Summer began yesterday, right?
Unfortunately, no longer do I understand the “dog days of summer.” Unless you’re referring to the speed of my dog, Birddie, running after a kitty cat dares to come near our wooden fence.
With everything else that’s been going on, a vacation had not been planned, but was definitely in order. However, with no time to get on a plane or drive in the car with just three days to spend, what was there to do? And where was there to go? Especially something that wasn’t going to be work with two kids….
We’d stay home, but do a weekend downtown to explore all the places that we always drive by like the Reunion Tower Geodeck (a must-do for any trip to Dallas), take the little one to experience the Perot Museum to see science at work, and appreciate our city for all its worth. And without all the traffic!
We stayed nearby at the beautiful Hilton Anatole. With easy access to everything we wanted to see and do without all the stress, just being on property was tons of stuff to do without even leaving. (Doesn’t it look like Central Park? This is the inside green space at the Anatole.) Just walking around hand-in-hand with my kids to talk was a memory I’ll remember for a long time.
A three-day weekend was exactly what we needed – for both me to relax and the kids to enjoy some fun. We headed over to the Geppetto’s Theatre & Workshop to see marionettes come to life for “The Little Mermaid” then off for some serious pool action.
Then off for some serious pool action at the adorable watermelon-clad pool party happening all summer. With a swim-bar (for me) and outdoor grilling including hamburgers and hot dogs we were able to keep cool during the hot summer days in Dallas.
And then at dark, enjoy popcorn during the poolside dive-In movie, Paddington. All the fun that day wore those babies out so mama could enjoy time in the adjoining room to watch a Pay-Per-View movie with a glass of vino in my robe without any distractions (don’t event ask how long it has been since I had seen a new movie and the Anatole had tons available at my fingertips!)
One of my favorite moments of the whole weekend was watching them order breakfast in bed. I admit waking up to a delicious breakfast delivered to my door and someone else cooking it and doing the dishes was h-e-a-v-e-n.
You still have time to enjoy the summer fun at the Hilton Anatole, but you better act fast! Special packages until Labor Day include Mon-Thurs package savings up to $70 per night and Fri – Sun package savings up to $100 per night!
From dive-in movies to poolside grilling and outdoor games, the hotel has taken care of the planning so families can relax and enjoy more time together and do things the whole family can enjoy (REALLY). We even found time for a little “Mommy and Me” moment and indulged in summer-inspired spa specials at the hotel’s full-service V Spa. (Isn’t she happy?)
Honestly, the weekend was exactly what we needed to getaway without all the fuss. And when it was time to go home, valet had the car ready, packed and 20 minutes later we were back at home. That was my kind of vacation, but even better as a staycation.
SUMMER AT THE ANATOLE
The Hilton Anatole’s “Stay & See Dallas” package includes nightly accommodations, breakfast for four, Wi-Fi, parking and in-room movie night complete with popcorn and candy starting at just $144/night.
Dive into an array of entertaining activities each and every day this summer. We’ve taken care of every detail in planning an extravagant and memorable summer stay for you.
- Dive in Movies – every Friday, stay cool and catch a movie at the pool
- Geppetto’s Theatre & Workshop – debuting in July & named “Best Birthday Party in Dallas!” by Dallas Child magazine
- Stay Fit – The Verandah Club offers classes throughout the week or partake in fun outdoor lawn games!
- Lawn Games – Croquet, badminton, volleyball, bounce houses and more
- Outdoor Grilling – Grilled burgers, hotdogs, chicken and more. Kids 4 & Under eat free all summer long
- VSpa – Fantastic summer spa specials await
- Plan your trip
Whether you’re visiting Dallas or you call it home our See Dallas & Stay Anatole Package offers everything you’ll need to escape the chaos of your day.
Package Includes:
- Self parking
- Breakfast for up to 4 people daily
- An in-room movie (restrictions apply)
- Popcorn, soda and candy
- In-room Wi-Fi access
So unwind after a long days work or let the family settle in after a day of adventure. #SeeDallasStayAnatole
For more details on hotel packages, activities,this fun contest and pool memberships, visit www.SummerAtTheAnatole.com.


















The only time I was ever in Dallas was sprinting (literally) through the airport to catch my layover plane. I would LOVE to explore the city someday.
Your kids are adorable! I love the picture of your daughter getting her toes done. She looks so excited. What a great hotel. If we ever get to Dallas I will check out this hotel.
Wow, what an awesome package! I love the amenities, too. Sounds like a great getaway!
I’ve always wanted to visit Dallas. If I ever get there, this is where I’ll stay.
My sister recently moved to the Dallas area and I usually stay with her but I might have to indulge and stay here next time! I bet my nieces and nephews would just love Gipetto’s workshop!
Looks like an awesome spot to stay! We were in Dallas in 2013. Beautiful city with so much to see and do. We were only there for about 3 days and I’d love to go back and stay longer.
My brother rand sister inlaw live is Dallas and they love the Perot museum! Such a fun city!
Wow! What a fantastic place to have a staycation! The kids look tuckered out!
This looks like a really nice place and so much to do! I’m hoping to be able to do something similar here in Miami over the next few months (I don’t have any school-aged kids). We didn’t get to take a vacation this summer so we’re overdue for some fun and relaxation.
That food looks delicious! I bet your weekend downtown was a lot of fun!
Now this sounds like a great staycation. I love the idea of a dive-in movie. What total fun….
This sounds like it was a great vacation. I need to do this in my City. There are a ton of great places to explore here.
I went to Dallas once for work, but never got time to explore! What a beautiful city and it looks like everyone had a great time!
This sounds like the perfect place to stay. I’d definitely have to check out the fitness classes.
I’ve always wanted to visit Dallas. Looks like fun for the whole family!
looks like a great place to stay and your little ones like they were sleeping so well. To cute.
I’ve always wanted to visit Dallas but haven’t yet. I definitely can’t wait to go one day.
I would love to see Dallas. My brother lived there for a couple years and loved it.
Puppet shows are a great event to take kids to! My kids would love that!
Dallas is in my bucket list. This is a great place to stay and I will keep this in mind when I go there.
I have not been to Dallas since I was a little kid. I would love to go back some day.