The Texas sun is smiling down once again. There is really only one way to beat the summer heat in the Lone Star State. All Texans should luxuriate in some form of water, whether it be a lake, river, ocean, or pool, with an ice-cold libation in hand.

Fortunately, we have everything you need to know on the top hotels for cooling off, including ones that feature a lazy rivers, city views, and even a party deck to while away those endless summer days.

Hyatt Regency Hill Country Resort and Spa | San Antonio

Considered one of the best pools in the country, the Hyatt Regency Hill Country Resort and Spa in San Antonio has everything guests could ever want and need to survive the Texas summer, and then some.

An oasis like no other, the resort is home to a five-acre water park that includes a 950-foot Ramblin’ River®, a year-round Texas pool, activity pool, kiddie pool, hot tubs, and a waterslide.

“The thing that sets ours apart is we are the first resort water park in Texas,” Marketing Communications Manager Katie Soltas said. “It was designed to look natural. In fact, it’s modeled after the Guadalupe River, so it has a dark bottom and sides to give it a natural feel and emulate the river.”

Combined with shady live oaks, Texas elms, mountain laurels, cypress trees, grassy areas, and even a sandy beach, the main attraction is the FlowRider® wave machine, where guests can try their hand at surfing and bodyboarding in a safe environment. “We have Flow Pros there to teach people,” Windflower Day Spa and Recreation Director Joe Herman said. “The first step is to bodyboard, and once that’s mastered, they graduate to standing up. During the summer, it’s non-stopped packed.”

The water park also features eight cabanas and two poolside restaurants, including one linked to the river that you can float up to, order a drink, and continue on your blissful way.

Although there is unequivocally something for everyone, including an adult-only pool, the water park is a blessing for families with children. “In my experience, working out there for the past five years, I think it’s the sort of feeling of safety and security that our guests love,” Herman said. “When they bring their kids here, they can let them go do their thing and know that they’re always going to be close enough to find.”

It is no wonder summers at the resort have become a tradition for some families, with sporting games, arts and crafts, movie nights on the lawn, and s’mores around the fire pit. Oh, and do not forget the spa!

The Joule | Dallas

On the other end of the spectrum, The Joule, an upscale boutique hotel in Dallas, offers a splash of daring with a pool that hangs over the edge of the tenth floor. A daring delight, the glass-fronted rooftop pool cantilevers eight feet beyond the exterior of the building, allowing swimmers an exhilarating taste of what it feels like to swim into the cityscape from the hotel’s edge.

The hotel itself is a visual masterpiece. It is a revitalized 1920s neo-Gothic landmark that features multi-story penthouses, gorgeous event spaces, exceptional dining, superb shopping experiences, as well as a subterranean spa.

This unique pool is part of the original footprint of The Joule, which went through a major renovation and expansion in 2014. The swimming pool and lounge area are an unexpected treat with extraordinary scenic views of Main Street and Downtown Dallas, not to mention the “Eye,” a 30-foot outdoor art installation across the street.

The hotel and pool are perfect for couples looking for a respite. Leave stress behind while relaxing in an intimate pool area (only open to guests) that offers poolside chaise lounges, a pool bar, and food and beverage service.

“It’s not open to the public, but we do host events there,” Vice President of Public Relations and Brand Marketing Jeny Bania said. “Bon Jovi had a Hampton Water rosé event there last spring, and Nick Jonas hosted a launch party for his new tequila.”

When asked about swimming in the hotel’s pool, Bania said, “At first it’s scary. It takes a minute for some people their first time, but once you get there, it’s pretty awesome overlooking downtown. There’s nothing else like this in Dallas.”

Marriott Marquis | Houston

If you are now fantasizing of a hotel with a lazy river on a rooftop, then Marriott Marquis Houston is where dreams come true. Located on the sixth floor of the hotel, the Parkview Terrace showcases an infinity pool and Texas-shaped lazy river.

“A bridge takes you across where you can walk through to chairs and loungers in the middle of the lazy river, as well as a splash pad in the center of it,” Marketing Coordinator Capra Fellows said. “Kids play in it; adults sit in it and have their drinks and stay nice and cool.”

A variety of rental options are available, including gazebos and cabanas complete with daybeds. At the back end of the terrace are two lawn areas as well as a covered pavilion. Guests can join in on some bocce ball, corn hole, or Jenga® GIANT™ Genuine Hardwood Game. If and when it gets chilly, there are two fire pits on-site.

You can also enjoy some refreshments from the High Dive, which offers a full bar and restaurant. Of course, if you are too relaxed to leave your lounger, do not worry; one of their signature piña coladas can almost magically appear in your hand in no time. However, you might want to take a break to dive into the High Dive Burger, which comes with double meat, bacon, cheese, high dive sauce, and caramelized onions.

“It’s one of the best in the hotel,” Fellows said. “We also have lighter options, such as loaded nachos and quesadillas with chicken or shrimp.”

“It’s one of the best in the hotel,” Fellows said. “We also have lighter options, such as loaded nachos and quesadillas with chicken or shrimp.”

“People love the pool area,” Fellows said. “A lot of times, it gets compared to a resort feel in the middle of Houston. It has a really different vibe with palm trees, gazebos, and cabanas. The lazy river is kind of a bucket list item for people.”

W Austin | Austin

If lazy rivers and overhang pools are not your jam, and you and your friends would prefer to socialize in the hot summer sun, the WET® Deck at W Austin is the premier destination for exciting activities and themed parties.

Located in the heart of the live music capital of the world with next-door access to the famed Austin City Limits music venue and views of the downtown skyline, W Austin is a hipster’s hangout. There is something for everyone, from the relaxing AWAY® Spa to the Records Room. This groovy area is a den-like hideout with a large fireplace, access to four hotel bars, and more than 8,000
vinyl records adorning the walls (which can be played on the vintage McIntosh Sound System in the Secret Bar). Then there is everyone’s favorite hotel feature – the WET® Deck!

“The WET® Deck has it all,” Director of Marketing Matthew Leavis said. “The cabana area is a more intimate social space, and the pool has a relaxed social vibe; locals and guests mingle well.”

With a long, expansive pool, the WET® Deck is truly the place to be for a happy hour swim or pool party, with live music or a deejay. Guests can enjoy the sunset at the Austin skyline from the deck, recline in designer chaise lounges, and enjoy private cabanas and kasbahs with a variety of delicious refreshments, from cocktails to appetizers ready and waiting at the Wet Bar.

On cooler evenings, there is also an outdoor fireplace for some cozy canoodling. Who is ready for a designer dip?

So which oasis called to you? Grab your swimsuit and let the lazy days of summer begin!