Funky ‘n fun town, special perks for the kids at Four Seasons Austin

I always hear great things about Austin, Texas and finally had a chance to visit this colorful city. As soon as you walk through the airport, there are stickers and signs everywhere that read: “Keep Austin Weird.” Obviously, visitors are in for a big treat. People that live here are happy, and it is apparent why. This is a vibrant town filled with a genuine passion for life!

When we travel, I love to mix arts, culture and funk with a glamorous and comfortable hotel. I always tell people I am a bit cowgirl, a bit bling, a touch beatnik, and I love to have a whole lot of FUN! Both the town of Austin and Four Seasons Hotel Austin fulfilled all my travel dreams.

Knowing that we are staying at the Four Seasons always makes a trip so much more exciting. We anticipate all the great times we are going to have months before we take our family vacations. There is so much in the joy of wonderment. At the Austin Four Seasons, there is lots of fun to be had. Even for active little kids…

I am a food, lifestyle and travel blogger—I am all about the next bite, and so are my hubs and kids. The Four Seasons Austin has delightful menus to suit all your cravings and they use the freshest ingredients. We enjoyed meals at TRIO and the Lobby Lounge.

We love to tour unique cities. We crave busy days and after, lots of relaxation. For my husband and me, spa visits are always a treat. I had a blissful massage at Four Seasons Austin’s spa. The little spa nibbles were great too. Especially the homemade energy bars!

When we travel with our kids, special attention for little ones is something we always look for. Life is all about creating wonderful, imprinting, everlasting memories. Four Seasons Austin does this in many ways.

Here are a few of my top reasons to take the kids to Four Seasons Austin:

• The special kid-friendly welcome amenities in the room upon arrival. One of the most popular is a sugar cookie that comes with a mini frosting bag and candies. Kids ages four to 11 can decorate their own cookie. Who doesn’t LOVE to decorate cookies—and then eat them? We love to bake and throw tea parties…all the time.
• Also upon arrival, the hotel has a kids’ toy “chest” housed in a guitar case (after all, Austin is the Live Music Capital of the World!). Each child gets his/her pick of one toy.
• At the pool, there are noodles, rings and other water toys available for free. This makes pool time extra fun and leaves you more time to catch up on those magazines…
• Bicycle rentals—including jogging strollers and a variety of children’s bikes—are available on property for a fee.
• The hotel puts on “Dive-in Movie Nights” at the pool on summer holiday weekends. These events are free, with popcorn, a candy bar and specially themed cocktails (for of-age movie-goers) available for purchase.
• Last but not least: Your little ones are pampered with mini-bathrobes and slippers, as well as each child’s name spelled out with sponge letters in the bathroom when they arrive.

There is so much cool stuff at the hotel. Should you decide to check out the city (which I suggest you do), then you must explore the shopping, museums, parks and my favorite South Congress neighborhood. This area is bustling with local hipsters, and the super-trendy and delicious food trucks. Things are very walkable, too,which makes it simple to get around.

The outdoor food trucks are everywhere (tune in via Twitter) and, of course, we had to try every single one! They range from sweet to spicy to everything in between. The graphics and signage are total eye candy. Amusement for all ages!

Hope you enjoy your next visit to Austin.

Photos by ©Marla Meridith Photography

Read Marla’s Four Seasons Austin post on her blog.
Read more about Austin in Four Seasons Magazine.