I was "awarded" this hotel through Hotwire based on a "Four Star" rating. I have booked accommodations through Hotwire on more than one occasion and have been very pleased with the value and quality I have received. So, I was confident that using Hotwire to book my most recent accommodations in San Antonio for an anniversary celebration would be no exception. However, once I learned I had recieved the Crowne Plaza, I researched the property and read the reviews. It is clear, with exceptions of Hotwire affiliated entities (Travelocity, Orbitz) and one or two independent entities, that the overall general public/professional opinion of this hotel is LESS than four stars. I immediately called Hotwire with my concerns, which were ignored. It was explained that this hotel was classified as four star based on the amenities available and even though the Crowne Plaza is listed as an example of a three star hotel on Hotwire's own site, the rates are assigned to individual properties, not chains. So, i was disimissed and told if I encountered problems during my stay, let them know. Even following further complaints and a letter from my attorney, Hotwire refused to refund or change the accomodation. Needless to say, I don't recommend Hotwire either.
We were forced to stay at the Crowne Plaza rather than pay for two hotels. So, let me start with the only positive thing about our stay, the hotel staff was very friendly. Check in and check out was smooth.
The reviews about parking are correct. The Crowne Plaza charges $28 a day for valet and $23 a day to self park in their garage. We parked in an outside city owned lot adjacent to the hotel and paid $9 a day ($18 from about 4:30 Friday to 8:00am on Sunday). The only drawback is once you park, you can not come and go from the city lot like you can the garage, each time you leave, you pay the fee again!
Aside from that, the Crowne Plaza is NOT a four star hotel and while “technically” located on the Riverwalk, it is NOT convenient to the shops, restaurants and clubs. If you choose to use the Riverwalk access behind the hotel, you must walk through an area of construction and beggars for several blocks before finding the charm of the Riverwalk District. The hotel is located in a rundown area close to the bus station and again, you must walk through construction and beggars at street level.
The hotel itself was NOT of a four star quality. The windows in the entryway were dirty, there were dirty room service trays appearing to be from breakfast in the hallway upon our check in at 4pm and they were still in the hallway when we returned from dinner after 9:30pm. The housekeeper also left dirty dishes in our room one day.The floors looked as if they were never vacuumed during our stay.
The beds were hard and uncomfortable, the pillows flat and small, hardly of four star quality. The walls were so thin, our first night we were kept awake by children in the room next door who squealed and shouted, thumped the walls and slammed doors well past midnight. Our second night, a local school held their prom, again we were kept awake by slamming doors, loud voices and laughter. Finally, the elevators were slow and consistently full requiring us to take the stairs more than once.
We ate breakfast at the hotel one morning and were surprised to see other guests in their pajamas at the tables in the restaurant. You don't expect to see that in a four star hotel!
It's probably fine for a business conference, family weekend, or something along that line, but if your looking for a pampering, romantic weekend and are considering a four star hotel, this is not the place to chose!
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