Perfect family destination
I just returned from a trip to San Antonio for a family trip to Seaworld. As a seasoned traveler, I was very aware that planning ahead for a family trip with small children in tow is an absolute (I had my grown daughter, my almost 2 year old grandaughter, and a family friend's 4 year old son along for the road trip from Dallas). An important part of the planning was finding a family friendly hotel that was close to Seaworld. I happened upon the Hilton hotel just minutes from the park.
I almost never write a review of a place unless it exceeded my expectations, or was a horrible experience. I am very happy to report that the Hilton was one of the very best family hotel experiences I have ever had.
I read so many terrible reviews here on tripadvisor, that I worried our trip would be a disaster. I had nothing to worry about-here are some of the things that made our stay great.
1. the hotel is beautiful. the lobby itself was gorgeous and quite impressive. the rooms are spacious with modern comfortable furnishings, and the bathrooms have a spa-like feel.
2. the three pools were clean and well maintained, with lovely landscaping. the kid's pool was beyond perfect for the little ones. i was able to sit at a table and let them play without a worry about the depth or any steps that could be an accident.
3. the staff was beyond helpful. we didn't really require anything out of the way, but i never passed an employee that didn't say "hello/good morning/good night" with a big smile.
4. the evening entertainment was the perfect way to wind down after a long day in the sun. when it started to rain the last night we were there, the staff moved the movie inside and played triva with the kids with prizes for the winners. popcorn for the movie and s'mores by the fire pit reminded me of my days at summercamp.
5. the shuttle to Seaworld made the day so much easier and less stressful. i did feel a bit sorry for the drivers though...some of the people were so rude when they had to wait for 15 minutes for a ride. i wondered how they would have reacted to parking in the Seaworld madhouse parking lot and walking that much further in the heat. p.s. tip your driver and say thank you...they are working hard to make your day enjoyable-despite some of the rude folks they encounter.
i hope my observations help in choosing a great place for you and your family to stay while visiting SanAntonio. as for the negative comments that i read here-all i can say is that some people will gripe about everything, and find fault with the smallest of things. i will assuredly return to this hotel next year.