A contemporary Texas Hill Country resort outside of Austin is offering a value-packed "Family Fun" getaway for families who want a close-to-home vacation without breaking the bank. Don't ask us how, but prices start at $373/N per room and offer over $500 in built-in perks and savings. 

Texas in summer? Whew! It's so hot there that you shouldn't even contemplate a destination without at least a pool, let alone one without its own lake. Here, at the Horseshoe Bay Resort, your family can play in the man-made Lake LBJ and enjoy boating, jet-skiing, fishing, swimming and more, as well as the resort's many pools and waterpark-like playland. We especially love the palm trees surrounding their poolscape (pictured above.)  

Valid May 22 through September 6, 2009, the Family Fun escape includes a choice of accommodations from hotel rooms at a Marriott to one-, two-, and three-bedroom Paseo villas or lakefront condominiums at The Waters.  When booking this package, a brood of 4 can stay for less than $100/N per person, with weekday rates from $375 per room, and $461 on Friday and Saturday nights. And because resort credits are based on the size of your unit (i.e. a three-bedroom unit earns a $600 credit), the more privacy and space you book, the more you save on an action-packed getaway.  Additionally, their Summer VIP Plan throws in another $50 per room in resort credits to use at will. Here are some of the perks of that offer, but keep in mind that if all you and the kids want to do is stay indoors in an air-conditioned hotel room, room-only rates begin at $199/N. 

The Horseshoe Bay Summer Family Fun package features:

• $200 resort credit per bedroom, per stay, towards golf, Whitewater putting, spa, dining, watercraft rentals, retail or Kids' Club.
• 20% golf discount on midweek fees (10% discount Friday-Sunday) on all of the resort's three championship Robert Trent Jones, Sr. golf courses
• 20% spa discount on all midweek services (10% discount Friday-Sunday)
• One Fun Pack for ages 3-12, including canvas tote bag with beach towel and cool toys valued at over $70
• Complimentary soda wristbands for free-flowing pop at all food and beverage outlets for kids
• 50% Kids' Club discount (ages 4-12)
• Daily breakfast buffet at the Lantana Grill

The 7,000-acre resort is situated along Lake LBJ, a constant-level lake, so guests can enjoy fishing trips, boat tours, and jet ski rides all summer long (even if it doesn't rain at all).  There are four pools and a white sand beach, giving a tropical feel and plentiful opportunities for fun in the sun. Overall, Horseshoe Bay is very big, modern, with golf and spa and conference facilities, and feels nothing like home, making this truly a getaway from the same-old, same-old routine you enjoy the rest of the year.  

And the fine print please:  Rates are based on availability, do not include tax and are based on a minimum two-night stay. Advance reservations are required for Kids' Club, spa and golf times, and this package is based on two adults and two children. For more information, check out the Horseshoe Bay Resort site, and for reservations, please call your travel agent or the resort at 877/611-0112.