Texans know that in the summer, you should never be too far from a body of water. If you’re not lucky enough to have a pool or live near a lake or ocean, booking a room at a hotel with a pool is the next best option. These lodgings across the state offer swimming amenities that are far from your average hotel pool.
Less than an hour outside of Austin in the Hill Country, Horseshoe Bay Resort unveiled its waterfront floating pool—the only one of its kind in North America—last Memorial Day. The 2,850-square-foot pool, designed by engineer and Texas native Tim Greeson, floats on the constant-level Lake LBJ and brings the property’s swimming pool tally to three.
The pool stays cool even in the hottest summer months. “Because it’s in the lake, the pool takes on its temperature,” explains Randy Zupanski, the hotel’s managing director. Lake LBJ’s temperature ranges from 81 to 86 degrees in the summer.
The floating oasis holds 70,000 gallons of water and is connected to land by a short bridge. The 4-foot-deep pool is open to swimmers of all ages and features lounge chairs and private daybeds. Guests can order margaritas or tacos delivered straight to their chairs from poolside eatery Waterfront Bar & Grill, build sandcastles on the human-made beach, or play pickup sand volleyball at the regulation-size court.
At the resort, guests can choose from 250 rooms and suites or find larger accommodations in condos, villas, or private residences. The 7,000-plus-acre property has seven restaurants, a kids splash park, a spa, and a tennis center. There’s also a full-service marina, three golf courses, and a miniature golf course that features waterfalls and rose gardens. Rooms start at $239/night. hsbresort.com
1 / Camp Fimfo, New Braunfels
In March, this retreat on the Guadalupe River opened its new Hilltop Hideaway pool with a swim-up bar. After a dip, check out the sunset from the four-terrace pool deck or order from the nine food and drink options. Spend the night in a cabin or at an RV or tent site. Cabins start at $203/night. campfimfo.com
2 / The Fredonia Hotel, Nacogdoches
Opened in 1955, this East Texas hotel boasts a heated pool year-round with a cinema experience. Guests can float in the 4-foot-deep pool while a jumbotron screen plays family-friendly movies. Recently refurbished, the historical gem has 109 rooms and three restaurants and is in walking distance from downtown. Rooms start at $189/night. thefredonia.com
3 / Port Royal Ocean Resort, Corpus Christi
This 25-acre beachfront condo resort has four swimming pools connected by waterfalls, including the largest lagoon pool on the Texas coast. There are also waterslides, a volleyball pool, a splash pad, and an obstacle course. Guests can choose between two- or three-bedroom condos with ocean or pool views. Rooms start at $225/night. port-royal.com
