Riverwalk Plaza Hotel

The hotel's most notable feature is its exceptional location, offering direct and easy access to the Riverwalk, placing guests steps away from its vibrant attractions and a quieter, more serene section of the waterway. This makes it an ideal choice for sightseers and couples seeking a romantic or exploratory getaway, as well as families looking to conveniently access downtown attractions. Guests frequently commend the generally friendly and helpful staff who contribute positively to the stay. While many appreciate the comfortable beds and the convenience of the on-site restaurant and coffee shop, a recurring theme notes the hotel's age and the need for updates in certain areas. To enhance your experience, consider requesting a room away from the pool area if you are sensitive to noise, and be prepared for a hotel with historical charm that may show signs of its age.

Facilities & Amenities
The hotel offers a range of facilities that contribute to the guest experience. The swimming pool is a notable feature, often described as a nice area to relax, though many guests express disappointment that it is not heated, despite some expectations, and some found it to be unclean or lacking towels. The elevators are frequently cited as being old, slow, and sometimes dirty, with instances of only one being operational. Guests appreciate the game room located near the lobby, which provides entertainment with features like giant chess. While Wi-Fi is available, some guests reported it to be spotty or unreliable. Rooms are generally equipped with a mini-fridge, though some noted issues with functionality. Other amenities mentioned include noise machines in rooms, which some found helpful, and blackout shades, though their effectiveness varied. The availability and condition of vending machines also received mixed feedback.

Cleanliness & Room Comfort
Guest feedback on cleanliness and room comfort is notably mixed. While some guests found their rooms to be spacious and clean, many reported issues such as unpleasant odors, stains on carpets and furniture, dust, and visible signs of wear like peeling paint and rust in bathrooms. The beds received varied reviews, with some praising them as comfortable and conducive to a good night's sleep, while others found them to be hard or uncomfortable. A significant number of reviews highlighted that the rooms appear old and outdated, with many feeling they are in need of renovation. The bathrooms were a particular point of concern for many, often described as small, with issues like clogged drains, leaking faucets, and a lack of hot water. Noise levels were a frequent complaint, with guests reporting thin walls allowing sounds from neighboring rooms, hallways, and outside activity to be easily heard, impacting sleep quality. Additionally, air conditioning units were often reported as ineffective or noisy, making rooms uncomfortably warm.

Dining & Food Quality
The hotel features an on-site restaurant and coffee shop, frequently praised by guests for their convenience and quality. The restaurant, often referred to as The Gavel, receives high marks for its delicious food, with specific mentions of fish tacos, stuffed mushrooms, and well-prepared burgers. Many guests enjoyed the bar area, highlighting the great cocktails and a good selection of drinks. Feedback on breakfast is mixed; while some found it to be good and enjoyed options like pancakes, others were disappointed that it was not included with their stay and noted a limited selection of items, sometimes consisting of basic continental fare. Some guests also noted that room service was not available, despite being advertised. Overall, the on-site dining options are seen as a significant convenience, offering good quality food and beverages, though some aspects of the breakfast service could be improved.

Location & Accessibility
The hotel's location is consistently highlighted as one of its strongest assets, offering exceptional proximity to the Riverwalk. Guests appreciate being just steps away from various attractions, including the Alamo, Market Square, and the Convention Center, making it highly convenient for exploring downtown. While the hotel is very close to the Riverwalk, some guests noted that direct access from the property is not always available, requiring a short walk to an entry point. Parking is a significant and frequently discussed topic. The hotel primarily offers valet parking, which, while convenient and efficient for many, is often described as expensive. Some guests found alternative, more affordable public parking options nearby, but these typically do not offer in-and-out privileges. The ease of accessing public transportation and ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft is also noted, providing convenient options for getting around the city.

Staff & Service
The staff and service at the hotel receive frequent and varied feedback. Many guests consistently praise the overall friendliness and helpfulness of the team, describing them as attentive and professional. The valet staff in particular garners numerous positive mentions for their efficiency, pleasant demeanor, and willingness to assist with luggage and directions. However, experiences with the front desk are more mixed; while some guests found them to be very accommodating and efficient during check-in and check-out, others reported issues such as long waits, unhelpful attitudes, or difficulties with billing and early arrival requests. Housekeeping service also received varied comments, with some guests noting prompt attention to issues, while others experienced rooms not being serviced or found cleanliness issues. Similarly, restaurant staff were often commended for their excellent service, though some isolated instances of unfriendliness were noted.

Additional Information
Guests frequently highlight several important details regarding their stay. A significant point of feedback concerns the deposit policy, with many guests expressing surprise or frustration over the substantial per-night incidental charges collected at check-in, often stating they were unaware of this policy beforehand and experienced delays in receiving refunds. The hotel's early check-in and late check-out policies also drew considerable comment, with guests often finding them to be rigid and incurring additional fees, leading to inconvenience. Some guests noted a unique hotel policy of making a copy of identification and credit card for a period after the stay. While the hotel is generally perceived as being in a safe area, some guests reported being affected by construction noise in the vicinity, particularly in the mornings. The convenience of keycard access for elevators and the presence of well-stocked mini-bars in rooms were also noted by guests.