Homewood Suites by Hilton Lackland AFB/SeaWorld

Apartment-style rooms and proximity to SeaWorld and Lackland Air Force Base make this hotel a popular pick for vacationing families and those in town for graduations at the base. The 2013-built hotel is well-maintained, with contemporary furnishings in earth tones typical of a chain property. The large, well-lit lobby has clusters of seating and a table with treats for pets. Off the lobby is the pleasant dining room with high ceilings, black-leather couches, and pops of gold; here, the hotel offers a free breakfast daily and free dinner receptions during week nights, going a step above its three-pearl status. An outdoor pool and barbecue pits give this hotel a warm, vacation-worthy feel, despite its rather uninteresting location on the outskirts of the city. 

Homewood Suites is located off the highway (I-410) in more of a residential than tourist neighborhood, ideally situated for travelers to SeaWorld and Lackland Air Force Base. SeaWorld is a 12-minute drive away and Lackland Air Force Base a 14-minute drive. Immediately surrounding the hotel are several other hotels and chain restaurants and stores. 54th Street Bar and Grill is a four-minute walk from the hotel and a bunch of restaurants including Buffalo Wild Wings, Chili’s, Cracker Barrel Old Country Store, Starbucks, and IHOP are an 11-minute walk away. A Walmart Supercenter is also within walking distance, just 10 minutes from the hotel. The downtown area and popular attraction such as the River Walk are at least a 20-minute drive away. Parking is free.

The most notable aspect of Homewood Suites is that all 109 rooms have well-equipped kitchenettes. They're ideal for families who want to cook indoors and relax in a comfortable, apartment-style atmosphere. Living areas (separate in all but studios) have sofa beds and 42-inch flat-screen TVs, plus adjacent dining tables that double as desks. Kitchens have full-size refrigerators, microwaves, stovetops, dishwashers, coffee machines, and dishware. Bathrooms come with either showers or shower/tub combos, free toiletries, and hairdryers. Wi-Fi is free. Rooms are generally reported as being comfortable, though the occasional maintenance issue is present.

This hotel offers a longer list of amenities than the average three-pearl chain hotel. Outdoors, there are an outdoor swimming pool, basketball court, and barbecue grills, as well as dining tables and chairs. Inside, the fitness center is modern and has a range of cardio and weight-training equipment. A business center has computers and printers for guests to use, plus there are laundry facilities for a fee and a shop selling snacks and toiletries. There is no full restaurant or bar, but all rates include a hot and cold breakfast buffet. Noteworthy is the free reception offered Monday through Thursday with food, wine, and beer. Free coffee and tea is always provided in the lobby.