SAN ANTONIO
Woodbine Development Corporation has announced details of a $35 million expansion and renovation of its Hyatt Regency Hill Country Resort and Spa in San Antonio. The project will essentially double the resort's indoor function space, triple its pre-function space, add new outdoor function space, enhance and freshen guestrooms and landscaping, as well as expand the ever-popular water park to include a FlowRider® wave machine and a tower slide. The entire project will be completed by fall 2013, with portions of the project completed in the spring of 2013. The resort opened in February 1993 and will celebrate 20 years of successful operation in 2013.
The resort's indoor function space is being increased from approximately 35,000 square feet to approximately 70,000 square feet, including the addition of a 20,000-square-foot ballroom. Guests will access the new space either through the existing function space corridors or via a new motor court and separate entrance. The grand ballroom will be divisible into eight breakout rooms, each with its own entrance. Generous pre-function space will be added and connected to the existing Hill Country Ballroom space, as well.
Exterior function space added with the expansion includes a 7,260-square-foot landscaped courtyard, complete with a Texas-sized, stacked limestone working fireplace. Additionally, a 5,000-square-foot event lawn will be connected to the new ballroom and promises to be a spectacular venue for such events as an outdoor awards dinner, upscale reception or afternoon team-building event.
The ballroom addition includes a motor court with separate entrance where guests will have the opportunity to be dropped off curbside. The meeting space will be completed in fall 2013.
CLASSIC-MODERN ACCOMMODATIONS
All 500 guestrooms and suites will be transformed into classic modern accommodations, with a Texas Hill Country twist. Wimberly Interiors' design inspiration was the natural beauty of the Texas Hill Country, blending the charming rustic aesthetic with a tailored palette and refined details. The addition of new Hyatt Grand Bed mattresses, complete re-tiling of the tub surrounds, a decoratively framed and well-lit mirror with freestanding, oversized, granite-top vanity, are just a few of the features to be offered in every room
The guestroom corridors will provide a journey for the guest along a trail that is inspired by natural elements, with textured wall coverings that give homage to the lasso – one of the rancher's most important tools; bronzed metal wall sconces that reflect shadows similar to sunlight streaming through the native Live Oak trees; and carpeting that is evocative of a creek that is blanketed with freshly fallen leaves.
WATER PARK EXPANSION
An additional phase of the enhancement project will really make waves among the hotel's leisure guests. A wave machine and tower slide will be added to the resort's water playground, which is being expanded from four acres to five acres.
Hill Country will become the first Texas hotel and only one of three hotels in the United States to have a FlowRider® wave machine on its property. The exciting new attraction simulates a "barrel-less" wave; complete with a sloped wave surface with 40,000 gallons of water being driven up at a rate of about 18,000 gallons per minute.
In addition to the wave machine, the resort is adding a 22-foot-tall tower slid for guests ages 5 and up.
The wave pool and slide area will be surrounded by an extensive deck with seating and plenty of room for spectators, and an area for guests to pick up refreshments and snacks. The complex also will include a combination restroom and changing area.
The final enhancements to the resort include extensive exterior landscaping and energy-efficient LED lighting. Lighting of the public walkways and the up-lighting of native Live Oak trees will give the resort additional illumination and a beautiful glow in the evening. Retaining walls are being added to reduce soil erosion in key areas, and throughout the resort a professional arborist is assisting with the replacement of invasive plant and tree species with native Texas plants that are heat tolerant and drought resistant.
