How did a family with two grown rebels and three wildlings infiltrate the five-star Omni Barton Creek Resort & Spa for a staycation in the scenic hills of West Austin? Judging by the fellow moms and dads horsing around with their kids in the water, failing to monitor Dr Pepper intake and handing off the responsibility of toasting s’mores in the fire pit, it turns out we’re a pretty normal family.
One could find plenty of reviews by a rad mom blogger, but if the kids aren’t happy, will mom and dad really get the break they deserve? For that reason, we let Enzo, 12, Theo, 8, and Tallulah, 6, be the judges.
The suite
Nothing makes or breaks a stay like the entry door beeping open to present a glimpse into your quarters. Our suite had large windows overlooking the Fazio Foothills Golf Course and a pressurized rainfall shower head that dispenses unfettered joy (a shower beer in there is an absolute must).
The shower was A+ it felt like a water massage. – Theo
The room was very nice. I loved seeing the golf course and hills from our room. – Enzo
The room had huge beds and they were so cozy with the best comforter I've ever slept under. – Tallulah
The only downside was that I was too excited to sleep. – Theo
Pool/bar and kids’ entertainment
Sure, swank rooms and panoramic views are cool, but kids count in milliseconds when it comes to resort pooltime.
The Omni Barton Creek features three year-round pools, including one for adults only. The other pools are full of cool dads launching small children into the air to giant splashes, moms haranguing from the deck to abide by safety protocol and frozen cocktails.
Nearby, there’s a splash pad for the very little ones and a turfed kids entertainment area with an inflatable water slide and yard games. The Travis Pool Bar assists all the commotion with a full bar and local tap handles like Zilker Brewing’s Icy Boys and Independence’s Native Texan Pilsner. Salads and burgers tie it all together by keeping the daytime munchies at bay.
The pool was a big hit and I loved the water slide. The movie at night in the pool was fun. – Tallulah
It was a blow-up water slide, but it was way more fun than you’d think. And I like that they didn’t have real grass in the kids area because then it would get all watery and you’d end up with grass all over you. – Theo
It was easy to get drinks (sodas, y’all!) at the pool bar and I liked having multiple pool options. – Enzo
Dinner time
Swimming all afternoon like mini-Phelpses and lil’ Ledeckys left the kids ravenous. Fortunately, the resort features six formal dining areas. The Blind Salamander offers an upscale menu of seafood, steak and interesting seasonal items that pair nicely with an inventive, garden-inspired cocktail menu.
One of the better hamburgers I’ve ever had. – Enzo (known fine-dining cheeseburger expert)
The food was really great! The first night I ate pasta. I also had some of the (filet mignon) that was amazing. – Theo
I liked the (complimentary) s'mores after dinner. I ate two. – Tallulah
Tee up
For golf enthusiasts and wanna-be hackers like myself, four championship golf courses play uniquely to one another and cater to players of all skill levels. Unfortunately, my play fell beneath even that very low standard, but Enzo and I had a great, mostly curse-free, dad-son bonding time! The resort also boasts a mini-golf course for more level-headed action.
The golf course was hard but fun. Driving the golf cart was entertaining too. I played better and drove better than my dad. – Enzo
They had a putt-putt golf area with 18 stages and it was really hard but so fun. – Tallulah
(The resort) is a great place for kids because they have both grown-up and mini golf. And if they didn’t like kids there, they would just have one kind of golf. – Theo
The verdict
We couldn’t get to some things during our stay, like the Mokara spa, hiking trails and biking paths that surround the property, but that only gives us a reason to return.
(The resort) is a good place to take kids because there's so much for kids to do, the mini-golf, the pool, the waterslide, even watching the sunsets. – Enzo
I would love to go again. It felt like being on a cruise on land. – Tallulah
Every adult I saw looked like they were having a good time. And they were smiling with their kids. This has to be one of my favorite places in Texas. – Theo
The room had huge beds and they were so cozy with the best comforter I've ever slept under. – Tallulah
The golf course was hard but fun. Driving the golf cart was entertaining too. I played better and drove better than my dad. – Enzo