Hilton HHonors - Hilton Palacio del Rio Trip Reports and Reviews

Stayed there this summer and LOVED IT!!

Called the morning I planned to arrive, just to see what was available and ended up with a room on the 16th floor (sign on the wall says is reserved for HH guests). (super rate -- they wanted to sell the room!) We had an odd numbered room -- and it overlooked the river -- wonderful!! All the rooms have balconies.

Amenities (water and oreos) was waiting upon arrival. Turn down service -- ice, more water & chocolate squares -- around 8PM. Received 1 breakfast coupon, when asked for another handed it right away. Restaurant refused to honor coupons, front desk 'fixed' and we had full buffet for two for $4 (they gave credit for the coupons).

Parking is self or valet in a garage near, but not connected.

Great people, nice place, wonderful time!!

I thought the hotel was alright but I have to tell you if you are driving a car (your own or a rental) the garage is not connected to or affiliated with the hotel. They have like 2 floors where Hilton guests can park. When I was there in March I must have driven around the block 4 times before having to check with them again where the garage was. Must say I didn't really care for that. Expensive and far way.

Here is my review of this property and links to other hotels, restaurants and sites in San Antonio.
Jeff

http://www.igougo.com/planning/journalEntryAccommodation.asp?JournalID=4867&EntryID=4395

I have lived in SAT for 30 years. You are in luck for BBQ downtown: Countyline on the Riverwalk. I think it is the best BBQ anywhere. Order the beef ribs or the mixed plate with beef ribs, brisket and sausage. The side dishes are just as good as the meat. One dinner makes 3 meals for me. It is truly fantastic!

July and August (and end of June, first part of Sept) are the worst months of the year here. The rest of the year can be just delightful as far as weather goes. Enjoy our city! Let me know if you need further help.

Jeffrey -
Thanks for a great review. I'll definitely ask for a riverview room.

Paradocs -
County Line sounds like the perfect restaurant for big appetites. I will be in SAT with several hungry college students. Better watch out - SAT will be swarming with accountants next week. There are two big conventions beginning this weekend.

To everyone else -
Thanks for your helpful comments. I'm leaving for SAT this Friday and will pack loose clothing so that I can eat lots. I won't be renting a car, so the expensive parking won't be an issue.

Just stayed at the Palacio del Rio August 7. The 17th floor is an HHonors member-only floor, and my room on the riverside was very nice. The hotel is older, and definitely has character, with the only negative that I noticed being the absence of an executive lounge.

If you are visiting San Antonio in the next few weeks, the 2002 Dallas Cowboys Training Camp will be held in SAT at the Alamodome until August 23. The "Host Hotel" for this year's camp is the Marriott Riverwalk a block or two away from the Palacio, and it is quite easy to see the team as they arrive back from their practices by bus and enter the Riverwalk from the rear door (between the Marriott Rivercenter hotels (tallest one) and the Riverwalk hotel (across the street from the convention center).

If the weather is hot and you're looking for a cool treat, visit the Menger Hotel across from the Alamo, and enjoy some delicious mango ice cream which according to an article about the hotel was a favorite of Bill Clinton, who requested 40 gallons be shipped to Washington DC for one of his inaugurations. The same hotel has a bar that has several claims to fame, including being the location where Teddy Roosevelt recruited the Rough Riders (see http://lonestar.utsa.edu/erikap/Menger5.html )

[This message has been edited by FFlyCatcher (edited 08-09-2002).]

Stayed there last January. Located right on River Walk. That is nice.

Main restaurant was closed.

As Gold, I was "upgraded" to the HH floor (can't remember which one), room facing the city (not good, but had late arival). The HH floor is same plan as any other floor but more amenities in room: internet, more toileteries, robes, etc. Basic Hilton, nothing special. I think they cater to conference goers mainly.

Old hotel. Good location. Good eating and drinking choices. Small rooms. Sound proof b/c they are made from concrete and put together in honey comb fashion. I'd go for the Westin Riverwalk if you have a choice.