Escape to Texas Hill Country: Austin's BEST Southwest Getaway!

Residence Inn Austin Southwest Austin (TX) United States

Escape to Texas Hill Country: Austin's BEST Southwest Getaway!

Escape to Texas Hill Country: Austin's BEST Southwest Getaway! - A (Mostly) Unfiltered Review

Alright y'all, buckle up buttercups, because I'm about to take you on a rollercoaster ride through my experience at Escape to Texas Hill Country: Austin's BEST Southwest Getaway!. Forget the polished brochure; this is raw, real, and probably littered with too many exclamation points. We're talking about finding your inner Texan (or at least pretending to) and maybe, just maybe, finding a little bit of peace and quiet along the way.

First Impressions: Location, Location, Location (and Maybe a Spot of Panic)

The drive in was… well, it was Texas. Endless blue skies, wide-open spaces, and the faint scent of barbeque wafting from somewhere in the distance. Getting to the place was easy enough, thank heavens. Accessibility? Seemed pretty good. Didn't see any major issues for anyone using a wheelchair, with ramps and elevators readily visible. However (and there's always a "however"), the initial "holy cow, I'm in the boonies" feeling hit me. Seriously, I pulled up and there was just… nature. Not the manicured kind, either. More like, "Yeah, there's a snake that might be sunning itself on the porch, watch out" nature. Made me temporarily question all my life choices. But, hey, adventure, right? Right?!

Rooms: Cozy Comfort and a Few Minor Gripes

Okay, let's talk rooms. They got the basics down, which is good. Air conditioning? Check. Free Wi-Fi? Double-check! (And it actually worked, unlike some other places I've been, bless their hearts.) They also boast free Wi-Fi in all rooms, which, let's be honest, is crucial in this day and age. Internet access [LAN] was available, though I, being a wifi-loving millennial, didn't actually use it. Internet services were present and accounted for. Plenty of amenities like a coffee maker, fridge, and a super comfy bed. I even had a view from my room… of a beautiful patch of Texas sky! (And, alright, a neighbor's window. But mostly sky!)

The rooms had all the basics you'd expect. However, and I'm picky, the décor was a tad… rustic. Like, "grandma's spare bedroom" rustic. Think paisley on the comforter and… well, you get the picture. But hey, it was clean! And that's what really matters, right? (More on that later.) They also had a ton of little extras, including towels, and extra long beds. Bonus points for the blackout curtains - crucial for a good night's sleep. Room sanitization was obviously a priority.

Cleanliness & Safety: Seriously Impressive (Especially Right Now!)

This is where Escape to Texas Hill Country absolutely shines. Let's be clear: I am a germaphobe. Always have been, always will be. And I was seriously impressed. The place was spotless. Like, surgical-suite spotless. They've clearly gone the extra mile to create a "clean" environment, and they’ve done it very well. They were using anti-viral cleaning products, daily disinfection in common areas, physical distancing of at least 1 meter, professional-grade sanitizing services, and room sanitization opt-out available. The staff were trained in safety protocols. No shared stationery, and even the kitchen and tableware were sanitized. Seriously, they’re taking this all seriously! They even have hand sanitizer everywhere. It's like they’re trying to win a cleanliness competition!

And can we talk about breakfast? (I know, it’s further down, but I’m excited!) Having individually-wrapped food options was REALLY appreciated.

Dining, Drinking & Snacking: Enough to Keep You Happy…Mostly

Okay, so the food situation was…good, but not mind-blowing. They have a restaurant and offer a la carte options. Breakfast? Buffet? Yes and yes! I might have gone back for seconds..or thirds. And you know what? The coffee was actually decent! Coffee/tea in the restaurant was good, but not legendary. There was also a coffee shop. Though the cuisine was international, with western and Asian food options. If you like salad, soup, or desserts, they have them here.

There's a pool-side bar (woohoo!), and a snack bar, though the offerings were a little limited. Room service was 24-hour – a lifesaver after a long day of… well, whatever it is you’re doing in the Texas Hill Country.

