Why We Keep Coming Back to JW Marriott San Antonio Hill Country

We escaped to JW Marriott San Antonio Hill Country Resort & Spa for a few fun summer days — and this wasn’t our first time. In fact, it was our third visit, which tells you just how much we love this place.

For families looking for a mix of relaxation, adventure, and sensory-friendly spaces, this resort checks all the boxes. Here are our Top 10 Reasons We Keep Coming Back:

1. The Lazy River 🌊

This might just be our favorite feature. The 1,100-foot lazy river winds its way through the property, shaded by Texas trees and perfect for floating the day away. Avery loves to swim it like a lap pool, while we love the calming, regulating rhythm of drifting along.

2. Waterslides 🎢

The resort’s 9-acre waterpark is massive, clean, and so well-organized. The slides are a hit every time — thrilling enough for adventure seekers but still manageable for younger kids.

3. The Sports Bar 🏈

Big screens everywhere, tasty food that kids (and adults) love, and the fun of catching a game together. It’s an easy, low-stress dining option when you don’t feel like venturing far.

4. Swing Golf Simulator ⛳

This is such a hidden gem. You can rent a simulator booth for an hour and choose from a wide range of interactive games — from serious golf swings to silly mini challenges. It’s perfect for family playtime or winding down in the evenings.

5. Pop-Up Shops 🧸

In the summer, the resort often brings in kid-friendly pop-ups like Build-a-Bear. It’s such a thoughtful touch that adds a little magic to the stay — Avery always loves browsing and picking out something fun.

6. Family Glow Golf ✨

As the sun sets over Hill Country, the resort transforms mini golf into a glow-in-the-dark putting adventure. It’s low-stress, fun, and just the right amount of competition for the whole family.

7. The Arcade 🎮

A classic favorite. Full of games, claw machines, and chances to win prizes, the arcade is a great place to burn energy or escape the afternoon heat.

8. Family Pool Cabanas 🏖️

When traveling with extended family or friends, these cabanas make a perfect home base at the waterpark. Shade, seating, and space to regroup — so helpful for families with different paces and sensory needs.

9. Texas Tacos 🌮

The food here deserves a spotlight of its own. From BBQ brisket tacos to Tex-Mex staples, every bite is delicious. We always make a point of grabbing tacos at least once a day.

10. The Riverwalk & Alamo 🏙️

The resort itself feels like a destination, but if you want to explore, downtown San Antonio is just 20 minutes away. The Riverwalk is lively and beautiful, and a visit to the Alamo is a must for history buffs.

Costs & Perks 💰

Rooms typically range from $270 to $400 per night, plus a $65 per night resort fee. Rooms can comfortably fit a family of 4–5.

That resort fee covers things like Wi-Fi, in-room coffee, safe, laundry, phone calls, and — most importantly — pool and waterpark access. For us, that waterpark access makes the fee worth it.

Autism-Friendly Notes 💛

For our family, JW Marriott Hill Country has been autism-travel approved:

• Wide open spaces give Avery room to decompress when she needs a break.

• Flexible pacing means we can switch between waterpark fun, quiet time in a cabana, or a calmer arcade session.

• Friendly staff always made us feel welcomed and supported, which goes a long way when traveling with sensory considerations.

Final Thoughts

JW Marriott Hill Country is one of those rare places that keeps drawing us back. Whether it’s the lazy river, the tacos, or the glow golf after sunset, every visit leaves us with new memories and renewed excitement to return.

For families — especially those navigating autism and sensory needs — this resort is both fun and manageable. That’s why it gets our Avery Approved ✅ stamp, for the third time and counting.