Hampton Inn & Suites San Antonio Riverwalk — Hotel in San Antonio

When we arrived we were earlier than the 4pm check in. I went in any way to see if our room was ready. I was told 4pm strictly. There was no way the room would be ready early. Ok, not a big deal. I asked a few questions about the area and I felt like a nuisance to the desk clerk. I asked about the valet parking and how much it was to use the lot across the street and if we even could use it. She told me she had no idea how much it was. I asked where Joe's Crab Shack was on the Riverwalk, she had no idea on that either. I picked up the map on the counter (she didn't even offer that to me), but it didn't really matter because the map is pretty darn useless. Lets fast forward to 6pm I tried to use our Hilton Honors app to check in and get our digital key and it said I had to go to the desk. So I go inside, keep in mind I was told multiple times check in was 4pm, we go to check in and our room isn't ready. I said well I was here hours ago and I was told 4pm. They then told me they clean rooms until 8pm!!!! I'm sorry but that is not a 4pm check in. The manager went to check on the room and found out the maid was just finishing up. Ok great but my digital key still didn't work. They said that was because no one had checked me in yet. Except I did so on the app and I'd been standing at the counter for a good 15+ minutes, no one could have done that in the mean time? They also didn't recognize our Hilton Honors status either which isn't a huge deal but was slightly annoying given all the run around they gave us.

We had a room with 2 sets of queen bunk beds. The whole family really found this to be a great break from the standard rooms we get while on vacation. The view however left much to be desired. We were literally looking out onto an abandoned lot with graffiti and broken glass and garbage everywhere.

The pool is shared with the connecting hotel and it's very small. There were so many kids in the pool I literally could do nothing but stand in one spot and try to dodge getting hit in the head with the football the kids were throwing around. Ultimately we spent only 20 mins in the pool, it was just too much.

While this hotel is listed as being on the Riverwalk I'm not so sure I'd agree. You really need to go down the river sidewalk, up the stairs to street level, across a bridge, and then back downstairs to river lever to even get on the right path of where all the shops and restaurants are. Either that or risk swimming across the river (which you really can't do) and risk swimming with the garbage floating...

I am a Hilton Honors member and frequently use and stay at lot of different Hilton affiliated hotels and numerous different states. This particular Hampton Inn & Suites backs up to the Riverwalk so for my location standpoint it is pretty desirable if that's what you are looking for.

As far as my room is concerned I would say it was clean and good. It was an updated and modern bathroom and shower with glass shower doors and not a tub like the old Hamptons have. So from that standpoint it's definitely a step up. The fixtures and furniture in the room were all modern and in good condition. The room was not particularly large. I stayed in a room with two queen beds. There was a small chair at the desk but not a sitting chair. There is a small microwave and a fridge available if you need, which is a nice amenity to have if you are out and about. San Antonio was a pretty hot place so buy some bottles of water and stock up during your stay in order to stay hydrated.

The gym here was pretty good as far as Hampton inns gyms are concerned. Quite a bit of space. A decent amount of cardio machines. They had two pelotons. They also had a rack of dumbbells that went up to 75 lb!! And they also had a cable machine for weights. There was adequate amount of room to move around in the gym and there were two benches to use for weights as well as a water machine to refill your water bottles. Like too many hotels, the thermostat was locked on a temperature. Much too high for a gym. When you tried to turn it down cooler during your workout it flashed a locked symbol on it. I'm not sure why Hotel staff don't understand that a gym should be slightly cooler at least as compared to other parts of the hotel, especially when you're working out and hot.

Breakfast was pretty typical Hampton Inn type food so if you've ever been to one before eggs, instant eggs, sausage and some potatoes as well as various other bagels and waffles etc. Along with a few types of fruit.

Location was pretty good in relation to the Riverwalk and not too far from other hotels and restaurants.

The big downside of this hotel is that parking is valet only!! It takes at least 15 minutes to get your car. Not to mention...

It’s a shame that my family and I visit San Antonio once or twice a year and thought we had found our go-to place to stay at the Hampton Inn by the riverwalk. Until my family and I were accused and charged with an outrages damage fee that was justified ONLY by the general manager without any proof to back his assumption. Not only was this an unauthorized charge, as I was never made aware of the situation, but I never got a call from Hampton to explain the reasoning or how they came to this conclusion. My family and I were accused of damaging the glass patio railing, which is on the exterior of the building, out in the elements, and facing the river walk where hundreds of people walk by daily where anything can happen. The manager had zero sympathy and zero interest in what I had to say or to even look further into the issue when I reached out for an explanation. I asked him to review the security cameras to see if he could find the cause of the damage. None are in place. So, it’s his assumption and his word against mine with no evidence. I also expressed the possibility of how we have been in a high heat warning here in Texas all summer long, and how glass like this can go through heat stress and expand and cause spontaneous shattering. He didn’t care about it; instead laughed. They were very quick and wasted no time to charge this fee but never once was I asked about the safety of my family and if anyone was hurt during this occurrence. Hilton’s customer service was no help through this whole dilemma. They just reply with the same generic sympathetic message that they are sorry and wish they could do more. I will be deleting my Hilton Honors membership and using any hotel that’s not under the Hilton umbrella. Do business where you’re going to be respected and heard, and not accused of false accusations. The manager could’ve handled this situation a little differently, if only he were to be a bit more competent. This could’ve been a simple insurance claim for something unforeseen, but instead decided to charge it to an honest family that trusted the business they work for and will now be taking their business...