Fairfield Inn & Suites San Antonio Airport/North Star Mall

The bed was standard for Fairfield, and the location seems handy if you need the airport. The restaurants nearby are good. But this place is very old and needs major system updates, and there were ants on the fourth floor. I left a night early and filmed everything in the room and the walk to my car so they couldn't charge me extra. I was in San Antonio to film a movie, and the stay was bad enough that I drove four hours home the next day and back. Parking costs about $10 a night through a third party unless you get a pass. I arrived late, missed the signs, and wasn't told about the fee at check-in. On the second morning, there were ants on my toothbrush and in the sink. I hadn't left food or made a mess, and I was out every day, coming back only to sleep. The room smelled like cigarettes when I got it, so I borrowed Glade spray from the front desk. My card was charged repeatedly through the night until my bank called at 5 a.m. about possible fraud. At the desk, they sent me in circles about “deposits and stuff” and said I wouldn't get all of it back. Then the employee explained it clearly to my husband. He had booked the hotel, but they cancelled his reservation and card, then charged the room repeatedly to the card I'd given for the deposit.

The students staying there for a college tour were loud and running through the halls after quiet hours. Nothing was done until we complained. Our room had other problems too: the halls were dirty, the rooms old, and the toaster stayed broken for all four days. The breakfast attendant watched us while we ate, which felt unusual. The worst part was the keypad on my door failing. I waited outside my room for more than an hour and a half while they dealt with it. Nobody offered another room or even let me know they were repairing the door until it was finished. I was traveling with a group, and I wouldn't recommend this hotel.

We’ve stayed here twice and had a great experience both times. It’s quiet and comfortable, and the staff have always been friendly and accommodating. There are plenty of good restaurants within walking distance, plus a Walmart around the corner if you’ve forgotten anything. Breakfast is included and delicious. We’ll be visiting San Antonio over the next three years, and plan to stay here each time.

We found spiders in one bed and another bug in the second bed when we got to the room. The toilets were dirty and stained everywhere. I’d heard awful feedback from other families in town for a youth soccer tournament, and unfortunately our room lived up to it. The front desk seemed repulsed by what we found, so I’d rate the service a three. I was told the hotel is being renovated, but this was the worst place I’ve ever stayed. Funny enough, the estancia fee miles away cost the same.