Another Round

Raise a glass to a summer of sips at haute hotels across Texas

It's the summer of poptails all across Texas.

Photo courtesy of Valencia Hotel Collection

Discover unique charm this summer with the Valencia Hotel Collection. Whether you're visiting the stylish Hotel Valencia Riverwalk in San Antonio, soaking up the relaxed vibe at one of the Court Hotels, or indulging in the distinct elegance of The George in College Station, each property shines with its own sophisticated flair and character.

And summer just got sweeter. Valencia's signature Summer Poptails are back, this time with a purpose. Every purchase of these icy, fruity drinks — handcrafted cocktails topped with a popsicle — supports Ronald McDonald House, meaning you make a difference with each sip.

Here's where you'll want to be cheers-ing this summer:

Austin
Lone Star Court is a a true taste of authentic Americana. This retro-inspired hotel in North Austin's Domain delivers a resort-inspired experience with a modern twist, taking you back to when travel was an adventure. Charming and comfortable with upscale amenities, the boutique hotel offers acres of fun with beautifully landscaped courtyards, an outdoor pool, live music on the weekends, fire pits, lawn games, and a Smeg refrigerator in every room.

Lone Star Court hotel Lone Star Court.Photo courtesy of Valencia Hotel Collection

Irving
Located next to the bustling Toyota Music Factory and Irving Convention Center, Texican Court offers a one-of-a-kind experience in the heart of Las Colinas. Find charm and comfort alongside upscale amenities at this boutique hotel, which is nestled on acres of beautifully landscaped courtyards. Once settled in your room, unwind at the resort-style pool, stop by Salt Tequila Bar for a signature tequila tasting, or dine at Two Mules Cantina.

Lubbock
Cotton Court offers a city-inspired boutique hotel experience in the heart of downtown Lubbock. Its design is influenced by Lubbock's history in the cotton industry and the region's Great Plains roots across the South Plains. Located on Broadway, the 165-room hotel sits near Texas Tech University and is just minutes from the Depot District, with its shops, restaurants, bars, and nightlife.

Cotton Court Hotel Cotton Court.Photo courtesy of Valencia Hotel Collection

College Station
The "Court" in Cavalry Court's name isn't just for show — explore the unique outdoor courtyard featuring poolside cabanas, lawn games, cozy fire pits, and live music, capturing the charm of the other Court Hotels. This full-service hotel in the heart of Century Square is among the best hotels in Bryan College Station.

Cavalry Court hotel Cavalry Court.Photo courtesy of Valencia Hotel Collection

Where rustic meets refined, The George, also located in Century Square, brings sophisticated flair to the Brazos Valley. It has a stay-a-while pool to relax at or you can head inside to the hip 1791 Whiskey Bar for a handcrafted cocktail.

The George Hotel The George.Photo courtesy of Valencia Hotel Collection

San Antonio
Situated on the famed San Antonio River Walk, Hotel Valencia Riverwalk blends Spanish Colonial and modern Mediterranean design with contemporary ideals for a hotel that's steeped in history and charm.

Hotel Valencia Riverwalk.Photo courtesy of Valencia Hotel Collection

Join Valencia Hotel Collection for a summer filled with luxury and memorable experiences. Learn more at www.valenciahotelcollection.com.

vacations hotels cocktails drinks promoted

BBQ News

Acclaimed Texas barbecue joint now available on American Airlines

American Airlines

Pecan Lodge sandwich, soon to be served sky high.

Award-winning Dallas barbecue will soon be served in a lofty new location: on an airplane. Pecan Lodge, the acclaimed BBQ restaurant in Deep Ellum, will be featured on select flights aboard American Airlines.

According to a release, the Fort Worth-based airline is adding Pecan Lodge as an option on certain flights out of DFW bound for New York.

Pecan Lodge is the perennial Dallas BBQ favorite that opened in Deep Ellum in 2014, known for its smoked brisket and "Hot Mess" loaded baked sweet potato. The restaurant's nods include being featured on Guy Fieri's Diners, Drive-ins, and Dives. When Tom Cruise came through Dallas in 2025 on a tour through Texas to promote his new film Mission: Impossible—The Final Reckoning, where did he stop? Pecan Lodge.

The partnership with American begins in February for passengers in first class on flights from Dallas Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) to LaGuardia Airport (LGA) and John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK). The offering will consist of a barbecue platter with brisket, smoked sausage, mac & cheese, coleslaw, pickles, onions, and BBQ sauce.

They'll replace that with a new item for March consisting of a chopped brisket sandwich with green beans, potato salad, pickles, onions, and BBQ sauce.

The options are available only via preorder, beginning January 11 through aa.com or American’s mobile app.

The Pecan Lodge partnership is the latest in American's commitment to elevating its customer experience. Other recent new menu additions include Champagne Bollinger and Lavazza coffee, both in lounges and in flight.

In a statement, American SVP of Customer Experience Design and Strategy Rhonda Crawford offers high praise for the barbecue brand.

“As we celebrate American’s centennial anniversary in 2026, we’re looking forward to delighting our customers in new ways that honor unique regional tastes, beginning right here in our home state through one of the most beloved barbecue restaurants in Texas,” Crawford says. “Our customers deserve nothing but the best, and Pecan Lodge is certainly that.”

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