Riverwalk Plaza Hotel & Suites

Located on the edge of the River Walk, this funky property offers a break from the cookie-cutter hotel experience. As guests pull into the parking garage, they're greeted by colorful murals along the ceiling and walls. More murals depicting Riverwalk scenes adorn the hotel's hallways, along with historic photos of San Antonio. The flowing terrazzo floor in the lobby's entrance and multi-colored mosaic tile and stone on the face of the reception desk are works of art in their own right. The desk’s mosaic also suggests a flowing river, and an aquatic theme mural encompasses the entire wall behind the desk. Other parts of the lobby have plush brown-leather sectional sofas and rich hardwood floors and paneling framing a small fireplace. 

The hotel is situated at the south end of the River Walk, with an entrance directly across the street. The historic Bexar County Courthouse is also across the street. The hotel is tucked away from the bustle of the main tourist areas of the city, and while the area is considered safe, some guests have reported feeling a bit ill at ease walking in the neighborhood at night. Some restaurants are within a few minutes’ walk. The main drag of the River Walk is about a seven-minute walk from the hotel, and it's about a 15-minute walk to the Henry B. Gonzalez Convention Center, Tower of the Americas, Hemisfair Park, the Alamo, and the Blimpie Rivercenter Mall. A bus stop is a three-minute walk from the hotel, making it possible to visit the city's sights on public transportation. The Amtrak Station is a nine-minute drive (13 by bus), and the AT&T Center is a 15-minute drive (30 by bus). San Antonio International Airport is a 15- to 20-minute drive, or about an hour away on public transportation.

The 129 rooms at the Riverwalk Plaza Hotel & Suites are decorated in a more straightforward and traditional style than the hotel's whimsically funky public spaces. Reddish-brown wood furniture includes dressers, nightstands, side tables, desks, and headboards. The headboards are distinctive, with an insert of dark espresso-colored padded leather. Oversize leather armchairs are in the same color. Crown molding and exposed-brick exterior walls provide a little architectural interest. Soft gold drapes, rust-colored carpets, and bed throws with squares of copper, rust, and silver warm up the rooms and add a bit of elegance. But granite counters and textured ceiling tiles bring things down a notch. Bathrooms come with large wood vanities with granite tops, magnifying mirrors, and shower/tub combos with dual showerheads. Wallpaper and beige masonry-style tiles add a bit of stylish flair.

Standard rooms come with either king or queen beds, two queen beds, or two double beds with a choice of poolside, city, or river views. Some rooms have private patios or balconies. There are 11 larger suites, including Junior Suites with queen sleeper sofas and Executive Suites with sleeper sofas and whirlpool tubs. Standard amenities include safes, voice mail, room service, flat-screen TVs, mini-fridges, free bottled water, and coffeemakers. Many guests have complained that in-room Wi-Fi reception is spotty, and that walls are thin, meaning noise travels.

The star feature of the Riverwalk Plaza Hotel could be its heated outdoor pool, which is located on the fourth floor and is open year-round. It's surrounded by a lovely interior courtyard that features teak loungers and tables and lush tropical foliage. But fitness enthusiasts may prefer the hotel's 24-hour fitness center with cardio and weight-training machines and free weights, along with a punching bag and boxing gloves. 

Two options exist for breakfast, and neither is included in the room rates. The on-site coffee shop serves fresh-baked goods and grab-and-go items, while the bistro offers New American cuisine. Both also are open for lunch. The bar serves light snacks at night from the bistro’s kitchen and holds weekday happy hour specials and weekend karaoke. Guests receive fresh-baked cookies upon check-in, and vending machines are located on each floor.

Approximately 4,000 square feet of event space is available, and the 24-hour business center has Internet access and a printer. The lobby has a lending library as well. Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the property. Valet laundry and dry cleaning services are available, as are concierge services. The hotel has a self-parking garage with daily fees. An ATM is on site, and the hotel is pet-friendly.