Girls Weekend at Westin Galleria Dallas ~ Dallas, TX

What's the one thing a traveling mom needs?  A weekend away with the girls! Lucky for me, Westin  Galleria Dallas invited me and a few girlfriends up for a weekend in July.  And it was just the weekend any tired mom could want.

Comfort

I have always been a really big fan of Westin.  I think their rooms are modern and beautiful and the Westin Galleria Dallas was just what I had expected.  Out room was spacious with a huge bathroom.  We each took turns lounging in this massive window seat that overlooked Dallas.  And the showers had a huge nozzle overhead - creating a rain shower.

But what is Westin known for? Their Heavenly Beds, only the most comfortable beds you will ever sleep in.  Being a tired mom of 3, sleeping in such luxury for the weekend gave me some of the best nights of sleep I have had in such a long time.  I can't decide if it's the pillow-top mattress or the luxurious sheets, or the soft feather pillows.  Or maybe it's the combination of them all that ease you into the deepest sleep.  What ever it is, I'm a fan.

The Westin's Heavenly Bed

We really enjoyed the Executive Lounge in the Westin.  Each evening, they have a Happy Hour with heavy horderves and drinks.  And they had a wonderful continental breakfast each morning.  Typically, when I travel, we aim for the least expensive room.  But after enjoying the amenities the Executive Level provided, I can see how asking to stay at this level would be beneficial for a traveling family.

Breakfast in the Executive Lounge

Dining & Nightlife

The Second Floor by Scott Gottlich had a delicious summer dinner menu while we were there.  The appetizers & Sangria were a delicious start.  My Summer Panzanella salad had melon balls and goat cheese - it was such a light salad that I could have made a meal out of it.  And we all enjoyed the grilled ribeye.  The atmosphere is hip and made for a nice meal with girlfriends.  Later that evening, we enjoyed a few drinks in the bar.  It was the perfect way to end the evening.

The Second Floor lounge

The Westin Galleria Dallas also had a few meals for us in Prive, a private dining room for The Second Floor.  It's a gorgeous area for private parties.  But for even more fun, they invited us back into the kitchen to meet with the Pastry Chefs who invited us to create our own desserts!  What group of girls can say no to a spread of chocolate such as this?

Relaxation

On weekends, the Dallas Galleria Westin partners with lululemon athletica Pool-side Yoga.  We enjoyed an hour of relaxing yoga on the pool deck to start our day with.  The Westin has a gear lending program you can use to borrow athletic clothes and shoes.  What a nice service, as I never pack my running shoes and always regret it once I see how great of a workout facility the hotel has.  And the Dallas Westin Galleria has a nice one.  You can borrow New Balance clothing & shoes for only $5 and you eliminate having to take home your stinky workout clothes.

Westin's Gear Lending program

We relaxed by the pool on Sunday morning.  Three moms, three big cups of coffee and 3 comfy lounge chairs - oh yes, we relaxed.

Location 

Now I have to admit, one of our favorite attractions to the Westin Galleria Dallas is that it is attached to the Galleria.  Shopping was only an elevator ride away.  The Dallas Galleria is a shopping mecca that needs no description.  Home to every store for every need, the mall hosts a full-sized ice skating rink, an American Girl Doll Store and several award-winning restaurants. We were thrilled to find out that if you are an out-of-town guest (guests traveling more than 50 miles), you can receive a VIP Privilege card with specials and discounts in stores across the mall.

Ice Skating at Dallas Galleria

During our weekend, the Dallas Galleria invited us to participate in a shopping scavenger hunt that found us trying on clothes, doing yoga poses, feeling the newest hand scrubs, and more.  We had such a fun time and found plenty of time to shop too - so much shopping that the back of my GMC Yukon was filled to the top.

Fun during the Galleria Dallas Scavenger Hunt

Thank you to lululemon athletica, Brahmin, Tommy Bahama, Belk, Godiva, Lush, & Papyrus for hosting us on the fun scavenger hunt.

Our weekend was everything we could have asked for and more.  We were spoiled by the luxurious Westin Galleria Dallas.  Being able to relax in such nice settings allowed us the opportunity to take off our mom-hats and just be girlfriends.  The Westin Galleria Dallas is the perfect location for a girlfriends weekend.

Disclosure:  My girlfriends and I were invited to stay at the Westin Galleria Dallas for the weekend.  We were invited to participate in the shopping scavenger hunt by the Dallas Galleria.  I was not compensated to write this review.  All opinions are my own. 

More Fun at the Hyatt Regency Lost Pines

As much fun as we had at the Crooked River Water Park and watching a movie under the stars, there is still a ton more to do with your family at the Hyatt Regency Lost Pines Resort.

Everywhere you turn, there is something to do.  I promise you, your teenage daughter will never get that "i'm-bored" glaze in her eyes when you spend a few days out here.

