This 1983-vintage hotel turns its back on the rat race of nearby I-35 and transports guests to a surprisingly convincing Spanish colonial world. Huge, arched windows in the lobby open onto a landscaped and terraced courtyard, with pool and hot tub enclosed by six floors of arched walkways. Rooms are spanking clean, spacious, and decorated with plush, high-quality gold-and-cream fabrics, linens, and carpets. Bathrooms are large, with granite sinks. The free local shuttle transports you within a 1-mi radius. Pros: Charming, pseudo-grand-hotel atmosphere; close (but not too close) to highway. Cons: Few decent restaurants within walking distance; fee for parking, unusual for this area.
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