Recently my husband and I took our girls to the Hilton Anatole Hotel for a one night “stay-cation.” Located just north of downtown Dallas the hotel has a new family-friendly pool complex called JadeWaters, which just opened in July 2016.
Our check-in was at 4 p.m. At the complex entrance each family member received a wristband since JadeWaters is exclusive for hotel guests. There is also a shop where forgotten pool necessities can be purchased. It was busy, but we were able to find covered chairs for our foursome and a set of grandparents. Private cabanas and daybeds can be reserved ahead of time for additional cost ($325 per day for cabana, $195 per day for daybed). A large number of the chairs had umbrellas, but the quality of shade in several places depended on the sun’s position. I highly recommend everyone wear their shoes from hotel to pool, the afternoon concrete was extremely hot both to the complex and within. I wish I’d worn a pair of water shoes.
The new JadeWaters features:
- 630 foot lazy river
- Two winding water slides (one open, one tubed)
- Activity pool basketball hoops (great for older kids and adults)
- Kids play area
- Leisure pool
- Swim-up bar
- Giant splash bucket, empties every minute (located in Kids play area)
Food and drinks are available poolside and we had extremely attentive servers. The menu and prices were typical for a resort ($14 chicken tenders, $7.50 chips, salsa and guacamole basket). There are kids choices and also Asian inspired entrées ($13.50 Thai beef noodle salad). Additionally, the menu had a slew of signature margaritas and specialty drinks.
JadeWaters is open from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily. Around 7:30 p.m. we headed up to our standard room with two queen beds. Luckily both my girls like showers because there was no bathtub. After requesting a late checkout the next morning, we headed back to the complex for more water fun. Like similar resorts the best time with young kids is first thing in the morning.
I recommend parents always accompany children under seven in the lazy river, which can become crowded with tubes during peak attendance. My kids insisted on swimming the river, but luckily it’s shallow and slow enough parents can walk alongside the littles (consider it your water aerobic workout). For toddlers and preschoolers parents need to always stay with them throughout the complex, but the kids area is shallow enough you can sit down to relax while using hawk eyes. Many in this age group (mine included) were outfitted with a flotation device.
My oldest had no problem going down the water slides. Both end in a contained shallow pool and it was easy for me to send her up the stairs while I waited at the bottom. Even her grandparents took a couple of turns sliding!
Other Hotel Fun
The Anatole also houses one of the largest hotel arts collections and its beautiful Asian aesthetics have been incorporated into the pool. Children can also participate in a art scavenger hunt, which showcases a portion of the Anatole’s world-class collection.
In addition to JadeWaters, the Anatole is home to Geppetto’s Marionette Theater. Recommended for ages 3 and up, shows last for one hour and programming often comes from adapted storybook classics. We’ve taken our oldest for several years and and have always had a great time. Tickets can be purchased online or by phone, 469-442-1925.
For adults the Verandah Club has fitness options, while the V Spa offers facials, massages, manicures, pedicures and other services.
Overall our stay was great. JadeWaters is an excellent option for families who want a beautiful getaway without plane rides or long car drives. The full complex will be open from Memorial Day through Labor Day each year, with the leisure pool open year round. Our family will definitely be back!
