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.

travel south padre island beach labor day holiday hill country destinations

Hotel reno

Luxury hotel near DFW Airport unveils major refresh and new dining

Photo courtesy of Ricardo Marriott

House of Toro is the new chophouse at The Ricardo Marriott.

A longtime Westlake luxury hotel is ready to unveil a major renovation and rebrand to the public: The former Marriott Westlake has reopened as The Ricardo Marriott, named for famed Mexican architect Ricardo Legorreta, the original designer of the hotel and its surrounding Solana Plaza.

According to a release, the 293-room property near DFW Airport recent underwent a multimillion-dollar renovation that included several new dining concepts and social spaces, along with new design elements, guest room refurbishments, and a pool refresh.

Dallas-based Coury Hospitality led the overhaul of the Marriott, Bonvoy Collection hotel.

"The Ricardo Marriott represents an exciting new chapter for this property,” said Andrew Casperson, President of Coury Hospitality, in a statement. “This transformation goes beyond a renovation. It reflects an intentional effort to honor the building’s architectural significance while introducing a renewed identity that is bold, design-driven, and reflective of Westlake’s evolving character.”

The renovations aimed to honor and augment Legorreta's original, 1987 design for the building and its campus, featuring his signature bold geometry and vibrant colors. (Legorreta's other well-known local building is the Fort Worth Museum of Science and History, which features similarly striking colors and shapes.)

"Legorreta’s architecture anchors the experience, creating a strong sense of arrival, while refreshed interiors introduce layered materials, contemporary furnishings and curated color that elevate the guest journey," says the release.

The centerpiece of the renovation are the food and beverage offerings:

A new restaurant called House of Toro Chophouse & Patio serves as the hotel’s signature chophouse.
Black Pearl Lounge offers cocktails, light bites, and tableside caviar service.
Solana Lounge & Kitchen provides all-day dining with breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
Café31 offers Lavazza coffees, fresh pastries, and grab-and-go options.

The hotel also features more than 15,000 square feet of updated meeting and event space, along with outdoor areas and a new-and-improved pool. The spaces are designed to accommodate a range of uses, from corporate meetings to weddings and social events, the release says.

The Ricardo Marriott is now open and welcoming guests, at 1301 Solana Boulevard, Building 3, Westlake.

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