Staycation at The Westin in the Woodlands: A Review

How does this go-getter get any rest and relaxation with a never ending to-do list, dogs that wake up 30 minutes before the alarm goes off (daily), work stress, blog demands, and an active social life? Travel, right? Yeah, right. So maybe we can’t afford to travel every month (hey, wouldn’t that be nice?). The solution? Get out of town without technically going out of town….a staycation!

I need to be far enough from home that I don’t feel the urge to go home and get stuff done. The Westin in the Woodlands is about an hour drive from my home (and that ever present to-do list) so that’s far enough. It is located just north of Houston in The Woodlands, a growing wooded suburban community, and adjacent to a waterway that reminds me of a quiet (quiet being the key word here) San Antonio Riverwalk. Booked!

I checked in on a Friday afternoon, way before traffic, and was absolutely thrilled at the prospect of some quiet alone time. I was welcomed by hotel staff with a lovely wine and snack tray in my large corner room faaaaaaar away from noise. The Westin in the Woodlands’ Experience Specialist who prepared my stay is most likely a psychic, but I hope she couldn’t magically tell I hadn’t washed my hair that morning. Please don’t judge me.

At some point that evening I was joined by my husband, and we spent the next couple days exploring the hotel, the local area within walking distance, and rode the free trolley to the local areas not within walking distance. The Westin was great about providing a long list of local recommendations, so I didn’t feel the need to do any pre-planning. Evidently I needed a brain break as well (thank you!).

We brunched, we shopped, we had happy hour (several times, daily), and we didn’t have to yell at the dogs that 4:30 a.m. is an inappropriate time to demand breakfast.

Sleep in, espresso from Starbucks in the morning, wine and pool time at Lobby Bar/SideBar at night…THAT is appropriate. Someone please tell this to our dogs.

One evening we dined at CURRENT, The Westin in the Woodlands’ contemporary American restaurant. They have a wonderful wine list and menu (healthy!). So we people watched concert goers from our table window and contemplated indoor skydiving (because I hate flying, remember?).

As a proponent of packing/traveling light, I arranged for workout gear from Westin’s New Balance Gear Lending (only $5?!). Why can’t all hotels do this? I brought my own shoes and watch (because runners are picky) but really enjoyed the apparel conveniently delivered to me at check-in. And it included a running map! That’s another break from me having to plan everything, including mapping out a running route (thank you!).

I jog/walked the waterway on our last morning at the hotel juuuuust slow enough to enjoy the sunrise, fountains, koi ponds, mosaic tile bridge arches, and glass sculptures along the route. Next time I stay there, I’ll take the longer running route…but in a colder month, preferably (oh, Houston).

Everything was wonderful during my staycation at The Westin in the Woodlands and I’m daydreaming of staying there again next time I need some quiet time away. Thanks to the entire Westin staff for just doing what you do!