Travel Planner: San Antonio, TX

This somewhat formal 1909 historic hotel is decorated with oil paintings, chandeliers, and a handsome central staircase. It is in the center of downtown and near all the major attractions, including the Alamo and River Walk, and is within a short drive of Six Flags, Sea World, the San Antonio Zoo, and area golf courses. Rooms are posh, if overly rococo-esque—with four-poster beds, jacquard linens, and ornate antiques—and the service is what you'd expect in a first-rate establishment. Pros:

Oozes historic elegance, good-size rooms.

Rooms could use an update. www.wyndham.com. 308 rooms, 42 suites. In-room: Wi-Fi. In-hotel: restaurant, bar, pool, gym, business center, parking. Credit cards accepted.

Step into relaxation at this sophisticated yet homey country resort with lots of shade—a key feature when the mercury soars during a San Antonio summer. On the western edge of the city, it occupies 200 acres of former ranch land, so you feel far removed, even though you're just a few minutes from Sea World, about 15 minutes from Six Flags, and 20 minutes from downtown. Family-friendly touches abound, from the manmade "lazy river," where you can float along with the current in an inner tube to Camp Hyatt's day camp and nightly s'mores at the firepit; older kids can hange out at The Underground, with Internet and games. If you're not interested in the four-acre water park, there are 27 holes of golf, a ¾-mile nature trail, and a spa with a full range of treatments and salon services (and a shop for "retail therapy," quips staff member Jeanne). Pros:

Great value for an expansive resort, tons of activities to keep the kids busy, great general store on-site.

Not within walking distance to the city's main downtown and riverside attractions, fee for Internet use. www.hillcountry.hyatt.com. 428 rooms, 72 suites. In-room: safe, Internet, Wi-Fi. In-hotel: restaurants, bar, golf course, pools, tennis court, gym, children's programs, laundry facilities, business center, parking. Credit cards accepted.

A 15-minute drive northwest of downtown you'll find a full-service resort at the base of Texas Hill Country. The hotel is one of the more upscale Radisson properties, with a full golf course, tennis courts, a spa, and even children's programs. The huge, multilevel pool is a favorite with kids. This is the official hotel of Sea World and has package deals available. Free shuttles to and from the park save you from parking fees. Pros:

Helpful staff, good-size rooms.

Driving everywhere (except to SeaWorld) is a necessity. www.radisson.com. 174 rooms, 53 suites. In-room: Internet, Wi-Fi. In-hotel: restaurants, bar, golf course, pool, tennis courts, gym, spa, children's programs, laundry facilities, business center, parking. Credit cards accepted.

Make a list of the things you'd look for in a luxury, full-service resort, and La Cantera has it. The limestone quarry (cantera,

in Spanish) on which it's built was a natural foundation for its golf course. It also offers the full compliment of resort services—including a spa, kids' programs, and tennis—and is immediately adjacent to upscale shopping, dining, and movies. On the northern edge of San Antonio, the resort is a short drive to Six Flags and Sea World, 30 minutes to the Alamo and River Walk. Its restaurant, Francesca's at Sunset, is among the best in the city and has spectacular views of the start of Texas Hill Country.

San Antonio's top resort hotel, lush common areas and rooms, virtually every amenity you could ask for.

Removed from downtown and the River Walk, expensive. www.westinlacantera.com. 450 rooms, 58 suites. In-room: safe, kitchen (some), Internet. In-hotel: restaurant, bar, golf course, pool, tennis courts, gym, spa, children's programs, laundry facilities, business center, parking. Credit cards accepted.

Though it's been around since 1946, the Flying L is anything but stuck in the past. Guests can horseback ride, go on hayrides, and enjoy nightly s'mores roasting, as is the case with most dude ranches, but this expansive 772-acre property also has an 18-hole golf course, a water park and lounging pool, and an entire kids' activity program. Accommodations range in size from stand-alone villas with room for 13 to smaller condo-like suites that sleep four to six. All have a gas fireplace and cozy bedding. Pros:

Well-appointed condos including washer/dryer, variety of activities to choose from.

Homesites built up around the golf course take away from the resort feel, thin walls make things audible between condos. www.flyingl.com. 23 rooms, 36 suites. In-room: kitchen. In-hotel: golf course, pools, tennis court. Credit cards accepted. Rate includes: All-inclusive.

Fortune 1000 execs and groups galore flock to this resort on 4,000 acres of prime Hill Country acreage in a tony area west of Austin. Among the many top-resort amenities are four championship golf courses (two rated among Texas's best), 11 tennis courts, a spa with salon services, and a huge fitness center. Major 2007 and 2008 renovations considerably improved formerly dowdy interiors, but old-money luxury remains the theme. Standard rooms have one king- or two queen-size beds, 1½ baths, a radio with iPod docking station, a 42-inch flat-screen TV, and a well-stocked minibar. Many have panoramic views of the countryside. Downtown is a 15-minute drive outside of rush hour. All rooms are no-smoking. Pros:

Luxurious, gorgeous views, great golf courses.

Expensive, fees for extras like bottled water. www.bartoncreek.com. 285 rooms, 18 suites. In-room: safe, Internet, Wi-Fi. In-hotel: restaurants, bars, golf courses, pools, tennis courts, gym, spa, children's programs, parking. Credit cards accepted.

This resort is right on Lake Travis. The property has all the amenities you'd expect from a large conference and resort destination as well as a full-service spa. www.lakeway.dolce.com. 166 rooms, 2 suites. In-room: Wi-Fi. In-hotel: restaurant, bar, golf courses, pools, tennis court, spa. Credit cards accepted.

On a finger of land surrounded on three sides by Lake Travis, this sprawling, handsome resort housed in low-rise stone buildings is about 20 mi from downtown. The property has all you'd expect from a large conference center and resort, including a full-service, state-of-the-art spa, built in 2007, and a tiered infinity-edge outdoor pool. Many recreational opportunities are available on the lake and adjacent marina, from sunset cruises to watercraft rentals, and four golf courses are nearby. Rooms (all no-smoking) are tasteful, mocha-hued, and modern, with contemporary art and plush beds. Most rooms have lakeside views and balconies. The upscale Travis Restaurant offers largely steaks and seafood (some diners have noted glaring service glitches). Pros:

Gorgeous resort hotel in peaceful lakeside location; many high-end amenities.

Not convenient to downtown, some may find the ambience stuffy. www.lakeway.dolce.com. 166 rooms, 2 suites. In-room: Internet, Wi-Fi. In-hotel: restaurants, bar, golf courses, pools, tennis court, gym, spa, children's programs, business center, parking. Credit cards accepted.

This isn't your typical Marriott experience. The breathtaking views of Lake LBJ spreading its glimmering fingers should be your first clue. Every room overlooks a lush, tropical-meets-Texas landscape. Subdued earth-toned decor keeps the focus on the views. There's enough to keep you busy for days: access to three championship golf courses, a full-service spa, clay and hard-surface tennis courts. Though quiet in location, silence is easily broken if louder guests are returning to their rooms later at night. Pros:

Excellent activities for kids, top golf and tennis options, comfortable rooms.

Caters more to families, staff can be a bit too laid-back. www.horseshoebaymarriott.com. 349 rooms, 64 1-bedroom and 29 2-bedroom condos. In-room: Internet, Wi-Fi. In-hotel: pools, gym, spa, children's programs, laundry facilities, some pets allowed. Credit cards accepted.