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Hotel costs and reviews for PAX south
Now that we're close to badge day for South, many of us are booking our hotels in advance of even badge release. For myself, I'm staying at the Riverwalk Plaza (.8 miles from the convention center) for a reasonable $118 a night. Did anyone stay there last year? Anything to avoid about that location? It seemed like a reasonable place to me.
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When I went down, I stayed at the Menger for the silly fact that it had a bunch of Ghosts and a Bar where "Teddy Rosevelt went to" It was an okay place to be. To be honest All of that area seemed pretty nice so you should be okay!
Second Pax: PAX PRIME 2015!!
Third Pax: PAX SOUTH 2016 GET HYPE!!!!
Proud Alaskan!
Edit: I should note that my reservation at the Hyatt is for 2016. Super stoked!
The thing we actually remember the most are the nachos from the bar downstairs. I think those may be our breakfast, lunch, and dinner this year because they were that freaking good.
Edit: Changed year because I apparently can't remember that South was only at the beginning of this year. -.-
This year I'm going for SpringHill Suites by Marriott San Antonio Downtown for $555 for 4 nights because it's cheaper and a little closer to PAX.
Just for a heads up the reviews for that hotel aren't stellar. I have used Booking. com for years when I travel and I can trust their reviews. Look here for that motels reviews: https://www.booking.com/hotel/us/riverwalk-plaza-san-antonio-texas.en-us.html?aid=398053;label=yahoog-JZpP_riovOLatfEuwyhTgQ;sid=38fcd36c08c161913903e010f730739c;dcid=1;checkin=2016-01-28;checkout=2016-02-01;ucfs=1;srfid=e8e3fea280376aa53e7980493f9a8c336881d2c3X10;highlight_room=5682102#tab-reviews
So most of the complaints I'm not particularly worried about. I knew how far I was from the convention center and the main riverwalk in advance, I wasn't anticipating eating breakfast at the hotel, and meh for paid for parking (Boston is much worse). The main thing that attracted me (outside of price) was the constant mentions of clean rooms, and comfortable beds which seems like a no brainer for a hotel but I've constantly had problems with.
I booked with the Hyatt as well because they were the only hotel nearby that would let me use my government discount.
I had a club room, but I don't believe the suites have kitchens either. It's just not that kind of hotel. More upclass and meant for people staying in town for business who have expense cards. My room did have a refrigerator though.
Excite. ^_^
I would say anywhere in the direct area would be good. We spent a lot of time walking through the Marriott Rivercenter and Riverwalk for food and to get to the food court that was there.
There is a convenience store in the River Center mall, a tad pricey, but expected for the area. It had some wine and beer if I remember correctly. We took a cab to a grocery store one night coming back from dinner (that we also took a cab to) and it was under 15 bucks round trip. There is a liquor store within a few blocks and a CVS on the other side of the expo center from the Hyatt. We also ordered pizza from some place that was recommended by the hotel, and ordered jimmy johns and Chinese food directly to the convention center entrance. Lots of options that were reasonably priced, and honestly better prices for a group of us than ordering individually at a restaurant. This is why I really liked South in comparison to East, all this stuff was right nearby and convenient. I even ran into the mall to grab some things from a makeup counter. Also, all the parties (the like three that happened last year) were in walking distance.
Some reviews online say it is haunted but I am not a belieber of that stuff and was disappointing to find no Casper wannabes. My crew will be staying there again this year. *NOTE* they don't have an overly huge lobby for board games, but they let us do whatever in the bar/restaurant area (all open air feel).
If I make it to South 2016, I'll consider this! Thought about it for Prime this year, but none of the Airbnb options were within walking distance by the time I looked it up.
Whenever the roomsharing thread goes live, I guess I'll have an extra queen and a sofa bed to share :P
PAX Prime 2014 Preparations Complete
I stayed there last year. It was very nice, although the free breakfast was a big disappointment. I just walked a few blocks to Denny's because it's on the way to the Con. I decided this year to stay at the other Springhill Suites because it's a little closer to the Con. and a little cheaper too.
Thanks for your review! I missed it earlier in this thread. I actually just changed my reservation to that same hotel.
PAX Prime 2014 Preparations Complete
Oh yeah, breakfast is free, as well as the WiFi
(You just say the letters)
I know someone has already posted about Springhill but I was wondering if others also had positive experiences there.
Last year my wife and I stayed at the Fairfield Marriott on Santa Rosa, which was a little over a mile from the Convention Center. It was a perfectly fine room, and walking the mile+ to the con each way wasn't horrible.
Having said that, this year we're at the Springhill Suites that's about .5 miles from the convention center. We walked past it last year going to and from and constantly said "that might have been a better option" :}
I stayed last year at The Menger. It was an OK hotel. Nothing really outstanding about it. Be warned however it is a pet friendly hotel apparently and I got wicked runny nose because of it.
Also, I got a room at the Crockett this year since it's like $150/night. I would've liked to stay at the Hyatt but for $100 less a night I had to go for what seemed fair, plus it's only half a mileish away so whatever.
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I stayed there last year as well.
They put my husband and I in a room with two single beds despite calling to confirm accommodations the day before. The hotel was fine, the pub was cute and the Alamo was fun, but I did not book there again.
The great thing about Pax South is that, unlike in Boston, everything is very walk-able so you really can't go wrong hotel wise.
Don't get me wrong, I loved going to Pax East and hanging out in Boston but you either walked a ways in the cold or you dealt with the touch-and-go shuttle. It's manage-able but San Antonio is far more convenient in terms of accommodations and conditions.
PS thanks for the responses and help.