Westin Riverwalk San Antonio, Texas [Master Thread]
Apr 10, 2004, 4:08 pm
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Jan 2002
Location: Toronto
Posts: 127
Westin Riverwalk San Antonio, Texas [Master Thread]
In welcome contrast to the Westin Galleria in Dallas, I found the above property outstanding across the board. Platinum upgrade to (what I think was) a suite, with a fantastic view of the Riverwalk area. Fast (and free) pressing of clothes, very effective concierge service. The hotel is modern and perfectly situated. Even at about $360/night I thought this was good value. IMO the Riverwalk area of San Antonio has a great feel to it -- not so sure about the rest of the city (the Alamo is fun to visit though). This hotel outperformed at a very busy time -- Final Four, the premiere of the "Alamo" movie, and an oil conference all in town at the same time -- full capacity. I give it a 9/10.
Apr 11, 2004, 10:36 am
#2
Join Date: Sep 1999
Location: Charlotte, NC USA
Programs: AA EXP; Marriott Lifetime / Annual Titanium; Massively Missing Starwood
Posts: 5,339
I was going to say that $360/night is insane until I saw what all was going on when you were there. This hotel is verry nice...very classy.
Apr 12, 2004, 7:24 am
#3
Original Member
Join Date: May 1998
Location: BTV
Programs: BA Gold, UA Premier Platinum, DL Gold, Lifetime Bonvoy Titanium
Posts: 870
Yes, this is a very nice property. I have stayed there several times, both paid and using SPG points. My Platinum status was acknowledged by the person checking me in and I have been given a suite upgrade with a river view.
Apr 26, 2004, 6:59 pm
#4
Join Date: Jun 2003
Location: Atlanta
Programs: DL/PM, *Wood Platinum
Posts: 835
Just returned from my first stay at the Westin Riverwalk and have to say that it was a bit disappointing -- not bad, really, just not the quality that several FTers have suggested it would be. I was "upgraded" to a regular SPG room overlooking the huge (and constantly whirring) exhaust system on the roof of the building on the other side of the river. When I asked to change to another room, they said I would lose all my nice "amenities" (these turned out to be Moulton Brown products rather than Westin products in the regular room -- no great loss). I was moved down to a regular room which was identical (except for the "amenities") as the SPG floor room.
Room are fine -- not particularly luxurious in any respect. The location is great. Service is very average (for each of the two requests we made [room change being the first time and foam pillows the second] we had to call back 1/2 hour after our initial request to get anyone to respond (no luck on the pillows).
Overall, I would say this is a perfectly decent hotel, but nowhere near as terrific as I think is often suggested on this board. I'll try the Cantera next time...
Room are fine -- not particularly luxurious in any respect. The location is great. Service is very average (for each of the two requests we made [room change being the first time and foam pillows the second] we had to call back 1/2 hour after our initial request to get anyone to respond (no luck on the pillows).
Overall, I would say this is a perfectly decent hotel, but nowhere near as terrific as I think is often suggested on this board. I'll try the Cantera next time...
Apr 27, 2004, 5:17 am
#5
Join Date: Sep 1999
Location: Charlotte, NC USA
Programs: AA EXP; Marriott Lifetime / Annual Titanium; Massively Missing Starwood
Posts: 5,339
The Cantera is a completely different experience of course in terms of hotel vs. resort and Riverwalk vs. hill country. I can tell you that the Westin is better than the Marriott, Hyatt, Hilton, Sheraton and Adam's Mark on the Riverwalk. They Hyatt is the worst of these in my opinion.
I'd write a polite letter to the GM and communicate your average stay. This hotel is usually quite good in my experience in all aspects of your post (except for the 'upgraded room' bit..?). Every hotel can have a bad day, but it sounds like you got a bad room. On my visit to the La Cantera, I had a jr. suite. I went to pick up mrs. dingo and upon our return we noticed a foul smell. Big deal, went out for drinks and dinner. Upon our return, still smelled...got worse since I had originally had the window open but closed it. Called the front desk at midnight and inquired...yep, sewer line backup on my floor. Why hadn't they called? Ooops, sorry. Got moved at midnight...that's always fun.
But the resort is great and I'm sure this is isolated. I'm rambling I know.
I'd write a polite letter to the GM and communicate your average stay. This hotel is usually quite good in my experience in all aspects of your post (except for the 'upgraded room' bit..?). Every hotel can have a bad day, but it sounds like you got a bad room. On my visit to the La Cantera, I had a jr. suite. I went to pick up mrs. dingo and upon our return we noticed a foul smell. Big deal, went out for drinks and dinner. Upon our return, still smelled...got worse since I had originally had the window open but closed it. Called the front desk at midnight and inquired...yep, sewer line backup on my floor. Why hadn't they called? Ooops, sorry. Got moved at midnight...that's always fun.
But the resort is great and I'm sure this is isolated. I'm rambling I know.
Apr 28, 2004, 2:55 am
#6
Join Date: Jun 2002
Location: DFW - AA Platinum, SPG Platinum, Marriott Plat, HH Diamond, PC Plt Royal Amb., Avis PS, FT Premium!!
