DRURY INN & SUITES RIVERWALK - Comfort And Value Amid San Antonio's Premier Attractions
Written: Sep 18 '07 (Updated Sep 19 '07)
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Product Rating:
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Pros: Great location, reasonable rates, free hot breakfast, free evening beverages, free internet, exceptionally comfortable bed.
Cons: Parking garage is difficult to negotiate and the spaces are narrow.
The Bottom Line: It's clean, convenient, comfortable and affordable. I recommend this hotel for all types of traveler and count it among one of our best lodging experiences ever.
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| radioroger's Full Review: Drury Inn and Suites San Antonio Riverwalk |
Drury Inn & Suites Riverwalk is conveniently located on San Antonio's Riverwalk... the epicenter of the city's tourism trade. Just press "R" on the elevator and you're there. Drury Inn & Suites Riverwalk is a restored turn-of-the-century office building containing 50 one-bedroom suites and 100 standard rooms on its seven floors. The beds and fluffy pillows are quite comfy. The staff is quite friendly and helpful. The rates are very reasonable and they offer many free perks for which other places charge extra (or don't offer). They offer free high-speed internet access, free hot breakfast, free coffee and soda all day long and up to three free adult beverages each evening.
PERSPECTIVE
Traveling with my teenage daughter, we spent three nights at the Drury Inn and Suites Riverwalk. It was the only non-economy hotel that we stayed in during our two-week southern vacation. During our stay, it was either raining, or hot and humid... usually both. So we were glad to have a conveniently located hotel where we could freshen up throughout the day or take a quick siesta.
OVERVIEW
Drury Inn and Suites Riverwalk is a mid-range hotel appealing to middle class sensibilities. They do the basics very well. The hotel is clean and well-maintained and the uniformed staff is friendly and helpful. It is attractive and well-furnished without being stuffy. And for a mid-priced hotel, Drury does a few extra things that set them apart...
LOCATION
San Antonio is quite tourist-friendly. For a large city, it's easy to navigate. The majority of San Antonio's most popular attractions are located downtown and within walking distance of each other. Drury Inn and Suites Riverwalk is located right on San Antonio's famous Paseo del Rio (Riverwalk). The Riverwalk is a short, narrow loop in the San Antonio River. Just below street level, the Riverwalk is lined with stone walkways, beautiful rich foliage, stone arch footbridges and lots of shops, restaurants, bars and entertainment. Press the bottom button on the hotel elevator and you'll be transported straight to the Riverwalk. Drury is about a 5-minute walk from the Riverwalk's most active section and about a 10-minute walk to the Alamo and adjacent attractions. One of the three riverboat stations is located right next door behind the Holiday Inn. Other hotels may use the word "Riverwalk" in their name, when actually they are located a considerable distance away.
The hotel entrance and parking garage entrance are located on N. St. Mary's Street (one-way southbound)... on the right, just south of College Street. The seven-story hotel is dwarfed by the surrounding skyscrapers, so it's easy to miss if you aren't paying close attention. The parking garage has an exceptionally low ceiling (6 foot clearance), very tight turns and very narrow spaces. Unless you park next to an empty space, it is nearly impossible to open your car door without your door touching the car next to you. Nevertheless, parking is $14 / day (2007) with in/out privileges, reasonable for downtown parking.
ROOMS
We stayed in a one-bedroom suite in the front of the building. The unusually shaped rooms and high ceilings present a sense of elegance. The pull-out couch in the living area allowed my teenage daughter to have her own TV and some much-cherished privacy. Best of all, the big soft bed was extra-comfortable. Too often, even upscale hotels forget that their guests spend the largest portion of their visit in bed. The super-soft mattress at Drury Inn and Suites Riverwalk allowed for a refreshing night's sleep... and they provided no less than four huge fluffy pillows. Seldom do I comment about a bed, but this one was exceptional.
PERKS AND AMENITIES
Drury Inn and Suites Riverwalk provides a daily hot breakfast buffet at no extra charge. The selection of hot items is limited (sausage, scrambled eggs, potatoes, waffles), but they offer many cold items as well. The breakfast is very satisfying and goes way beyond what most mid-priced hotels offer. When you consider the $30-40+ you'd spend on breakfast for a family of four, the free breakfast greatly enhances the value of this hotel.
They provide free popcorn and soda all day long in the lobby. Each evening from 5:30-7, they provide free snacks and drinks. During our stay, they served nachos and cheese each evening. Adults are provided with up to three complimentary alcohol drinks. Choices include draught beer, wine and several mixed drinks including margaritas and bloody marys. (Kudos to the bartender for the perfect bloody mary.)
High-speed internet is also provided at no extra charge, so you can e-mail some travel photos to the gang back home or research the next day's sightseeing plans.
While the rooftop pool and hot tub are not particularly large, their location makes for a unique and relaxing way to unwind amidst the city's glow and neighboring skyscrapers.
DINING
Visitors may enjoy a Texas-style meal at Texas Land and Cattle Steakhouse, on the Riverwalk level. As the name suggests, this chain restaurant's menu features all kinds of steaks. We did not dine there, but it appeared to be very busy and lively, especially in the evening. Plenty of other dining options are available within a scenic 5-minute walk.
RATES
AAA published rates (2007) are $110 - 190 depending on season and room type. Suites are as low as $122 during non-peak times. Kids under 18 are free.
FINAL THOUGHTS
Drury Inn and Suites Riverwalk focuses on its guests' fundamental needs and expectations...clean rooms, comfortable beds and a professional staff... and fills those expectations very well. They take it to another level with free breakfast, snacks, drinks and internet access. Combined with their reasonable rates and terrific location, Drury Inn and Suites Riverwalk is an outstanding value. I recommend this hotel for all types of traveler and count it among one of our best lodging experiences ever.
Recommended:
Yes
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Epinions.com ID:
radioroger
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Location: Rural Ohio
Reviews written: 46
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