The hype
Travelers are obsessed with the free food and historic architecture but consistently complain about the slow elevators.
Drury Plaza Riverwalk San Antonio
$130-220/ night
Book this if You want to drink three free margaritas in a historic bank vault before devouring a plate of free tacos, all while staying directly on the Riverwalk.
Why People Love It
- The '5:30 Kickback'—free hot dinner and 3 alcoholic drinks every single night
- Rooftop pool deck on the 22nd floor with skyline views
- Housed in the historic Alamo National Bank building with 50-foot ceilings and stained glass
Quick Take: It’s a chaotic, high-value family feeding frenzy inside a stunning Art Deco masterpiece.
Reviewed by @staceycabellofficial: I was blown away by the history here—walking through the old bank lobby felt like time travel. The 3 AM scare was intense, but honestly, it made the trip unforgettable. Plus, grabbing a drink at Teller's Bar right inside the old cages? Such a unique experience.
Guest Who Stayed Here Said
Reality check
You will wait for the elevator, and you will hear noise from the hallway if you're near the ice machine.
- You travel with hungry teenagers or a thirst for free happy hour
- You appreciate historic architecture (the lobby is a former bank floor)
- You want direct Riverwalk access without the $400/night price tag
Cleanliness & Maintenance
8.5
- Housekeeping: Daily service is standard. Reviews consistently praise the staff for being thorough.
- Bathroom hygiene: Generally sparkling. Some older reviews mention slow drains, but recent reports are positive.
- Maintenance: The historic nature means some wear is visible (scuffed baseboards), but major systems work well.
- Linens & towels: Standard hotel quality. Clean, crisp, but not luxury thread counts.
- Odors & scents: Lobby smells fresh; some hallways can have a faint 'old building' or food smell during Kickback hours.
Sleepability™
7.5SILENT
0-4LOUD
4-7.5MODERATE
7.5-10SILENT
- Street noise from St. Mary's Street
- Hallway noise from families (thin doors)
- Riverwalk crowds if on very low floors
Before you book
Good to know
- The 5:30 Kickback includes hot food like tacos, pasta, and hot dogs—enough for a light dinner.
- There are two towers: Alamo (historic, rooftop pool) and San Fernando (newer feel, indoor pool).
- Direct Riverwalk access is via the lower level (basement).
What to pack
- Earplugs (for the hallway noise)
- Swimsuit (two pools to choose from)
- Walking shoes (Riverwalk pavement is uneven)
Room Genie
Best picks
- San Fernando Tower rooms (often newer, quieter, and have their own indoor pool access)
- Riverside balcony rooms (for the view, though noisier)
- Upper floor rooms in Alamo Tower for skyline views
Rooms to avoid
- Rooms near the elevator banks in the Alamo Tower (high traffic)
- Lower floor street-facing rooms (siren/traffic noise)
Room Request Genie – copy & paste
“I would love to request a room in the San Fernando Tower on a high floor, away from the elevators, for a quieter stay.”
FAQ & Hidden tips
Everything you actually want to know before you book.
Is the evening food actually a full meal?
For many, yes. It rotates nightly (tacos, pasta, chili, hot dogs) and includes salad and soup. It's cafeteria-style but filling.
How bad is the parking situation?
Valet is convenient but pricey ($43+). Self-parking requires finding a public garage nearby (like the one at 421 W Market St) and walking.
Is the pool heated?
Yes, the rooftop pool is heated, and there are two whirlpools up there as well.
Can I see the old bank vault?
Yes! It's on the lower level near the meeting rooms. You can walk right up to the massive steel door for a photo.
Is there a resort fee?
No. Drury is famous for having no resort fees while including Wi-Fi and food.
What is the pet policy?
Very pet-friendly. $50/night fee, limit 2 pets (combined weight 80 lbs).
Insider Tips
- ✨
The San Fernando Tower has its own indoor pool which is often empty while the rooftop pool is packed.
- ✨
You can grab free popcorn and soda in the lobby every afternoon/evening.
- ✨
There is a 'secret' quiet terrace on the 22nd floor of the Alamo Tower that offers great views without the pool noise.
5 things to know before you go
💡The elevators require a key card scan *before* you press the floor, which confuses everyone.
💡The 'gym' smells distinctly of rubber and sweat but has a leg press machine (rare for hotels).
💡You can access the Riverwalk directly from the basement level, bypassing the street entirely.
💡The 3 free drinks per adult per night applies to beer, wine, and mixed drinks—a huge value.
💡The lobby stained glass is original 1929 artwork depicting Texas history.
Local Playbook
Map
See where Drury Plaza Riverwalk San Antonio is located and what's nearby.