We try to make a point to explore some of our local (Dallas-Fort Worth area) attractions, and one of the more popular hotels in the Dallas is the Hilton Anatole. The Hilton Anatole is one of the largest hotels in Dallas, and if you’ve heard of it before, it was likely in the context of a convention being hosted there. One update they’ve made relatively recently, though, is the addition of their family-friendly waterpark, Jade Waters, and that’s what ultimately convinced us to book a stay. As Lily has gotten older (and as you may have read about/seen on the blog before), we love a good lazy river, so it was at the top of our list to check out!

To start, the Anatole has certainly earned its reputation as a convention center hotel: with over 1600 rooms, it is massive.  Prior to the addition of Jade Waters, the hotel was still one of the premiere convention destinations in Dallas; with four different restaurants onsite, elegant decor (including an art collection that is unmatched in size by any other hotel in the U.S.) and a truly huge courtyard, the hotel is and always has been great for large gatherings like conferences or even weddings.  There was one demographic that the hotel didn’t particular appeal to, however, and that’s where Jade Waters came into play.  

We ultimately chose to stay at the Anatole exclusively for the Jade Waters waterpark addition. This was one of the very first water-park style pools that we took Lily to, and we did so because we wanted to venture out and let her try something a bit more adventurous than a standard pool. Prior to its addition, we probably would have never considered the Anatole as a “staycation” destination, but the upgraded pool area has definitely added appeal to the Anatole as a destination for families in the area.

The pool area has something for all ages – a zero-entry area and splash pad for younger guests, two waterslides for those that seek a few more thrills, and a lazy river that everyone can enjoy. And that doesn’t include the two bars (one of them a swim-up) that the adults can enjoy, or the snack bar that serves the perfect grab-and-go lunches. And if you’ve forgotten any of the essentials (sunscreen, life jackets, etc.), the entrance to the pool contains a shop that has everything you might need. We had a blast, and Jade Waters definitely lived up to the hype.

Because of Jade Waters, the Anatole has become a truly great hotel for all travelers – not just conference-goers. We expected to have fun (we never would have stayed there otherwise), but we never thought we’d enjoy our stay as much as we did. The Anatole may have a reputation as more of a business-focused hotel, but with improvements and additions like Jade Waters, combined with their already-clear dedication to quality, that reputation is sure to expand soon!