The feeling of suspense and excitement begins as you make the turn down the driveway to the Hyatt Regency Lost Pines Resort and Spa. Three miles of gentle curves that reward spring visitors with bursts of colorful wildflowers. My 11-year-old was on lookout mode, patiently looking ahead through every turn. Anticipation. She just had that feeling something good was waiting for her. She wasn’t disappointed and neither was I.
The main entrance of the Hyatt Regency Lost Pines (rates from $389) sets the stage for your family’s visit. From the moment you arrive, you’ll sense the attentiveness to service and detail.
(Photo credit: Dana Rebmann of Ciao Bambino)
“It’s perfect, perfect, perfect! This is our second time to bring them,” said Holly Self, mother of 3-year-old Carter and 2-year-old Kamryn.
One of the many things that brought them back for a repeat visit is the Resort’s attentiveness to families. Not so little things, like anticipating baby products the family would need during their first stay, to opening the water slide at the Crooked River Water Park so Kamryn could give it a whirl.
“They sent a lifeguard just for her to do it,” said Self.
Crooked River Water Park
The waterslide is just one component of the Crooked River Water Park. There’s a 1,000-foot lazy river tube ride, beach entry pool complete with sand, hot tub, fountain splash pad and kiddie pool. If you have tweens or teens, know that they’ll disappear from time to time, only to float back into vision when you least expect it. This is a place where kids can be kids. Adults looking for peace and silence can take refuge at the adult pool.
(Photo credit: Dana Rebmann of Ciao Bambino)
Ride a Bike
At 405 acres, there’s lots of exploring to be done at the Resort, and one of the best ways to cover lots of ground is by bike. In a shady spot near the pool, families can check out bikes at their leisure. No reservations – just walk up, sign-out a bike (and helmet) and go.
Outside activities are scattered throughout the Resort, with games like horseshoes, volleyball, soccer, tetherball, basketball and Frisbee golf. All the necessary equipment is out, waiting for that next pickup game to come along. No parent or kids likes having to run to a hotel front desk constantly to check things in and out.
(Photo credit: Dana Rebmann of Ciao Bambino)
Toy Box
If you’re interested in saving precious packing space, take advantage of the Toy Box program. Just like borrowing a book from a library, Toybox lends toys for all ages, from toddlers to teens. Just borrow and return when it’s time to go home. All toys get sanitized before they are passed from borrower to borrower.
River Float
If you find time in the itinerary, you can add on all sorts of fun extras. Families with kids 7 and older can go for a Sunset Float down the Colorado River. Paddling is fun, but not required.
Archery & Trap Shooting
First it was Robin Hood. Now Katniss of Hunger Games fame is getting kids (and parents) excited about archery. Small group lessons for kids ages 10 and older are held at the Resort in the morning to take advantage of cooler temperatures. Teens can also try their hand at trap shooting.
“We try to teach the safe way. How to hold your bow properly. How to hold your gun properly,” said Lisa White, owner of Renegade Trailhead, the local company in charge to teaching visitors how to shoot.
White also runs the Hyatt’s impressive equestrian program.
Horse Around
Renegade Trailhead offers guided pony rides from kids ages 2 through 7. The Hyatt Trail is perfect for beginning riders ages 8 and up, or folks looking for a shorter outing. Experienced riders 13 and up can go for an Adventure Ride and spend 2-3 hours getting to know the rugged terrain of McKinney Roughs Nature Park. If you’ve got a horse-crazy kid, Horse Camp is also an option.
The Rooms
Families have options when choosing a room at the Hyatt Regency Lost Pines. Standard guest rooms are bigger than most, with amenities like a refrigerator, coffee maker, porch or patio and fairly large bathroom with tub and shower. Two-bedroom junior suites offer all the same amenities as standard guest rooms, but give families a little more space to spread out. The living room has a pullout sofa and dining room table. Doors to the Master Bedroom offer parents some privacy and two closets provide plenty of room to store luggage and all the stuff that vacation can bring along. Another fabulous touch: laundry rooms with complimentary washing machines and clothes dryers.
The Food
There are seven – yes, seven on-site dining options, offering everything from sandwiches and coffee at McDade’s Emporium & Ice Cream Saloon to fine dining at Stories. You’ll find a kids menu at each location, with options ranging from mac & cheese to filet mignon. Best of all, complimentary s’mores at one of the many outdoor fire pits is a regular evening event.
Hooves, Horns & Hoss
The Hyatt Regency Lost Pines stays true to its Texas roots, giving guests a chance to interact with some classic Lone Star critters. Kids and parents can get kissed by an alpaca, sit on a nearly 2-thousand pound longhorn steer, even go for a horse-drawn carriage ride around the resort. Education is a big part of the Hooves, Horns and Hoss mascot program.
Every six weeks, lucky guests can watch as the Percheron Draft Horses get new shoes. Hyatt’s resident animal experts, Roper and R.G., are a wealth of information, and are able to answer just about anything kids throw at them. Hoss could be the highlight of the hotel lobby; at just 2 years old, the Newfoundland pup is already 140 pounds!
(Photo credit: Dana Rebmann of Ciao Bambino)
Spa Django
And parents, you aren’t forgotten. Inspired by gypsy jazz guitarist, Django Reinhardt, spa django is the perfect place for parents to relax and truly feel like they’re on vacation. Add in activities like golf and tennis, and it’s no surprise families come back for vacation again and again.
At 10 months old, Owen Nye has already visited the Resort three times. He and his mom Julia, live a couple hours away, outside Houston.
“We came here the first time when he was 3 months old. It’s the perfect place to vacation as a family.”
The Hyatt Regency Lost Pines Resort & Spa offered Ciao Bambino complimentary accommodations to enable us to review the property. As always, all thoughts and opinions are our own.
