Just a few miles up the road from the Stockyards is Hilton Garden Inn (4400 North Frwy., 214/637-9000, www.hiltongardeninn.com, $103 d), a new, comfortable, and family-friendly option. Guests are greeted with warm cookies and cold fruit at the front desk, and the lobby area is stocked with board games. The indoor and outdoor pools and hot tub provide a relaxing way to wind down after a day of sightseeing. Amenities include free Internet access, and microwaves and refrigerators in all rooms.

Located seven miles from downtown, the Fairfield Inn (3701 NE Loop 820, 817/232-5700, www.fairfieldinn.com, $116 d) offers a complimentary breakfast and has an indoor pool and spa. The Fairfield includes an exercise room, and minisuites with a private spa, microwave, and refrigerator.

Though it’s a bit far from the downtown activity and located on a strangely isolated parcel of land off the freeway, there’s much to like about Country Inn & Suites (2200 Mercado Dr., 817/831-9200, www.countryinns.com, $139 d). Amenities include suites with a small sink, refrigerator, microwave, and separate room with couch (these are the standard rooms, not an upgrade), as well as free high-speed Internet access, complimentary breakfast, a heated outdoor pool and Jacuzzi, a fitness center, and pet-friendly rooms. Of note: The only other nearby establishment is a Tex-Mex restaurant (Mercado Juarez Café) immediately adjacent to the hotel, which happens to be excelente.

Farther west of town is Holiday Inn Express (2730 S. Cherry Ln, 817/560-4200, www.hiexpress.com, $149 d). Nothing too fancy here, but it’s fairly new and offers reliable services such as free Internet access, an outdoor pool and hot tub, a fitness center, and a free hot breakfast bar.