Early one morning, we took a walk over by the golf course - have I mentioned there are over 18 miles of trails to hike, bike, and horseback ride on? We came across this lovely flock of ducks, just getting close enough to see if we had some food to offer.

Most of the rooms have patios or balconies - we stayed on the first floor with a patio that opened up to the playground.   We really enjoyed relaxing on the patio as the children played nearby.

When they tired of that, we grabbed a few bikes and toured the grounds.  You check them out for an hour at no charge.  Even the little ones have trikes and training wheels so they can join in the fun.  We loved all the shaded paths and could have ridden all day.

My son was really excited to try the Elliptigo bike - available at the Spa Django for check out, you must be at least 12 years of age to ride it.  This bike gives you the feel of gliding yet you are really getting a workout.  Did my son care? Nah, it was just a "blast" to him.

Renegade Trailhead offers horseback trail rides and pony rides, so everyone can enjoy the fun.  Have a kiddo who just can't get enough horses?  Put them in the 4 hour weekend Horse Camp that includes learning how to brush & saddle a horse and a long trail ride.  Archery & Trap Shooting is available, with equipment & safety gear provided.  You can also join a guided Lake Bastrop Bass Fishing trip here as well.

The Recreational Roster with free resort activities is different each week, with options from scavengers hunts to water balloon wars, to craft your own beaded necklace and photography lessons.  Honesty, can I just live out here all summer?  There are SO MANY fun things to do!

If you didn't want to join in a planned activity, there is horseshoes, frisbee golf, soccer, kickball, basketball, and more available at all times.

As I mentioned previously, Hyatt Regency Lost Pines is unique as it partners with the McKinney Roughs, providing Outdoor Adventures such as learning about Texas Animals (aptly called "Don't Mess with Texas Animals"), kayaking the Colorado River, Sunset Floats, Twilight Trails, Stargazing, and Zip-lining.  All of these activities are reasonably priced and provide a unique outdoor experience for your family.

But what happens if it rains?? Ok, I know that rarely happens here in Texas, but if it did, they are prepared!  The Resort itself plays homage to a museum, filled with historical decor such as Texas Art,  Texas Musicians, and Texas Storytellers.  And there is nothing more fun on a rainy day than to sit down with your siblings to a challenging game of scrabble in the lobby.  Quite honestly, you don't need a day of rain to do that - it might be a great afternoon escape from the Texas heat as well.

There is so much more to do at the Hyatt Regency Lost Pines Resort that I haven't even mentioned.  Dad will enjoy a challenging round of golf at the Wolfdancer Golf Club while Mom can relax at the Spa Django.  Even the little ones can receive a little pampering at the Wild Hare Youth Spa.  If you are looking for structured kids activities, Camp Hyatt is a great option with crafts, games, sports and scavenger hunts.  And on weekends, you can visit with Resort Mascots!  Guest LOVE to have their picture taken on T-Bone (one of 2 saddle-broke longhorns) or pet Hoss (The resort dog).

We had a fantastic time at the Hyatt Regency Lost Pines Resort - each family member voted that this was a MUST DO each summer.  But I have heard there are year round events to enjoy ~ there is an exciting New Year's Eve Package for families that I can't wait to try! ~ so why wait until next summer to come back?

If you are looking for a fun place to go locally to relax and enjoy time with the family, the Hyatt Regency Lost Pines Resort is a perfect option.

Texas Travel Facts for Hyatt Regency Lost Pines:

Location: 575 Hyatt Lost Pines Road Lost Pines, Texas

For more information on Resort Activities, click here

Website:http://lostpines.hyatt.com/hyatt/hotels-lostpines/index.jsp?null

My family and I were invited to visit the resort and were provided an evening stay. I was not financially compensated for this post.  All opinions of Hyatt Regency Lost Pines Resort are strictly my own based on my experience.  

A Night at the Hyatt Regency Lost Pines

After a full day at the Crooked River Water Park at the Hyatt Regency Lost Pines, we were not expecting to have much to do in the evening - dinner, bath & bed, right?

wrong!

This resort has everything in mind for entertaining little ones at every hour.  There is SO much to do in the evening for families!

Starting with dinner in the Firewheel Cafe'.  My kids were so excited to have a "kid buffet" to make choices from.  Mini hamburgers, mac & cheese, chicken tenders, and yes, even a veggie were some of the fun options put in serving dishes on their level.

There is a "grown-ups" buffet as well - don't you worry- with delicious options such a smoked pork tenderloin, prime rib, and fried chicken.  We ate very well that night.  After all, you do build up an appetite after swimming all day.

Go ahead and try their amazing desserts, but please save room for a s'more.

Cause it will be a s'more like you have never seen.  Take a look at all the options you have to choose from at the build-your-own s'more bar. Can't decide what to make?  Go ahead, try BOTH the peanut butter cup and the peppermint pattie - your on vacation!