Things To Do / Ways to Relax: A Mixed Bag of Bliss and… Meh.

Alright, let's get to the good stuff: relaxation. This is where the "Escape" part of the name comes in, right?

They have a fitness center and a gym/fitness, although they’re more functional than fancy. They’ve got a swimming pool (outdoor, thankfully!), a sauna, a steamroom, and a spa. (Spa/sauna? I’m sold!) I didn't make it to the steam room. But can someone tell me if the spa is really worth the splurge? Reviews online are mixed. I did take advantage of the pool with a view, which was absolutely gorgeous. Just the thing for a midday escape. I did get a massage. Total bliss. That was my highlight of the trip. The foot bath was nice, too.

They also have a bunch of other activities… I’m not sure how many couple's rooms were there.

Services & Conveniences: Helpful but Not Always Seamless

The staff here are very friendly and helpful! They have a concierge to help with things, a doorman (yay!), and a daily housekeeping service. Cash withdrawal is possible, which is good.

For the Kids: Family Friendly…ish

They have babystting service, which is nice. They have kids facilities and a kids meal.

Accessibility: A Solid Effort

As mentioned earlier, the place seemed pretty accessible for wheelchair users. They had elevators, ramps, and seemed to be thinking about inclusivity.

My Verdict: Worth the Escape?

Okay, the big question: Would I go back? Honestly… probably. Especially if you're looking for a relaxing getaway with a super-clean environment, and a good massage. It's not perfect, but it's got a lot going for it.

Escape to Texas Hill Country: Austin's BEST Southwest Getaway! - Our Special Offer!

Book your escape today and receive a FREE upgrade to a room with a guaranteed Hill Country view! Plus, we'll throw in a complimentary bottle of local wine and a voucher for a relaxing spa treatment. With our enhanced cleaning protocols, stunning natural setting, and a team dedicated to your comfort, Escape to Texas Hill Country offers a truly unforgettable getaway. Don't wait–your Texas adventure starts now!

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Residence Inn Austin Southwest Austin (TX) United States

Alright, buckle up, buttercups, 'cause we're about to dive headfirst into my… checks notes… Residence Inn Austin Southwest adventure. Okay, adventure might be a strong word. Let’s call it a 'life-affirming experience with a continental breakfast included.' Here we go…

Day 1: Arrival and the Quest for the Perfect Poolside Lounger (and Maybe Some Sanity)

• 1:00 PM: Touchdown in Austin! God, the heat hits you like a brick wall. I knew it was gonna be hot, but damn. Already questioning every life choice that led me here. Driving from the airport (rental car - pray for me, I haven’t driven outside of my neighborhood in three years) and immediately lost. GPS kept yelling at me like my exasperated mother. Found the Residence Inn eventually, thankfully, and it looked… pretty much what I expected. Beige. Welcoming, I guess? Whatever. Just needed AC and a shower.
• 2:00 PM: Check-in. The front desk lady seemed… well, happy to be there. Too happy, maybe? Suspiciously chipper. I'm pretty sure she secretly judged my travel attire (sweatpants and a t-shirt that may or may not have seen better days). Got my key, dragged my suitcase (which I swear weighs as much as a small pony) to the room.
• 2:30 PM: Room inspection. Success! The AC blasted instantly, and the room actually looked… clean! Not a single rogue hair in the bathroom (miracle!). The kitchenette is…well, it's a tiny kitchen. It looks ready for an omelet.
• 3:00 PM: The Pool. This is the moment of reckoning. I MUST secure a poolside lounger. It's a matter of survival. Walked out, and saw… chaos. A gaggle of children were screaming/playing, and the adult loungers were already taken. Found a half-broken, slightly sun-bleached folding chair. Close enough. I'm going to embrace this, I told myself. "Live laugh love" is the motto for today. The pool water was refreshing, although it became a battle royale between children and myself.
• 4:00 PM: I felt a little peckish. Got tired of being stuck in the pool and walked towards the store. They had a limited number of snacks and nothing I wanted. I was hungry. Damn it!
• 6:00 PM: Pizza time! Ordered from some place down the road. It arrived lukewarm and the crust was a little soggy, but after my brutal travel day, I didn't care. Pizza is pizza, am I right?
• 7:00 PM: Attempted to watch TV, but the remote was playing games. Finally, after 10 minutes of fighting the TV with the remote control, I managed to find a channel.
• 8:00 PM: Slept until early.

