The Gunter Hotel San Antonio Riverwalk — Hotel in San Antonio

I am someone who has played at the Gunter quite a bit at 414. Here’s my story.

On September 9, 2023, I played down at 414. The particular night in question, they had one bartender. Don’t know why the normal guys were not there, but there was one bartender the whole night and he was overwhelmed. People had bought me drinks, as well as I ordered a drink from him and never got it. At the end of the night after everything was closed, he hand me a shot of makers mark, says “don’t tell anyone” slams the drink down and walk out of the bar. The next day I made a complaint about the whole situation because there were several people that were there that night, a couple of them close friends that drove all the way from Abilene to catch my show. When I came in to have breakfast, the food and beverage Director, Rodolfo, came in as I was sitting with a patron who was there that night. Told me to call him ahead next time I come to San Antonio and he would make sure I was taken care of personally.

Saturday, December 23 I was on my way to San Antonio and I called the hotel and told them I was on my way that I had instructions from Rodolfo to call. And she said she would relay the message. The message was not received by Rodolfo because Rodolfo no longer worked there and I did not know this. But when I had gotten there, I had apparently met the new food and beverage guy and explained to him what happened last time I was there. The two bartenders that were working that night told me that the bartender got fired over that incident. Didn’t have a single issue the rest of the night. More of my friends came and we had a wonderful evening.

The next day I called my agent with a good report, told her that everything went well and we had a good crowd. She told me she did not get good news. Apparently the food and beverage manager said that I came in acting like they owed me something, and was soliciting drinks for songs. Which was completely untrue because I had friends there that night that will vouch for my show and how professional I was. I’ve never left a venue unprofessional and I’ve never acted a fool. The accusations made by your food and beverage Director were completely false, they were disparaging, and completely overexaggerated.

And if it’s the comment that I made when the show started, it’s the same comment I make at every show, and it’s a joke to chuckle at.. I’ve made that comment there at this venue many times over. “ we have three rules to this party, before we get started there is rule number one. This is an alcohol free show, meaning I’ll take whatever free alcohol that ends up on this barstool. The second rule is to make sure you take care of the people that are taking care of y’all, and the most important rule is rule number three. Have fun.”

I drank two drinks the whole night. And I paid for them.

I reached out to at least get my side of the story, and the response?

“Thank you for the email. However, we have moved on, and our list of upcoming entertainers is complete.

Good luck on your future endeavors.”

All because I defended myself from a false accuser....

Booked hotel online and paid in full. Arrived at 9:30pm after a 5 1/2 hour drive from Fort Worth. Stood at desk for at least 5 minutes before we were acknowledged by front desk person (no one else was checking in at the time). Told front desk person we had a reservation, was asked out name. After giving our name, attendant focused on computer, never spoke to us, after about 5 minutes, he walked away into the back room, came out with another attendant, they began talking to each other quietly so that my wife & I couldn't hear them, still not talking to us, after another 5-10 minutes, I finally asked, "Is there anything wrong?", answer from attendant, "No, just looking up your room." After another 5 minutes,he asked for my ID and Credit Card, I explained it was paid in full, he said he understood, but needed to swipe a CC. After entering my card and ID, he swiped room cards, wrote out room number on card holder, handed all cards to me and said, "thank you, have a good evening." It took 30 minutes to check-in to a pre-booked/pre-paid hotel, was unprofessionally greeted and dealt with.

After being in the room 20 minutes, my cell phone buzzed with a notification from my bank that my card was charged $50. I assumed it was pre-authorization for incidentals (although I was never told it would happen), then 10 minutes later I received another notification of an additional $50, this one confused me.

Next morning, I asked another attendant about the charges and it was explained to me that they pre-authorize $50 for incidentals and then if you near that (which I had due to the $30 mandatory valet parking each night), they then pre-authorize an additional $50. I appreciated the explanation by the other gentleman, he was much more professional and helpful.

The rooms are nice and pretty large for an older hotel. The shower/bathroom was small, but since I don't spend much time there, it was fine.

The hotel is very beautiful and we enjoyed reading about it's history. All other staff we encountered were very friendly and professional. The servers in the restaurant were great. Sunday we were heading to Sea World, our server asked if we needed directions and even mentioned a few other things out that way that might interest us.

I understand most of the hotels on the river walk charge for valet parking. I feel for the price of the room, the required valet parking could be cheaper or included. I could have saved money flying from Fort Worth and taken a cab to the hotel for what it cost to drive down and then pay for parking.

I am not sure I would stay at this hotel again, still hearing about it from my wife. I love Starwood Hotels, but am very disappointed with this stay, especially with the price it cost us for...

I have to give 5 stars to the staff at your hotel. I have traveled on many occasions and stayed at a wide variety of Hotels. I have never been treated so well at any hotel by every member of the staff. And I am not the type of person that wants to be treated special and given upgrades, or extra amenities. Just treated friendly like a friend in town. From the very start the Concierge and parking staff greeted us with a very friendly attitude. The front Desk was very friendly and Very fast. She had my room key in my hand before I could find my credit card. I was at the hotel for the Labor management convention, and the staff that took care of us where wonderful, Very friendly, very good at their job. professional and they did not give me the impression they was there to cater to my every need but there to do their job and treat me as a guest. During the social, one of the waiter/bust persons even cracked a joke to me and my wife while sitting at a table sharing an adult beverage. I thought what a perfect time for him to leave his impression on us. It was not a business moment but a Social. And last but not least the person we came into contact with the most at the Gunter was our housekeeper. She was magnificent. She worked long hours, and every time we passed by her she was smiling and always had something positive to say. She was always around, I felt like we had our own security officer on our floor she was present so often and she noticed everything. She really seemed like she loved what she does. And maybe interacting with people is what she loves about her job. But she was a very pleasant person to interact with leaving or returning to the room. I really wish I could remember her name to leave her personal credit. The only negative things I have about the hotel is that my bill does not match my receipt. But it has not cleared my checking account yet. So I am waiting to see what they process on my card. The second is that the Hot tub was not hot. The only suggestion that I have for the hotel is that some of the hotels I have stayed at have adult hours for the pool and spa. close the pool at 9 or 10 to kids. and let the adults have time without all the kids around splashing and screaming. My wife and I like to just sit by the pool and drink our drinks in a adult surrounding. But hey the Gunter did have a wonderful bar. Loved it. The gym was very clean and well maintained. Thanks again for a wonderful stay and the friendly atmosphere. Hats off to your management team, They must have one very good recruiting process. The staff they have hired really left a good impression on my wife and I. Thank you...