Spark by Hilton San Antonio near SeaWorld

The location worked really well for attending BMT at Lackland AFB, making it easy to get back and forth. Staff were friendly, helpful, and accommodating, and the rooms were clean and comfortable. Based on earlier reviews, I was glad not to find any pests. They must have fumigated, which is great. There were a few letdowns. The first-floor bathtub leaked, and we could hear it throughout the night. The orange juice at breakfast tasted watered down, and the elevator was out of service, making it harder to get around. The stay was decent value thanks to the service and location, but maintenance and amenities could use work.

Both times I stayed there, my truck was broken into. Staff cleaned up the glass so other guests wouldn’t see it. I was parked outside the front door, and they have cameras, but nobody monitors them. I made a police report. Between the broken window and stolen belongings, I paid almost $500 to stay one night. I’ll never stay there again. Beware, it’s not a safe environment.

We chose the hotel partly for its indoor pool, which is a good addition and can be used. It’s in a great location. They offer breakfast, but we were so unhappy with the room that we didn’t want to try it. There were roaches in our room, and the rooms were dirty, with stained linens. They’re terrible and well below Hilton brand standards. We told the front desk, but the issues were never addressed, and the manager ignored them. The elevator was out of order too, which limited room options. This wasn’t a good vacation hotel at all.

The location is extremely convenient for Lackland Air Force Base ceremonies and events. That was the only positive of my stay, booked for November 11-14 for my son’s graduation. The lobby had a strong, pervasive moldy smell as soon as I entered. The young man at the front desk was friendly, but the poor air quality was concerning. My room initially looked clean. Around 3:00 AM, I woke to several roaches on the nightstand and in the bathroom. Over the next hour I saw and killed several more, so this seemed like a severe infestation. I took photos. I called the front desk at 3 AM. The staff member offered to move me, which was kind, but I was exhausted at that hour. Later, I mentioned the roaches to the woman at the desk downstairs. Before I could show the pictures, she reached under the counter and pulled out a can of roach spray. That made it seem the staff knew about a recurring pest problem but weren’t properly addressing it, and relied on having bug spray ready. For the price and the Hilton name, guests expect a clean, pest-free place. Dealing with an infestation and seeing signs that the hotel knows about it is unacceptable. Don’t stay here unless you absolutely have to for something tied to Lackland AFB. Poor value, a major hygiene failure, and unacceptable pest control. I wish there were a way to submit these pictures of the roaches.