Days Inn by Wyndham San Antonio Splashtown/ATT Center

I knew it was cheap, but there were plenty of reasons. At check-in I was told I could only have a smoking room, which hadn't been mentioned when I booked. The room was covered in damage and grime: burn marks and holes on the furniture, tables, bed, sheets, doors, tub, and toilet; stains on the sheets and chairs; graffiti on the bathroom walls and elsewhere; and marks on the walls and floors. The TV had some kind of fluid splattered on it and running down the screen. The showerhead stuck out of a huge hole in the wall, the bathroom door wouldn't shut fully, and the room door handle barely worked, so I kept it deadbolted. One chair was an old computer swivel chair with its arms unbolted. Even the lobby shelves had mold stains. Someone had warned me this was a shady hotel and that I shouldn't stay there. On day three, I came back to multiple police officers and a coroner's van outside my door. Apparently someone had overdosed in the room next to mine. The front desk man told me in broken English, "Heart problems, all good." I checked out the next morning, but they wouldn't give me a receipt for the early checkout or a refund, so I went to stay somewhere else.

We came for leisure and to meet family. I travel often and try to save money, so I stay in less expensive motels. I used to rely on reviews, but noticed people seem quicker to write detailed negative ones attacking an owner, manager, or property than to post positive feedback. That made me want to leave an honest review either way. The lobby had a couch and comfortable chairs, and it was a quiet, peaceful spot to sit and read. Check-in went smoothly, and everything looked clean and orderly. The place is dated and could use an update. The linens and towels were freshly laundered, and the hospitality staff were attentive and friendly. I was initially concerned by the partly industrial location, but there wasn't much noise and we had no disturbances. We love pools, so the pool area was a treat, with a picnic deck, grills, tables, and lots of seating. Parking was adequate, and the facility and parking area were fenced. I didn't see loitering or transients in the parking areas, or signs of insects or rodents. It was a pleasant stay, and we'll definitely be back.

The owner and staff were friendly, and the place was decently clean. I saw one roach and another insect, but no bed bugs. The sheets were changed daily, though my towel had stains, so I didn't use it. Breakfast was cereal and bread, enough to get by on a budget. It's a basic two-star highway hotel, so don't expect anything fancy, and noise-sensitive guests might want to think twice. You get what you pay for.

I was in town for UFC Noche, and it was a quick drive to Frost Bank Center. The room and bathroom were clean, and front desk staff and housekeeping were friendly and accommodating. The place is a little dated, but for an affordable price it was a nice stay.