Day 2: Zilker Park, Live Music and the Great Breakfast Debacle

• 7:00 AM: Breakfast. Ah yes, the infamous continental breakfast. I ventured downstairs with cautious optimism. The scene…was a buffet of beige. Waffles (the machine was a crime against engineering), questionable scrambled eggs, and the siren song of the instant coffee. I went for the cereal, and the milk smelled a little…off. Settled for a banana. Sigh.
• 8:00 AM: Driving again, yes. This time, heading to Zilker Park. Hoping for a glorious Texan vibe. Parked the car. Zilker Park: sprawling green space, promising shade and the illusion of coolness. The reality? Still hot. But the air was thick with the sound of happy laughter, and the smell of sunscreen and freshly cut grass. It brought a smile to my face.
• 9:00 AM: Decided to take a refreshing dip in Barton Springs Pool. The water was freezing! It was a beautiful experience.
• 12:00 PM: Drove back to the hotel. Needed a break from the heat.
• 2:00 PM: Researched live music. Found a venue nearby. It seemed like a good idea at the time.
• 6:00 PM: The Venue! The venue had been a mistake. The music was too loud, and I couldn't understand a word between the band and the crowd. Decided to have a drink and relax.

Day 3: Leaving and the lingering smell of…breakfast.

• 7:00 AM: Breakfast round two. Decided to give that waffle machine one last try. Success! The waffle… was edible! Maybe the coffee wasn't so bad.
• 8:00 AM: Packing. The dreaded moment has arrived.
• 9:00 AM: Check Out. That cheerful front desk lady was back. I swear, she never blinks.
• 10:00 AM: Driving home!
  • Goodbye Residence Inn! I won't miss your beige-ness, but I will miss the AC.
  • Austin, Texas you've been… eventful.
  • Until next time, I hope!

So there you have it. Messy, imperfect, and probably a little too honest. But hey, isn't that what life (and travel) is all about?

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Residence Inn Austin Southwest Austin (TX) United StatesOkay, buckle up, buttercups! Escape to Texas Hill Country: Austin's BEST Southwest Getaway... is about to get real. Here's your FAQ (more like "Frequently Rambled About Questions") in all its disorganized, opinionated, and utterly human glory:

So, Texas Hill Country... is it actually *hill country*? Or is it like, gentle slopes? Because "hill" is a strong word, you know?

Alright, let's be honest. My first thought? "Hill Country? More like... *slightly elevated country*." I'm from the Midwest, where "hill" means you're basically climbing Mount Everest. But, YES, it's hill country. Some actual, real-deal hills. Not like, *dramatic* mountains, but enough to make you feel like you're not totally flatlining. And the drive? Gorgeous, especially with the wildflowers in spring turning the whole damn place into a Monet painting. (Okay, maybe a Jackson Pollock, sometimes, depending on the year's rain situation.) I got car sick on one particular windy road, which was a major bummer because I wanted to enjoy the view! Pro-tip: Dramamine, my friends. Dramamine.

What's the ONE thing, like, *the* absolute must-do in Texas Hill Country? Don't give me a list. One thing.

Alright, HOLD UP. Picking just one thing is like asking me to choose my favorite child (don’t tell my cat I said that). But... okay, fine. I'm torn, but I'm going to commit one of my biggest experiences: **Floating the Guadalupe River.** Seriously. It's an EXPERIENCE. Not just a “thing.” It’s a ritual. Sun beating down, beer in a koozie (don’t tell the park rangers!), the gentle current... That first time, I was sure I'd be bored. An afternoon floating? Seems simple. Wrong. It was perfect. I drifted, I laughed, I almost capsized (thanks, current!). I even saw a damn *armadillo*! The only downside? Leaving. The water's cold, the sun's hot, and you'll be as relaxed as a wet noodle. Just make sure you have a designated driver, because... yeah.

