The Westin Riverwalk, San Antonio

"Cool and heavenly"

After walking along the Riverwalk in Downtown San Antonio on a 100+ degree evening in August, the lobby of the Westin Riverwalk beckoned to me.  It was the most cool and refreshing - and beautifully smelling - welcome I could ever wish to receive!  Families will love staying at this modern and elegant high-rise hotel, with an outdoor pool and a prime location right on the Riverwalk.

COMFORTABLE BEDS AND ROOMS:
The beds at the Westin are called “Heavenly Beds” and after my first night of deep sleep on a firm yet somehow very cushiony bed with a sheet-encased duvet, I just had to agree.  The deluxe room with two double beds was spacious, though there was not much extra room for lots of suitcases.  Enough space would accommodate a pack-n-play or portable crib, but the rest of the room was taken by a desk, sofa chair, and flat screen TV.  Suites and connecting deluxe rooms are available.

FREE AMMENITIES:
Free Wi-Fi in the lobby ($13.95  per day for use in my room), complimentary coffee maker and supplies, and water bottles in our room were nice touches.  I also appreciated the hair dryer, the bathrobe, fluffy towels and bath amenities in the beautiful marble bathroom.

BEAUTIFUL VIEW:
The deluxe room faced the Riverwalk and I thoroughly enjoyed looking down on the water, the immense cypress trees, and the river cruises that floated by every 5 minutes.  The sliding glass door that led to the balcony was securely locked with a secondary lock approximately five feet from the floor.  I went out on the balcony several times and got quite dizzy looking over the railing down eleven stories to the river.  I had an intense fear of my children being out there with me.  Despite appearing safe, the metal bars were still approximately 4 inches apart and were only adult waist high and my terrible imagination forced me back inside quickly.  I focused instead on my enjoyment of seeing the landmark Tower Life Building with its gargoyles and lit up American flag, the Tower of the Americas, and the circular flower building near La Villita through the sliding glass door.

OUTDOOR POOL:
The outdoor pool is on the fourth floor of the Westin and features several fountains flowing into it.  It is fairly small in size and can get quite crowded with kids and families cooling off on a typical hot Texas afternoon.  Next to the pool is the workout room and spa where parents can enjoy some down time.

RIVERWALK ACCESS:
From the lobby of the hotel there are several outdoor seating areas, as well as indoor rooms that have large picture windows to enjoy the view of the majestic cypress trees and the sparkling river below.  An elevator and a staircase offer access to the “below lobby level” Riverwalk.  From there visitors can stroll down the sidewalk and enjoy the Riverwalk and all that it has to offer.  I took a walk to the Rivercenter Mall one evening and I enjoyed the roughly 10-minute walk.  

NO COMPLIMENTARY BREAKFAST, BUT A GREAT LITTLE CAFÉ:
Because my kids and I are hungry from the minute we wake up, I’m always hoping and looking for a complimentary breakfast wherever we stay.  Although the Westin does not provide this, there was a little coffee bar called “Cafecito” that offered hot and cold breakfast sandwiches, coffee, juice, and soda.  I enjoyed a hot egg, bacon, and tortilla wrap each morning with my standard Diet Coke.  The kind and helpful associate, Linda, served us each morning and convinced me to try the delicious salsa that made my wrap even more delicious.  

NO REFRIGERATOR USE:
The refrigerator in the room was locked and stocked with purchasable drinks and beverages.  Unfortunately, there was no way to store my leftover meal from dinner, nor would a parent be able to store any supplies for their kids.  Perhaps a guest could make a special request for a refrigerator and one would be provided complimentarily.  

BOTTOM LINE:
Families who choose to stay at the Westin Riverwalk will find a pleasant place to stay with a great location, wonderful amenities, and a heavenly bed to rest in after a fun day on the Riverwalk in San Antonio.  We would definitely stay here again!

I received a complimentary stay at the Westin Riverwalk as part of the "Race to the Alamo", hosted by the San Antonio Convention and Visitors Bureau.  http://alamo.visitsanantonio.com/race/ I received no other compensation and all opinions in this review are my own.