With the lines blurred indoor and outdoor spaces, secluded cabanas just feet from all-the-rage bars, and skyline views paired with live music, each of Valencia Hotel Group hotels’ swimming areas was created with the overarching concept to be much more than just a pool.
#1 LONE STAR COURT
Rustic local flagstone paving surrounds the half-moon–shaped pool, and with the Water Trough bar and restaurant just a stone’s throw from the bright yellow loungers, your pool day doubles as experiencing the best of Austin: big blue-sky days and legendary live music
#2 HOTEL VALENCIA SANTANA ROW
Tucked away on the sun-kissed rooftop, overgrown flowers, plants, and recliners offer seclusion, but one gaze over the edge reveals Santana Row, San Jose’s buzzy shopping and dining district.
#3 TEXICAN COURT
Amidst the beautiful courtyard is a circular – styled swimming pool, a perfect nod to the nostalgic days when travel was an adventure.
#4 COTTON COURT
The pool and cabanas are local-inspired. The pool bar invites you for cocktails by the pool, and live music fills the air Thursday – Saturday at this urban retreat getaway. Steps away is the Midnight Shift Restaurant serving your favorite Texas-American-inspired cuisine.
#5 CAVALRY COURT
Sharp courtyard details and an overlaying grid design showcase a rigidity to represent the corps of cadets’ strong presence at Texas A&M in town, but luxury comforts are exuded through secluded cabanas, poolside service, and padded sunbeds.
#6 THE GEORGE
An illuminated pool lies center to the eventful courtyard, Indoor-to-outdoor spaces are shared with glass walls, and cocktail tables.
Here’s how some locals choose to experience the vast array of happenings that make this Golden State city so unique.
ROB KATCHER
Tech start-up Hiku Founder and CEO hiku.us
“Check out the San Pedro Square Market. It’s this little walkable area with shops and food and bars. They have live music on Fridays and Saturdays” sanpedrosquaremarket.com
FEI DEYLE
Lollipuff Co-founder and CEO
“The food scene in San Jose is highly competitive, but one of my favorites is the Claw Shack. They’re a Cajun restaurant, but I sense a little Asian influence as well. Try the garlic noodles and shrimp with the Shambalang sauce to see what I mean.” clawshack.com
CATHERINE FALLIS
Planet Grape Master Sommelier planetgrape.com
“Enoteca La Storia is a new, classic Italian wine bar in Little Italy near the SAP Center. People know the owner, Michael Guerra, as a super-nice, humble guy, which is what you want to find in a wine bar.”enotecalastoria.com
The capital of Texas may be known for its thriving live music venues and adored “keep Austin weird” motto, but just 25 minutes from the bustling downtown area sits Northwest Austin. A quieter part of the city home to grassy parks, The Domain (see below), eateries, and the fun-meets-funky Lone Star Court – our new-age motor court with a decidedly modern and high-design twist. Here’s our quick take on what to experience in each compass direction that will fill your days with new and authentic Austin adventures
NORTH: The Domain
To find the perfect keepsake from your Austin visit, you’ll want to make your way through the Domain where you can select from over 70 shops like nationally known Tiffany and Co. and Louis Vuitton to local boutiques. When you need a break from the shopping, stop in to one of the many restaurants, bars, and coffee shops lining the parklike setting for some much needed fuel, from sushi to homemade Italian. 11410 Century Oaks Terrace, 512-873-8099, simon.com/mall/the-domain
SOUTH: Franklin BBQ, 25 minute drive
You know a place has good food when their hours are listed as “11 a.m.–sold out,” often not even reaching late afternoon before the day’s stock of brisket, ribs, and coleslaw have been devoured. Just 12 years old, Franklin BBQ has already won dozens of culinary awards for their classically honed Southern menu. Get a pulled pork sandwich and ribs in-house, and a bourbon pecan pie to go.
900 E 11th Street, 512-653-1187, franklinbbq.com
EAST: Circle Brewing Co., 3 minute drive
There is no denying that Austin’s craft beer scene is thriving; the number of breweries in the city has more than doubled since 2010.
