The Need For Speed
Road trip heaven: A Texas hotel gives guests a BMW for free when they check in
Summer road trip season may be racing toward an end, but one of Texas' most posh resorts wants to keep the fun going with an intriguing freebie.
Head to the JW Marriott San Antonio Hill Country Resort & Spa anytime between Aug. 27 and Oct. 26. While there, hotel guests can check out one of nine BMW models absolutely free. Drivers don't even pay for gas. Check a car out for three hours during the day or five hours in the evening for a "dinner drive."
"The (hotel) is dedicated to offering our guests best in class amenities," general manager Arthur Coulombe says in a statement. "The BMW Resort Driving Tour provides them the opportunity to experience the beautiful Hill Country region in a luxurious automobile during their stay with us."
No word from the hotel on whether guests are allowed to attempt to recreate the short film in which Clive Owen tosses a very spoiled Madonna around the back seat while hooning in an M5, but we assume that sort of, ahem, spirited driving is frowned upon.
Still, these aren't stripped down 3-series with crank windows (do those even exist anymore?). Choices include two convertibles, the 650i coupe and the big body 750Li.
Of course, when visitors aren't exploring the Hill County's famous scenic drives, the resort offers plenty of ways to relax. Try the six-acre waterpark, 36 holes of golf or full spa. The hotel is also about a half hour drive from downtown San Antonio, which is in the middle of major upswing in its dining scene.
Rates start at $309 per night, and those booking a two-night stay will receive a $100 per night resort credit. That's a definite splurge for most people, but it does come with a few hours of seat time in a Beemer.
Just resist the urge to go all Transporter.