Villa Finale: Museum & Gardens — Attraction in San Antonio

Beautiful house. Beautiful collection from the owner who restored the house. Why 3 stars? Because the staff made me feel incredibly uncomfortable the whole time I was in the home. You must purchase a ticket from a building at the backside of the property. I did. She asked if I had a large bag with me, I did not. I had a small wallet clutch that my phone and keys barely fit in. They have lockers if you do have a large bag. I was given a sticker and told to go to front of house. I waited till someone opened the door so that I may enter. I was given some basic rules for entering, all good and totally acceptable. I was given a little history of the house and was told it was a self guided tour. But it wasn’t self guided, you people followed me around watching my every single move. I would look over my shoulder and find one of you starring at me and then slowly backing up as to not get caught. I heard you behind me, the house creeks. I understand the house is filled with valuable antiques, some being small. But then put that stuff behind a partition! Stop watching people. I couldn’t even enjoy the beauty of this house because I was so uncomfortable. Someone has to escort you upstairs, which again is fine. You are doing too much. Both attendants in the house were incredible rude with their behavior. I wouldn’t return or suggest going here for the behavior of the staff. You the cameras all over the house, stop...

Not impressed. We have been to many, many museums, and this was the worst experience we've ever had.

On the positive side, if you like Napoleonic memorabilia, you'll possibly enjoy it. If you like home restorations, you might enjoy it.

But... upon entering, there was a musky odor that was rather annoying. The house felt like we were visiting a grandma's house with thousands of nick knacks everywhere.

The non-tour guide, tour guide (which was weird because it's a self-guided tour) literally shadowed us, often standing directly behind or adjacent to us about 90% of the time.

Upon entering, she kept looking at the pockets on my shorts, and continued to do so almost every time I turned to look at her. It really felt weird. I looked down several times to try to figure out what she kept looking at, and I assume she saw the key fob from my car causing a slight bulge. I later I figured that she was super paranoid I was going to steal something.

She talked to us like she was annoyed and seemed to talk down to us like we were children. It was VERY uncomfortable.

And then... the house used to be a brothel? Yikes. I will not recommend it to anyone.

This place is bizarre and staff is not friendly. BUT, the girl was knowledgeable. ... thus...

Maybe it is for you, maybe not. But it was really awkward the way we were intensely eyed every second as though we were thieves in their midst. We got the "rules" from the ticket salesperson. We read the 'rules' on the door. and the guards wouldn't let us off the porch or unlock the screen door until they told us all the rules again and we verbally agreed to abide by them. The guards disguised as guides followed us, offered to describe items, but then didn't know anything about the three or four things I asked about, so I didn't ask about anything else. For us, the collecting of things and laying them everywhere (and I mean everywhere!) was just junky clutter. But for other people they may find it fascinating and very interesting. That's ok. We all like different things. But if what you seek is old architecture and seeing all the spaces, this is not your home to tour. The $10 fee is reasonable enough, but the whole thing was not to our taste. The overly intrusive guards following our every step (two guards for just the two of us) and would only let us go in their order of viewing. It was so intrusive we just about ran out of there as fast...