We enjoyed the community fire pit - there is something so relaxing to roast your own marshmallow til' it's perfectly brown.  You haven't lived until you have tried a peanut butter cup s'more.  Trust me.

After the s'mores extravaganza, we headed to the Riversong Lawn to catch a movie under the stars.

Grab a bag of popcorn and provided blanket and make yourself comfy.  We all laughed along to the Muppet Movie and enjoyed the perfectly cool breeze.  Even the 3 year old made it through most of the movie, until he fell asleep in my arms at the end.  This momma didn't mind a bit.

We honestly expected to go back to the room and crash after all that swimming and dinner.  But we were so pleasantly surprised at how much fun we had that evening, together as a family.  At one point, my husband leaned over and said, "This has been such a great day, just the 5 of us."

Yes it has honey, yes it has.

This is part 2 of a 3 part series about a Staycation at the Hyatt Regency Lost Pines Resort.  Join us tomorrow as we tell you all about different activities the Resort offers.

Texas Travel Facts for Hyatt Regency Lost Pines:

Location: 575 Hyatt Lost Pines Road Lost Pines, Texas

Several Family Dining Options Available from the Firewheel Cafe' to Old Buck's Place

S'Mores & Evening Movies are shown each night during the summer.

Website:http://lostpines.hyatt.com/hyatt/hotels-lostpines/index.jsp?null

My family and I were invited to visit the resort and were provided an evening stay. I was not financially compensated for this post.  All opinions of Hyatt Regency Lost Pines Resort are strictly my own based on my experience.  

Water Fun at the Hyatt Regency Lost Pines

As we ease into our second week of summer, most of us have our calendars filled with camps, local activities, and other summertime commitments. Did you schedule any downtime?  Any weekend get-a-ways with the whole family?  No worries - I am hunting down some perfect locations for local "staycation" fun for you & your kiddos!

There is a true hidden gem less than a half hour outside of downtown Austin.....a perfect place for a memorable summertime vacation for the entire family.  The Hyatt Regency Lost Pines Resort, located just outside of Bastrop, Texas, has something for everyone - water fun, horseback riding, biking trails, golf for dad and a spa for mom - everyone wins here.

From the moment you turn into the resort, the scenic, rolling hills and colorful wildflowers transport you to immediate relaxation - away from the everyday hustle & bustle.  Hyatt Regency Lost Pines Resort has 405 acres set along the banks of the Colorado River and is a unique resort as it partners with the McKinney Roughs Nature Preserve and Science Center so they can offer amazing activities such as sunset river floats and stargazing.

Wanting to minimize the amount of trees felled while building, the hotel itself has a strange shape, built around the layout of the pecan trees on property.  Only 6 pecan trees were cut down during the building process.  And those 6 trees were put to good use, creating the lobby chandelier out of huge pecan limb and wood flooring in the lobby, Shellers Barrelhouse Bar, and Spa Django.

The hotel itself has a very rustic, Texas feel to it - from the shiny wood floors to the Texas artwork, you definitely know where you are walking in. The rooms are wonderfully cozy, with all the amenities you could possibly need, from wireless internet connections to in room fridges.

But let's be honest.  My kids could have cared less about the hotel room.  They were there for the pool!

The Hyatt Regency Lost Pines Resort has a FUN pool area - The Crooked River Water Park is a wonderful place to simply play with your kids all day.  My 3 year old enjoyed playing in the sand at the beach entry to the pool, while my big kids tried to beat their dad in a game of water volleyball.

My daughter attempted to go down the 2 story water slide 100 times.  Did she make it?  Of course - need you ask?

Even my 3 year old was able to enjoy the slide, shouting, "Again Daddy, Again!"

But most of the afternoon was spent circling the lazy river in inner tubes.  I can't begin to describe how relaxing this was for us. Imagine just floating along in the cool refreshing water with big pecan trees to shade you.  around and around and around.....ahhhhhhh......

And there is even a fun little splash pad and baby pool for those not quite ready to venture into the big pool yet.

Old Buck's Place serves a great poolside menu for lunch, so you never have to leave. We enjoyed a whole day at the Crooked River Water Park with the kids not wanting to leave when it was time to go to dinner.

This is only one of the many fun things we experienced during our stay at the Hyatt Regency Lost Pines.  Click here to find out about our very special night there and here to see all the many activities this resort has to offer.

Texas Travel Facts for Hyatt Regency Lost Pines:

Location: 575 Hyatt Lost Pines Road Lost Pines, Texas

Crooked River Water Park Hours: 9 am - 10 pm (daily)

Good to Know: Guests must wear a wristband to enter the water park; children under 16 must be accompanied by an adult while swimming; coolers and outside food & beverages are not permitted

Website:http://lostpines.hyatt.com/hyatt/hotels-lostpines/index.jsp?null

My family and I were invited to visit the resort and were provided an evening stay. I was not financially compensated for this post.  All opinions of Hyatt Regency Lost Pines Resort are strictly my own based on my experience.