So, if you’re feeling a little overwhelmed about which of the 30 to check out, start near your home base. Circle Brewing Co., less than a mile from Lone Star Court, offers all you’d want in a brewery: outside seating, a cozy bar, a knowledgeable staff, fun crowds, and of course, a copious selection of beer. 2340 W Braker Lane, Suite B,
WEST: OASTHOUSE, 24 minute drive
Owned by two brothers who also happen to be the veteran chefs, this authentic restaurant serves up a cuisine different than any other in the area – German- inspired pub fare with a Texas spin. Stop in for their brunch for a taste of their popular Currywurst (eggs poached in tomato and carmelized onion gravy), or later on for a decadent dessert, like their seasonal crumble with a candy store’s–worth of optional toppings like bananas, brown sugar, and toasted pecans. 8300 N FM 620, Unit E, 737-222-5779,oasthouseaustin.com
Four Valencia thresholds that are more than just passageways
#1 IRVING’S FAMED PINK DOORS TO THE COURTYARD
The vibrant color serves as an accent to the Spanish mission architecture style. (Texican Court Hotel, Irving, TX)
#2 SAN JOSE’S GLASS COURTYARD DOORS
These European glass doors and canopy transport you from Silicon Valley to a bustling plaza in the heart of Spain. (Hotel Valencia Santana Row, San Jose, CA)
#3 AUSTIN’S ANTIQUE PUBLIC SPACE DOORS
The contrast of rustic and refined wood and brick is found in this common space’s entryway. (Lone Star Court, Austin, TX)
#4 SAN ANTONIO’S TERRACE DOORS
The riverside suites’ French terrace doors with plantation-style slats let you look out to the River Walk without those on the other side looking in. (Hotel Valencia Riverwalk, San Antonio, TX)
Rocking Chairs
Centralized green spaces and pools were the hallmark of the motor lodges that inspired the Courts by Valencia Hotel Group. These boldly painted chairs give guests a conformable seat to enjoy the common area just outside of each guest room.
Lone Star Court
Austin, TX
Cavalry Court
College Station, TX
Texican Court
Las Colinas, TX
Cotton Court Hotel
Lubbock ,TX
SMEG Refrigerators
Fully stocked with local snacks and plenty of throwback charm, these refrigerators go beyond – way beyond – the traditional mini-bar in every room at all courts by Valencia Hotel Group.
Lone Star Court
Austin, TX
Cavalry Court
College Station, TX
Texican Court
Las Colinas, TX
Cotton Court Hotel
Lubbock ,TX
NEON SIGNS
Neon marquees at the Courts immediately evoke warm images of roadside motor lodges and playful soda fountains to travelers.
Lone Star Court
Austin, TX
Cavalry Court
College Station, TX
Texican Court
Las Colinas, TX
Cotton Court
Lubbock,TX
#1 BUDDY HOLLY MURAL BY MAKSIN KOLOSKOV (Cotton Court, Lubbock, TX)
Guests are welcomed into a lobby reminiscent of a historic cotton exchange with all the deconstructed luxury of the exchange trading floor. The double height space is anchored by a large chalkboard similar to an old futures board with numeric patterns rearranged into a portrait of Buddy Holly.
#2 FLAMENCO DANCERS BY JAMIE AND JEREMY WELLS (Hotel Valencia Santana Row, San Jose, CA)
Caricatures of flamenco dancers twirl across the walls of each floor’s elevator lobby to give the hotel an unmistakable Spanish charm.
#3 TWO MULES MURAL by MAKSIM KOLOSKOV (Texican Court, Irving, TX)
Painted to resemble the roadside signage prevalent on restaurants buildings throughout small towns in west Texas. It is made to look sun faded like it has been backed by the Texas sun.
#4 BILLY BY MELINDA BUIE (Lone Star Court, Austin, TX)
Texas’ oil-painting-in-the-lobby tradition gets a playful pop art kick.
#5 THE FLOCK BY GONZO247 AND TEXAS PRIDE BY THEDRA CULLAR-LEDFORD (The George, College Station, TX)
Animal sculptures tagged by local graffiti artist GONZO247 and a floor-to-ceiling bookcase that invokes the state flag are among the hotel’s many Texas-themed installations.
THREE VALENCIA HOTEL GROUP PROPERTIES NAMED AMONG THE BEST IN THE COUNTRY
BY U.S. NEWS & WORLD REPORT
Luxury Properties in San Jose, San Antonio, and College Station
Rank in the Top of Their Markets
SAN ANTONTIO, TX. – February 8, 2022 –Valencia Hotel Group is proud to announce that three of their hotel properties, including Hotel Valencia Santana Row, Hotel Valencia Riverwalk, and Cavalry Court were recognized as gold and silver badge winners by U.S. News & World Report’s Best Hotels in the USA 2022 lists as top luxury hotel offerings in their respective cities. The annual U.S. News & World Report travel rankings are based on an analysis of expert and user opinions taking into account reputation among professional travel experts, guest reviews and hotel class ratings.
Hotel Valencia Riverwalk was ranked as #5 in San Antonio and #29 in Texas making this gem of a hotel a gold badge recipient. As described by U.S. News and World Report, “This trendy see-and-be-seen enclave on San Antonio‘s River Walk attracts the hippest and wealthiest lodgers. Dorrego’s restaurant set the chic tone of the property, as stylish guests and locals sip impressive cocktails. The guest rooms are just as elegant: The European-style accommodations center around a cozy bed and feature deluxe amenities like flat-screen TVs, complimentary Wi-Fi, Egyptian cotton linens and private bars.”
