This hotel is NOT a dump. All other things being relatively equal, I will choose a Hilton property for the points. So, I would probably stay there again. The hotel is right on the riverwalk, NOT two blocks off it. It is quiet along this section but a very quick and pleasant walk to the hustle and bustle found nearer the Alamo and mall. Another reviewer wrote it is on the seedy side of town. To me, most of the downtown was a little seedy (it is a city), but all along the riverwalk felt safe and well lit. There was no armed guard in the lobby or the parking area. There is a bus stop across the street were locals, who work for a living, wait for the bus but I didn't think anyone looked dangerous in any way.... Mostly just tired.
We traveled with family and appreciated the breakfast and "welcome home" happy hour with meals. We feel that being able to eat so much at the hotel saved us a lot of money. However, there are many good places to eat in San Antonio, so there is that. The food was not great, generally generic cafeteria fare.
We found out that you can book which suite you want when you book on line. I wish I had known that, because we had two suites with views of the brick wall of the Westin next door.
All of the staff were wonderful! The guy at the front desk answered my question, drew me a map with directions, checked someone else in, and answered the phone simultaneously. It was an amazing feat of multi-tasking to behold! He was pleasant and patient with all! The ladies at breakfast and welcome home meals were friendly, kept the food coming, and managed to wipe tables in between, keeping everything neat and tidy.
I will say that the mattresses were not up to Hilton standards (I love Hampton Inns because they have great matteresses, and I thought Homewood Suites did too...) but lots of pillows and quality sheets and towels. The suites we stayed in did not have windows in the living room part which made them dark and dreary. We like to play games and eat snacks together and the living room area was too small for our comfort. The bedroom sections were much bigger and more comfortable. Bathrooms were clean but SMALL and worn. Tiles were chipped as were corners of floor boards, etc.
The valet parking was a hassle. They would say ten minutes, but always took longer. The guys working there worked hard and were great, its just a bad arrangement We are used to using valet parking. Its just too bad that San Antonio doesn't have better parking downtown.
All in all, I thought it was pricey for what it was. If you can get a good deal, by all means stay here. If you want to be in the middle of some kind of night life, well, don't go to San Antonio. If you want a clean quiet place with friendly staff and don't plan to drive much, stay here! Most of the guests I talked to and saw seemed happy and seemed to be having a good time. Especially during happy hour!
hotel reviews