posted
I will be making my annual Thanksgiving trip to AZ and this year am stopping in New Orleans, LA and San Antonio, TX. (Taking advantage of 3-Region Off-Peak Explore America Fare)
I am all set for New Orleans.
However, I am looking for a safe, clean place to stay (read not fancy nor pricey) in San Antonio. One near to the city's attractions. I am a Senior citizen with some mobility problems and prefer not to rent a car. So access to public transportation is a plus. (Taxi is second choice.) Also any ideas for "do not miss seeing" sites appreciated.
I am a little concerned about the 3 a.m. arrival in San Antonio. Are cabs readily available at that hour? (Just in case the Sunset Lt'd is near on time). Also what is the station/neighborhood like at that hour?
Dee
Posts: 460 | From: North Central CT | Registered: May 2004
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My wife, daughter, and I spent three nights last July (2006) at a Red Roof Inn in downtown San Antonio. Location-wise it was about 4 blocks from the Alamo and a mall at the tail end of the Riverwalk. It was another couple of blocks further (6 or so) to the Amtrak station.
Additionally, San Antonio has tourist trolly buses (personal note: I HATE buses that look like trollies. Cities that have buses that look like trollies want the nostalgia without making a commitment to mass transit in my opinion...but I digress.) and the Red Roof is adjacent to one of the trolly/bus stops.
This particular Red Roof is 8-9 stories tall with interior corridors so it's a bit safer than your typical motor hotel. Red Roof, as you know, is generally pretty easy on your lodging dollar. Even the same hotel can vary in cleanliness from time to time but we found it to be acceptably clean even though there was some sort of gymnastics competition in town and the place was full of teenagers lounging around and eating pizza in the corridors and lobby......in other words, the staff....at least last summer....dealt with clientele slightly more likely to leave a mess and did so while remaining reasonably pleasant.
Four-star hotel? No, not at all. Within our budget without making us feel like we were having to 'settle' for less. Yes. We would certainly look to use this hotel again if we're ever back in San Antonio.
I'll leave depot advice to someone who may know San Antonio better than I......but that area seemed reasonably safe to me when I was last there on the train.
-------------------- David Pressley
Advocating for passenger trains since 1973!
Climbing toward 5,000 posts like the Southwest Chief ascending Raton Pass. Cautiously, not nearly as fast as in the old days, and hoping to avoid premature reroutes. Posts: 4203 | From: Western North Carolina | Registered: Feb 2004
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posted
Strongly second David's recommendation of the Red Roof Inn. They are located at 1011 East Houston Street, phone (210)229-9973. The "San Antonio Streetcar", operated by the local transit agency, stops right by the motel. It can take you just about anywhere you want to go in the downtown area, either directly or by changing to another "Streetcar" route. All the info at http://www.viainfo.net/Ride/Streetcar.aspx
There should be taxis at the station when the train arrives or very shortly thereafter. As long as you stay in the immediate area of the station, you'll be fine. There is a Denny's nearby (the only open restaurant within walking distance at that hour) but too far if there are mobility issues.
Posts: 73 | Registered: Aug 2006
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posted
On the San Antonio trip I had to cancel, I was also planning on staying at the Red Roof Inn, and probably will when I reschedule.
But I also plan to check out the Hotel Menger, right next door to the Alamo. Sometimes they have specials!
Posts: 2642 | From: upstate New York | Registered: Mar 2004
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posted
I now have a confirmed reservation at the Red Roof Inn for November. Am now checking out all the web-sites to prioritize what to see. It appears there will be more than enough to fill up my 4 full days there. Will probably miss some things actually.
Dee
Posts: 460 | From: North Central CT | Registered: May 2004
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If you like Mexican food, be sure to visit Mi Tierra Cafe & Bakery, a San Antonio institution. IIRC, it's on the route of the "Streetcar" that stops at the Red Roof. http://www.mitierracafe.comPosts: 73 | Registered: Aug 2006
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posted
1702, I know you spent a good deal of time in on-board service for Amtrak.
With all your pointers for San Antonio it seems you must have spent some time working the Eagle.....either turning in San Antonio or laying over coming to and from the Sunset.
-------------------- David Pressley
Advocating for passenger trains since 1973!
Climbing toward 5,000 posts like the Southwest Chief ascending Raton Pass. Cautiously, not nearly as fast as in the old days, and hoping to avoid premature reroutes. Posts: 4203 | From: Western North Carolina | Registered: Feb 2004
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quote:Originally posted by DeeCT: I now have a confirmed reservation at the Red Roof Inn for November. Am now checking out all the web-sites to prioritize what to see. It appears there will be more than enough to fill up my 4 full days there. Will probably miss some things actually.
Dee
Besides the Alamo, I'd suggest one of the riverboat rides which board from the mall area four blocks from Red Roof. Not sure about accessibility issues but it's a nice way to spend an hour if you can be accomodated.
-------------------- David Pressley
Advocating for passenger trains since 1973!
Climbing toward 5,000 posts like the Southwest Chief ascending Raton Pass. Cautiously, not nearly as fast as in the old days, and hoping to avoid premature reroutes. Posts: 4203 | From: Western North Carolina | Registered: Feb 2004
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