where the locals stay

Texas beach town tops Airbnb list of 'best Labor Day getaways'

South Padre Island is a top destination city booked by locals on Airbnb during Labor Day.

Photo courtesy of Visit South Padre Island

What's the point of going out of state for the Labor Day holiday, when there's plenty of fun and relaxation to be had at home in Texas? A new Labor Day travel trends report from Airbnb has revealed the top destinations where Dallasites can make the most of their three-day weekend, and the options span from a revitalizing North Texas "staycation" to a seaside trip down on the coast.

Airbnb discovered that stays booked within 300 miles from home have nearly doubled over the last five years. And here's one other discovery they made: Local travel rates have grown twice as fast as long-distance travel.

During the first half of 2024, more than half of all Airbnb stays in Texas were booked by in-state residents, and that trend shows no sign of slowing down as the year continues.

South Padre Island was listed among Airbnb's top destinations booked by Texans for last-minute Labor Day road trips. The tropical paradise has something for everyone, from family-friendly resorts like Margaritaville (which celebrated its one-year anniversary in June) to outdoor recreational activities like dolphin watching, fishing, horseback riding, and more.

Horseback riding on South Padre Island Start or end the day with a fun horseback ride over the dunes on South Padre Island.Photo courtesy of Visit South Padre Island

Many Texas-based Airbnb guests were particularly enamored of a three-bedroom, two-bathroom townhouse that's within a two-minute walk to public beach access on the island. The home can accommodate up to eight guests, and there's a shared outdoor pool on-site for those who want to have some extra swim time.

If a beach trip isn't in the cards this year, the Hill Country is always a suitable alternative destination. Airbnb shared that Dallas roadtrippers adored "The Casita at Scenic Loop" in northwest San Antonio. This cozy tiny home can accommodate up to four guests, and the abode's location on two acres of land allows for some secluded downtime while still being away from the city.

Visitors are welcome to explore the area, which encompasses four total acres, and they may make some new animal friends during their stay.

"You can feed the deer, Wilbur, the pig, or our big red dog named Blue," the listing says. "Our cats, Earl and Birdie may come check you out!"

Two other highly sought after staycation destinations most loved by Dallasites are:

"Gorgeous Spacious Safe & Quiet Stay" – A three-bedroom home in Frisco (29 miles north of Dallas)
"Charming Victorian Home" – A historic three-bedroom home in Rockwall (26 miles northeast of Dallas)

"By using Airbnb to travel locally, guests can discover off-the-beaten path destinations close to home, all while saving time and money," the report said. "Families can forgo pricey flights, spend more time relaxing rather than coordinating logistics, and find a unique Airbnb listing that offers an experience in and of itself."

Other top Labor Day travel destinations, according to Airbnb, are:

Louisville, Kentucky
Flagstaff, Arizona
Providence, Rhode Island
Somerville, Massachusetts
Syracuse, New York
Big Bear Lake, California
New Haven, Connecticut
North Topsail Beach, North Carolina
Ocean City, New Jersey

The report can be found on news.airbnb.com.

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Hotel News

Hotel Indigo chain debuts new property on Las Colinas' Mandalay Canal

Courtesy

Hotel Indigo Irving - Las Colinas

A new hotel has opened in Irving: The anticipated Hotel Indigo Irving - Las Colinas, now open at 455 E John W Carpenter Fwy, along the scenic Mandalay Canal.

Hotel Indigo Irving - Las Colinas is owned and managed by Shreem Capital, a Dallas-based real estate investment firm that specializes in the acquisition, development, and management of opportunistic and trendsetting hotel properties.

Hotel Indigo Irving - Las Colinas is part of InterContinental Hotels Group and represents the third Indigo hotel in DFW, following one downtown Dallas and another that opened in Frisco in WHEN.

Hotel Indigo Irving - Las Clinas has the following elements:

151 rooms
5,300-plus square feet of event space
a fitness center equipped with state-of-the-art exercise machines
two on-site restaurants
an infinity pool

Design
Crafted by Studio 11 Design, Hotel Indigo Irving - Las Colinas stands as a tribute to the legacy of the Carpenter family, whose influence resonates throughout the hotel’s interior spaces.

The rooms feature dynamic lighting, soft curves, textures that celebrate the original landscape.

The design also pays homage to European artistry, with: tile patterns reminiscent of classic styles and a layout that draws parallels to the meandering waterways of Italy.

Accommodations
The 151 guest rooms feature plush bedding, hardwood-style flooring, spa-inspired showers, workstations, coffee makers, mini-fridges, laptop safes, and a 55-inch flat-screen smart TV with cable for streaming entertainment. Bathrooms feature glass-enclosed spa-like showers and Zenology bath products.

The Presidential Hospitality Suites and Executive Suites feature floor-to-ceiling windows with views of the Mandalay Canal and wrap-around balconies. The Presidential Suites can expand into a three-bedroom accommodation with connecting rooms, and the Executive Suites can become a two-bedroom retreat.

Food & Beverage
There are four food & beverage destinations at the hotel:

Kleo is the main restaurant, helmed by Executive Chef Nicolas Linardi of modern Mediterranean menu food that includes sabream with matbucha and saffron rice; Grecian Chicken, with oregano, sumac, lemon, and tabbouleh; lamb meatballs with feta, mint, yogurt, and pine nuts; and Caesar salad with baby Romaine wedge, tahini Caesar dressing, tabbouleh, and crispy bulgur.
Kleo Patio has floor-to-ceiling glass walls that frame the Infinite Pool Garden. This design allows diners to easily transition between indoor and outdoor experiences, enhancing the feel of dining immersed in nature.
Kleo Bar has a wrap-around layout and intimate lighting, serving cocktails like the signature Tzatziki Martini, a blend of dill-infused gin, blanc vermouth, cucumber, black lemon bitters; Turkish Fire Drill with vodka, Kahlua, and Turkish coffee; Forbidden Fruit with spiced apple bourbon, pomegranate juice, lemon, and star anise.
La Serie Lobby Café is a casual coffee and dessert shop with cappuccino, croissants, and Danish.

Fitness & Wellness
A 1,100-square-foot fitness center has elliptical machines, free weights, stair stepper machines, stationary bicycles, and treadmills, with large windows that fill the space with natural light.

Meetings & Events
Hotel Indigo Irving - Las Colinas has indoor and outdoor event space that can accommodate gatherings of up to 300. There's a 3,100-square-foot upscale ballroom; and a smaller boardroom.

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