Most relaxation I've had in four years!

We went to La Cantera in August 2003 and can't wait to go back this summer. We have two children, ages 4 and 2 and rarely get to just lay in the sun and relax. The children's pool was terrific. Our children played for hours and never complained, and since it was so close to us, we could just watch and lounge all at the same time. The food was fantastic and the service was great. This is definitely a great mini vacation for families!

Visit from Houston

The hotel is beautiful. Room size is average; however, the bed is very comfortable, and the bathroom is great. I went in Oct. on a rainy weekend so the pool was not an option. The pool area, spa, and workout area all seemed to be very nice even though I did not get a chance to use any of them. I also arrived around 3 am and I had no problem getting checked in and escorted to my room. The only bad thing I came across was the food, which in my opinion was terrible. I still recommend the hotel, just go somewhere else to eat. I have another trip planned for next July.

Don't go on off season

went first week in october using starwood points. i'm glad i didn't pay for this hotel. couldn't get a beer at the pool - because the poolside grill is closed for 'season'. you're supposed to go up into the restaurant to get one. in a BATHING SUIT??couldn't eat in the steak grill, because it was closed. were the only people in the restaurant, yet my food came out cold and i had to send it back. the pool area is too small for this size hotel.

Breath-taking location

This is quite an impressive resort, from the scenic hilltop location and beautiful grounds to the Spanish hacienda-inspired lobby and spectacular pool with waterfalls and slides for the kids. You'd never know you were smack dab in the middle of Texas just 20 miles from downtown San Antonio. My wife and I have stayed at pricy places around the Riverwalk before and this locale is more scenic and relaxing. (If you want the action of the downtown I wouldn't stay here. It's definitely out of the way.) The rooms were small but nice, a typical Westin with marble bathroom, fancy bed and classy decor. Since I'm a Starwood Preferred Guest member, we were upgraded to a deluxe room with a pool/hill-country view at no extra charge. I got a massage at the nicely appointed spa for $50, not nearly as pricey as most resorts this caliber. During the day, they provided shuttle service to Fiesta Texas, which was literally down the hill, an added plus. They even had a firepit with smores every night at dusk, which my kids loved. The pool was awesome, but packed it was obviously a very popular feature of this resort. But the biggest drawback was the food. It was expensive and bad. Since it was Labor Day weekend, the mid-priced restaurant only had a dinner buffet for $22/person. (The upscale restaurant was booked.) It was bland, cafeteria-quality food, definitely not worth the money. The breakfast buffet was a bit better for $16/person. The service at the poolside snack bar was very, very, very slow with so-so food. We ended up driving to find restaurants by the end of our trip. Being Labor Day weekend, the resort was 100% booked (per the check-in desk) and the service around the pool area reflected it. By 3:00pm, the always-packed pool was littered with cups, towels and empty food baskets. Very disappointing since it tarnished the breathtaking grounds. I'm assuming this is not typical and I'd hope the service would improve if it weren't a busy holiday weekend. That being said, it was actually a wonderful and memorable resort experience. In fact, we've already decided to go back next year. Just not on a Labor Day weekend.

Loved the hotel; the staff is another matter

We visited the hotel over a busy weekend (Labor Day); apparantly not a good choice as the hotel staff was definitely not prepared for the crowds that ensued. We did not get the rooms we requested, even though calls were made the week before to the hotel to confirm. Because we didn't get the rooms we requested, we needed a rollaway bed that we weren't sure we were going to get until the very last minute of the first evening we stayed at the hotel.

The concierge was less than helpful and it just seemed that, while there were a few exceptions, the staff gave off the impression that they were doing the guests a favor just by being there.

However, the hotel is beautiful and the beds are very comfortable. The rooms are a little small, but immaculate.

It's too bad the pitiful staff experience almost ruined our trip.

Wonderful Resort Stay

Loved the LaCantera! We went with our four kids and met my brother-in-law & his wife & two teenage kids. Great rooms. Very comfortable beds, bathrooms were very nice. Excellent pool with waterslide & waterfall. Service was very friendly and not at all snobby. We have stayed in many resorts and felt as though we were out of place. Not at all here. The kids were able to run - within reason - and feel at home. It is right by Six Flags. Overall - great family destination.

Wonderful Getaway!

We just returned from our 2nd stay at the Westin La Cantera and we had a wonderful time (just like the first time)! The service was great and the hotel and grounds are just beautiful. The rooms were nicely appointed and we liked having a double sink in the bathroom. Our kids had a great time at the pools and truly enjoyed the waterslide. The breakfast buffet had some good selections and they also had a waffle and omelette station. The kids had a great time at the kids club! We also enjoyed the view of the fireworks from Fiesta Texas.

I FELT LIKE I WAS "EN MI CASA"

ive stayd on this resort cloe to 15 times and i cant get enough of it ,incredible, i love the relaxation u get from this place ,very nice stuff,very nice grounds,very nice location, im not a golfer but this place is for golfers and non golfers, is for anyone that wants to enjoy the peacefull afternoons and awesome sunsets, so if you want to relax stay at La Cantera youll love it ah and one more thing wake up early on sunday before you go the brunch, stops at 11 you cant missed that and please try the coffee youll love it .

Great Family Stay!!!

Our three night stay at the La Cantera capped off our 7 night visit to San Antonio (first part of trip at the Riverwalk). What a great choice. It may have been low season (April, during the Fiesta San Antonio) which accounted for small crowds at the hotel, not sure how/if this factored into our stay but the facilities and especially the AWESOME Service were superb. ALL the staff, from the valet and doorman, registration, etc. were perfect...quick attentive service without a hint of snobery that I've occasionally experienced at other luxury properties. My kids (4 yr old girl / 8 yr old boy) were also treated great, with Westin Kid's Club freebies in their hands before we got to the room. They were thrilled...and especially enjoyed the numerous pools and endless free drink refills at any location in the hotel (including pool side). Made it easy for mom and dad to relax with a cocktail and let the kids get their own drinks. A few days were overcast, but the pool staff immediately opened all pool areas and attended the waterslide to allow my children access to any activity they wanted. Food was also superb in the restaurants and the room was excellent as expected in a Westin. I didn't pay for valet, however each time I parked in self-parking, a Westin employee had followed me from the lobby where I had dropped my family off, and offered me a ride back (I declined each time preferring to walk through the lovely grounds.). I previously always stayed at Hilton properties to consolidate my HHonors points....but after this great stay at the La Cantera, my first choice goes to Starwood if the price is right.

You don't have to be a golf fan to appreciate this hotel

What can I say about the Westin. It has it all--beautiful rooms, beautiful grounds, beautiful view, and excellent service. Of course, being a upper-class hotel, it's not for the budget-minded traveler. The only drawback was parking. If you did not want to pay $12 per day to valet, there was self- parking but not in close proximity to the hotel. The rooms were beautiful; the bedding is scrumptious, I might just have to break down and buy it. The bathrooms are very roomy, with special shower heads and 2 sinks. Try to get a room on the Hospitality Floor, (7th I think). There's complimentary drinks and appetizers and the view is excellent. The concierge and valet staff are well knowledgeable and very attentive.