The Suite Life

Texas is taking center stage in a massive campaign to prove that the second largest state in the union has the most to offer tourists, from outdoor sports and beautiful scenery to urban delights and one-of-a-kind TexMex cuisine.

The campaign’s costs total over $20 Million, but the Texas Tourism Agency is confident it will pay off once people see online, in print and on TV the memorable experiences Texas has to offer.

The tourism website TravelTex.com even uses the tag line “Texas, it’s like a whole other country” to showcase the exotic and diverse activities that exist around the state. And with the new trip planner tool, guests can pick and choose from an assortment of offerings unique to each region.

So whether you want to test your inner cowboy, let your taste for adventure run wild, or indulge in some southern hospitality, Texas may just be the next hot spot, weather and otherwise.

Find luxury hotel deals in Texas at Perfect Escapes:

Austin

Dallas

Houston

By Sarah Ziering for Perfect Escapes

In our endless mission to spread the word of luxury hotels that we believe are truly worthy of your attention, we’re starting a new feature on The Suite Life. Over the course of the next few months, we’re going to share some of the insight that we have gained by hand-picking only the best of the best hotels in various cities, states, and countries.

So the very first one: Texas

Some geographic information to start (thanks Wikipedia):

“With an area of 261,797 square miles (678,051 km�) and a population of 23.5 million in 254 counties, the state is second-largest in both area, behind Alaska, and population, behind California. About half the state’s population resides in either the Dallas�Fort Worth or Houston metropolitan areas.”

Perfect Escapes has included 45 hotels in Texas in our list of the Top 800 luxury hotels in the United States. Of those 45, here are the most popular among Perfect Escapes’ visitors:

Hotel Contessa, San Antonio

The Hotel Contessa is among San Antonio’s newest premier riverwalk hotels. This contemporary 12-story all-suite luxury hotel captures both the historic and cultural essence of San Antonio with its warmth created by its Mediterranean design as well as the overall comfortable elegance it provides.

Gaylord Texan Resort, Grapevine

Surrounded by rolling pastureland and overlooking Lake Grapevine, the Gaylord Texan pays tribute to everything Texas as only Texas can: on a grand scale. Guests of the resort stroll around the festive atmosphere of Riverwalk Atrium, marvel at Palo Duro Canyon in the Lone Star Atrium, or taste the Contemporary Southwestern creations of award-winning Texas chef Stephan Pyles at Ama Lur in the Hill Country Atrium.

Mansion on Turtle Creek, Dallas

Once the palatial home of a Texas cotton magnate, The Mansion on Turtle Creek, A Rosewood Hotel has received such honors as the top U.S. hotel by Zagat and the top hotel for service in the world and top U.S. hotel restaurant by Travel + Leisure. In addition, The Mansion has been rated Mobil Five-Star since 1991 and AAA Five-Diamond since 1992. Situated in Dallas’ most fashionable neighborhood, The Mansion retains the intimate ambience of a private residence while providing the highest levels of quality and service.

Hotel ICON, Houston

Named one of the Top 100 New Hotels in the World by Conde Nast Traveler, Hotel ICON is a luxurious downtown Houston hotel located at the heart of the city�s legal and business districts. Designed by renowned San Francisco design firm Candra Scott & Anderson, this $35 million historic reinvention of the landmark Union National Bank building, built in 1911, features 12 stories of custom-designed period furnishings, opulent d�cor and original artwork.

Watermark Hotel and Spa, San Antonio

Nestled along the city’s legendary Riverwalk, a testament to days gone by rises gracefully to meet the expansive Texas sky. Within the gracious interior of the historically significant 19th-century L. Frank Saddlery building, the Watermark exudes old world charm, Texas ranch hospitality, and 21st-century sophistication to delightful effect.

Hotel Palomar, Dallas

As guests arrive, the style of this Dallas boutique hotel is readily apparent. Passing through the entry, guests gaze upward, taking in the 26-foot windows encasing the first floor. Hotel Palomar’s open and airy lobby living room evokes the mood of a classic Texan landscape, boasting two-story ceilings, large wood floor panels underfoot and the grand fireplace, a Kimpton signature, as the room’s focal point. Complementing this expansiveness is the sense of Dallas’ urban environment - the rich, earth-toned color scheme and sophistication of modern architecture, strong lines in the furniture, repeating geometric forms, and luxurious finishes and fabrics throughout.

Have a favorite hotel in Texas and don’t see it here? Let us know about it!