waters. With an award-winning spa, AAA Four-Diamond
restaurant, smores at firepits on the beach, Camp Ridley for kids,
enrichment programs for the whole family, lagoon pool and cabanas,
cascading waterfall and stunning sunsets, this resort keeps
travelers coming back for more.Family-friendly This resort has
endless summer fun for the whole family: a new in-house mermaid who
reads children stories poolside; experiences include a safari
eco-tour, kayaking excursion, dolphin cruise, dolphin trainer
shadow experience, artist in residence program. From nature walks
and scavenger hunts to arts and crafts, the engaging kids program
(named for the Ridley sea turtle), Camp Ridley, keeps children
entertained. Local Culture Sandpearl is very involved with the
local community and offers exclusive experiences - Astronomy Night
with Museum of Science and Industry and behind-the-scenes tours and
excursions with Clearwater Marine Aquarium, where families can meet
the stars, Winter and Hope, of Disneys Dolphin Tale 1 & 2. The
property also partners with charities for Spa for a Cause, where
they donate proceeds.Romantic Escape Sandpearl combines timeless
elegance with a beloved beach escape, perfect for a romantic
destination wedding or honeymoon getaway. The property offers
toes-in-the-sand luxury thats comfortable, casually elegant, and
playfully sophisticated. Sandpearl is the only venue in
L
Sandperl ResortClearwater that offers weddings directly on the
sugar-white beaches with the Gulf of Mexico as a picturesque
backdrop.The Best of Old & New Sandpearl does a great job of
showcasing its timeless qualities and its ability to incorporate
modern experiences. A couple cool traditions the hotel has are the
sunset bell, which calls guests to witness sunsets and roast
smores on the beach and bottled heat, where the resort gives out
bourbon to guests to ward away cold temperatures. Some new
experiences theyve introduced this summer are an organic vertical
garden in the restaurant, a Craft Beer Trail service to chauffeur
beer lovers to breweries in the area, and a spa happy hour for
groups.Eco-luxury Sandpearl is the first LEED (Leadership in Energy
and Environmental Design) certified resort in Florida. Along with
multiple systems and programs put in place to go green, the resort,
uses water-conscious faucets, toilets and shower heads as well as
breakthrough technology ozone laundry equipment to save over 2.2
million gallons of water per year. In addition, Sandpearl is proud
to partner with Clean the World where all unused soap and shampoo
is donated to thousands of families in the world that need this
basic necessity.Foodie Forward Continuing its efforts to go green,
the resort recently installed an organic vertical garden in Caretta
on the Gulf, the resorts AAA Four-Diamond restaurant, which offers
coastal-inspired cuisine with a playful spin, with items such as
the Surf & Turf Roll or the Hawaiian wahoo. More Information...
For more information, visit their website at
www.thesandperl.com.
A Destination Paradise
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FL
n a warm September 8 in the year 1565, 800
Spaniards gathered on the shores of a Florida saltmarsh at the
site of a large Native American village known as Seloy. Soldiers
and sailors were joined by more than 100 civilians. Married men and
women, artisans, tradesmen and children waited in anticipation
until at last, Captain General don Pedro Menndez de Aviles stepped
ashore from his longboat. Kneeling and kissing the cross carried by
Father Lopez, Menndez and his officers swore allegiance to God and
King and proclaimed this place as St. Augustine. That day marked
the beginning of 450 years of people living, working and raising
families in what is today the oldest continuously occupied city in
the United States.Happy 450th!! You only turn 450 years old once,
and the City of St. Augustine will be celebrating with a year of
special events along Floridas Historic Coast including art
exhibits, cultural and religious activities, historical
re-enactments and music festivals. Here is the Septyember 2015
Commemorative Event schedule:Now through September 20, 2015 -
Tapestry: The Cultural Threads of First AmericaAn exhibition that
illustrates the coming together of three intertwining cultures
Hispanics, Africans and Native Americans to create the blended
society of St. Augustine and the foundation of American culture.
Located at the St. Augustine Visitors Information Center.
www.StAugustine-450.com
St. Augustine
Friday Sunday, Sept. 4 -6, 2015Celebrate 450! Music & Street
FestivalThis a free, celebration of the 450th anniversary of the
founding of St. Augustine features national, regional and local
music and historical and cultural performances on multiple stages
throughout the city. The main stage will feature performances by
Aaron Neville & Mavis Staples in Friday; Emmylou Harris &
Rodney Crowell, JJ Grey & Mofro, and Justin Townes Earle and
many more on Saturday. Also on Saturday night there will be a
spectacular fireworks show over the Matanzas River.Sunday, Sept. 6,
2015 EMMA Concert Association presents a Spanish Music and Dance
PerformanceThis performance at The St. Augustine Amphitheatre
provides an evening of entertainment that showcases St. Augustines
Spanish heritage.3 p.m. Gates open4 to 5:30 p.m. Local performing
arts organizations will produce the first performance (St.
Augustine Orchestra, St. Augustine Community Chorus, First Coast
Opera & Limelight Theatre). This performance will be
Celebrating 450 YearsO
free to the public and produced by Artistic Director Gary
Cadwallader.*5:30 to 7 p.m. On the grounds, The St. Augustine
Textile Guild, Heritage (re-enactors) organizations, and
representatives from the Castillo and St. George Street Players.
