The post Grapevine – The Christmas Capital of Texas appeared first on The Hotel Guide.

This season’s features transport readers around the globe. In Florida, St. Augustine’s legendary Nights of Lights transforms the nation’s oldest city into a dazzling wonderland with millions of twinkling lights. In Texas, Grapevine—the Christmas Capital of Texas®—offers more than 1,400 events over 40 days, from enchanting ice sculptures to festive wine trails.

For those seeking sun and serenity, Fiji’s Tropica Island Resort and the InterContinental Maldives deliver unparalleled luxury amid breathtaking landscapes. Readers craving cooler climates can retreat to the snowy elegance of Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise in Canada or indulge in the cozy charm of Quebec’s Manoir Hovey. Napa Valley also joins the celebration with its Merry Meritage holiday experience, blending wine country sophistication with holiday nostalgia.

Adventure seekers aren’t left behind—American Sailing Vacations is redefining experiential travel with intimate yacht journeys in Mallorca, Croatia, and the British Virgin Islands. These curated flotillas promise connection, culture, and community at sea.

For more than 30 years, The Hotel Guide has been a trusted source for showcasing extraordinary destinations, luxury hospitality, and memorable travel experiences. This Holiday Edition continues that tradition by highlighting the places, people, and celebrations that make travel so meaningful.

Whether you’re planning your next getaway or simply dreaming of one, this issue invites you to stay curious, stay inspired, and discover the magic of travel this season.

Explore the Holiday Edition now at www.thehotelguide.com

The post Holiday Edition is LIVE! appeared first on The Hotel Guide.

Originally opened in 1909, the Gunter Hotel returns as a part of Marriott Bonvoy’s Tribute Portfolio, joining more than 160 hotels globally, each drawn together by their captivating design, vibrant social spaces and sincere service. The revitalized property features 311 guest rooms—including 30 suites and 14 ADA rooms—complemented by new amenities such as a state-of-the-art recording studio, 900+ album vinyl library, and four original dining and bar concepts. Additional amenities include a rooftop pool, 24/7 state-of-the-art fitness center and 20,000 square feet of meeting spaces.

“We are incredibly excited to welcome guests to the newly transformed Gunter Hotel and to share the next chapter of this historic icon,” said Owner and Managing Director at Axle Capital Jiwon Choi. “Our team has worked tirelessly to blend the hotel’s rich legacy with the best in modern luxury and hospitality, so we are confident that The Gunter will offer an unforgettable stay for both locals and travelers from around the world. It’s an honor to lead such a talented team, and we look forward to serving our guests with the highest standards of excellence.”

All guest rooms and select public spaces are now open, including access to the signature restaurant Jots and the elegant Keystone Club, with the full hotel opening to follow later this year.

A Timeless Reawakening: The Gunter Hotel Design

Reimagined by award-winning design firm DLR Group, the Gunter Hotel’s interiors celebrate its Beaux-Arts architectural legacy while infusing it with bold, contemporary character. Classical symmetry is layered with avant-garde moments—unexpected artwork, dramatic lighting, and rich textures—designed to inspire curiosity and creativity at every turn.

Guest rooms feature thoughtfully updated layouts with modern bathrooms, mid-century-inspired fixtures, and a moody, refined color palette. As a tribute to blues legend Robert Johnson, who famously recorded at the hotel in 1936, each room includes a record player and a copy of his first album, with a curated vinyl library available in the lobby. Guests can pick out any vinyl from the 900+ albums available. An onsite Vinyl Ambassador is able to provide personal recommendations upon request.

From the deep jewel tones and secret passageways of The Studio, to the maroon-veined stone and fluted brass bar at The Keystone Club, every corner invites exploration. Jots, the hotel’s new restaurant, evokes a writer’s retreat with warm leather banquettes, inkwell blue walls, and a collection of hand-drawn sketches that honor the art of storytelling.

Culinary Storytelling: The Gunter’s Layered Spaces, Bold Flavors, and Creative Spirit

The Gunter Hotel debuts four distinct food and beverage experiences that honor its creative spirit and cultural legacy: Jots, The Keystone Club, Bar 414, and Paris Baguette.

Jots and Keystone Club are now open with a limited menu and are available to hotel guests and the public. Jots is currently serving breakfast only, available daily from 7:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m., with plans to introduce a full menu soon. Keystone is open daily from 3:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m., offering a curated selection of food and beverage options, with a full menu launch coming soon.

The Gunter Hotel’s signature restaurant, Jots, is an homage to the supper clubs that gained popularity in the mid-1900s. Named after Jonathan “Jot” Gunter, a local rancher and financier of the hotel in 1909, Jots reflects his lively spirit. The restaurant will serve classic American cuisine with a retro flair, using regional and seasonal ingredients. Items on the menu will include dishes like Rosemary Prime Rib, Brown Butter Scallops and Pan Seared Alaskan Salmon, alongside sweets like a Grilled Citrus Pound Cake and Charred Peach Cheesecake to name a few.

