Is Margaritaville Lake Resort, Lake Conroe/Houston worth it? Honest pros and cons
Yes — if you want a family-friendly lake resort with multiple pools, an on-site water park, lake access and several casual dining options, Margaritaville Lake Resort, Lake Conroe/Houston is worth considering. If you prefer a quiet, adults-only escape without children’s activities or want everything included in your rate, this resort may not be the best fit.
In this guide
Why people like it
The resort sits on 186 lakefront acres on Lake Conroe and offers a mix of water-focused amenities that appeal to families and active travelers. Key attractions include five outdoor pools, the Jolly Mon Water Park (lazy river, waterslides, splash pad) and a private sandy beach.
There are several on-site dining options from grab-and-go coffee at Joe Merchant's Coffee & Provisions to lakefront meals at LandShark Bar & Grill and all-day dining at License to Chill Bar & Café. For relaxation, the St. Somewhere Spa and the 18-and-over infinity pool with a swim-up bar provide quieter options for adults.
- Water amenities: five pools, Jolly Mon Water Park, private sandy beach
- Family activities: mini-golf (Parrot Island), arcade (Fin City), kids’ programs
- Dining variety: LandShark Bar & Grill, License to Chill, Lone Palm Pool Bar, Joe Merchant’s
- On-site services: Fins Up Fitness Center, 18-hole golf course, full-service spa
| Amenity | What to expect |
|---|---|
| Pools & Water Park | Five outdoor pools, lazy river, slides, splash pad; some areas have no lifeguard |
| Dining | Multiple casual sit-down venues, pool bars, and a grab-and-go market |
| Spa & Fitness | St. Somewhere Spa (13 treatment rooms) and Fins Up Fitness Center with classes |
Who it’s best for
Families with children: the Jolly Mon Water Park, children’s pool and supervised kids’ activities make this property a clear fit. Room types that accommodate families include Balcony Suite and multiple suite layouts with sofa beds or extra beds.
Groups and event planners: the resort has large meeting and event spaces (tens of thousands of sq ft), multiple ballrooms and outdoor wedding sites, so it works well for weddings, reunions and corporate gatherings.
- Families wanting lake access and multiple water features
- Groups needing large meeting or banquet space (Compass Ballroom, Del Lago Ballroom, The Grand Hall)
- Golfers: on-site 18-hole Golf Club at Margaritaville Lake Resort
| Type of traveler | Why it works |
|---|---|
| Family | Water park, pools, beach, kids’ activities, family-friendly dining |
| Couple (activity-focused) | Spa, golf, lake activities, adults-only infinity pool |
| Event/Group | Extensive meeting space and multiple venue options |
Rooms and where to stay on property
The resort is an all-suite property with 335 guest suites total (303 tower suites and 32 Lake Cottage units). Room types include Balcony Suite, Lake View Balcony Suite, Lake View Executive Suite, Lake View Presidential Suite, Lake Cottage, and several suite variants with tubs or hearing-impaired designations.
If you want direct cottage access and a pet-friendly option (dogs allowed only in designated lake cottages and first-floor Tower rooms), consider booking a Lake Cottage. Balcony Suite and Lake View Balcony Suite are tower options that commonly include a balcony and sofa bed for families.
- Exact room names on the property: Balcony Suite; Lake View Balcony Suite; Lake View Executive Suite; Lake View Presidential Suite; Lake Cottage; Loft (Lake, with Loft); Suite with Tub; Suite Hearing Impaired; Executive Suite (Hearing,)
- Many suites open onto a balcony, patio, or terrace—guests with safety concerns about balconies should contact the property
- Designated pet rooms: lake cottages and first-floor Tower rooms (max two dogs, $150 per stay)
| Sample room | Sleeps / feature |
|---|---|
| Balcony Suite | King Bed + Double Sofa Bed or 2 Double Beds + Double Sofa Bed; balcony |
| Lake Cottage | King Bed + Double Sofa Bed; lakeside porch; pet-eligible in designated cottages |
| Lake View Executive Suite | King Bed + Double Sofa Bed; larger living area and lake view |
What to watch for (cons and caveats)
This is not an all-inclusive resort — meals, drinks and many activities are charged separately. Breakfast is available daily for a fee (reported around $15–20 for adults) and on-site restaurants are à la carte.
Pool and water-park details: some water-park areas have no lifeguard on duty (swim at your own risk), riders must meet height rules (48 inches for slides), and children under 12 must be accompanied by an adult. Also, reported resort fees and parking fees vary by booking channel, so verify totals before you book.
- Not all activities are free to non-overnight visitors; day passes may be required for water park/mini-golf/arcade
- Resort fees and parking fees vary across third-party sites—confirm at booking
- Summer is hot and humid in this region; pool areas can be crowded and towel waits have been reported
| Potential downside | How it affects you |
|---|---|
| Separate charges for meals and activities | Expect extra costs beyond the room rate |
| Water park safety rules | Some attractions have no lifeguard and strict height/age restrictions |
| Variable resort/parking fees by channel | Total nightly cost can differ depending on where you book |
Activities and onsite services
Beyond pools and the water park, the resort offers an 18-hole golf course (The Golf Club at Margaritaville Lake Resort), fitness classes at Fins Up Fitness Center, tennis/pickleball, kayak and paddleboard rentals, and an arcade and mini-golf for families.
St. Somewhere Spa is a full-service facility open to guests and the public with 13 treatment rooms, a salon and seasonal treatments; spa appointments are recommended and can be booked by phone.
- Golf: 18-hole course with driving range and putting green; tee-time reservations required
- Watersports: on-site kayak and paddleboard rentals plus boat rental options nearby
- Spa: 18,000 sq ft St. Somewhere Spa with signature massages and seasonal treatments
- Fitness: Fins Up Fitness Center plus scheduled classes and Pilates (no minors under 12 in the fitness center)
| Activity | Notes / booking |
|---|---|
| Spa treatments | Book in advance; spa phone available for reservations |
| Golf tee times | Reservations required prior to arrival |
| Watercraft rentals | Offered on-site or nearby; BYOB Tiki Cruise noted on third-party listings |
Location and logistics
Margaritaville Lake Resort is at 600 Margaritaville Parkway, Montgomery, TX 77356 on the shores of Lake Conroe. The property is about a 45‑minute drive from George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) depending on traffic; Downtown Houston and The Woodlands are within reasonable driving distance for day trips.
Practical items to expect: check-in begins at 4:00 PM and check-out is at 11:00 AM, the front desk operates 24 hours, free WiFi is provided throughout the property, and the resort offers self-parking and valet for a fee as well as an on-site EV charging station and free RV/bus parking.
- Address: 600 Margaritaville Parkway, Montgomery, Texas 77356
- Check-in / check-out: 4:00 PM check-in; 11:00 AM check-out (early/late based on availability)
- Transport: about 45 minutes from IAH by car; no direct public transit link to the airport
| Service | What’s provided |
|---|---|
| WiFi | Free throughout the resort, including guest rooms |
| Parking | Self-parking and valet available for a fee; free RV/bus/truck parking; EV charging station |
| Front desk | 24-hour reception; ID and credit card required at check-in |