Posts: 278
Originally Posted by quoxton
In welcome contrast to the Westin Galleria in Dallas, I found the above property outstanding across the board. Platinum upgrade to (what I think was) a suite, with a fantastic view of the Riverwalk area. Fast (and free) pressing of clothes, very effective concierge service. The hotel is modern and perfectly situated. Even at about $360/night I thought this was good value. IMO the Riverwalk area of San Antonio has a great feel to it -- not so sure about the rest of the city (the Alamo is fun to visit though). This hotel outperformed at a very busy time -- Final Four, the premiere of the "Alamo" movie, and an oil conference all in town at the same time -- full capacity. I give it a 9/10.
The only problem we have ever had is with the restuarant, I don't suppose that has improved? Holding my breath for a yes!
Apr 28, 2004, 11:13 am
#7
Join Date: Aug 2000
Location: Houston, TX
Posts: 193
Stayed at this hotel on a reward stay Saturday night a week ago. I only have corporate card--received standard room overlooking parking lot, but it was just fine. Service was excellent and we enjoyed our stay. Only two complaints is that this hotel is a little further down the riverwalk--also, my son wanted to go swimming--the pool (obviously not heated) was freezing.
We had Sunday buffet breakfast in the bakery cafe--it was excellent and the price ($14 for adults, $7.50 for child) was pretty good for a hotel--and particularly since it was a buffet.
We had Sunday buffet breakfast in the bakery cafe--it was excellent and the price ($14 for adults, $7.50 for child) was pretty good for a hotel--and particularly since it was a buffet.
Jan 17, 2005, 12:22 pm
#8
Join Date: Jun 2001
Location: Houston, TX
Posts: 4,329
Checked in Saturday night for a one night stay. We were assigned a junior suite on the 6th floor due to SPG PLAT status. The room was large and spacious. We had a huge balcony, probably 3 times the size of the surrounding balconies. At this property lower floors are better since you will have a better view of the narrow river down below. I would not want to be above Floor 6. Bathroom had a soaking tub and separate glass enclosed shower. Lots of fluffy towels.
Service on the other hand was not up to par. We pulled up to the valet and they asked if we were checking in but practically had to shove our keys into the guys hand to take the car. No assistance was offered with the bag so we carried them in ourselves. Check in was quick. Once up in the room we realized no platinum amenity was offered.
The worst however was the following morning.
7:30am we were woken up by the sound of the fire alarm. Finally 5 minutes later it was shut off and an announcement was made that it was a false alarm. Climb back into bed.
9:00am There is a constant knocking on the door. Look through the peep hole and it is housekeeping. Not wanting to shock them in a state of undress we tell them to come back later. (The part that is aggravating is we had the DND on the door)
9:30am They are now steam cleaning the carpets outside our room in the hall. Apparently there is water dripping at the end of the hall (part of the reason for the fire alarm). Call down to the front desk and they said the loud vacuuming would continue through the rest of the morning.
Figuring we will not be granted the privilege of sleeping in this Sunday morning we reluctantly get out of bed and get dressed for the morning. Overall this was a lack luster stay as far as service. I think part of it had to do with the fact that the All-American Bowl was that Saturday. We were not aware of this when we decided to go to Austin for the weekend.
I would give the hotel another shot due to location and quality of the hotel but I would hope that the service would improve. We did complain to the hotel manager and she did agree to award us some SPG points for our trouble.
Service on the other hand was not up to par. We pulled up to the valet and they asked if we were checking in but practically had to shove our keys into the guys hand to take the car. No assistance was offered with the bag so we carried them in ourselves. Check in was quick. Once up in the room we realized no platinum amenity was offered.
The worst however was the following morning.
7:30am we were woken up by the sound of the fire alarm. Finally 5 minutes later it was shut off and an announcement was made that it was a false alarm. Climb back into bed.
9:00am There is a constant knocking on the door. Look through the peep hole and it is housekeeping. Not wanting to shock them in a state of undress we tell them to come back later. (The part that is aggravating is we had the DND on the door)
9:30am They are now steam cleaning the carpets outside our room in the hall. Apparently there is water dripping at the end of the hall (part of the reason for the fire alarm). Call down to the front desk and they said the loud vacuuming would continue through the rest of the morning.
Figuring we will not be granted the privilege of sleeping in this Sunday morning we reluctantly get out of bed and get dressed for the morning. Overall this was a lack luster stay as far as service. I think part of it had to do with the fact that the All-American Bowl was that Saturday. We were not aware of this when we decided to go to Austin for the weekend.
I would give the hotel another shot due to location and quality of the hotel but I would hope that the service would improve. We did complain to the hotel manager and she did agree to award us some SPG points for our trouble.
Feb 8, 2005, 11:37 am
#10
Company Representative - Starwood
Join Date: Nov 2000
Location: Austin, Texas
Programs: Marriott Employee Level
Posts: 31,593
Valet parking is $23. There is a lot/parking garage across the street that costs $10 for every 24 hours with in/out privileges.