The Art Association will provide hands-on activities and
demonstrations geared toward family involvement.*7:30 p.m. Evening
Concert: Ensemble Espanol The ensemble will perform all styles of
Spanish dance Flamenco, Classical Spanish Dance Estilizatin,
Folklore, 18th Century Dances, Ballet (Classical Dance) and
Castanets.Monday, Sept. 7, 2015 Cake Cutting &Proclamation
ReadingA cake cutting, local music and reading of a proclamation
will take place on this day in the Gazebo in the Plaza de la
Constitucin.Tuesday, Sept. 8, 2015Countdown Clock Ceremony, Menndez
Landing Re-Enactment, Procession & Commemorative Mass450 years
to the day of St. Augustines founding is an authentic, historical
re-enactment of Pedro Menndezs landing at the Mission Nombre de
Dios. A procession takes spectators to The Cathedral Basilica of
St. Augustine for a Commemorative Mass.7:45 a.m. Countdown clock
ceremony at the Visitor Information Center
9 a.m. Menndez landing re-enactment at the Mission Nombre de
Dios10 a.m. Procession to the Cathedral Basilica of St. Augustine11
a.m. Commemorative Mass at the Cathedral Basilica of St.
Augustine
Sept. 9 - 12, 2015 St. Augustine Spanish Wine FestivalA festival
of Spanish wines that features five events in four days. September
18 20, 2015 U.S. Spain Council International SummitAn economic
development summit with discussion among world leaders. The King
and Queen of Spain have been invited to attend.Location? Located
midway between Daytona Beach and Jacksonville, Floridas Historic
Coast includes historic St. Augustine, the outstanding golf and
seaside elegance of Ponte Vedra and 42 miles of pristine, Atlantic
beaches.More Information... For more information on events,
activities, holiday getaway and vacation opportunities in St.
Augustine, Ponte Vedra & The Beaches, go to the Visitors and
Convention Bureau website at www.FloridasHistoricCoast.com, or call
1.800.653.2489.
FL
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36 www.thehotelguide.com www.thehotelguide.com 37
Experiences Experiences
experiences ith exquisite design and re-gal elegance, the Surin
Phuket lies in the midst of a lush, emerald tropical hillside.
Nestled along a powdered white sand cove on the Andaman Sea, the
tranquil serenity is second to none. The one and two bedroom
hill-side cottages and beachfront suites are perfect for couples,
families, and small groups. Each is decorated in sophisticated
style with plush amenities, generous space and contemporary
ame-nities.Dining Galore The resort boasts four restaurants
extending exquisite international cuisines, ensuring something for
every palette. The Lomtalay Thai Restaurant overlooks the pool and
the beach. In the morning its where guests enjoy an impressive
breakfast buffet. But each evening the Restaurant transforms into a
refined Thai restaurant that serves authentic, freshly prepared
local delicacies. The sunset is the best way to end the day. The
Sunset Caf serves an all day, casual menu consisting of Asian and
International cuisine. Close to both the pool and beach, guests can
enjoy light snacks, healthy selections, or a juicy burger and
fries. With seating both outside and inside the tropical setting is
a wonderful place to relax over a leisurely lunch or snack. Unwind
and bond with friends, or meet new ones at The Beach Bar. During
the day the staff is happy to serve snacks and drinks right to your
sun lounger. The huge bar and tables, scattered in the sand, are a
great place to enjoy a break from the sun and a cocktail. At sunset
enjoy happy hour with
The Surin Phuket
a menu of delicious drinks. The totally relaxed atmosphere
invites friendliness and its not uncom-mon to see total strangers
chatting and laughing. The ever-attentive staff is happy to play
with the kids in the sand, giving par-ents a chance to reconnect.
Spa Time... There is no bet-ter way to forget
the stresses of life than to have them eased away by expert
hands with a wonderfully calming spa treatment. The Surin Spa
offers a long menu of holistic treatments surrounded by natural
tranquil-ity. Guests can enjoy his or her private cottages or a
couples massage with expert masseurs whose knowledgeable hands
carry you into pure bliss. No visit to the resort is complete
without a spa treat-ment. The Surin offers guest a variety of
onsite activi-ties for those who want to do more than unplug and
soak in the sun. They have a fully equipped gym, Boutique, a wide
range of water sports, and two tennis courts with floodlights for
night matches. For those who like to relax while playing a round of
golf, the staff happily organizes trips to one of the five
international standard golf courses on Phuket isalnd. There is
literally something for every-one at the resort. Highly Recommended
I highly recommend The Surin Phuket for wed-dings, anniversaries,
or a romantic getaway. Its also perfect for families or a couples
getaway.For more information or to book a stay: Tel: +66 76 316
400, +66 76 621 580 2 www.thesurinphuket.com
W
Experience Pure Blissby: Marie, www.SeriouslyTravel.com
-
TEXAS OIL & GAS
MAGAZINE
TEXAS OIL & GAS
PROFESSIONALSNETWORK
361.585.8651 or 832.616.3670www.TexasOilGasMagazine.com
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Coaching, Empowerment, Growth!
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Experiences
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