Jw Marriott San Antonio Hill Country Resort & Spa

"Fun For Everyone!"

My husband, girls (ages 4 & 5) and I stayed at the JW Marriott San Antonio Hill Country Resort & Spa for 4 days and 3 nights.  This is a luxury resort with first class service and amenities.  From the moment we arrived to the moment we departed, the staff was nothing less than warm, friendly and helpful.  Whenever possible they even called us by name making us feel like family.

We were amazed at the amount of activities for both adults and children!  Resort guests and members can play a round of golf or schedule a clinic on the private 36-hole TPC course (a PGA tour facility designed by Pete Dye and Greg Norman).  Or if you want to relax, schedule a spa treatment at the Lantana Spa (available to guests 18 and up).  From the Range Rider’s Kids Club to the River Bluff Experience, families will not leave this resort saying they were bored.

GREEN INITITIVES

It was evident that this resort prides itself in it’s green initiative program.  It is something of which they are VERY proud (rightfully so).  
The golf course uses a closed loop water system which recycles run-off water and puts it back onto the course.  
758 acres north of the property is a protected bird sanctuary, so everyone will always enjoy the beautiful Hill Country views.  
The resorts power needs are 70% supplied by Windtricity.  During the construction process they tried saving as many trees as possible.  Each one was tagged and numbered.
The building structures were made from recycled steel studs.  Saving thousands of pounds of iron, coal and limestone.
Each room’s heating and air uses a “smart system”.  The unit will shut off when the balcony doors are open to conserve power.
Every room uses low-flow shower heads and toilets.
CFL light bulbs are used throughout the property conserving 75% less energy than a standard bulbs.
The resorts Linen Program saves water, detergent and power.  Guests are encouraged to follow the every 3 day linen change.

ACCOMMODATIONS

The hotel has 1,002 rooms and 85 suites.  We stayed in an executive suite that had a connecting door to a deluxe suite!  Everything was clean and the Hill Country decor was beautiful.  The executive suite was spacious with a King bed in one room and sleeper sofa in a separate sitting room.  The deluxe room had 2 queen beds.  Both rooms had a separate shower/tub and a mini fridge.  We enjoyed sitting on our walkout balcony overlooking the pools.  And although we loved everything about the rooms, they were on the pricey side (Suite $675/night & Deluxe room w/view $349/night).

AMENITIES

FOR BABY/TODDLERS: Pack-n-plays are available for in-room use. There is “free” use of washer/dryers and a microwave oven located on the 4th floor.  You can even request a child-size robe.

AGES 4-12 (POTTY TRAINED):  Range Rider’s Kids Club is a full-service children’s recreation program.  My girls had the pleasure of attending a half-day program (9-12) and they LOVED it!!! (see separate Range Riders review).

KIDS OF ALL AGES:  The River Bluff experience is THE main family attraction.  It spans 6 acres and includes multiple slides, a lazy river, a toddler pool and a beach entry pool.  We spent the majority of our time here and had a blast.  NOTE:  BRING WATER SHOES!!!  The pool deck and walkways get VERY HOT in the summer and WILL burn your feet.
  
Non-water amenities: On site game room, fitness center and sitting areas near the lobby with Microsoft surface table tops for playing games, a full-service spa, and premier golf course.  Tip:  Pick up an events calendar from concierge when you arrive so you can plan to participate in the many free or low-cost family activities they offer.

DINING OPTIONS

The resort has many dining options...there isn’t a need to go off-site for something to eat.

CIBOLO MOON is a family-friendly choice.  It serves Texas-style food infused with Mexican influences.  They serve breakfast, lunch and dinner.  The breakfast buffet is huge and the food is fresh and delicious.  Unfortunately, we can’t say the same about dinner.  We ate there twice and were not impressed with the food, but the margaritas were great.  (See separate Cibolo Moon review).

18 OAKS is a fine dining restaurant overlooking the golf course and serving breakfast, lunch and dinner.  We had the pleasure of eating here and the food was delicious, but I don’t recommend taking young children here as it mainly serves an adult crowd.  This is where taking advantage of the Range Rider’s Club would come in handy.  (See separate18 Oaks review).

At the SPA BISTRO, we were treated to yummy fruit smoothies made just for us.  The young woman who prepared our smoothies had the foresight to ask if our girls had any allergies...we were impressed with her concern for their health.

OTHER FOOD OPTIONS:  High Velocity Sports Bar (dinner & cocktails/kids are welcome), Rivertop Grill (serving lunch pool-side), Replenish Spa Bistro (lunch), Crooked Branch Lobby Bar (small plates & full bar), Starbucks (breakfast & lunch) and finally In Room Dining.

LOCATION

JW Marriott San Antonio is located in the beautiful Hill Country, 20 minutes from the airport.  It is removed from the city, but close enough to civilization to run to a store for last minute necessities or forgotten items.  TIP:  If it is your first trip to San Antonio and you want to experience the Riverwalk, keep in mind that it is about a 40 minute drive each way.  If you want to spend a few days at the Riverwalk, I would recommend staying here for a few days and then move to a hotel closer to downtown.

OVERALL

If you can afford to spend a little more on a room, DEFINITELY stay here and experience the Hill Country in a luxury setting.  As my husband says “price is only an issue in the absence of value” and you get a lot of bang for your buck here.

JW Marriott San Antonio  Hill Country Resort & Spa provided a spectacular setting for creating fond memories for our family.  If your 4 year old is hiding in the curtains of the hotel room and crying because he/she doesn’t want to leave (like ours did)...then you know they did their job to make it a fun experience.

“*This review was based on a complimentary visit to JW Marriott San Antonio Hill Country Resort & Spa.  I received no other compensation and the business owner did not state any requirements that I express a particular point of view.  The opinions I express are entirely my own.”