Westin Riverwalk Hotel, San Antonio, Texas

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Westin Riverwalk, cr-hotelplanner.com

Check-In:

We booked the room online via Price line and personally called the hotel ahead of our arrival to inform them that there would be three people in the room. When we arrived the line to the front desk appeared dauntingly long, but to our surprise we were at the front of the line in less than five minutes. We were greeted by a friendly front desk clerk who informed us that they upgraded our room to a suite on the 9^th floor with the view of the river walk, it was the only room available that had two beds and could sleep three people, although one of the beds was a sofa bed, it was actually quite comfortable. Because it was a weekend the hotel was full of activity, not to mention that the hotel had two weddings and a small convention happening, yet besides the crowded elevators and the occasional bridal party blocking an aisle, the crowds were not much of an inconvenience due to the spaciousness of main lobby.

The hotel is located in the busy part of the W market street. One major problem was the lack of parking available, there was no street parking and when we asked the hotel if we could use their self serve parking garage we were told it was full, it left us with only one choice to use valet parking, an expensive option at thirty dollars a day, although they did offer unlimited in and out privileges for the time we were guests in the hotel.

The room was spacious and decorated in a warm and inviting contemporary style. I must admit there was enough room in the room to hold a small party if we felt like it. To top it off there was an enormous balcony with a view of the river walk; the two large French doors made it feel like an extension to the room. The center of the room was filled with a big comfy sofa and chair, with a large flat screened television that could be watched from anywhere in the room. The bathroom was like a dream with a spa bathtub and large glass shower, with dual massage heads. To top off the bathroom experience they offered extra large thick towels and bathrobes so warm you could sleep in them. Of course Westin is known for their soft, warm beds and this bed did not disappoint us, after a warm spa bath it was the perfect compliment for a great sleep.

One large drawback was the lack of free internet in the room, when we tried to log into the hotel internet we were shocked to find out it was seven dollars for two hours. When we read about the internet situation it said it was offered free in several spots in the main lobby, but that just felt too inconvenient to do so we decided to go without internet for the night. The honor bar was also expensive, as expected in a hotel this size, but they did offer two free bottles of water in the room and free coffee with an in-room coffee maker.

Features & Activities:

You can Bask in the sun on a lounge and enjoy the view of the Tower of the Americas from the heated outdoor pool. Or if you indulged on too much good food you can work it off in the state-of-the-art Gym or get pampered in the Dasa Spa. Every afternoon they offer La Merienda—the Westins version of a Latin high tea. If you need additional ideas on how to spend your time in San Antonio their Concierge staff is pleased to make suggestions or even reservations if needed.

The hotel is located in the heart of downtown San Antonio few blocks from the convention center and couple blocks from the Alamo and the famous River Walk is just outside the back doors. There is also a coffee shop near the back doors so it makes it a wonderful morning to grab a cup of coffee and scone then proceed out to the river to enjoy your breakfast. The river walk has plenty of great restaurants and shopping, plus fun activities to
do with your kids making it a great family destination

It is about 2 blocks from the San Antonio convention center which you can safely reach via the river walk or use the overhead walkways so you can avoid the traffic. There is a multi-level mall called the River Center Mall also located a short walk from the hotel.

Housekeeping:

Housekeeping was excellent. Although they prefer any additional needs to be requested before five pm they seemed more than happy to bring us extra towels and soap late in the evening. This is a green hotel, which means they only change the sheets and give you fresh towels if you request it each day. This is something we have come to appreciate at hotels that we stay at.

Parking:

There is a multi-level parking garage in front of the hotel, but the cost of parking is not included in the price of the room. Considering that this hotel is fairly costly, adding an additional $30 for valet parking each day seems excessive. You might be able to find self parking or street parking depending on the time and the day.