The Westin San Antonio North

The Hotel at the Colonnade is a big, busy hotel where the lobby is usually buzzing with activity, including plenty of guests reading and working on laptops. Common spaces reflect the environment, with oversized leather furniture in warm desert colors and a huge flat-screen TV in the lobby. In the restaurant, there are fun metal cactus sculptures, Old West photographs, swinging saloon doors, tumbleweed displays, and, the piece-de-resistance, a huge topiary depicting a rearing horse. The Lobby Bar is elegant and fun, with a classy granite-topped bar, red leather bar seats, and plenty of tables.

This hotel is a practical and professional choice for travelers in town on business or families who don't mind staying outside the center of things. There is nothing to do in the immediate area, but the hotel offers a wide range of activities on-site for all ages. The hotel particularly caters to kids, offering rolling backpacks stuffed with toys, books, and puzzles, as well as character brunches, children's menus, spectacular kid suites, and even milk and cookies delivered on the first night of their stay. Almost like a resort hotel, the hotel treats guests with special services like agua fresca in the lobby all day, and swim-up movies at the pool during the summer months. The hotel offers comfort, fun, and Texas-size value for the price, setting it apart from other, more central hotels. It's an excellent choice, especially for families traveling with kids.

The Hotel at the Colonnade is located in the suburbs of San Antonio. The city is easily reached, just off Interstate 10. The hotel is surrounded by parking lots and office buildings, and is convenient to many corporate offices -- making it a good spot for business travelers. Guests will need a car to get around, as there's very little within walking distance. The Colonnade, a 66-acre dining and shopping complex, is next door, and there are running trails throughout the complex. Six Flags Fiesta Texas and the River Walk are each a 15- to 20-minute drive from the Hotel. SeaWorld, the King William Historic District, the Alamo, and the Alamodome are about 20 minutes away by car. The hotel runs a shuttle to area attractions for a fee. There is free and plentiful parking on-site for cars, RVs, buses, and trucks; valet parking is available for a surcharge. The San Antonio Airport is a 15- to 20-minute drive away, and the hotel offers free pick-up and drop-off, by prior arrangement.

The 328 rooms at the this hotel are comfortable with a warm feeling. The Southwestern decor features contemporary furniture in dark woods and an earth-tone color scheme. The design is the same throughout, except for a pair of cleverly outfitted kids' rooms: the Discovery Suite and the Aquatica Suite. These rooms are a child's paradise, complete with art supplies, costumes, toys and games, Wii and other video game consoles, mini-sports courts, and a real saltwater aquarium in the Aquatica. Rollaway beds and cribs are free, too.

Rooms have flat-screen TVs with on-demand movies, Cusinart coffeemakers, and minibars; microwaves and mini-fridges are available upon request. Wi-Fi is only free with some bookings. Across the board, views are unremarkable, so it's generally not worth the upgrade to Deluxe options. Modern bathrooms have ample counter space, shower/tub combos, hairdryers, a full range of toiletries, and bathrobes. There are Suites available with parlor rooms, sleeper sofas, and wet bars. Guests may request Get Fit kits, which include exercise mats, bands, and weights. Connecting rooms are available upon request. The surrounding area is filled with traffic and office buildings, but fortunately, rooms are well-soundproofed.

There are plenty of features for kids and adults alike. The hotel has an indoor splash pool and large co-ed sauna, as well as an outdoor pool with lap lanes and a hot tub. Also outside, guests can relax on the sundeck and grab drinks at the poolside bar that also serves hot dogs, hamburgers, and ice cream. In the evenings during summer months, float-up movies are shown by the pool. The fitness center is well-equipped with cardio and weight machines, free weights, kettlebells, and a heavy bag. There are yoga mats, exercise balls, and flat-screen TVs, plus free fresh fruit and juice. Joggers can request a map of suggested routes through the Colonnade. In-room spa services are available.

The hotel has a program that offers children rolling backpacks filled with games, puzzles, and books, many focusing on healthy eating habits. Ironically, the hotel also delivers welcome milk and cookies to younger guests on their first night. During the summer, popular characters from Six Flags and SeaWorld come to entertain the kids at the hotel.

The hotel offers a lobby business center, as well as 23,000 square feet of event space, including three ballrooms and 15 meeting rooms. Event and wedding planning services are offered.

The hotel features a fun, Wild West-themed restaurant, Bolo's Rotisserie Grill. It has an a la carte menu, hot breakfast buffet, and lunchtime pasta bar. The menu includes American, South American, and Caribbean dishes, as well as rotisserie. The Lobby Bar has live piano music several times a week. In addition to a solid wine list and signature drink menu, the bar serves a light menu and a special Sunday brunch. Morsel's is the lobby coffee shop, serving muffins, pastries, and other quick on-the-go items.