The Secrets of Staying at Hyatt Lost Pines

The hotel I have probably stayed at the (and written about) most over the last five years is unquestionably Hyatt Lost Pines about 30 miles outside of Austin. For families looking to use points to get away, get outside, and disconnect it really can't be beat. For those within driving distance around Houston, Dallas, San Antonio, and Austin it is even sweeter since you can feel thousands of miles away from the stressors of home by only traveling a few hours in the car.

Looking back at our family photos I can literally see my family growing up here, and that is a gift to ourselves thanks to points.

• Hyatt Regency Lost Pines Resort and Spa (2012)
• Hyatt Regency Lost Pines Resort and Spa (2013)
• Five Reasons I Love Hyatt Lost Pines (2014)
• The Point of Points

Since we have stayed at Hyatt Lost Pines over a dozen times at this point, I thought it was time to share some of the fun, useful, or unusual "secrets" of Hyatt Lost Pines that we have learned over the last few years of visits.

• The best time to visit Hyatt Lost Pines is early fall or late spring. Summers are awesome at Hyatt Lost Pines, but everybody knows that and the resort is often packed to the brim. If you go just slightly off-season during the early fall, even on a weekend, the resort is usually significantly less busy. In fact, you may feel like you have the resort to yourself. Since Texas often quite warm in April, May, September, and even October, you can usually still take advantage of the lazy river, slide, and more while not melting your socks off if you ride horses or take advantage of the non-water outdoor activities. Oh, and cash rates in the off-season can be 1/2 the price off the peak summer dates!

• The Monarch Regency Club usually closes during the "off season" such as the fall and spring, so if you are a Diamond member you can score an easy 2,500 Hyatt Gold Passport points for that 'inconvenience' and get complimentary full breakfast in the restaurant.

• If you visit when the Regency Club is open it has a pretty extensive spread and can not only provide breakfast for your crew, but can suffice for dinner in a pinch as it even offers a hot item which will save you some real cash over the other dinner options on the property.
• There is a secret walkway on the second floor over the lobby that connects the two wings of the resort - and there are even some games up there for the little ones!

• In addition to the actual adults pool that is just off the lazy river, there is a very calm pool off the back of the spa...speaking of which, the spa is excellent!

• If you have to pay for breakfast, the cheapest and easiest option is in the cafe/gift shop near the check-in area where muffins are just $2 and breakfast tacos can be had for $3 each.
• Valet parking is pretty pricey at $25 per day, but self-parking is included in the resort fee and you can still load/unload in front of the hotel and then ask for a golf cart ride back to the front of the property after you park. It's not quite as convenient as valet, but pretty close and much more affordable!
• The junior suites here are available using Diamond Confirmed Upgrades actually pretty plentiful as there are 46 of them on the property and there is nothing junior about them as they offer a full bedroom, full bathroom, and large separate living area. They are true suites, just with a junior name. Our favorite way to visit Hyatt Lost Pines is to book a cash + points award and then apply a Diamond Suite Upgrade so we can all sleep peacefully in a junior suite for a very affordable price. You can also pay extra to connect a second bedroom if needed.

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• Hyatt Lost Pines has both pack and plays and true cribs available, so if your little one sleeps better in a crib than a pack-and-play like mine does then be sure to request an actual crib.
• Once you get there, almost everything from the evening s'mores, to the crafts, to the animal interactions, to the water slide, bike rides, to the outdoor movie is included for resort guests so it is easy to just relax an say yes than worry about racking up a small mountain of debt at every turn.

• If you can score a stay on New Year's Eve you will be super entertained as they bring in a full carnival! One award stay I hated to cancel years back was on NYE at Hyatt Lost Pines when they bring in a full carnival and more so you can ring in the New Year's before midnight family style! In the last couple of years they have blacked out New Year's Eve for award stays, but it never hurts to keep an eye on it.
• The resort is pretty big with close to 500 guest rooms, so if mobility is an issue I highly recommend trying to get a room near where you think you will spend the most time. The Regency Club and the pools are on the same side of the property, so that is something to consider if those will be your frequent stops. I also recommend one of the walk-out patios on the first floor if you want to skip waiting for the elevator and just head right off your patio towards the pool.
• The best food deals on the property are right out by the pool, so there is no reason to dry off and head in for lunch or an early dinner when you can enjoy your watermelon, burgers, or salads right under the pecan trees.

• Save more than $34 a day and avoid the resort fee and taxes by booking an all points award for 20,000 Hyatt Gold Passport points per night!
• This is one of the only resorts I have ever visited that allows adults to go down the waterslide holding their young kiddos!

• Hyatt Lost Pines is a dog friendly hotel. They allow dogs at the property, and not just in the rooms. They are welcome to also hang out in the lobby and enjoy one of the fireplace with you. They also get a dog bowl, dog bed, and a pet amenity included in the $150 pet fee.

• Hyatt Lost Pines offers FAA approved helicopter access. Okay I've certainly never made use of this amenity, but I think it is pretty cool. After I win the lottery I will skip the drive and have our helicopter pilot land at Lost Pines!
• You can rent an entire 2,600 square foot house on the grounds of Hyatt Lost Pines...though your budget may need to be in the range of helicopter access to pull that off. I've heard rumors that rates start around $1,500 - $2,000 per night for the Litton House.

If you have ever stayed at Hyatt Lost Pines I'd love to hear the "secrets" or tips you have learned along the way!