Staycation in the Big D

In reality, packing multiple suitcases, hauling the kids to the airport and fighting security lines only to learn the flight is delayed is not very relaxing. Road trips sound fun, but several hours in the car in this heat? Forget about it.

For a truly relaxing vacation, stay in town to explore your own backyard. Whether you have kids in tow or want a posh weekend away, the Big D is full of options for you to enjoy some much-needed time off without the hassle of travel.

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Art lovers looking for a posh place to rest their heads for a few nights should book a stay at The Joule. The swanky hotel is housed in a revitalized 1920s high-rise building. It has all the accouterments of a luxury hotel: award-winning artisan food, a full martini station, a world-class spa and dramatic art installations ($22 million worth scattered throughout the hotel), but the pool is where it is at. The rooftop pool juts out eight feet from the building's edge giving brave swimmers an underwater, bird's eye view of Downtown Dallas.

The hotel is a five-minute walk from the Dallas Arts District, also known as the largest arts district in the nation. With the Dallas Museum of Art, Nasher Sculpture Center, and the Crow Museum of Asian Art, you will have more than enough art viewing opportunities to fill a week or two.

The Hilton Anatole

The name of the game when vacationing with children is to find a destination to wear. them. out. It is the same when looking for the perfect staycation resort. If you have kids the Hilton Anatole is a no-brainer. Its three-acre mini-water park, JadeWaters, has a lazy river, two huge water slides, and a kid's splash area to help suck out every last bit of energy from your kids. If they get tired of the water, they can also enjoy a root beer garden party, glimmer tattoos, face painting, slime classes, and duck races. A 23-seat swim-up bar is fully stocked to help parents unwind while the kids are at their slime class.

Hotel ZaZa

Take an African safari, stay in a Texas oil baron's cowhide-decorated bedroom, or lounge around in a French parlor all without leaving Dallas. Hotel Zaza in Uptown offers 19 different style concept suites that allow guests to feel like they are staying in another country without leaving the hotel.

In addition to fun rooms, the pool scene is off the charts. Akin to Las Vegas's hotel pool scenes with a DJ spinning lounge music, breathtaking views of the Uptown skyline, and high-priced fruity cocktails. When you are not pulling an all-nighter poolside or lounging in your Persian carpet-draped suite, you can explore Uptown's high-end fashion boutiques, eccentric bistros, and hip craft cocktail bars.

Omni Hotel Dallas

For those who love both sports and history, the Omni Hotel Dallas is a great choice. The 23-story hotel is within walking distance of some of Dallas' best history spots like the JFK Memorial and the Sixth Floor Museum at Dealey Plaza. Once you have your fill of history, head back to the hotel's sports bar, The Owner's Box to catch a Rangers game.

If relaxation is the name of your game, head upstairs to lounge by the infinity pool before booking a treatment at the hotel's stunning Mokara Spa. In fact, there is nothing wrong with spending every moment of your staycation at the spa. Talk about a relaxing vacation.