hill country escapes

Hill Country oasis makes list of best vacation rentals of 2025

An extraordinary resort-style home in the Austin-area suburb of Dripping Springs is the sole Texas property to make vacation rental company Vrbo's list of 2025 Vacation Rentals of the Year.

The fourth annual awards showcase 10 top vacation rentals in popular destinations around the country at various price points. More than 2 million U.S. properties were sorted based on their high ratings, positive guest reviews, standout amenities, and more.

This isn't the first time a Hill Country vacation rental has been featured; a breathtaking Dripping Springs riverfront hideaway was highlighted in Vrbo's 2023 list. In 2024, a modern retreat in Westlake (an Austin neighborhood) was the sole Texas property to make the cut.

Dripping Springs Social is a spacious nine-bedroom property located less than 250 miles south of Dallas, featuring panoramic views of the gorgeous Hill Country. The 6,070-square-foot primary residence can accommodate up to 20 people and includes luxurious amenities like a resort-style pool and hot tub, a grill, fire pit, three full RV hookups, a fully equipped kitchen, and much more.

Dripping Springs Social, Vrbo Vacation Rentals of the Year 2025, pool Watch the sun go down by the pool.Photo courtesy of Vrbo

The property has plenty of space for guests to stretch out by the pool, on one of the multiple balconies, or on the back patios.

"Laze your days away poolside or hang out in the beach cabanas for that extra touch of luxe," Vrbo says. "Enjoy almost 360-degree views of the wild countryside from the spacious back patio or the glorious hot tub."

The most impressive feature of the property is the dedicated entertainment barn. Guests can host movie nights or play video games using the built-in projector, play pool or shuffleboard, or play a round of poker at the convertible dining table. The barn also comes with plush seating areas, arcade games, a private kitchen and bar with a keg connection, a full-size fridge, and a separate ice maker.

The barn also contains a bedroom furnished with a queen-sized bed and XL twin bunk beds.

Dripping Springs Social, Vrbo Vacation Rentals of the Year 2025

Photo courtesy of Vrbo

The property has panoramic views of the Hill Country.

Dripping Springs Social, Vrbo Vacation Rentals of the Year 2025, entertainment barn The swanky entertainment barn is the go-to spot for parties.Photo courtesy of Vrbo

The property is located less than half an hour away from popular outdoor Hill Country attractions like Pedernales Falls State Park and Hamilton Pool Preserve. Dripping Springs also boasts several breweries, wineries, and other fun vacation activities.

"Travelers love that our rentals look like designer hotels but offer all of the amenities they enjoy at home — and then some!" said property owner GuestSpaces Vacation Rentals.

The average nightly cost for the rental is $2,188, making it an ideal destination for large groups or a corporate retreat.

"The vacation rentals on this year's list reflect nearly 300 10/10 guest ratings, experienced and dedicated hosts, and stunning spaces that offer the most requested amenities on Vrbo from private pools to fully equipped entertainment rooms," said Vrbo general manager Larry Plawsky in a press release.

The full list of Vrbo's 2025 Vacation Rentals of the Year are:

No. 1 – "Domus Pacis" in Seagrove Beach, Florida
No. 2 – "Deep Water Days" in Folly Beach, South Carolina
No. 3 – "Dripping Springs Social" in Dripping Springs, Texas
No. 4 – "Scottsdale Luxury Family Estate" in Paradise Valley, Arizona
No. 5 – "Under The Tram" in Jackson, Wyoming
No. 6 – "Heaven's Crown" in Gatlinburg, Tennessee
No. 7 – "Luxury A-Frame" in Bethel, Maine
No. 8 – "Woodpecker House" in Jewett, New York
No. 9 – "Lake Michigan Beach Estate" in Saugatuck, Michigan
No. 10 – "Villa Fabulosa" in Temecula, California

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hotel news

Grand Hyatt hotel at DFW Airport unveils $34 million renovation

Photo courtesy of Grand Hyatt DFW

All rooms at the Grand Hyatt DFW face the airport's runways.

The DFW Airport's on-site Terminal D hotel, Grand Hyatt DFW Airport, has just completed its $34 million renovation in less than a year.

Renovations began in July 2025 in celebration of its 20th anniversary, and coincided with the DFW Airport's ongoing $9 billion renovation plan. According to general manager Jeff Babcock, the hotel's transformation was a strategic process to show gratitude and "give back to the travelers and members of the community that supported [the hotel] during the last two decades."

"The entire renovation of the property solidifies our legacy as the premier hotel and event center supporting the international airport and connecting travelers to the Dallas Fort Worth culture and community,” Babcock says in a press release.

Among the shiny new features are the fully renovated guest rooms and suites (which have been increased from its original 298 rooms to 315), a "reimagined" Grand Met restaurant, and an updated 20,000-square-foot top-floor meeting and event space, executive board room, and an expansive indoor/outdoor rooftop flight-deck event space that overlooks the DFW Airport's runways.

Grand Hyatt DFW Airport hotel $34 million renovation, King Room In addition to new beds, stitched leather headboards, and integrated lighting, all guest rooms also feature large HD flat screen TVs and new charging ports.Photo courtesy of Grand Hyatt DFW

Photo courtesy of Grand Hyatt DFW

All rooms at the Grand Hyatt DFW face the airport's runways.

The Grand Hyatt also claims its renovated 6,600-square-foot ballroom makes the hotel "a leading conference destination and event center at DFW and around the area."

The hotel lobby remains just steps away from the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) Terminal D checkpoint, and was remodeled with "luxurious marble tile flooring, rich wooden paneling, and artwork created by local artists," the press release says. Additional upgrades were made to the on-site fitness center, which was relocated to the first-floor "to better accommodate health and fitness needs" and is now outfitted with Peloton bicycles.

"The transformation of Grand Hyatt DFW is a major milestone in the ongoing evolution of our airport and an investment in the experience we deliver to customers every day," says DFW CEO Chris McLaughlin in the release. "As one of the most consistently and highly awarded airport hotels, this property sets the standard for convenience, comfort and Southern hospitality. The reimagining of the property ensures it will continue to be a premier destination in North Texas and a powerful reflection of DFW’s commitment to excellence as we serve a growing global community."

Room rates at the Grand Hyatt DFW Airport begin at $296 for World of Hyatt Members, and standard rates begin at $329 per night in February.

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