Category Archives: Hotels

Texas Day Trip to the Baker Hotel

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Mineral Wells, Texas, Hotel, Haunted, Historic Landmark

Mineral Wells, Texas is known for their mineral water or “crazy water”. In this small town just west of Fort Worth, business was booming. People were traveling from near and far hoping to get their hands on this water that claimed to heal them of their ailments. After money was raised in a community effort, ground breaking began for what would be known as the Baker Hotel in 1926.

The hotel was magnificent, so they say. It did hold the first swimming pool at a hotel in Texas after all. Once completed in 1929, the structure would be 14 stories high, 450 guest rooms, two ballrooms, a bowling alley, gymnasium and of course the pool. Cost: $1.2 million (in 1929). The lights and fans were all controlled by the room key, ice water circulated to all of the guest rooms, valet laundry was available. The hotel prospered, visited by celebrities (Lucille Ball) and Presidents alike (Lyndon B. Johnson).

Mineral Wells, Texas, Hotel, Haunted, Historic Landmark

Over the years, the hotel changed owners (and investors) and slowly declined in business. At one time, the Baker hotel housed infantry soldiers when Fort Wolters opened nearby. In 1979, the hotel closed doors for the last time and has since been sitting vacant and the victim of vandalism.

Mineral Wells, Texas, Hotel, Haunted, Historic Landmark

If you research news the hotel, you will see there are plans of a renovation although I’m sure it was cost a unimaginable sum. You will also find photos from within the building. There’s also been numerous ghost hunters who have visited this hotel. Keep in mind, many people who were sick with disease and dying came to this hotel in hopes of a cure – some never left.

Today, if driving through Mineral Wells, it’s hard to miss this monster of a building. It towers above all. You can stop, walk around the building and take photos however it’s marked no trespassing. The pool sits next to the hotel, lifeguard stand is still there, waiting for new visitors.

Mineral Wells, Texas, Hotel, Haunted, Historic LandmarkMineral Wells, Texas, Hotel, Haunted, Historic Landmark Mineral Wells, Texas, Hotel, Haunted, Historic Landmark

Mineral Wells, Texas, Hotel, Haunted, Historic Landmark Mineral Wells, Texas, Hotel, Haunted, Historic Landmark Mineral Wells, Texas, Hotel, Haunted, Historic Landmark

Have you ever visited or driven by the Baker Hotel? Do you know of any stories?

Activities at Hyatt Lost Pines

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It’s officially summertime and what a better point to take some time off and just run away from the world for a bit. Whether you are staying at the Hyatt Lost Pines for a day or two, or even a week, chances of getting bored are slim to none. The resort provides a magnitude of activities, no matter what who you are with or what your age. Singles, couples, families and for group stays, the opportunities are endless.

When I walked into the resort, I immediately felt at home. Who wouldn’t love this orange couch?! Makes you just want to settle down and pull out a good book or catch up with some friends.

If you’re not quite sure where to begin, the Hyatt Lost Pines helps you out. They have an activities desk located right next to the main lobby. Not only do they have a board with the daily activities and time, but they will help you schedule whatever it is that you’d like to do. Horseback riding, a massage, zip lining, canoeing, the options are endless. Take advantage.

Speaking of endless opportunities, let’s talk about a few….

The gardens. There are two gardens right outside the main rooms that you can walk around, smell the flowers and even sit down and just take a breather.

Of if you’re lucky enough, these three seats will be available overlooking the river.
Disc golf and basketball are right at the bottom of the hill if you’re looking for some friendly competition.
Bike rentals are also available if you’d rather hop on to ride around the resort. If you prefer to take a walk in the woods, I definitely recommend hitting the trails!
(Photo credit: Hyatt Regency Lost Pines)
McKinney Roughs Nature Park and the Renegade Trailhead are right next door to the resort. Here you can go rafting, canoe, zip lining, horseback riding and even take shooting lessons, just to name a few.
(Photo credit: Hyatt Regency Lost Pines)

If you’d rather just lay next to a pool instead of jumping into the river, well they can help you out there as well. Slides, pools and even a lazy river could keep you cool from the Texas sun all afternoon.

(Photo credit: Hyatt Regency Lost Pines)
Let’s not forget about golf. The Hyatt Lost Pines has a beautiful Wolf Dancer Golf Course. Granted, I wasn’t able to golf while I was there, some of the views of this area are fantastic. From what I hear, the golf course is one that you must play at least once! You can also schedule golf lessons with one of four PGA professionals.
 