The Keystone Club is located in the lobby of the Gunter Hotel, welcoming guests to enjoy a cocktail under the ambiance of art deco chandeliers and ornate embellishments that surround the hotel’s interior. The bar takes inspiration from its elegant surroundings, providing a sophisticated and classic menu of cocktails, beer, and wine.

Bar 414 is an intimate speakeasy hidden behind a gallery wall. Named for the room where Robert Johnson recorded in 1936, the bar celebrates the Gunter’s musical roots with vintage décor, a curated drink list, and a moody, welcoming atmosphere. An opening date for Bar 414 is coming soon.

Additionally, Paris Baguette, the internationally renowned café and bakery, will open its first San Antonio location onsite—serving artisanal pastries, breads, and expertly crafted coffee beverages. An opening date for Paris Baguette will be announced soon.

The culinary program is led by an accomplished team: Director of Outlets Nicholle Purnell, Director of Culinary Development Sarah Myles, and Chef de Cuisine Hayley Unruh, who bring creativity, passion, and innovation to every dish and drink.

New Amenities: Where Creativity Meets Experience

In addition to its immersive dining and bar experiences, the Gunter will introduce a recording studio—a nod to the hotel’s musical heritage and a space for today’s artists to leave their mark. Elevated above the iconic Bar 414 and accessed through a hidden staircase, this richly appointed social lounge invites guests into an intimate world of inspiration—where jewel-toned interiors, polished brass accents and timeless Art Deco touches converge in a layered, atmospheric retreat. The recording studio is slated to open later this year.

The Gunter Hotel, part of Tribute Portfolio, also provides guests access to the Marriott Bonvoy program, allowing members to earn and redeem points during their stay and at various hotels and resorts within Marriott Bonvoy’s extensive collection around the world.

The Gunter Hotel will continue its phased opening through 2025. For updates, follow the hotel on  Instagram and Facebook. For additional details about the hotel, visit www.thegunterhotel.com.

The post Iconic Gunter Hotel Reopens After $57 Million Renovation appeared first on The Hotel Guide.

At the center of the kitchen is a custom-built wood-burning grill that delivers deep, smoky flavor to Porters signature steaks and seafood. Cuts of premium beef, including USDA Prime and locally raised Wagyu, are seared to perfection over mesquite and oak. Fresh seafood, house-made sides, and farm-fresh vegetables round out a menu that is both comforting and sophisticated. The culinary team balances bold Texas flavors with seasonal ingredients, offering a menu that is dynamic while still rooted in tradition.

The restaurant’s interior is thoughtfully designed, blending rustic charm with modern elegance. Rich wood accents, leather seating, and soft ambient lighting create an inviting space that’s perfect for everything from intimate dinners to corporate events. Whether guests are stopping by for a casual meal or a special celebration, the atmosphere is both relaxed and refined. Hand-crafted cocktails and an award-winning wine list enhance the experience, offering a diverse selection of pairings to complement every dish on the menu.

Porters is more than just a dining room—it’s an experience. The restaurant features two private dining rooms for special occasions or business meetings, as well as the Butcher Room, an exclusive space perfect for hosting unforgettable events. These options make Porters a favorite for celebrations, Aggie Ring Days, and private gatherings of all kinds.

Whether you’re visiting for a weekend brunch, a business lunch, or a celebratory dinner, Porters Dining + Bar offers an unmatched combination of flavor, ambiance, and service. It’s where classic Texas hospitality meets culinary innovation—right in the heart of Aggieland.

The post Porters Dining + Bar appeared first on The Hotel Guide.

What began as three separate festival worlds now converge for the first time—Freaky Deaky, Summoning of the Eclipse, and ILLfest each take root within the mystical grounds of Wicked Oaks, co-creating a single, phantasmal gathering unlike anything Disco Presents has offered before.

THE THREE REALMS OF WICKED OAKS

• Interactive art installations
• Workshops and creative sessions to spark movement and imagination
• A curated food village with Texas’ best food trucks and culinary pop-ups
• Chill zones, fire and aerial performances, and hidden forest nooks
• Glamping, RV camping, and expanded GA + VIP options

The post Wicked Oaks Festival Coming to Austin, Texas appeared first on The Hotel Guide.

Crockett and Hofmann joined Rolling Stone senior music editor Joseph Hudak on stage for an engaging, and often humorous, conversation about their musical common ground and how a sense of place influences an artist’s songwriting. Crockett, in matching dark denim pants and jacket, spoke about the role that Austin, the city he calls home, plays in his music, and told freewheeling stories about trying to book gigs in hotel bars around town and busking on street corners. Hofmann, in her brown fringed jacket and prairie skirt, shared the geographical focus behind her breakout hit “Purple Gas,” a song that puts listeners squarely in her farming community of Southern Alberta, Canada.

