I traveled with my 15-year old daughter and her friend for a weekend getaway and Seaworld visit. We arrived in early evening to a busy place, but were assisted by the valet and front desk promptly. We booked via the Starwood website and obtained a deluxe pool view room. WOW! The room was quite large with 2 double beds and a sofabed, desk and large glass table. We had a walk-out balcony (no chairs though) that overlooked the pool. We could hear the lovely pool waterfall from the balcony. The view from this 4th floor room included the pool and the hills in the distance.
The sweet smell of mesquite also welcomed us. Because of the extensive rains over the last few weeks, the pool was a bit too cold for me to enjoy, but the girls braved it. We all enjoyed the hot tubs. We ordered food from the friendly waiters and then our only disapointment occurred. We ordered quesadillas (around $9 a piece) and received a very small, child-size one that included no guacamole or sour cream. Sadly, it was pitiful. The accompanying margarita and smoothies were good, but seriously!
The next day, after a long day of Seaworld, after returning to the hotel for a bit of rest (it's about a 20-minute drive), I couldn't convince the girls to leave the hotel after enjoying the pool again. Afterwards, they were starving so we went to the casual restaurant (on-site at the hote) to eat. The server was very sweet and recommended the buffet. There was salad, baked chicken, vegetables, soup, chicken nuggets, macaroni and tater tots. We filled our plates and unfortunately, the soup was runny and without flavor, the chicken dry, ok-the macaroni was yummy... and that was about it. There was no dessert and no bread included in the price (I think about $15.95). When we were finished, the bill was over $75 including tip and one glass of wine. What was I thinking? Earlier posters had warned me... I should have known.
Another funny/delightful surprise! After checking in (and after the puny quesadilla at the pool), management sent a bottle of champagne and chocolates in a Texas-shaped chocolate container to the room with birthday wishes for me! We loved it; of course, it wasn't my birthday, but it did have my name on the card, so who's going to question it?
Bottom line? I would stay there again if I could get the same rate ($209/night), but would not eat there. Come to think of it, there weren't many diners in the restauarant at all! At a resort like this one I do expect the prices to be high, but the quality should match the price.
We have stayed other trips at the Hyatt Hill Country (loved it-but it's a little too crowded) and their buffet is fabulous - great variety of food and pastries too! But the price has recently gone too high for my taste. The Radisson near Seaworld is convenient, but the place really doesn't feel like a resort-the pools are too hot, the people are too rowdy and the service is not consistent.
My recommendation? For a romantic getaway - go to the Westin La Cantera and dine somewhere else! With kids, you'll love the Westin La Cantera, but eat somewhere else!
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