Hotel Amarillo

Situated close to the middle of the Texas Panhandle, Amarillo is relatively flat and rainfall typically evaporates due to poor drainage, as a result Amarillo's drinking water is supplied by Lake Meredith. Thanks to a temperate and semi-arid climate which provides moderate humidity and temperatures often reaching highs of 36C during summer, Amarillo is also subject to extreme winter temperatures with snowfall plummeting temperatures as low as minus 16C. Situated on the western side of Tornado Alley, Amarillo is deemed the 3rd windiest city in the USA subjecting it to the occasional blizzard.

What makes Amarillo one of USA's major tourist stops today can be attributed to the merging of US Routes 60, 87, 287 and the famous 66, not to mention the warmth and friendliness of its citizens. This city offers something for all ages, from those interested in the beautiful surrounding landscape, historical attractions, family vacations, business or those seeking nothing more than an active and vibrant nightlife.

Canyons play a large role in this landscape and The Palo Duro Canyon State Park is perhaps one of Amarillo's most prominent attractions. Covering about 30,000 acres visitors are treated to breathtaking scenic views of the USA's 2nd largest canyon system after the Grand Canyon. Further on a field and located about 160km from Amarillo visitors will Caprock Canyons State Park and Trailway known as the official Texas State Bison Herd offering shelter to herds of Bison.

Amarillo holds many annual festivals, in and around the city many of them paying homage to the cowboy. The Tri State Fair held at the Tri State Fairgrounds represents over 36 states and features Rodeos, livestock shows and roping exhibitions. Amarillo also hosts the World Championship Ranch Rodeo. Held each November, this rodeo is sponsored by the Working Ranch Cowboy Association. While another nod to the cowboy is Amarillo's annual 'World Championship Chuckwagon Roundup which offers prizes to teams intent on re-creating the dishes provided on cattle trails during the 19th century. And if you feel you can compete with a cowboy's appetite, why not visit Amarillo's famous Texas Steak Ranch. You will find it on located on Interstate 40 and will be offered a free 2 kg beef steak providing you are able to finish it within an hour.

The Wonderland Amusement Park is a spectacular amusement park offering many prototype rides such as the 12 passenger 'Shoot the Chute', the 'Fantastic Journey' and the famous roller coaster 'Texas Tornado'. As the third largest park of its kind in Texas, Wonderland Amusement Park attracts not only adrenalin junkies of all ages, but a safe and fun place to spend the day with your family. If you aren't an adrenaline junkie why not visit the Amarillo Zoo and make the acquaintance of a live coyote.

Amarillo is not without its cultural side though and besides a good mix of museums including the American Quarter Horse Hall of Fame the Amarillo Museum of Art and the Panhandle Plains Historical Museum, Amarillo also offers visitors the Globe-News Center for Performing Arts, home to the Opera, Symphony and Ballet. If you are visiting during summer don't miss a production in song which traces the history of the Amarillo's settlers and which is held nightly at the outdoor Pioneer Amphitheater situated close to the Palo Duro Canyon.

This city is worth more than an overnight stop and this means finding a hotel. Amarillo, whether on business or pleasure offers a fantastic range of both affordable, family orientated and luxury accommodation. With over 50 daily flights in and out teamed with Route 66 access, Amarillo is easy to get to and a great place explore. From inns, motels and upmarket hotels you will be spoiled for choice.

Visitors will find that their choice in a hotel has as much to do with price as to do with location, whether you require easy access to all travel routes, airport or want to partake in all the pleasures that downtown has to offer. Decorated guest rooms, air conditioning, comfortable beds and an inviting atmosphere are all part of the parcel and because of the superb weather many hotels offer guests the luxury of a swimming pool. The business traveler is well catered for too with complimentary wireless internet connections in each room, comfortable desk arrangements, conference rooms and in-house administration facilities which allow guests to conduct business in privacy and efficiency.

Visitors will find that many establishments offer extra little pleasures such as a Concierge Desk, complimentary breakfasts, cable TV, mini-bar and 24/7 room service. If you are wanting something that provides a lot more pampering there are many hotels that boast fitness centers, hot tub, spa treatments and a host of outdoor activities such as volleyball, horse riding, tennis or sundecks where you can enjoy a relaxing drink or a dip in the pool. Baby sitting services, hairdressers, airport shuttles and fine restaurants are on offer too aimed at taking the stress out of traveling and making your stay memorable.

Depending on the reason for your visit and your personal requirements in a hotel, Amarillo is able to provide not only above average accommodations but also plenty of tourist attractions and interests. With an old Western flavor running through the city and a chance to meet a real cowboy, Amarillo is indeed a place worth visiting.