We were booked at one of the major chains but decided we wanted closer to the River Walk. At the last minute I looked at "Choice Hotels" and up popped the O'Brien, part of their historic hotels collection. With AAA discount it was less than half the cost of where we were booked. I did some work on the net to find out if we were booking a flea bag hotel and things sound pretty good. Not fabulous but good.
Here was the surprise. This is VERY nice. The carpet, which had been complained about on other reviews was probably laid the morning of our arrival (they are still working a couple of rooms down). Furniture is clean and nice, flat screen TV, good desk work area, a refrig, good bed, coffee, nice robes, large room that is nicely decorated. Even real coffee cups and GLASS glasses. Nothing "cheap motel" in here except maybe the AC unit. Towels could be better.
We paid $10 extra for a room with a shared balcony which has the added advantage of being behind the building, quiet and away from traffic. The "view" from the balcony is pure parking lot, but it is fine. The bathroom is good, nothing special. Parking is another $10. So for $100 (AAA without taxes) a night we have a VERY nice room, a block from the River Walk with an outdoor space. Try beating that in San Antonio.
Each floor has about 15 rooms. There is a large common sitting area on 2 and especially 3. Breakfast was rated "adequate" by my wife. Plain but OK. She did like the coffee machine which does lattes and espressos and is available all day.
Some other information. A block west on Neuva connects you with another part of the Riverwalk just made for runners and walkers. Head south. Although the surface will be concrete, a peaceful little 5 miler can be had without dodging any traffic or many people, for that matter. And it is mostly in the shade.
We stayed an extra day and bicycled down to the missions. Pieces of the River Walk south are closed up. South of where Roosevelt crosses the river entirely closed. But there were backroads that could be taken and bike paths on busier streets. Bikes can be rented close by (we had our own).
We haven't used our car in the three days we've been here. Walking and bikes, that is a good urban space for me.
Good place, very good.
Phone Number:
Location:
United States >
Texas >
San Antonio
Amenities:
Business Center with Internet Access
Fitness Center with Gym / Workout Room
Free Breakfast
Free High Speed Internet ( WiFi )
#70 Romantic Hotel in San Antonio
Price Range (Based on Average Rates):
Hotel Class:2.5 star — O'Brien Historic Hotel, an Ascend Collection Hotel 2.5*
Number of rooms: 39
- Official Description (provided by the hotel):
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The Obrien Historic Hotel Downtown Riverwalk offers quiet luxury in the heart of Downtown San Antonio. We are centrally located one block from the famous Riverwalk (which offers an array of restaurants, shops and nightlife) and four blocks from the Henry B. Gonzales Convention Center. You can take a breath-taking walk on the Riverwalk and enjoy the history and magic that San Antonio has to offer.
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- Also Known As:
- Clarion Collection San Antonio
- San Antonio Clarion Collection
- Clarion San Antonio