Hotel Valencia Santana Row was named the #1 hotel in San Jose, California and recipient of the silver badge. U.S. News and World Report says, “Travelers describe this boutique hotel as cozy and romantic, and couples enjoyed bedding down in the trendy guest rooms, which are dressed in leather furnishings, custom beds and 50-inch flat-screen TVs. The free Wi-Fi access and business center make it easy to stay connected. When you’re not out exploring the area or craving some alone time, visitors suggest indulging in drinks at the swanky Vbar or a meal at the on-site Cielo rooftop bar, open seasonally.”
Cavalry Court was rated the #2 in College Station, Texas as the silver badge winner, According to U.S. News and World Report, “Across the street from Texas A&M University’s campus, the Cavalry Court sits near the center of the action in College Station, Texas. There are numerous restaurants, shops and attractions within walking distance of this boutique hotel, and both Kyle Field (home to the Texas A&M Aggies football team) and The Golf Club at Texas A&M are less than 2 miles away. However, you don’t need to leave this property for entertainment, as the hotel features an on-site bar and grill with live music in the evenings Friday and Saturday. Cavalry Court also boasts an array of additional amenities, including a courtyard with Ping-Pong tables and an outdoor pool with cabanas.”
Roy Kretschmer, VP Of Operations for Valencia Hotel Group said, “Valencia Hotel Group has an intentional focus on our associates who are trained to deliver attentive and outstanding service. With pivotal moments in the hospitality industry over the past two years moving from less high touch and more high tech, we focus on training in a service-oriented culture. We proudly offer a sense of place at our hotels with unique amenities and exceptional locations providing an experience with the best that our cities have to offer that includes destinations providing an array of restaurant, retail and entertainment offerings.”
About Valencia Hotel Group
Houston-based Valencia Hotel Group is a fully integrated hospitality company that provides management, development, branding and repositioning services for independent, full-service hotels owned by the company, in addition to third parties. Exceptional service, style and location have become brand trademarks. Earning both national and international recognition for their distinctive designs, amenities and settings, Valencia Hotel Group properties are destinations and gathering places within their respective communities, some further benefitting from and enriching their space within the cultural heart of a city. The company continues to forge a niche with hotels that anchor and add value to urban, mixed-use environments, which further support or enhance the guest experience with superior residential, restaurant, retail and office components. The associates at Valencia Hotel Group are highly trained in a service-oriented culture and take pride in providing exceptional customer service to all guests. The Valencia Hotel Group portfolio currently includes: Hotel Valencia Santana Row in San Jose, CA, Hotel Valencia Riverwalk in San Antonio, TX, and The George™ in College Station, TX. The Court concept brands include Lone Star Court in Austin, TX, Cavalry Court in College Station, TX, Texican Court in Irving, TX and Cotton Court in Lubbock, TX. For more information, please visit www.valenciahotelgroup.com.
College Station is more than just a college town, though Texas A&M University’s impressive brick buildings and green spaces are everywhere you look. Leave the front doors of either The George or Cavalry Court, the latest boutique hotels from Midway and Valencia Hotel Group, located within the restaurant and shop-laden Century Square development, and you’ll find excitement within a half-hour sojourn in any direction.
NORTH: HURRICANE HARRY’S, 3 minute walk
Classic Texas fun on a student budget, this lively country bar’s two large dance floors are College Station’s premier place for adults and Aggie students alike to strut their two-step skills or enjoy a rotating lineup of regional and national musicians.
313 College Avenue, 979-846-3343, harrys.bcsclubs.com
SOUTH: KYLE FIELD, 25 minute walk
This is the 102,512-seat home of the Aggies’ three-time national champion football program, which cranks out future National Football League stars on an annual basis. It’s one of the liveliest stadiums in the sport, and even when it stands empty, you’ll be able to get out on the field and practice your patter in the announcers’ booth during daily guided tours.
161 Wellbourn Road, 888-992-4443, 12thman.com
EAST: PUBLIC & MAIN, 18 minute walk
Public & Main goes by the motto of “dine, drink and play.” The food menu consists of casual pub cuisine with riffs on classic Texas comfort food, wood-fired pizza, brunch, and gourmet cinnamon rolls. Public & Main also offers a place to play featuring arcade games, ping pong, air hockey, and weekly ping pong tournaments. 4401 South Texas Ave, 979-977- 6246, publicandmain.com
WEST: MO’S IRISH PUB, 3 minute walk
Located inside Century Square, Mo’s eschews over-the-top Irish trappings in favor of a straightforward pub where you can rest your elbows on the bar, sip good whiskey, and catch some live music. Come game day, spicy Jameson-glazed burgers and a wall of flat-screen TVs make Mo’s the best place to watch the Aggies if you’re not in the stands. Century Square, mosirishpub.com