The Westin Riverwalk, San Antonio

The balcony view and location were the only things that earned this hotel a star. We arrived late after a full day on the road, but the valet staff didn’t acknowledge us while we waited in the car. We ended up getting a luggage cart from the lobby, unloading everything, and carrying our keys to the valet stand ourselves before anyone helped. Upstairs, we saw something brown smeared all over an elevator button. Before heading out for food, we called the front desk for the name of a Riverwalk restaurant we knew was open 24/7. We couldn’t name it, or we would’ve searched for it ourselves. The staff member said none were open. We found Alamo Biscuit Co. and had a good meal. A hotel on the Riverwalk should know what’s available, especially since it’s Texas’s top visitor destination. I don’t expect them to know every business, but the only restaurant open all night should stand out. The worst part came when we got back hoping to sleep. There were crumbs under one bed’s sheets and little black specks under the other that looked like pepper. I can’t say for sure they were bedbugs, but I think most people would suspect that. Luckily, we hadn’t put any luggage or belongings on the beds. We gathered our things, told staff why we were leaving, and chose to spend five hours at the airport before our 6am flight rather than one more minute in such a filthy hotel. I’m writing this from the airport lobby with my grand daughter asleep on my lap. I’ve stayed in much cheaper hotels with better cleanliness and service. Don’t waste your money here, there are plenty of other options with balconies and nice views.

For the price, it was a very good stay and I’d return. I was here for a convention, and the hotel was conveniently just three blocks from the convention center. The modern, clean lobby and rooms met expectations, and the lobby staff were pleasant and professional. A minor issue with my room’s door lock was taken care of quickly. I noticed the lobby water dispenser was covered, so I guess they’ve stopped offering free water. They might as well remove it. One elevator was alarmingly noisy.

The room felt like a throwback, with a velvet couch and wing back chairs, though it was comfortable enough that I can’t complain too much. The hotel grounds were great and the staff were attentive throughout. It sits in a prime but quiet stretch of the walk. I’d return if I’m back in San Antonio.

The room on the 11th floor was good, but there were no lounge facilities and few benefits for Titanium or Platinum status guests. The gym was very average and needs upgrades. I used it twice, and on the second day the water dispenser was empty, so the area doesn’t seem to get regular checks. Only two of the four elevators were working from Fri- Sunday. There are plenty of good Marriott hotels nearby to try on my next trip. I wouldn’t recommend coming back.