Marriott Bonvoy hotels in San Antonio, TX
#196
Join Date: Sep 2012
Location: SEA, YVR
Programs: Alaska MVPG, Flying Blue Gold, BA Silver, Hilton Diamond, Hyatt Globalist
Posts: 568
I realized I've got an unused cat 5 certificate expiring in March so I thought I'd make a last minute trip - any recommendations on whether to pick the Marriott Plaza San Antonio or the Courtyard San Antonio Riverwalk? As a plat, I'd get free breakfast at the Marriott, but would like to know if the location on the Riverwalk is worth trading away the free breakfast.
Thanks in advance!
Thanks in advance!
#197
Join Date: Feb 2000
Location: Denver, CO, USA
Programs: Former 1KMM now free as UA Gold MM, former HH D, Marriott Lifetime Plat
Posts: 1,121
Any recent updates here? Looking to possibly come down for a bowl game in December and would like to be walking distance to the Alamodome.
#198
Join Date: Dec 2009
Location: COS
Programs: UA Gold/1.5MM (several years running now!), Marriott LTTE, Hertz Prez
Posts: 1,899
I have only stayed at the downtown RI. It's not directly on the Riverwalk, but that can be a good thing (crowd/traffic noise) if you don't mind a short walk. But it's pretty dated on the whole.
The CY looked interesting walking by, but I would have noise concerns there, and it's apparently undergoing renovation. It's also very tight quarters by all accounts (see management comments in the reviews section on marriott.com).
The mainline Marriotts all look pretty dated as well. I have an upcoming trip and no SPG properties are working out, so contemplating my Marriott options. Not too excited about any of them, comments/insights based on recent experience certainly welcome...
#199
Join Date: Dec 2008
Location: Tampa, FL
Programs: Southwest A-List, Alaska MVP
Posts: 1,231
#201
Join Date: May 2004
Location: Seattle
Programs: Marriott Ambassador LT Titanium, Hyatt Globalist, United LT Silver
Posts: 1,085
I realized I've got an unused cat 5 certificate expiring in March so I thought I'd make a last minute trip - any recommendations on whether to pick the Marriott Plaza San Antonio or the Courtyard San Antonio Riverwalk? As a plat, I'd get free breakfast at the Marriott, but would like to know if the location on the Riverwalk is worth trading away the free breakfast.
Thanks in advance!
Thanks in advance!
#202
Join Date: Dec 2003
Location: Redondo Beach, CA USA
Programs: UA 1KMM, Bonvoy LTE+A, HH D, Nat'l EE, Hertz Plat, Avis PC
Posts: 3,712
I agree with puddy--back when I used to travel frequently to San Antonio, the Plaza was my first choice. The Rivercenter was a solid backup, and the once or twice I had to stay at the Riverwalk I found it acceptable too.
#203
Join Date: Dec 2008
Location: South Korea
Posts: 1,168
For those who have stayed in multiple Marriott-family properties in SAT, what would you say are the advantages of the St. Anthony (LC) beyond the nicer common areas and furnishings? Price difference between the St. Anthony and the others (Sheraton, Marriotts, Westin) are substantial and yet I cannot seem to find the 'edge' that justifies the price. Is it really that much nicer? Notably better service? Are there any perks for Plats at the St. Anthony that are not there at the other properties?
TIA!
TIA!
#204
Join Date: Apr 2019
Programs: UA Platinum, Hilton Diamond, Bonvoy Platinum, Gov't Rate
Posts: 11
For those who have stayed in multiple Marriott-family properties in SAT, what would you say are the advantages of the St. Anthony (LC) beyond the nicer common areas and furnishings? Price difference between the St. Anthony and the others (Sheraton, Marriotts, Westin) are substantial and yet I cannot seem to find the 'edge' that justifies the price. Is it really that much nicer? Notably better service? Are there any perks for Plats at the St. Anthony that are not there at the other properties?
Of the properties in SAT:
- Only the Marriotts (Riverwalk, Rivercenter, Plaza) have lounges
- Marriott Riverwalk just renovated its fitness center with all new equipment and is the best of the bunch, Rivercenter will renovate its lounge later this year (according to a poster I saw last month). Both Riverwalk and Rivercenter are (I'm pretty sure) managed by the same group so both lounges are substantially equivalent.
- Westin breakfast is $12 credit in the restaurant covering continental (cold only) breakfast with the whole menu available a la carte
- Plaza is in need of renovation, but the location gives access to some interesting stuff south of the Riverwalk, can also be loud if your room faces the pool plaza part
- Sheraton is in dire need of renovation, def. the weakest of the bunch
#205
Join Date: Dec 2008
Location: South Korea
Posts: 1,168
I'm in SAT every 2-3 weeks for business and have stayed at all the Marriott properties in the downtown area. The St. Anthony, IMO, is the nicest of the bunch, but also a historic hotel and the quirks that go along with that. As far as perks for elites: it does not have a lounge and breakfast is $12 credit in the restaurant, which covers the continental option w/ coffee/juice with the remainder of the menu available a la carte. The fitness center is basic, but functional, the outdoor pool has a bar and there is another lobby bar as well as bar/restaurant attached, all of which are pretty good. Parking is valet or self-parking at a nearby lot. On balance this is a step up from any of the three Marriotts, Westin or the Sheraton. If the price differential is substantial I wouldn't say the St. Anthony would be worth the money over, say, the Westin or Riverwalk/Rivercenter. For a Cat. 5 free night the St. Anthony is great.
Of the properties in SAT:
Of the properties in SAT:
- Only the Marriotts (Riverwalk, Rivercenter, Plaza) have lounges
- Marriott Riverwalk just renovated its fitness center with all new equipment and is the best of the bunch, Rivercenter will renovate its lounge later this year (according to a poster I saw last month). Both Riverwalk and Rivercenter are (I'm pretty sure) managed by the same group so both lounges are substantially equivalent.
- Westin breakfast is $12 credit in the restaurant covering continental (cold only) breakfast with the whole menu available a la carte
- Plaza is in need of renovation, but the location gives access to some interesting stuff south of the Riverwalk, can also be loud if your room faces the pool plaza part
- Sheraton is in dire need of renovation, def. the weakest of the bunch
One quick question though - I thought Sheraton also had a lounge with free drinks at night? Or is that a thing of the past now?
Looks like I will opt for either Rivercenter or Riverwalk based on your input then. I thought the Sheraton looked OK on photos, and together with what someone said about decent lounge offerings, was going to give it a try but if the rooms are really that tired then I will need to reconsider.
#206
Join Date: Apr 2019
Programs: UA Platinum, Hilton Diamond, Bonvoy Platinum, Gov't Rate
Posts: 11
Thanks so much for the detailed response!
One quick question though - I thought Sheraton also had a lounge with free drinks at night? Or is that a thing of the past now?
Looks like I will opt for either Rivercenter or Riverwalk based on your input then. I thought the Sheraton looked OK on photos, and together with what someone said about decent lounge offerings, was going to give it a try but if the rooms are really that tired then I will need to reconsider.
One quick question though - I thought Sheraton also had a lounge with free drinks at night? Or is that a thing of the past now?
Looks like I will opt for either Rivercenter or Riverwalk based on your input then. I thought the Sheraton looked OK on photos, and together with what someone said about decent lounge offerings, was going to give it a try but if the rooms are really that tired then I will need to reconsider.
Of the Rivercenter/Riverwalk I prefer the Riverwalk if prices are comparable, especially if you can get a Riverwalk view as an upgrade.
#207
Join Date: Jan 2014
Posts: 687
I was incorrect in omitting that the Sheraton does have a club lounge. It is also a historic hotel (like the St. Anthony) just is in need of a refresh, however if you can get it at a good rate and like the location it is perfectly fine. I put it half a notch or so below the others, and the St. Anthony half a notch above. TBH, the Gunter could be closer to the St. Anthony if the management put the effort in to the physical property.
Of the Rivercenter/Riverwalk I prefer the Riverwalk if prices are comparable, especially if you can get a Riverwalk view as an upgrade.
Of the Rivercenter/Riverwalk I prefer the Riverwalk if prices are comparable, especially if you can get a Riverwalk view as an upgrade.
#208
Join Date: Feb 2010
Location: New Jersey
Programs: UA MM 1K, AA MM Gold, Marriott LT Platinum
Posts: 3,236
Just stayed at the Rivercenter. Got upgraded to a corner room with a terrace - real treat to have your own private patio.
Food in the lounge was excellent. Breakfast one morning included scrambled eggs with spinach, tomatoes, and onions (eggs florentine?) and plain scrambled eggs, plus multiple meat options. They also had milk alternatives (soy and almond) which I appreciated. The evening lay-out included a really good kale soup one night, beef chili another night, and other decent choices, with a very attentive staff.
Food in the lounge was excellent. Breakfast one morning included scrambled eggs with spinach, tomatoes, and onions (eggs florentine?) and plain scrambled eggs, plus multiple meat options. They also had milk alternatives (soy and almond) which I appreciated. The evening lay-out included a really good kale soup one night, beef chili another night, and other decent choices, with a very attentive staff.
#210
Company Representative, Marriott Bonvoy
Join Date: Feb 2019
Programs: Marriott Bonvoy
Posts: 690
We would be happy to help with this.
You may contact San Antonio Marriott Rivercenter via email at: [email protected] and San Antonio Marriott Riverwalk here: [email protected] .
You may contact San Antonio Marriott Rivercenter via email at: [email protected] and San Antonio Marriott Riverwalk here: [email protected] .