Sincerely,
William R. Sanders
Customer Service Coordinator
Starwood Preferred Services
[email protected]
Cast your vote! Visit www.freddieawards.com and choose your favorite frequent travel programs today.
Sincerely,
William R. Sanders
Customer Service Coordinator
Starwood Preferred Services
[email protected]
Cast your vote! Visit www.freddieawards.com and choose your favorite frequent travel programs today.
May 2, 2005, 6:31 pm
#12
Join Date: Jul 2003
Programs: Hilton Diamond, Starwood Lifetime Platinum, Marriott Gold, Hyatt Diamond, Delta Platinum
Posts: 2,188
Nice room but hotel can't handle capacity apparently
Ok, I'll preface this by, I'm on a $93 a night rate when everything else decent in this hotel or in town is going for at least double that. There's a huge convention in town and everything in town is sold out.
I got a decent upgrade to a room with a view. Average size room by Texas standards - great furnishings - marble bathroom, great bed.
Now, the gripes......ordered room service when arrived at 3:00 p.m. I had an awful hangover and no food on the airplane (surprise surprise). I ordered a quesadilla and a molten chocolate cake. Service Express said that it would be delivered in 35 minutes or less. At 45 minutes I called back, and the lady rather abrupty said that I'd have my food shortly. At 1 hour, the food finally showed up. It was ok - the quesadilla was barely warm and the cake was extremely cold ( I expected it to be a hot cake with a liquid center - but my expectation was off).
I ate my meal, crashed and woke up in the middle of the night. I decided to send the hotel an e-mail and let them know about the experience - not seeking anything - just wanting to make sure that they were aware. The next morning I received two phone calls from two individuals at the hotel - one was a guest service manager and the other was over room service.. The first apologized that service was so slow and that no one had apologized. She said that they would take the charge off my bill and wanted to treat me to another meal while I am here. I explained to her that I appreciated the offer but I just wanted to make sure that they were aware of the problem. I then further explained to her that I was her on business and that my employer paid for my food. End of conversation
The next guy wanted details of what had happened, what I had ordered, etc. etc. He was very nice and also said that I had a free meal coming. I explained to him that my employer paid for my food but thanks for the offer. He said that I just needed to call and order whatever I wanted.
While I appreciate the generosity and will wind up ordering breakfast when I normally would not have eaten, my employer has made out like a bandit this week, just because I was wanting to point out slow service and mediocre food to management.
I got a decent upgrade to a room with a view. Average size room by Texas standards - great furnishings - marble bathroom, great bed.
Now, the gripes......ordered room service when arrived at 3:00 p.m. I had an awful hangover and no food on the airplane (surprise surprise). I ordered a quesadilla and a molten chocolate cake. Service Express said that it would be delivered in 35 minutes or less. At 45 minutes I called back, and the lady rather abrupty said that I'd have my food shortly. At 1 hour, the food finally showed up. It was ok - the quesadilla was barely warm and the cake was extremely cold ( I expected it to be a hot cake with a liquid center - but my expectation was off).
I ate my meal, crashed and woke up in the middle of the night. I decided to send the hotel an e-mail and let them know about the experience - not seeking anything - just wanting to make sure that they were aware. The next morning I received two phone calls from two individuals at the hotel - one was a guest service manager and the other was over room service.. The first apologized that service was so slow and that no one had apologized. She said that they would take the charge off my bill and wanted to treat me to another meal while I am here. I explained to her that I appreciated the offer but I just wanted to make sure that they were aware of the problem. I then further explained to her that I was her on business and that my employer paid for my food. End of conversation
The next guy wanted details of what had happened, what I had ordered, etc. etc. He was very nice and also said that I had a free meal coming. I explained to him that my employer paid for my food but thanks for the offer. He said that I just needed to call and order whatever I wanted.
While I appreciate the generosity and will wind up ordering breakfast when I normally would not have eaten, my employer has made out like a bandit this week, just because I was wanting to point out slow service and mediocre food to management.
May 2, 2005, 9:44 pm
#13
Join Date: Sep 2003
Location: Orange County, CA
Programs: UA 2MM Lifetime Plat, Marriott Lifetime Titanium
Posts: 1,681
How does the Sheraton Gunter compare? I am staying this Saturday because I figured I'd spend 3K points, than 7K. Mrs 1K_From_SNA wanted to stay at the Westin, but she didn't get her way for once. Do they usually upg Plats there does anyone know?
May 3, 2005, 7:37 am
#14
Join Date: Aug 2001
Location: SFO
Programs: United 1K 2MM / Marriott LTP
Posts: 5,071
Originally Posted by 1K_From_SNA
How does the Sheraton Gunter compare? I am staying this Saturday because I figured I'd spend 3K points, than 7K. Mrs 1K_From_SNA wanted to stay at the Westin, but she didn't get her way for once. Do they usually upg Plats there does anyone know?
May 3, 2005, 11:52 am
#15
Join Date: Jan 2005
Location: New Orleans, LA
Programs: Starwood Platinum, HH Gold
Posts: 133
Gunter
Its not too bad as long as you don't expect too much. Here is a thread that reviews it thoroughly
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/showt...heraton+gunter
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/showt...heraton+gunter