This is our first trip to this resort for a weekend getaway...Using starpoints, so it's a freebie weekend...Any suggestions, room locations, types, views etc...looks like a great property...Why is this not a five star?

Where might this La Cantera place be located?

Westin La Cantera San Antonio

Haven't stayed there so can't comment on rooms--we stay at Hyatt Hill Country, also a fantastic resort and built by the same Dallas developer as La Cantera, when we are in SA.

I can comment on your question about the 5 star status though, which is a next-to-impossible-to-achieve goal. There were only 24 5* hotels in the entire US in 2001. 34 states, (including lauded HI) have none at all. Most who do have one, including Texas, have only 1 (The Mansion in Dallas). CA is the grand winner with 5. 4* status is also difficult to achieve and maintain, whereas 3* encompasses a huge variety of standards. I've forgotten what all is entailed with the 5th star, but it might be something as insignificant as not having 24 hr/day room service (as opposed to 6 AM-midnight in a 4*)that knocked them out of the running--not anything that would normally disappoint even the mosst discerning traveler. Have a great getaway...and free is always nice!

There are many things that make it diffulcult for a great property to reach 5*. The cleaning crew must use closets not carts ,for instanceI have stayed in some 4 *'s that I like better than some 5*'s. La Contera is one of them. I have stayed there twice,once last Sept. (I was "stuck"there a couple extra days on 9/11).
Great pool area. Nice golf course. Good restaurant. Very nice rooms. Ask for a view room (they are the highest part of the San Antonio area). They will know. I had a great view of San Antonio (and part of golf course).If you want,get one with view of fire works. The six flags property is right down from it. If you have "status" with SPG,they will take special care of you. Enjoy!

Oh I loved La Cantera! Boyfriend & I stayed during 4th of July using employee rates, so it was practically a free-bi.
When we arrived we didn't specify any views or rooms and ended up in a room that some water damage (I'm guessing from the rain that weekend) Spoke up really fast and was moved to a much better room with a view of the fireworks at Fiesta. We were a little ticked, but did not let it ruin our weekend. The service from the other parts of the resort greatly made up for it.
Other interesting tidbits, valeting is the easiest and really cheap. Our valet totaled at $12 for 4 days. This might be the norm, but I was expected at least $15/night.
Not sure if they do this year round or not, but they have had a campfire and served s'mores every evening around 8 or 9. That was always a treat!
The pools were great. A tad crowded with kids during the day, but the adults pool was a nice getaway during the evening. The bar near the pool had great service and served some tasty drinks.
I wasn't expected much as far as service because the waitstaff is so young, but I was pleasantly surprised.
Neither one of us play golf, so can't comment on that.
I had a massage at the spa, but it was just average. Make appts ahead of time or you will be getting up at an ungodly hour to have anything done.
Didn't try any of the restaurants. We saved our appetites for the riverwalk. The conceirge did an EXCELLENT job on getting us reservations at Boudro's. Table right on the riverwalk and NO wait.
Hope this helps and you enjoy your stay!

Just be prepared to go to the pool. It will be ungodly hot in August. The standard rooms are very nice, but small. That said, I visit once or twice a year.