Review: JW Marriott San Antonio Hill Country Resort & Spa

Why book? It’s a sprawling, multi-purpose resort for kids and kids at heart.

Set the scene With 40 event spaces that can host more than 6,000 people, the hotel is a hotbed of activity year-round. In the span of five minutes, you might cross paths with conference attendees in business casual, kids in flip flops and floaties, and retirees in polos headed for the Pete Dye–designed golf course.

The rooms All of the resort’s 900-plus guest rooms and 85 suites were renovated in 2019 and feature a neutral palette with wallpaper and carpets inspired by patterns found in the natural world. Families will appreciate the ease of adjoining rooms, while the golf-view suites provide easy access to the links.

Food and drink There’s a variety of dining concepts, including a Starbucks and a sports bar with two dozen beers on tap and a giant wrap-around screen spanning almost half the length of a football field. For an upscale brunch buffet, complete with carving stations and seafood towers, head to 18 Oaks.

The spa Inspired by the traditions of Latin American curanderos, or healers, the adults-only Lantana Spa offers everything from a deep-tissue arnica massage designed specifically for athletes to CBD manis and pedis with hemp oil serum and non-toxic nail polish.

The neighborhood/area Covering more than 600 acres, the resort is bigger than some Texas towns, but if you do want to venture out, there’s plenty to see nearby: Natural Bridge Caverns, Six Flags Fiesta Texas, and the Lone Star State’s wine country are all within an hour drive.

The service The staff is eager to please, but busy. Take advantage of the pre-trip concierge services to make dinner reservations, set up tee times, and snag a coveted pool-side cabana. Avoid the lines at check-in with the Marriott mobile app.

For families The list of kid-friendly activities is long and includes scavenger hunts, arcade games, and nightly s’mores, but the thing they’re bound to still be talking about long after you’ve left is the water park, featuring a lazy river, man-made beach, and four waterslides. Don't miss Pedernales Falls, a windy tube slide that empties into a secret section of the lazy river with waterfalls.

Eco effort ​​Tesla charging stations are available; just bring your adapter.

Accessibility There are accessible features throughout and even a hotline you can call to make specific requests.

Anything left to mention? The mandatory resort fee covers a few things you might expect—Wi-Fi, unlimited calling, tennis and pickleball court access—and some you might not, like welcome drinks, a one-year subscription to Golf Digest, and a 15 percent discount at the spa bistro.