TownePlace Suites by Marriott San Antonio Airport

I checked out after just one night because the room was so bad. The sink wouldn’t drain, the shower valve fell off, and the main door wouldn’t close unless I used my key to unlock it first. The bed sloped so much toward the middle that I kept rolling there, and there were fruit flies. The hotel is in a strange spot, right under a highway overpass and directly next to the airport. It felt like a back alley, with constant traffic noise and planes shaking the building day and night. There was no chance of sitting peacefully by the pool.

I had a king suite with a nice-sized room and a great bathroom. The kitchen had all the cooking appliances I needed, plus a dishwasher, and the laundry room was cheap to use. The front desk customer service was great, and the location near the airport was convenient. I enjoyed my stay. The only things I’d change are the TV, which could be bigger and better positioned for watching from bed.

For a long-term stay, I found the location really convenient, close to shopping, downtown, gas stations, the airport, and business destinations. The staff made it a good experience. Lavell, the assistant general manager, welcomed me and always said hello when we passed. Hayley greeted me whenever I came in and helped me collect packages. Zeke was terrific getting the computers ready for printing, and Jessica helped reset my room keys when I got locked out. Austin was friendly on the night shift and exchanged my bills for laundry quarters. Housekeeping kept breakfast going and tidied my room on the days it needed it. Everyone was very nice and accommodating. I’d recommend giving this place a try.

The breakfast area was a dump and shut right at 9 AM. I tried to get coffee at 9:10, and the kitchen staff acted annoyed with me. The staff in general were robotic and nothing special. Our room was dark, tired, and depressing, with no soundproofing, which is strange given how close it is to the airport and freeways. The hotel sits under a huge, loud freeway interchange near the airport, and Google Maps had trouble getting us there. There’s nothing nearby within walking distance except what felt like a likely mugging. After reading all the glowing reviews, I felt like I’d checked into the wrong Marriott for our one-night stay. People call it a “hidden gem,” but to me it was more like cryptonite for a pleasant night. If you want aloof staff, lousy rooms, and a sketchy area, this place is for you.