Texas has some of the most scenic cities and coast land in the country, and these hotels with private balconies provide a quiet getaway whether you’re looking for a vacation or a quick staycation.
Personally, I find beachfront balconies along the Gulf Coast to be some of the best places to unwind. However, gazing out at riverfront views or downtown skylines is also great for gaining perspective.
When you need to spend some time at the beach but also want a spa-cation, the San Luis Resort and Spa in Galveston offers the best of both worlds – plus private balconies with views overlooking the beach or the outdoor pool. This AAA Four Diamond Award recipient has been winning awards since the 1990s.
The beach view is plenty to be excited about here, but there’s also an award-winning spa on the premises. Book any number of treatments, including a sea stone massage, facial treatment, body polish or detox wrap. There are also skin care sessions and a full-service salon. The resort is popular for weddings and honeymoons, so book hair and nail appointments early.
The hotel is modern and fresh, with muted gold throughout and natural linen throws adding to the clean, natural feel. In-room decorative mirrors bring in extra light from the beach below, and balconies are large enough to comfortably sit and enjoy a summer evening.
Venture downstairs for private cabanas and an outdoor lounge that features custom cocktails and firepits to keep warm on chilly Galveston evenings.
The River Walk in San Antonio is often called the most-visited attraction in Texas. It’s easy to see why — it’s 15 miles of riparian shopping, restaurants, and entertainment.
This Spanish colonial-style hotel, the Omni La Mansion del Rio, is in one of the oldest buildings in the city. It features historic fixtures, marble bathrooms and suites with private balconies directly overlooking the River Walk, perfect for people watching below.
From the first steps onto the tree-lined entrance and open courtyard, it’s easy to feel like you’ve been transported back in time, with a lobby decked out in dark wood beams and warm leather furniture. Fireplaces and fountains can be found throughout the location, including near the outdoor pool.
Rooms and suites are more light and airy, with neutral grey shades, brick accent walls and finely carved furniture. For big families, larger suites are available.
For an upscale waterfront experience, the Hyatt Regency Austin is a luxe chic hotel on Lady Bird Lake. Suites feature black and white photography that blends Austin’s artistic vibe with scenes from the city’s music scene. Private balconies overlook the water and the city’s downtown skyline.
Want a get a workout in during your stay? Jump on a Peloton bike in the state-of-the-art fitness center and get your sweat on with a view of the lake. When the weather is cool, take a walk along the water’s edge or head down to the Congress Street Bridge to watch the bats fly out from under the bridge at dusk.
Creamy leather furnishings and chrome accents give rooms the warm feeling of being in a mod, mid-century recording studio. Downstairs, enjoy outdoor dining along the lake or inside along a wall of windows. Whether in your room or having a few drinks in the lounge, take in the sight of the lake and city beyond it.
If an urban hot spot sounds more your speed, a visit to trendy uptown Dallas and the Canopy by Hilton should be high on your list. Take in a sunset with the Dallas skyline in the distance from the hotel’s striking rooftop lounge. Rather enjoy the view from a private balcony? Not a problem. Book one of the hotel’s balcony suites and kick your feet up on the ledge while watching the sun dip over downtown.
Like the name Canopy implies, rooms are tree and nature-inspired, with caramel walls and cool, cream-colored stone. Wooden barn doors in each room create a sense of privacy and the outdoors. The hotel is located near entertainment venues for a night out, or stay in and use the 24-hour gym if that’s more your style.
Highlights
After a day of stargazing at NASA’s Johnson Space Center, catch a sunset from a balcony suite at nearby South Shore Harbour Resort in League City. The resort offers private balcony suites overlooking Clear Lake. If sightseeing is on the agenda, Kemah Boardwalk and the Big League Dreams Sports Park are a short drive away. The resort concierge can help plan fun activities for adults and families.
A jogging track, tennis courts, lap pool and full gym provide fitness options during your stay. However, if quiet relaxation sounds more appealing, lounge by the outdoor pool and take advantage of the swim-up bar.
Several on-site restaurant options and room service mean you can stay in the comfort of your business-class room and enjoy panoramic lake views any time of the day. For an extra ahhh factor, book a treatment at the resort’s full spa.
For a romantic getaway in the city, visitors can book a balcony suite at Hotel Granduca. Named the number one hotel in Houston and the number two hotel in Texas by U.S. News and World Report, this luxury hotel has balcony suites overlooking a lush outdoor pool and courtyard. The hotel was also named one of the top 25 luxury resort spas in the country. This is the spot for a romantic (and relaxing) luxury experience.
Hotel Granduca is styled after an old world Italian villa. The Italian theme carries through with the cuisine at the upscale on-site restaurant and Maserati rides to nearby attractions (check with concierge for availability). On weeknights, enjoy live music in Giorgio’s bar or dine al dente in the tree-lined outdoor dining area.
Suites are decorated with rich tapestries and Italian marble and linens. Want to stay for longer than a night or two? Kitchenettes and executive suites are available.
For a moderately priced Gulf Coast vacation (or staycation), the Omni Corpus Christi delivers modern accommodations and convenient access to the waterfront. The Texas State Aquarium and Port of Corpus Christi are a short distance from the hotel, making it convenient for families with kiddos who want to explore marine life. Shopping, restaurants and night life are also nearby in Corpus Christi’s city center.
In addition to private balconies overlooking Corpus Christi bay, the hotel has heated indoor and outdoor pools and a newly renovated fitness center with the latest gym equipment, so you can squeeze in a workout before hitting the waterfront. Rooms offer a cool and clean beach-style décor. An airport shuttle and 24-hour room service make this a good choice for quick weekend retreats.
Located on the edge of Lake Carolyn, the Marriott Dallas Las Colinas is situated in the middle of the Las Colinas shopping and restaurant center in Irvine, just ten minutes from downtown Dallas. Some of the area’s best restaurants and shopping are only a short walking distance from the hotel’s contemporary and colorful lobby. The 12,000-acre Las Colinas development offers jogging trails, entertainment venues and plenty of green space for enjoying the outdoors.
The hotel’s décor is decidedly sleek, from the rich woods and brightly colored rugs and furnishings of the lobby to the cool, neutral shades found in each room’s art and rugs. Balcony suites feature café tables and chairs for enjoying a breakfast coffee or late-night snack while overlooking the lake.
Dive into the indoor pool, or check out the updated fitness center and a full business center (if you need to get some work done). Kitchenettes are available in some suites for longer stays.
Photo courtesy of the Hotel Granduca Houston.