We’re watching the sun bake all of the tourists as we drive away from Margaritaville with kids who didn’t waste a minute having a blast…
Margaritaville Lake Resort Lake Conroe in Texas is the place to raise happy kids. Kids like the laid back Parrot Heads, as fans of the recently deceased singer-songwriter-author-entrepreneur Jimmy Buffett are called. Margaritaville is a place where kids can feel carefree, love the environment and escape with their favorite music.
Trust us. Once you arrive at any Margaritaville resort with kids, you’ll understand that it’s five o’clock somewhere all the time.
The Buffett Story From Beach Bum to Genius
Buffett was the genius behind Margaritaville, the feel good, don’t-worry-about-tomorrow lifestyle brand and place named after his biggest hit song. From roots on the Mississippi Gulf Coast to wasting away his youth on Key West, Buffett’s empire grew to 26 laidback, luxury resorts. There are nine more in development, stretching from Times Square to the Dominican Republic.
That marquee name tops five timeshare vacation clubs managed with Wyndham. Margaritaville also comprises five RV camping resorts and dozens of restaurants at cruise ports and beaches around the world.
What all the resorts have in common is luxury amenities, high style tropical decor and a well-trained staff who tune into each guest’s needs.
Margaritaville With Kids Is Fun For All Ages
Our multigenerational group came from several directions to reunite at the family pool at Margaritaville Lake Conroe. We were all first-timers, baking in this summer’s legendary heat wave. Four of the eight had heard the “Margaritaville” anthem. The other four under-40s only cared about the pools.
The resort’s three pools, surrounded by bright umbrellas, tropical murals and busy wait staff in shorts and polos, are impressive. Trays of ice water make the rounds. Lifeguards watch over the toddler splash zone and family pools where guests are entertained by dump buckets and waterslides. At the thatch-roof Five o’Clock Somewhere Bar by the adult pool, guests use QR codes for the cocktail list.
The very diverse crowd – read that as bachelorette parties, honeymooners, baby boomers, families, kids, college buddies, gay couples, every race and ethnicity – is loving it.
The Margaritaville playlist extends way beyond Buffett’s “Gulf and western” music combining calypso with a country western swing. DJs play reggae at the bar and hip hop on the lazy river. Hear folk music on the sundeck and Buffett tunes in the lobby. It’s all background to the bright sun, endless sky and lake around you.
It’s worth repeating that the staff includes the nicest, warmest people you will ever meet on vacation. (Gratuities included in room rates.)
Good Times With Kids At Margaritaville
Margaritaville’s lobby is dominated by a giant, sea-blue glass flip flop sculpture on a silver pop top lid. Ceiling lights are shaded by inverted margarita glasses. Everyone is there to have a good time and take pictures doing it.
No expense has been spared making Margaritaville more than a state of mind. Kitschy, charming, classy — all adjectives apply to decor that cleverly leans in to the brand’s values.
Of course, you can waste away on Margaritaville’s extensive menu of cocktails, frozen concoctions and margaritas. But, this resort experience is not all about drinking. There are guests working at the convention center and fully equipped gym. Others are relaxing at the St. Somewhere Spa, open to the public.
Southern families bring the majority of children to Margaritaville. We were surprised to get a lot of ‘Sirs’ and ‘M’ams’ from the mostly well behaved, genteel guests.
Luxury Family Accommodations At Margaritaville
Can’t say the white 20-story concrete tower blends in with the wooded shores of sparkling Lake Conroe.
However, the 30 pastel-colored cottages add beachy charm to the shoreline. Choose from one- and two-bedroom, or bedroom plus loft, configurations. Their simple furnishings, day at the shore artwork, full kitchenette, bedroom, sofabed and low-ceilinged loft beds accommodate six easily.
Some families will prefer the tower because it’s where the arcade, Starbucks, kids’ playroom and activities desk are located. We were blessed with an upgrade from our king room to Jimmy Buffett’s own sprawling suite. Suite 2007 had decor and views to die for from the penthouse floor. True!
Picture painted seashells, gilded starfish, three flat screen TVs, sofabed, kitchenette, bar, an office and two bathrooms. The white and nautical blue king bedroom had reversible pillows engraved with Changes in Latitude / Changes in Attitude. Our two balconies provided a drones-eye views of the pools and lake.
We didn’t spend much time in the rooms anyway. Being at Margaritaville with kids is about play. Play golf or minigolf, tennis or pickleball, go boating or fishing, watch a magic show or savor the sunset.
Amenities For Families Visiting Margaritaville With Kids
Our group of eight was not the only family having a reunion. We played in the sand by the fire pit as we waited for an outdoor table at the lakefront Land Shark Restaurant. Our sampling included fish ‘n’ chips, mahi mahi tacos, the signature Cheeseburger in Paradise and kids’ meals. All very tasty and moderately priced, as are the specialty cocktails on offer.
In keeping with the Parrot Head credo, there’s no need for formality. Use your app to request restaurant delivery to any of the indoor and outdoor public spaces. We saw several 12 to 20-person reunion groups enjoying pizza and a beer out on the lawn, in the tower’s central courtyard and around the pools.
Everyone gets a license to chill. And the license to hang out and enjoy your family in a comfortable, luxurious setting that feels very safe.
Sounds like being a Parrot Head is a pretty intoxicating feeling, no matter your age.
Trip Planning Tips for a Margaritaville With Kids Vacation
The Margaritaville Lake Resort Lake Conroe is 60 miles north of Houston or 150 miles east of Austin. The resort is sold out weeks in advance for summer weekends. Summer is when rates are highest, ranging from $365 and up. It’s never cheap, however. Lucky guests can occasionally find midweek specials from $161 and up per room.
Temperate weather and heated pools make swimming a year-round option. Spring and autumn are also better value and Halloween season is fun around Houston. The winter holidays become very busy as well. Be sure to book spa treatments and tee times in advance of arrival.
License to Chill Bar and Restaurant off the lobby has very good food in a more adult, dressed up atmosphere.
To dine outside the resort, make your way to the Big Sombrero, a Mexican cantina with terrific décor in nearby Montgomery. Look for Lake Conroe Boat Rentals and Perfection Water Sports if you want to take the family out in an electric pontoon boat.
When you visit, be sure to plan a stop for an ice cream and factory tour at the Blue Bell Creamery in Brenham. It’s a sweet way to wrap up a weekend in paradise.
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