(Photo credit: Hyatt Regency Lost Pines)
Speaking of views….
(Photo credit: Hyatt Regency Lost Pines)
If golf isn’t your thing, or your significant other is out on hitting the greens, the Spa Django is right next door waiting for you.
(Photo credit: Hyatt Regency Lost Pines)
Animals are prominent on the resort. These are the Percheron horses that lead the wagon ride, daily. Hop onboard to enjoy a tour of the grounds and learn a little bit about these 2,000 lb. horses (double the size of a “normal” horse).
Also, you will find llamas and a pair of longhorns. I’ve never seen a black and white longhorn (and we all know how much I love cows), so I was pretty happy.
If all that doesn’t tire you out by the end of the night, head over the Sheller’s Barrelhouse Bar. Enjoy a cold one, sit back and listen to some great local music. I happened to be there when Steven Dolster and Phillip Gibbs came in from Austin. Great Americana music.
(A couple more videos from that night can be found, here.)
My stay at the Hyatt Lost Pines was far too short to enjoy all the activities available all in one swoop. What I could attend, was beyond phenomenal and I highly recommend the Hyatt Lost Pines for any kind of function. If you are interested in learning more about the opportunities and activities available at the resort, please check out their website.
Related Posts:

Hyatt Lost Pines Resort and Spa
Most Historic Small Town In Texas
Exploring Nature at the Hyatt Lost Pines
Comfort & Beauty – Room Overview
Firewheel Cafe at the Hyatt Lost Pines

Disclaimer: I was not compensated but did receive one night’s stay at the Hyatt Regency Lost Pines Resort and Spa in return for this post. All photos and opinions are 100% my own

Hyatt Lost Pines – The Food

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I’ve mentioned quite a bit about how beautiful and fun the outdoor atmosphere is at the Hyatt Lost Pines but I’m leaving something incredibly important out… the food (and I’m not even kidding.)

The Hyatt Lost Pines have a few dining options at their resort. I had the please of eating at the Firewheel Café and if you have the opportunity to dine there, do not pass it up!

When walking into the restaurant, as with the rest of the resort, you get the outdoors, indoors. It is especially apparent in the restaurant with large windows and special features throughout. One of the special features is the painted glass windows featuring some of the native flowers in the area (painted by a local artist). You will find yourself looking at them. They’re beautiful. Comfortable, relaxing, perfect for a solo, couple or family / group meal.

To get the most out of what was to offer (so I could share it with all of you) – I got the buffet. For $24.99, this all you can eat feast is well worth the price (if not for the dessert alone) and allows you to try a little bit of everything.

Warning: Do not judge by the amount of food that I tried (and I did go hiking prior to dinner so I’ll use that as an excuse of how I burned up an appetite).

Salad Bar – Everything is prepared. Three types of leafs, mushrooms, green peppers, tomatoes, sliced cucumbers, carrots, eggs, croutons and by all means try out the raspberry vinaigrette!

Bread and Cheese – Three types of breads, two types of cheese. I mean, you really can’t go wrong with bread and cheese.

Main Dishes and Sides
Sweet Potato Casserole – This.Was.Perfection. The absolute best sweet potato casserole I’ve ever had. Sweet, but not overly sweet and was as smooth as could be.

Meats
Grilled Salmon was well done, flaky and moist.
Grilled Chicken
Sliced Beef – We are in Texas, right? It was extremely moist and I suggest pairing it with the BBQ sauce.

Soups
Jalapeno Corn Chowder – Creamy, creamy and delicious. I’ve noticed this as a Texas staple since I’ve moved here so everyone from out-of-state must try. When in Texas, do as the Texans do.

Baked Potato Bar
I think this may have been the first time I’ve seen this at a buffet (or maybe I just don’t frequent enough buffets). Regular baked potato or a sweet baked potato with all the fixings. I didn’t have enough room to try this but I’m going to take a guess and say it was pretty tasty. When is a loaded baked potato not savory? … Exactly.

Dessert
Don’t judge.
I have a sweet tooth and well, I have a sweet tooth. To be honest, I’m pretty sure I tried almost all of these. I mean, a girl can taste right (plus don’t forget I went hiking prior to dinner). Plus, all the desserts were in the “Mini” version, so it’s ok, right?!

Red velvet whoopie pie, pecan pie tart, lemon square, fresh whip cream, apple cobbler, brownies, lemon tarts and my favorite, the maple panna cotta. It tasted like maple pudding consistency but not an overwhelming maple flavor with fresh whip cream and a blackberry on top.

If dinner isn’t enough for you, each night in the large fire pits outside, you can enjoy s’mores, an outdoor favorite. (I obviously had to pass.)

Other Dining Options:
Stories Fine Dining – Elegant dining.
Old Bucks Place – Next to the pool, enjoy some fresh BBQ.
Shellers Barrelhouse Bar – Rustic, Austin inspired atmosphere. (Go here for nightlife.)
Major Neighbors Grill – Take the golf experience inside at the clubhouse.
McCade’s Emporium and Ice Cream Saloon – General Store feel, breakfast, candy and ice cream treats.

Note: For extra savings, be sure to check in with FourSquare. I believe I got a free beverage at McCade’s with my first check-in. Don’t pass it up!

Related Posts: 
Hyatt Regency Lost Pines Resort and Spa
Exploring Nature at the Hyatt Lost Pines
Comfort & Beauty – Room Overview
Most Historic Small Town In Texas
Activities at the Hyatt Lost Pines

Disclaimer: I was not compensated but did receive a complimentary meal at the Hyatt Regency Lost Pines Resort and Spa in return for this post. All photos and opinions are 100% my own.