Looking for a good spot for a reunion / retreat / vacation somewhere in central / SW texas. Not really into camping so maybe a lodge or resort with nice amenities and lots of space for kids to run around and be kids. We like water park type stuff, and also proximity to restaurants. Privacy is nice as well, so if its just a very large secluded cabin or lodge, that works too. Its all my high school friends, probably 10 families, ages 30-40, kids 0-9, about 30-40 people. Everyone lives in Houston / Austin or Dallas, all willing to drive 3-4 hours.
The JW Marriott Hill Country on the edge of San Antonio is real nice. Won't have to leave the property if you don't want too https://www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/satjw-jw-marriott-san-antonio-hill-country-resort-and-spa/
Been to JW Marriot Hill Country in San Antonio and its very nice. Heard really good things about Great Wolf Resort in Grapevine
Between San Antonio - Austin -- there are a lot of summer camp type properties (I think they are literally used as summer camps from time to time) with cabins and stuff to do. You can rent out those entire places for a few days. For a big group with kids that want to interact easily, I think that's the way to go. Not a hotel or fancy resort.
I have a slight preference for Hyatt Lost Pines over JW Marriott Hill Country......but it's slight, and YMMV.
I'd also strongly consider renting houses at a place like Cinnamon Shores. They and Palmilla beach and even the Reserve at St. Charles Bay (though they probably have fewer available rentals and are geared more towards fishing) suffered almost no damage during Harvey, but the surrounding businesses are hurting for business and prices are down. You'd be contributing to an area that needs it while saving some money. (although Cinnamon Shores is never all that cheap). If you go this route, make sure and save some money for a golf cart rental; makes all the difference.
We've rented out this entire place before for a family reunion and had a great time: http://www.kueblerwaldrip.com/ It's in New Braunfels, so there's plenty of stuff to do, but tucked away enough in the country to be quiet and peaceful.
