San Antonio International Airport (SAT): Approximate driving time is 25 minutes and distance is 17 miles.

Driving directions from SAT: Follow signs to I-410 west, then take Rte 151 west. After about 3.5 miles, turn right on Hyatt Resort Dr.

Getting there: WorldTrans Charter is the hotel's guest transportation service. Airport transportation ($16–$25) should be reserved at least 24 hours in advance; contact the hotel for details. Taxis (more than $36) are also available, or guests can rent a car. (All fees subject to change without notice.)

Getting around: WorldTrans Charter offers transportation to downtown San Antonio (more than $36 round trip), and will also arrange private transportation to the theme parks (fees vary; contact the hotel for details). A rental car is a good option for guests planning to visit several destinations. Guest parking is included in the hotel's resort fee. (All fees subject to change without notice.)

Cactus Oak Tavern - This casual restaurant near the golf course overlooks the resort's three tennis courts. Serves grilled burgers, sandwiches, salads, and cold beverages. Pool table and TVs. Open morning through late afternoon.

Charlie's Long Bar - The resort's main watering hole is an authentic Texas saloon with a stamped-tin ceiling, 56-foot, copper-topped bar with cowhide bar stools, pool tables, darts, and a jukebox. Open evenings.

General Store - This combination take-out deli/grocery/sundries store sells a tempting array of freshly baked cookies, hard candies, gourmet coffee, made-to-order sandwiches for a hill-country picnic, and Texas jams, jellies, and sauces to take home. It also carries essentials such as diapers and detergent for the hotel's complimentary laundry facilities.

Hill Country Coffee Company - Located in the lobby, this coffee stand serves espresso drinks, fresh juices, and pastries. Open mornings and late afternoons.

Springhouse Cafe - A farmhouse café setting for a Texas-sized breakfast and lunch buffets. Aunt Mary's homemade cinnamon sticky buns are one of the specialties. Serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner and accommodates room service requests during limited hours.

Papa Ed's - Sandwiches, appetizers, grilled food, and cold drinks are on the menu at this poolside snack bar. Serves lunch and afternoon snacks.

Amenity highlights: A business center provides a wide range of services. The resort also offers an 18-hole championship golf course designed by Arthur Hills covering 170 acres, and a secluded day spa for pampering the weary. Guests can unwind with a lazy float-trip on the Ramblin' River, a 950-foot-long artificial river that winds through the grounds.

Insider tip: Photo opportunities abound on the resort's 200 wooded acres. A weathered wagon wheel swing for two is tucked away in a shady spot. Garden paths meander through old-growth trees, flowering cactuses, and shrubs. A busy birdbath and corncob bird feeder are standing room only. On the golf course, a retired windmill is now decorative folk art.

The Hill Country Golf Club's rugged 18-hole championship course, designed by Arthur Hills, covers 170 acres. The course has a clubhouse with old-fashioned wooden lockers, a well-stocked pro shop, and two restaurants. Golf carts are equipped with global positioning systems.

The resort's health club includes cardio machines, cross-trainers, free weights, a sauna, and a personal trainer. There are also three tennis courts, bicycle rentals, volleyball, and basketball. For children, Camp Hyatt offers activities including nature walks, arts and crafts, and outdoor games.

Guests can use the complimentary inner tubes or inflatable rafts and float the 950-foot-long Ramblin' River. The freeform pool has a cascading waterfall, and the children's pool has a sandy beach. Windflower Spa is tucked into a secluded area of the resort and offers spa treatments and a seasonal children's spa.