Overview
Located about a 3-minute drive from San Antonio's city centre and a 2-minute drive from the nearest Interstate 10 on-ramp, the Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites San Antonio-Downtown Market Area is geared towards travellers who prefer a centrally located all-suite hotel with extended kitchen amenities, a free breakfast and easy highway access.
Each of the hotel's air-conditioned suites offers free Wi-Fi, cable TV, a coffeemaker, a microwave, a mini-fridge, a desk, a living room with a sofabed, an iron and ironing board and a hair dryer. Rooms with a jetted tub are also available. All rooms are non-smoking and the hotel is wheelchair accessible.
Hotel amenities include an outdoor pool, a fitness centre, a hot tub, a business centre, guest laundry, vending machines, a free breakfast and free parking. Pets are not permitted.
The University of Texas-Downtown Campus is roughly 10 minutes away on foot, while San Antonio Market Square can be found 4 minutes away by car. The River Walk is a 20-minute walk from the hotel and San Antonio International Airport (SAT) is roughly a 14-minute drive away. (All distances and travel time estimates: Google Maps)
Verified with a front desk agent: Free Wi-Fi, free parking, no pets, wheelchair accessible. (Call Date: November 14, 2013)
The GoodThe majority of the reviews sourced for this analysis were positive, with praise going to the hotel's location, value, rooms and staff.
Numerous reviewers were pleased with the hotel's location. They described it as central and relaxing, as well as close to the River Walk, shopping, restaurants, bars, downtown San Antonio, the Alamo and Market Square. A few guests did find the hotel farther from the River Walk than they'd anticipated, however.
Many guests praised the hotel's value. They described the rates as reasonable, very good and low, and also cited the free breakfast as adding to the hotel's worth. One patron remarked, "For the price we paid, there was no better bargain".
The hotel's accommodations were enjoyed by several lodgers. They described their rooms as clean, well equipped, quiet and spacious, with comfortable beds and pillows. A few travellers had complaints about their rooms, however (see below).
Several patrons complimented the hotel's staff. They were characterized as professional, accommodating, friendly and efficient.
The Bad
While the majority of reviews consulted for this analysis were positive, there were a few common complaints about the hotel's parking and the rooms.
A few guests complained about the hotel's parking. They described the lot as small with limited spaces, and reported being unable to find a spot and having to park on the street when coming back to the hotel late at night.
Although the majority of reviewers were pleased with their well-equipped and spacious rooms, a few lodgers had complaints about their accommodations. They reported weak Wi-Fi signals, dated decor, uncomfortable sofabeds, some housekeeping issues and street noise.
Expedia.ca guest reviews rated the hotel 4 out of 5 with an 88% recommendation rate from 411 reviews.
TripAdvisor.com guest reviews ranked the hotel #184 of 345 San Antonio hotels with an average rating of 3.5 out of 5 from 108 reviews.
Booking.com guest reviews rated the hotel 8 out of 10 from 106 reviews.
The author called the hotel on November 14, 2013 to verify some information.