Okay, but like, the FOOD? Is it ALL BBQ and Tex-Mex? (Please, for the love of all that is holy, tell me it's not *just* BBQ and Tex-Mex.)

Okay, deep breath. Yes. There is BBQ. Delicious, artery-clogging BBQ. And yes, there is Tex-Mex that will make you question everything you thought you knew about enchiladas. But! (A triumphant "BUT"!) There's ALSO some awesome food. I found a fantastic farm-to-table place in Fredericksburg that was SO good, I almost cried (seriously). And the breweries? They often have food trucks with all sorts of unexpected culinary delights. Let's not forget about the bakeries (pecan pie, anyone?), and all the quirky little cafes you stumble upon. The food scene is surprisingly diverse. Just, pace yourself. That BBQ will get you, eventually.

Tell me about the wineries! I heard they're a big draw. Should I go?

Wineries? YES. Go. Absolutely. Even if you're not a wine snob (I'm definitely not). The scenery is breathtaking. The wine is... well, some of it is amazing, some of it is... let's say "developing character." But the experience? Worth it. They often have live music, beautiful patios, and the vibe is just… relaxing. It's a great excuse to wear a sundress and pretend you're sophisticated. Just remember to designate a driver or book a wine tour. Trust me. I learned that the hard way after tasting a lovely chardonnay and then attempting to drive. (Luckily, my friend, the saint, drove.) Also, take some water. And don't be afraid to try something different.

Is it kid-friendly? I have small humans.

Hmm... Kid-friendly. That depends. Is your definition of "kid-friendly" "place where children can run wild and be entertained without major meltdowns"? Then, yes, mostly. There are tons of things to do that are great for kids – swimming holes, parks, and plenty of wide-open spaces. Kids can get a bit bored in wineries and fancy restaurants, though. Be sensible. You’ll find a great place to have fun with them, but keep in mind that, like with any vacation, there will be some kid-related drama. Pack lots of snacks, and be prepared for messes, and don’t be afraid to embrace the chaos. Honestly, it isn't that bad. It is actually incredibly fun.

What's the best time of year to visit? And, you know, the *worst* time?

Best time? Spring (wildflowers!) or Fall (gorgeous colors!). The weather is glorious. Worst time? Summer. It's hot. Like, *surface of the sun* hot. And crowded. And everything is expensive. But, let’s be honest, sometimes you’re stuck with summer, so wear loose clothing, drink lots of water, and find yourself a nice swimming hole. Winter is a wildcard, too. Some days are gorgeous, some days are freezing. Pack layers, and be prepared for anything.

Where should I stay? Hotels? Cabins? Camping? Help!

Okay, this depends on your vibe. Hotels are easy, but... kind of boring. Cabins? Charming. But sometimes you have to put up with a leaky toilet or something. Camping? Romantic, cheap, but also... bugs, heat, and the distinct possibility of wild animals. Pick your poison! My personal favorite (when I'm not feeling like a complete lazy travel slob) is a cabin. You get the outdoorsy feel, but with a bed and a shower. Air conditioning is a must. Book early, spaces sell out fast, especially during peak season. Check rental reviews and photos!

Should I be worried about snakes? Because… snakes.

Okay, let's address the elephant in the room (or, more accurately, the snake lurking in the grass). Yes. There are snakes. Rattlesnakes, copperheads, all sorts of slithery things. But, here’s the deal: you're more likely to win the lottery than to be bitten. Just be aware. Watch where you're walking, especially near rocks and in tall grass. Don't go poking your hands where you can't see. If you see a snake… leave it alone! They don’t want anything to do with you. Seriously, the panic is worse than the actual risk.

What's the vibe? Is it a party scene? Relaxing? Something else entirely?

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Residence Inn Austin Southwest Austin (TX) United States

Residence Inn Austin Southwest Austin (TX) United States

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