self-park ($10.00), or valet-park ($20.00). Since we were not going out again until we checked-out the next day, we had the valet park our car. It made it much easier to walk into the hotel lobby, with the bellhop in tow, pushing the luggage cart. After all, we were on vacation!

The lobby of the hotel is quite spacious and reminiscent of a Hill Country home, but on a much larger scale. White limestone and dark woods are used throughout, with various seating groups of hand-tooled leather armchairs and cowhide coffee tables. People were visiting or enjoying the ambiance of the lobby as we went to check-in.

Registration was fast and painless. I had already paid for the room on-line, so the hotel just needed an imprint of my credit card. The service was fast, efficient and friendly.
 

On the way to our room, I noticed a massive archway in the lobby that led to a courtyard. Lush landscaping could be glimpsed beyond the lobby. Then it hit me – there were no doors separating the lobby from the courtyard. How in the world could they cool the lobby and have it be open to the outside? The answer to that question was simple - the courtyard was not outside! Instead, it is actually an atrium that is “gynormous” (as my nine-year old daughter loves to say). The hotel’s website claims that there are 4 ½ acres under the atrium roof.

We had found nirvana in Texas – 4 ½ acres of the most beautiful landscaping and gardens you have ever seen. And all of it air-conditioned!

We walked and walked to our room, admiring the décor and lighting. I began to wonder about the location, when the bellhop announced, “We’re here.” I was about to ask how we could change our room location, when he opened the door and smiled.

We had lucked out! It was a large corner room, with windows on two walls. There was one queen size bed, with a spacious sitting area and plenty of room for a cot. The bathroom was beautiful and we had a splendid view – what more could you ask for?

After relaxing a bit, we went down to the atrium. It is divided into three parts – the Riverwalk, the Lone Star Atrium, and the Hill Country. Since our room was closest to the Riverwalk, we decided to explore that part first.

Down a flight of stairs, you find a wonderful recreation of San Antonio’s famed Riverwalk. It is much smaller of course, but the plants, the sidewalk and the entire ambiance create the illusion that you are standing next to the real thing. The Gaylord’s version contains koi of all shapes, sizes and colors – much to the delight of the children who tugged on their parents’ hands for a better look.

The 25,000 square foot spa and fitness center are located next to the Riverwalk. The large indoor pool is also here, as well as the start of the jogging trail. Since our goal was to stay inside as much as possible, we did not venture out onto the trail. Better to save that experience for the fall!

A bridge that is a close replica of one spanning the real Riverwalk takes you to the Riverwalk Café. All of the tables are outside and you can enjoy your meal next to the water while watching all of the tourists stroll by.

The Riverwalk Café has an unusual format – it is $28.00 per adult and $12 per child and then you eat as much as you want from the 6 different food stations. Although this is a buffet-style meal, the food is delicious. From the sumptuous salads to the main meal of pecan encrusted pork tenderloin or baked salmon, there is enough variety to satisfy everyone in your party. The menu changes every day, so be sure to check the website for that day’s fare.

After dinner, we strolled back toward the center of the resort – the Lone Star Atrium. The soaring glass ceiling and lush landscaping envelop you in a vibrant world of plants, flowers and space. Around every turn is a new surprise – either a spectacular flowerbed arrangement or a set of trains that travel around a very unusually shaped track. And did I mention that it was air-conditioned?

There are shows every hour at different places in the atrium. We met Mike the Monkey (actually, Lauren met him when she was asked to come out of the audience and throw him a ball), heard stories from a real cowboy, and sat next to the “Golden Cowboy.” Later that night, there was a spectacular acrobatic show that was similar to Cirque du Soleil marvelous aerial feats. The entertainment was fun, unusual and made you feel that you were definitely on vacation!

The Gaylord Texan is a great place to take the family. There are many other great amenities that could not be covered in this article (restaurants, shops, outdoor movies, etc.) Check out the rooms, the rates, and the other amenities at their website: www.gaylordhotels.com/gaylordtexan

And then – point and click, pack your bags and go!

FAST FACTS ABOUT THE GAYLORD: