Drury Plaza Hotel San Antonio Riverwalk

The hotel stands out for its unique transformation from a historic bank building into a charming accommodation, offering direct access to the Riverwalk. This prime location, combined with exceptional value from complimentary breakfast and a generous evening kickback with food and drinks, makes it a memorable choice. It is particularly well-suited for families seeking convenience and cost savings, as well as sightseers and couples eager to explore downtown attractions on foot. Many guests highlight the spacious rooms, comfortable beds, and the consistently friendly and helpful staff. The hotel's unique character and the inviting rooftop pools with city views further enhance the experience. To maximize your stay, guests recommend taking full advantage of the included meals, which can significantly reduce dining expenses, and exploring the hotel's preserved historical elements, such as the old bank vaults, for a deeper appreciation of its past.

Facilities & Amenities
The hotel offers a variety of facilities and amenities that enhance the guest experience. Many guests enjoy the rooftop pool and hot tub, often highlighting the relaxing atmosphere and stunning city views, especially at sunset. There is also an indoor pool and heated jacuzzi, providing options regardless of weather, though some found the indoor pool water to be cold. A well-equipped fitness center is available for guests to maintain their routines. The convenience of guest laundry facilities is frequently appreciated, particularly by longer-staying guests. While Wi-Fi is provided, some reviews indicate connectivity issues or slow speeds. A common point of feedback revolves around the elevators, which guests often describe as slow, busy, and sometimes noisy, leading to long wait times, especially during peak hours like breakfast and happy hour. Despite this, the hotel's various terraces and seating areas, including those on upper floors, are praised for offering pleasant spaces to relax and enjoy the surroundings. Some guests also noted the presence of ice machines and a small store near reception for convenience.

Cleanliness & Room Comfort
Guest feedback on cleanliness and room comfort is generally positive, though with some notable exceptions. Many guests describe their rooms as very clean, spacious, and well-laid out, often appreciating the comfortable beds and high-quality linens that contribute to a restful stay. Some rooms offer balconies and views of the city or Riverwalk, enhancing the experience. The presence of ceiling fans is also a welcome touch for many. However, some reviews mention rooms appearing old or dated, with occasional reports of a bad smell or a stained tub in the bathroom. Noise levels are a recurring concern for some, with complaints about street noise due to thin windows, and significant elevator noise for rooms located nearby. Other issues include a lack of in-room safes, and some guests noted low shower pressure or a delay in getting hot water. A few specific rooms were criticized for being too small for two beds or having an uncontrollable, noisy HVAC vent, while some bathrooms lacked privacy locks or proper ventilation.

Dining & Food Quality
The hotel's dining and food quality, particularly the complimentary offerings, are a significant draw for many guests. The breakfast is widely praised for its variety, being hot, and plentiful, with many considering it excellent and a great value. However, some guests found the breakfast to be mediocre, repetitive with the same options daily, or noted issues with food being cold or certain items running out. The evening kickback, often described as a light supper, is a major highlight, frequently mentioned as a full meal with multiple options and including three free drinks per adult. This offering is consistently lauded for its convenience and the substantial savings it provides, with many guests finding it sufficient for dinner. While the overall food quality for these complimentary meals is generally seen as good, some guests found it to be average or described it as "cheap American food," with isolated reports of moldy items. The hotel also features a restaurant and bar, Tellers Bar, which guests found convenient and offering good food and drinks, sometimes open late.

Location & Accessibility
The hotel's central location is consistently highlighted as one of its strongest assets. Guests particularly appreciate the direct access to the Riverwalk from the hotel's basement, making it incredibly convenient for exploring the area. Many popular attractions, including the Alamo, Market Square, and the Convention Center, are within easy walking distance, allowing guests to explore downtown San Antonio without needing a car. The hotel's proximity to public transportation, such as the light rail, further enhances accessibility to other parts of the city. Parking is a significant topic, as the hotel primarily offers valet parking, which is frequently described as expensive, ranging from $40 to $50 per night. While many guests found the valet service efficient and worth the cost for its convenience and security, some experienced long wait times for car retrieval, especially during peak hours, and issues with the mobile app for requests. Despite some general concerns about the surrounding downtown area, the hotel itself is considered safe and well-situated for tourists.

Staff & Service
The staff and service at the hotel consistently receive high praise from guests, often described as exceptionally friendly staff, helpful, and attentive. Many reviews highlight the professional and welcoming demeanor of team members across all departments, from the front desk to the dining areas and valet. Guests appreciate the quick check-in process, though some experienced minor delays during busy periods or with early check-in fees. The valet service is frequently commended for its efficiency and the courteousness of its attendants, despite the associated cost. Housekeeping is noted for maintaining clean rooms, and dining staff are often singled out for their hard work in keeping food areas stocked and tidy. Guests also mention instances of staff going above and beyond, such as assisting with luggage, providing directions, or promptly delivering requested items to rooms. The overall sentiment is that the staff's dedication significantly contributes to a positive and memorable guest experience.

Additional Information
Guests should be aware of the hotel's unique and sometimes complex layout, particularly for rooms located in secondary towers. Some visitors noted having to take multiple elevators or navigate a maze-like system of corridors to reach their accommodations, which can be an initial inconvenience, especially with luggage. A specific room design quirk mentioned by some guests is the presence of an internal window between the bedroom and sitting area in certain suites, which can limit privacy and make it challenging to use the sitting room without disturbing someone sleeping. While generally well-stocked, a few guests reported occasional issues with towel availability in their rooms or at the pools. On a positive note, the hotel's security measures, including in the parking garage, are frequently praised as top-notch, contributing to a sense of safety and peace of mind for guests throughout their stay.