Intercontinental Hotels San Antonio Riverwalk By Ihg

The hotel offers a remarkable experience, distinguished by its beautifully remodeled and modern design, complemented by an exceptionally attentive staff that consistently goes above and beyond to ensure a memorable stay. Guests frequently highlight the hotel's impeccable cleanliness and the comfort of its accommodations, particularly the plush beds. Its location, while providing easy access to the Riverwalk, is often praised for being just far enough removed to offer a quieter atmosphere, making it an ideal choice for families seeking convenience and tranquility, couples on a romantic getaway, and business travelers attending conferences. While the hotel provides a luxurious stay, some guests advise being mindful of the additional costs associated with parking. To enhance your visit, consider taking advantage of the hotel's complimentary vehicle drop-off service for nearby attractions and note the hotel's commitment to providing a secure environment.

Facilities & Amenities
The hotel offers a range of facilities and amenities for guest convenience and enjoyment. The fitness center is well-regarded, described as spacious and well-equipped for a comprehensive workout. A coffee shop on-site provides a convenient option for beverages and light breakfast items, often praised for its fair prices. The pool, located on the third floor, receives mixed reviews; some guests find it small and basic, noting it is not a true rooftop pool and its bar may not be open during the day. The club lounge is appreciated by many for its attentive staff and welcoming atmosphere, though some feedback suggests the afternoon snacks and breakfast offerings could be improved. Guests should be aware that the minibar items are generally considered overpriced, and there is no empty refrigerator for personal use. While the elevators are functional, a few guests have noted they could benefit from updating.

Cleanliness & Room Comfort
Guests consistently praise the immaculate cleanliness and beautiful design of the hotel rooms, often describing them as contemporary, well-appointed, and spacious. The beds generally receive high marks for comfort, with many guests highlighting the quality mattresses and linens, though some found them to be excessively soft, potentially problematic for those with back issues. A recurring concern is the air conditioning, which many guests reported as ineffective, struggling to cool rooms adequately, especially at night, even when set to low temperatures. While the bathrooms are often described as sumptuous with excellent toiletries, some guests noted issues with water pressure and the sliding barn doors, which do not offer full privacy. Rooms are equipped with espresso machines, a welcome amenity, but the absence of an empty refrigerator for personal use and a microwave is a common point of disappointment. Despite claims, many guests found the "river view" rooms offered a very limited or non-existent view of the river. Noise levels are generally quiet, though a few guests reported hearing conversations from adjacent rooms.

Dining & Food Quality
The hotel's dining and food quality receive varied feedback from guests. The main restaurant, Cavalier, is often lauded for its delicious food and excellent service, with some guests calling it a "hidden gem" for dinner. However, many guests found the menu to be limited and reported difficulties securing dinner reservations, as the restaurant was frequently booked. Breakfast at the hotel garners mixed reviews; while the food quality is generally good, guests often express concern over the high cost, long wait times for seating, and slow service for made-to-order items. Some guests felt the value did not align with the price, especially given that breakfast is not included in the room rate. In-room dining is available, though some guests noted early closing times and a limited menu. The bar areas, including the lobby bar and the third-floor bar, are consistently praised for their inviting atmosphere, friendly staff, and well-crafted drinks, including a notable mocktail menu.

Location & Accessibility
The hotel's location is a significant draw for many guests, praised for being conveniently situated near the Riverwalk while offering a quieter atmosphere away from the main tourist crowds. Guests appreciate the ability to walk to many attractions and the availability of a water shuttle stop nearby. The hotel also offers a complimentary vehicle drop-off service for destinations within a two-mile radius, adding to its accessibility. However, some guests noted that the immediate vicinity, particularly near a Greyhound bus station, could feel less safe for evening outings, and the hotel is considered by a few to be slightly removed from the most central Riverwalk hot spots. A major point of contention is parking; the hotel exclusively offers valet parking at a very high daily rate, which many guests found excessive. While an off-site self-parking garage is available nearby at a lower cost, its distance and condition were not always ideal for guests.

Staff & Service
The staff and service at the hotel consistently receive overwhelming praise, standing out as a highlight for many guests. Reviewers frequently describe the team as exceptionally attentive, friendly, professional, and helpful, going above and beyond to ensure a comfortable and welcoming stay. The valet service staff, in particular, are commended for their efficiency and personable interactions, often remembering guests by name. While the check-in process is generally smooth and quick, some guests reported unexpected early check-in fees, which were occasionally waived for loyalty program members. Housekeeping is noted for its thoroughness, though a few guests experienced interruptions with early morning knocking. The concierge service is highly regarded for its knowledge and assistance, and the availability of bilingual staff is a significant advantage for international guests. The hotel also utilizes a text messaging service for guest requests, which is appreciated for its promptness and convenience.

Additional Information
This hotel implements several notable policies and features that guests should be aware of. A destination fee is applied, which some guests felt was not clearly communicated upfront, leading to unexpected charges. The hotel maintains a high level of security, requiring key card access for elevators and after-hours entry, which contributes to a safe environment. While the hotel offers a pet-friendly policy, guests traveling with animals should be prepared for a lack of nearby green spaces. For those attending events, the conference rooms are well-regarded, featuring natural light. A design element that frequently draws comment is the bathroom door, which is a sliding barn-style door that does not fully close, impacting privacy. Despite being advertised, many guests found the "river view" rooms to offer a very limited or non-existent view of the actual river, suggesting this upgrade may not be worthwhile. The hotel is also frequently praised for its pleasant, distinctive aroma throughout the common areas.