Hotel Valencia Riverwalk

Hotel Valencia Riverwalk, a Michelin Key Selected property in San Antonio, United States, consistently garners high praise for its sophisticated ambiance, exceptional service, and prime Riverwalk location. This boutique hotel blends Spanish Colonial and Modern Mediterranean design with contemporary luxury, offering a distinctive experience for travelers.

Overall Rating & Sentiment

The Hotel Valencia Riverwalk enjoys an "Excellent" overall rating of 8.8 out of 10, based on hundreds of guest reviews. Guests frequently express strong satisfaction with their stays, highlighting the hotel's cleanliness, comfort, and the helpfulness of its staff. Recognized as a Michelin-recommended property, it was also named the #7 Top Hotel in Texas and the highest-ranking hotel in San Antonio by Condé Nast Traveler's 2024 Readers' Choice Awards.

Key Highlights

Guests consistently laud the Hotel Valencia Riverwalk for several standout features:

• Service: The staff is frequently described as "incredibly friendly," "exceptional," "super accommodating," and "helpful," contributing significantly to a positive guest experience.
• Location: Its placement on a quieter section of the vibrant Riverwalk is a major draw, providing tranquility while still being within easy walking distance (often 10 minutes or less) of major attractions like The Alamo, Majestic Theater, and other downtown entertainment, dining, and shopping options.
• Design: The hotel's aesthetic is celebrated for its "sleek and sophisticated" blend of Spanish Colonial and Modern Mediterranean styles. The lobby features calming water features and a "dark, modern, and sexy" ambiance, which is particularly appealing to couples and singles.
• Amenities: Complimentary high-speed Wi-Fi is available throughout the property. Other notable amenities include an on-site gym and spa offering various treatments, 24-hour room service, and a third-floor open-air European-style courtyard. A $22 daily destination fee provides valuable enhancements, including a $22 dining credit at Dorrego's, a welcome margarita or flavored water upon arrival, and in-room coffee.

Room Quality

The hotel offers 213 elegant and stylish guest rooms and suites, ranging from approximately 350 to 400 square feet. Rooms are consistently described as "spacious and clean" and "cozy and attractive." Each room is thoughtfully furnished with custom-made beds topped with luxurious Egyptian cotton linens, comfortable armchairs, and substantial solid-wood desks. Design elements such as plantation shutters and Spanish stencil patterns add local flair.

Technologically, rooms are well-equipped with individual temperature controls, 42- or 50-inch LED Smart TVs, and complimentary Wi-Fi. Amenities include a well-stocked honor bar and a coffee machine featuring Katz coffee and Rishi teas. Bathrooms boast white marble countertops, stainless-steel sinks, shower/tub combinations, hotel-branded toiletries, plush waffle-weave bathrobes, and hairdryers. Many rooms offer pleasant views of the Riverwalk, city, or the hotel's courtyard, and some include balconies. Daily housekeeping is provided, with turndown service available upon request.

Dining Experience

Hotel Valencia Riverwalk features a world-class Argentinian-inspired restaurant, Dorrego's, which is open daily for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Guests have raved about the "excellent" food, with specific praise for the "amazing" cinnamon roll French toast at breakfast. Dorrego's also offers sweeping views of the Riverwalk.

For evening relaxation, the Naranja Tequila and Mezcal Bar stands out as the only tequila bar on the Riverwalk, serving tapas and an impressive selection of tequilas and mezcals from 5 p.m. to midnight daily. Additionally, the Naranja Café provides convenient "Grab and Go" breakfast options, including artisanal items like chorizo kolaches made with housemade beef tallow dough, cinnamon rolls, yogurt parfaits, and a full coffee menu. Complimentary valet parking is available for patrons of Dorrego's and Naranja.

Service & Staff

The service at Hotel Valencia Riverwalk consistently receives high marks, with guests frequently commending the staff's friendliness, helpfulness, and attentiveness. Reviewers have described staff members as "incredibly friendly" and providing "exceptional service," with specific mentions of their accommodating nature. The hotel group emphasizes fostering an "employee-focused culture" and empowering team members to deliver "warm, caring, and personalized service."

Location & Accessibility

Situated directly on a desirable, quieter stretch of the San Antonio Riverwalk, Hotel Valencia Riverwalk offers an ideal base for exploring the city. It's conveniently located within a 5-10 minute walk to major attractions such as The Alamo, the Majestic Theater, The Buckhorn Saloon and Texas Ranger Museum, and the Briscoe Western Art Museum. The hotel is also surrounded by numerous dining, shopping, and entertainment venues. For further convenience, a city shuttle service is available. San Antonio International Airport is approximately 12 km away. While public parking is available nearby, the hotel also offers a car park for a fee of US$63.87 per 24 hours.

Value & Pricing

Hotel Valencia Riverwalk is considered a luxurious accommodation, with standard room rates ranging from approximately $213 to $253 USD, and suites from $499 to $899 USD. Guests rate the "Value for money" at 8.6. While complimentary breakfast is not typically included, the $22 daily destination fee effectively provides a $22 dining credit at Dorrego's, enhancing the overall value proposition. Guests have also reported receiving discounts on food at the restaurant.

Common Complaints

One recurring point of note, rather than a strong complaint, is the absence of a swimming pool at Hotel Valencia Riverwalk, which might be a consideration for guests visiting San Antonio, especially during warmer months. Additionally, the hotel's "adult-centric vibe" means it is less equipped with family-friendly amenities, potentially making it less suitable for travelers with young children. Although an older review mentioned some common areas being under construction, it also highlighted the hotel's efforts to minimize noise and the expectation of beautiful results. Some business travelers might find the lobby's prominent waterfall feature "a bit much," though others appreciate its unique and "funky details."

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