Tower of the Americas — Attraction in San Antonio

On the afternoon of 3/30/2024, my visit to the Chart House at the top of the Tower of the Americas turned into a NIGHTMARE I feel compelled to share. My great experience quickly went toxic during my descent at around 6:25 PM by a Tower of the Americas elevator operator named George. He's a relatively short man in his early 30s, distinguishable by his black arm tattoos on both arms and black frame glasses.

The entire elevator ride down, George insulted me unprovoked to about 10 other elevator passengers, creating an uncomfortable and hostile atmosphere. When we reached the ground level, George attempted reconciliation, claiming it was all in jest, which I ignored. When I chose to ignore his efforts and walked out of the elevator, as I turned my back, George made unwelcome physical contact by patting me on the back—an act I perceived as a final and ultimate disrespect because he already knew I ignored his initial "just playing" reconciliation.

At that point, I walked off the elevator to ensure all other elevator passengers exited safely. When I confronted him to never touch me again, George's demeanor turned threatening and his behavior quickly escalated. He aggressively walked towards me with fists clenched and bobbing arms, as if ready to punch me, and verbally threatened me with violence right in the main public area of the Tower of the Americas, in his official uniform. This aggressive stance, in a space where families and tourists frequent, was shocking and entirely unprovoked.

I've visited the Tower of the Americas for over 15 years, cherishing many memories. Yet, this nightmare experience has not only overshadowed these memories but also raised serious concerns for safety and professionalism within such a renowned landmark. George's behavior was not a one-time incident; I've witnessed him insult other customers on previous visits to and from the Chart House.

Standing up for myself—and by extension, for others who have experienced or could experience similar treatment—is important. Yet, it's disheartening that such a stand has to be made against an employee tasked with ensuring a welcoming environment for all guests. Following this incident, I've contacted the police and reached out to the San Antonio Mayor's office, hoping for actions that ensure no visitor has to endure what I experienced.

The Tower of the Americas should be a place where memories are made, not marred by fear or intimidation. I share this experience earnestly, hoping for a future where all visitors can enjoy the beauty and hospitality of San Antonio without...

I am mobility impaired and require a chair for mobility. The Tower claims they are handicap accessible but if you have a mobility impairment I don’t suggest you try this establishment. I am uncertain how they get away with such non-ada compliant accommodations, but apparently they do. It starts with them sending us to the bar because our reservation wasn’t ready. When you get to the bar there is no place to go in a chair except sit in front of the elevator. Then they take us to our table, as the waitress walks down the stairs and says follow me. Seriously??? Ok so we’re past you can’t go down steps in a chair. She leads us to another table that will work fine after the chairs around the table are removed. Good to go. Nope, we have to move because someone else is going to sit here. She takes us all the way around the isle, which is not big enough to fit a mobility device if people are setting at the tables, and lead us to a table cramped into a corner, right next to a fully loaded table where a family is enjoying their meal. One man at the table moves a chair trying to accommodate my mobility chair but it’s not going to fit no matter what we do. So back to the lobby. The waitresses argue among themselves about our poor treatment and take us finally to a table that works perfectly. The view is amazing and most of the food was good. My prime rib was inedible as it was so tuff I doubt a dog could have chewed it. The salad appetizer and desert were very good but that’s about it. The cost was crazy which you wouldn’t mind if it was delicious. Getting out was sooo difficult it was unbelievable. Every person between us and the entrance had to get out of their chairs so I could get around the isle. And of course some were nice some were not.

So that’s my adventure to the Tower of The Non-disabled America’s.

UPDATE!! July 13, 2021. Corporate reached out via email and asked for more information. That was right after I wrote this review. Yesterday the manager from Tower of the Americas called and said sorry. That’s their response, sorry. Nothing about changes made or how they’re going to accommodate mobility impaired persons in the future. Just sorry. Or how’s about we send you a gift certificate to replace the...

I am writing to express my deep disappointment regarding our recent experience at the Tower of the Americas. Our visit this year was marred by unethical behavior, poor management, and a concerning lack of integrity demonstrated by your general manager, Richard.

Last year, we had a wonderful experience, which prompted us to return this year with high expectations. I made a reservation for a party of five, but unfortunately, due to unforeseen circumstances, my elderly aunt fell ill and was unable to attend. We explained the situation to Richard, who assured us that while reservations are typically non-refundable, he would make an exception and offer us a 50% discount for the unused seat.

However, when we received our bill at the end of the evening, the promised discount for the fifth seat was not applied. We requested to speak with Richard again, but we were informed by a staff member that he had left for the night. After further inquiry, the staff member claimed to have contacted him, and Richard reportedly denied ever offering the discount. This outright denial was both shocking and deeply disheartening, especially considering his initial assurance.

As a general manager, Richard holds a position of authority that requires professionalism, ethical behavior, and integrity. His actions—first making a promise, then denying it and leaving the staff to handle the situation—demonstrate a troubling misuse of power. This incident not only disrespected us as customers but also left a negative impression on my children, who witnessed firsthand an example of dishonesty and poor leadership.

This is unacceptable for an establishment of your reputation. I am raising this concern not about the money, but about the values and standards your management represents. I am raising my children to value honesty and integrity, and this experience directly contradicts those values.

I kindly request a formal response to this complaint to confirm that it has been received and to understand how you intend to address this matter. Denials cannot erase the experience we had or the impact it left on my family.

I hope you will take this feedback seriously and ensure that your management upholds the standards expected of your...