Hofmann performed a gorgeous set that included “Purple Gas” and a cover of Johnny Cash’s “Big River,” before Crockett, all Texas swagger, tore through a set highlighting his new album Lonesome Drifter. He detailed the struggle of the working musician in “Life of a Country Singer” and warned other artists of shady business deals in the song “Game I Can’t Win.”

The event marks the start of Rolling Stone and Sonesta’s expanded ‘Musicians on Musicians’ partnership. This year, the event series evolved into a five-city national tour, with stops in some of America’s most musically rich cities. Each event features a unique pairing of an established and an emerging artist exploring their craft and delivering an exclusive performance in the intimate setting of a Sonesta signature hotel.

The next stop on the tour will be New Orleans on May 8 at the Royal Sonesta New Orleans and then Washington, DC on June 12 at the Royal Sonesta Washington, DC. The final two events will take place in New York City in September and Portland, Oregon in November. Each event will feature an artist pairing, conversation and performances deeply rooted in the musical culture of the city.

The post Charley Crockett and Noeline Hofmann Kick Off Rolling Stone and Sonesta’s ‘Musicians on Musicians’ Tour in Austin, TX appeared first on The Hotel Guide.

The post Horseshoe Bay Resort Unveils Enhancements for Putting Course appeared first on The Hotel Guide.

World-Class Dining

The post Texas-Sized Hospitality Awaits at Loews Arlington Hotel appeared first on The Hotel Guide.

Day Trip to a National Park
Most of the camping sites were reserved ages ago, but you can still day trip to a national park like Hot Springs National Park in southwestern Arkansas. Add a soak in one of the historic bathhouses.
Cuyahoga Valley National Park is a short drive from Cleveland and Akron. Book a ride on the Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad while there.
Be a River Rat
See the solar eclipse while boating, kayaking, or fishing. A portion of the International Amistad Reservoir is in Amistad National Recreation Area. It’s the first spot in the United States to see the total solar eclipse.
The 135-mile Buffalo National River in northern Arkansas is one of the few remaining undammed rivers in the contiguous U.S. Ozark National Scenic Riverways in southern Missouri is lined with some stunning rocky bluffs that are perfect for eclipse watching.

Day Trip to a National Monument or Memorial
There are 27 National Park Service units in the path of totality. Consider going to a national monument or memorial site instead of a park for less crowds. Three great options are: Waco Mammoth National Monument in Waco, Texas; Perry’s Victory National Memorial in Put-In-Bay, Ohio (requires ferry ride); and Katahdin Woods and Waters National Monument in Stacyville, Maine.

Road Trip to a Small Town or Smaller City
You can still find hotel rooms in some of the small towns and smaller city in the path of totality instead of large metropolitan areas like Dallas and Indianapolis. Towns like Grapevine or Plano in Texas are having tons of eclipse festivities.
Other great options are cities like Dayton or Akron in Ohio. In New York State, head to the Finger Lakes Region or Lake Placid.

Last Minute Deals in Big Cities
You could snag a last-minute hotel deal in big cities like San Antonio, Little Rock, or Cleveland because of cancellations. Flights into those cities will be tough to get, so consider flying into a city on the fringe or within a couple of hours of totality like Oklahoma City, Memphis, or St. Louis. Check rental car availability before you book your flight.

Written By: Jennifer Broome, Editor-in-Chief of The Hotel Guide

The post Spring Solar Eclipse Mania appeared first on The Hotel Guide.

“I am honored to nominate Rose Jordan for the Leading Light Award, as she exemplifies the core values of the Wellness Tourism Association and has made remarkable contributions to wellness tourism in our community.”

She added that, Ms. Jordan “pursued the Wellness Tourism Association’s Pillars of a Wellness Destination as an inspiring yet attainable framework for the city’s wellness initiatives. She has been working with our community to meet the Pillars, not only to create a destination that meets the needs of a wellness-minded traveler, but also to help bring health and wellness to our community.” Elms also pointed out that Jordan “led the charge in securing the prestigious designation of Mineral Wells as the Wellness Capital of Texas.” The Wellness Capital designation was made official on June 18^th, 2023 by Governor Gregg Abbott.

“I am both grateful and humbled to be chosen as this year’s Leading Light Award recipient,” says Jordan. “There are so many people doing amazing things in the wellness tourism industry, and I am honored to be counted among them. I couldn’t do this work without my industry peers and my amazing community partners.”

More about the Leading Light Award

The Leading Light Award was launched by the WTA in 2022 to honor individuals and or companies/organizations that successfully implement a wellness project/initiative/company that upholds the principles of the association’s mission, “to shape and support sustainable wellness tourism for the global good.”

There is no cost to nominate or to be a nominee, and the annual award is open to both WTA Members and Non-Members. Nominations are also accepted from both Members and Non-Members. As the judging committee, the WTA Board of Directors abstain from the nominating process, and are not eligible for nomination.

Nominations for the 2024 Leading Light Award will be accepted early next year via the WTA website.

The post Texas Destination Director Wins “Leading Light Award” from Wellness Tourism Association appeared first on The Hotel Guide.