Embassy Suites San Antonio Riverwalk-Downtown

The bathroom faucet handles were awkward to turn on and off, the one thing I’d mention as a drawback. Otherwise, the rooms were nicely decorated and had enough outlets and USB ports. Breakfast was excellent, with make-your-own omelets, breads and pastries, bacon, potatoes, French toast, oatmeal, cereal, soda, and coffee. The buffet servers were consistently friendly and attentive. The location is outstanding, just steps from the Riverwalk and a couple hundred feet from the heart of Riverwalk restaurant row. Valet parking costs $60 a night and includes in-and-out privileges; there’s also a nearby garage for less. This is one of the best Embassy Suites I’ve stayed at, and I’d come back.

Breakfast was a real highlight, with omelets made to order and plenty of other options like fruit, yogurt, cereal, pancakes, French toast sticks, bacon, sausage, and potatoes. The staff there were friendly and checked on people while they ate. Our two-room setup with two queen beds was roomy and worked well for us, and the hotel’s right on the Riverwalk, which is handy for a lot of things. We liked the rooftop deck on the third floor for watching the boats, but the pool itself was a letdown. Staff described it as heated, though it didn’t feel warm, and there was sand-like grit on the bottom, as if the filter had blown. We didn’t spend much time swimming. The valet team was lovely, and the front desk was helpful except for one rather unpleasant exchange about a package we’d shipped ahead. Another employee stepped in and sorted it out with much less attitude. I’d stay again.

The room had a missing TV remote, and the bed seemed to be short-sheeted. Housekeeping also appeared to have missed or not reported several problems. Still, customer service was very good when we raised the issues. Thanks to the employee who got our door to lock properly, even though it was already 9 pm. The lobby and rooms look modern and nicely done, as you’d expect from an Embassy Suites.

Being right on the Riverwalk is a great location, and you can see it from the breakfast area. The omelet setup was fun: you choose ingredients and put them in a little metal bowl, then the chef cooks your omelet quickly. They also had good sausage, bacon, seasoned potatoes, mixed fruit, and bananas that were just right. The rooms are generous in size, with a big TV in both the bedroom and living room, plus a mini fridge and microwave. The bathroom was spacious too, with a tiled shower and strong water pressure. The hotel looks recently renovated, and service was good. I was surprised and a bit disappointed that Diamond members don’t get free upgrades here, but otherwise things were top notch.