Hilton San Antonio Hill Country

The Hilton San Antonio Hill Country has plenty of brand polish -- with contemporary spaces that rarely push the design envelope but are pleasant nonetheless -- and just a dash of Texas style. Once inside, the lobby features wooden floors and leather sofas set next to floor-to-ceiling windows that overlook the gardens. Leather armchairs are set beside a limestone fireplace in the lobby that’s decorated with antique guns, while wrought iron accents, like chandeliers and light fixtures, give everything a slight country twist. Travelers tend to gravitate to the outdoor spaces, which feature well-manicured landscaping, a lovely fountain, and cushioned patio furniture around a fire pit that’s used for marshmallow roasting. Many tourists stay here due to the proximity to SeaWorld, and inspired by this, the hotel has some marine decorations placed here and there, including orca dorsal fins popping out of the front lawn and dolphin-shaped topiaries in the lobby. Kid-friendly features like a kiddy pool and fire pit also appeal to families with children.

The main reason many travelers stay here -- besides its comparatively lower rates when matched against city-center hotels -- is the hotel's proximity to SeaWorld San Antonio, which is about a 10-minute drive from this location. This is ideal because guests leave their cars at the hotel for free and take the free shuttle service to the theme park. Otherwise, though, the immediate area is uninteresting, with only a couple of barbecue restaurants within walking distance -- even then, it's not the most walker-friendly area. Other entertainment alternatives include the Hyatt Hill Country Golf Club, which is a five-minute drive from the hotel, and Six Flags Fiesta Texas, which is 30 minutes away by car. Downtown San Antonio and tourist sites like the River Walk and the Alamo are about a 30-minute drive away as well. The hotel can arrange transfers to the San Antonio International Airport, which is 30 minutes away. 

The style in rooms is described by the hotel as “rustic, Texas ranch,” but honestly it doesn't live up to the claim. These rooms look Hilton through and through, with little local charm, though they are pleasant and modern. Dark wooden furniture has chunky silhouettes, while sharp blue color and gray palette in everything from textiles to walls gives the rooms their upmarket polish. A bit of abstract art is hung on the walls. Balconies add charm to upgraded rooms, with the most attractive views overlooking the courtyard. Marble counters create a classic look in bathrooms that offer shower/tub combos, while suites have showers and whirlpool tubs. ADA compliant rooms offer roll-in showers or accessible shower/tub combos. One-bedroom suites feature living rooms with wet bars and mini-fridges, while the Presidential Suite has a dining room. Executive Level Rooms get access to the club lounge with free breakfast, Wi-Fi, evening cocktails and appetizers, and a computer corner. In most rooms, travelers should expect amenities like 32-inch flat-screen TVs on dressers, coffeemakers on desks, irons, hairdryers, safes, and bathrobes. Wi-Fi is only free for HHonors members, though the program is free to join. Keep in mind that some rooms can pick up noise from neighboring rooms and the hallways.

This large hotel has several resort-like features on-site, including a lot to like for families. A fire pit with s'mores fixings helps keep kids entertained. The hotel also runs a free shuttle to SeaWorld, which is a major draw for most guests here.Limestone waterfalls separate the heated lagoon pool and hot tub from the kiddy pool that has fun water fountains for children. There’s also a nice pool for laps that's surrounded by landscaping. Unfortunately, the fitness center is quite basic and is showing its age, but it offers treadmills with mini-TVs, free weights, strength training, and other cardio machines, plus there's a small sauna in the locker room. Two restaurants are on-site: Hill Country Cafe, which has comfy ranch-style decor and serves breakfast and lunch, and AB Lounge, which serves Texas-style cuisine in the late afternoons and evenings. This hotel is a popular meeting venue with more than 10,000 square feet of space, including a ballroom that can fit up to 425 people for banquets. There’s also an Apple desktop computer in the lobby. In-room Wi-Fi incurs a fee, but it's free for HHonors members, the hotel's loyalty club that's free to join.