Making Memories at Hilton Anatole
Vacation season is here, and our team has shared some fantastic regional destinations for your consideration. My family enjoys discovering new places, whether by plane or car, and revisiting our favorites. One of the places we recently visited again is the Hilton Anatole in Dallas. If you’ve been there, you’ve likely been multiple times because it isn’t the kind of place you visit just once.
Our first visit was when my daughter was a toddler and my stepson was around 9. Like so many families, we were searching for an entertaining water attraction for both kids to enjoy and stumbled across Hilton Anatole’s JadeWaters Resort Pool Complex in our search results. We made the drive to Dallas and had the best time during our first stay.
JadeWaters is the place to beat the hot Texas summer. While my daughter splashed happily in the water playground designed for little kids, my husband and stepson immediately fell in love with the lazy river. The water slides were also a hit. For adults wanting to get away from the kid action (not us), there is a pool bar. Everything from the selection of food, water entertainment, to the hotel’s beautiful grounds and incredible collection of art are reasons it was a win right away for all of us.
Six years later, my daughter and I returned for a girls’ getaway. We were invited by Hilton Anatole to experience “Camp Anatole,” a family-friendly package that transforms a room into a camping-themed experience. A kids’ tent was set up inside our room, complete with special treats, games and thoughtful touches designed just for families with kids. It was one of those experiences that perfectly captures childhood magic while still allowing parents to enjoy the comforts of a luxury hotel. This experience is ideal regardless of season as JadeWaters is not open year-round.
Private cabana at Hilton Anatole
Several months back, my daughter, husband and I packed the car and headed south from Tulsa once again. This trip included a new experience— we tried out a private cabana at JadeWaters. The weather was perfect and the cabana gave us a comfy spot to grab snacks, watch TV and chill between sessions of trying to chase our daughter around the lazy river. I still prefer to take my time around it and notice the unique landscaping, bridges and waterfalls. As a bonus for my daughter, they revamped their Jade Arcade — a small arcade area with proximity to the pools to escape the heat for a bit. We enjoyed it.
After a day of swimming, we dined at the hotel’s acclaimed rooftop steakhouse, SER Steak + Spirits. The restaurant offers breathtaking views of the Dallas skyline, and the food is exceptional. If you are looking for a high-end dining experience in Dallas, definitely put SER on your list. Our dinner there was five-star worthy.
Before going to bed, we enjoyed the downtown Dallas views from our windows. We watched as the Reunion Tower lit up. I’ve spent plenty of time in Dallas over the years, but I still appreciate everything the city has to offer. There is always something to do and somewhere to explore. It’s an easy drive (3.5 hours) or flight (45 minutes) away from Tulsa.
During our stay, we saw families making memories around the pool complex, couples enjoying a weekend escape and even a bride in an elaborate gown stepping off the elevator and heading toward her wedding celebration. A family reunion group in the lobby seemed to echo with excitement and anticipation. In the parking lot, license plates from across Texas and far beyond (Vermont!) told the story of visitors arriving from near and far to experience the iconic destination.
We all had one thing in common: Hilton Anatole is part of our story, a cherished place.
Whether your place is snuggled on the couch with loved ones, at the local pool, or visiting an in-town or regional destination, I hope you and your family cherish the memories made this summer.
