Homewood Suites by Hilton San Antonio Riverwalk/Downtown

We parked when we arrived and didn't need the car again until we checked out. The Riverwalk, the saga chapel, and other nearby spots were easy to get to on foot. Parking does cost extra. The hotel was clean and pleasant, and I liked having a mini kitchen. Downstairs there's a big space overlooking the Riverwalk with tables and places for families to gather, along with the breakfast area.

I spent two months here, and it really did feel like a home away from home. Everyone, from management and the front desk to housekeeping, was friendly, attentive, and quick to help. They made me feel like family and clearly take pride in the rooms, which were spotless, comfortable, and set up well for a longer stay. I'd recommend it whether you're here for a few days or a few months.

The room wasn't properly cleaned, and some of the sheets were torn. The valet was a mess too. We followed the check-in card's instructions and texted the car-specific code, but still waited over an hour in the lobby with all our things on a luggage rack. At the front desk, staff looked annoyed about checking people in. I even heard someone mutter, “why do you people need something all the time” before answering a call from a guest upstairs. My kids had a good time on the trip to SA, but the grumpy desk staff, awful valet wait, and lack of attention to cleanliness would have me choosing a different place next time.

Getting out to enjoy the river walk each day was probably the best part of our stay. We love S.A., but we won't be back to this hotel. Our biggest issue was a pet fee that was charged even though we checked in without a pet and never had one in the room. When I disputed it at checkout, they said they'd fix it. They still haven't, despite at least two calls and voicemails for “Victor,” a manager of some sort who apparently doesn't return customer calls. There was a dead cockroach on the kitchen floor by the fridge, and another part of the room that couldn't be ignored was the noise. The room by the elevator has almost no soundproofing at the doorway; Saturday night was especially loud, even though we were out late too. The drop-off area is tiny and awkward, though the staff were nice. The furniture looked mid 20th century, with two desks and no dresser. Breakfast was standard free breakfast fare.