This beautiful AAA Four Diamond Hotel is right on Lake Mendota and just a few minutes’ walk to Madison’s gorgeous State Capitol building and its Saturday farmers’ market. It’s an ideal place to stay to explore Madison’s local food scene, Frank Lloyd Wright architecture, local sports, and an exceptional array of activities for the young and young at heart.

The Edgewater is a member of Historic Hotels of America. It first opened in 1948 and has hosted celebrities like Elvis, Bob Hope, Bob Marley and the Dalai Lama. Its original Arte Moderne building now holds a large spa, two fitness centres, a small pool, meeting space, and some guest rooms, including longer-stay suites. Most guests stay in the newer main building, ingeniously constructed to be eight stories from the street and 15 stories from the water (the lobby is on the sixth floor). Both buildings have rooftop patios and gorgeous views of the lake. A $110-million renovation was completed in 2014.

The Edgewater prides itself on offering programming for the local community, much of it free. Friday nights often have live music, accompanied by a traditional Wisconsin fish fry. Other activities on the vast deck connecting the hotel’s two buildings include yoga classes, cheering on the Wisconsin Badgers, and winter skating on a specially-constructed outdoor ice rink. There are multiple dining options within the hotel, and it’s a short walk to local restaurants.

Many of The Edgewater’s 202 rooms and suites offer lake views, and feature all the amenities you’d expect in a Four Diamond hotel. My suite had a large shower room separate from the immense main bathroom. I appreciated the excellent lighting and double mirrors, the Green Natura bath products, as well as the lovely cheese plate and crackers which greeted me on arrival. Had I not been out enjoying everything Madison had to offer, it would have been great to work at the large desk with convenient outlets while enjoying the lake air from windows that open, or to relax in the easy chair watching the 47” HD TV. A rarity in hotels — there were no annoying lights from the smoke alarm, wifi router, TV, or anything else which necessitate an eye mask.

There’s an incredible waterpark just outside San Antonio, Texas. It’s called Schlitterbahn Waterpark and it’s been voted the world’s best waterpark 19 years in a row. Staying at one of the hotels associated with the waterpark means you’re close to the action and get extra benefits, including early access to the very popular park.

There’s a variety of accommodation options at Schlitterbahn. For example, large groups will like the Treehaus Luxury Suites, and those who like their luxury a touch rustic will enjoy the wooden Riverbend cabins, both in the Blastenhoff section of the park. There are condos near the Surfenburg section and the Resort at the Bahn is the highlight of the original section. I stayed in the SchlitterStein Lofts, across the green Comal River from the noise and action of the resort. Ideal if I’d wanted a day to sleep in … but the waterpark was too much fun to keep away from.

The SchlitterStein Lofts sleep four to six people in a spacious two-bedroom, two-bathroom, two-balcony apartment. Each bedroom has a queen bed and the living room couch folds out into two twin beds. The master bedroom has a massive jetted bathtub too.

Bausch kitchen appliances mean you can make your own meals using ingredients from the nearby farmers’ market or grocery store and dine at the table for six. A washer and dryer, also by Bausch, mean laundry is easy.

While the lofts are a lovely place for relaxing, you’ll want to spend as much time as possible at the waterpark. The park features uphill water coasters (roller coasters you ride on a two-person tube propelled uphill by powerful jets of water), more traditional water slides, several varieties of lazy rivers to float along (some with adrenaline-bursting rapids, turns and falls), wave pools, playgrounds, a bungee freefall Skycoaster, and a special pool with a constant wave which is ideal for boogie boarding and bodysurfing.

Luxury extras worth the price: A cabana rental will ensure that you and your family have a shaded place just for you, complete with couches, a mini-fridge, and table service. A Blast Pass will allow you to reserve a time to ride the best attractions while skipping the long lines.

There are three other Schlitterbahn parks in Texas and one in Kansas City, Kansas. They’re all family-owned and, especially at the original New Braunfels location, you’ll feel a sense of nostalgia for the way family holidays used to be. No matter which location you choose, you’ll be impressed with the welcoming friendly attitude of the staff.