You know that feeling when you're staring at a hundred hotel tabs, trying to figure out if "downtown" actually means "downtown" or just "near a highway with a view of a skyscraper"? Honestly, picking a spot in San Antonio is tricky because the Riverwalk is long, and the Alamo is tucked away in a spot that makes parking a nightmare.
TownePlace Suites San Antonio Downtown Riverwalk sits in a weirdly perfect spot. It’s at 409 East Houston Street. If you walk out the front door and turn left, you’re basically tripping over the Alamo in three minutes. Turn right, and you’re hitting the Riverwalk entrance before you’ve even finished your first thought of the day.
But here’s the thing: it isn’t a shiny new glass tower. It’s actually the old Neisner Department Store building from 1910. They converted it into a hotel back in 2010, which gives it these high ceilings and a slightly industrial vibe that you won’t find at the cookie-cutter Marriott builds out by the airport.
The Reality of Staying on Houston Street
Living in a converted department store sounds cool, and it is, but it comes with quirks. The windows don’t open. Since you’re right on Houston Street, it can get loud. You’ve got the Majestic Theatre and the Aztec Theatre right there, so on a Friday night, the sidewalk is buzzing.
Most people choose this place because every single room is a suite with a kitchen. We’re talking a real fridge, a stovetop, and a dishwasher. If you’re traveling with kids who only eat mac and cheese, or if you’re in town for a week-long conference at the Henry B. Gonzalez Convention Center (about a 10-15 minute walk), having a kitchen saves you a fortune.
What the Rooms are Actually Like
- The Layout: You’ve got studios and one-bedroom suites. They range from about 270 to over 400 square feet.
- The Beds: They use pillowtop mattresses. Most guests say they’re shockingly comfortable, though a few reviews from late 2025 mentioned some wear and tear on the older sofas.
- The Kitchen: It's fully stocked. You don't need to bring your own forks. They even have a "Something Borrowed" program where you can grab board games or kitchen gadgets you might have forgotten.
The "Hidden" Costs: Parking and Pets
Let’s talk about the elephant in the room: parking. This is downtown San Antonio. There is no "free" parking here. The hotel does valet-only parking, and as of early 2026, it’s running around $45 to $70 per night depending on the season and fees.
It’s expensive. You could try to find a public lot nearby, but honestly, those lots can be sketchy at night, and by the time you pay their daily rate, you might as well have used the valet. The valet guys here, like Dee and Devyn (who regulars always mention by name), are usually the fastest part of the whole check-in process.
Bringing the Dog
This is one of the more pet-friendly spots in the city center.
- Fee: $100 per pet, per stay.
- Restrictions: None on weight, which is rare. You can bring a Great Dane if it fits in the elevator.
- Potty Breaks: There isn't a "yard" on-site. You have to walk about two blocks to find a decent patch of grass, so keep that in mind for those 6:00 AM wake-up calls.
Breakfast and the "Social Hour"
They do the standard free hot breakfast. It’s fine. It’s eggs, sausage, and those waffles everyone loves. But it gets crowded. If you show up at 8:30 AM on a Saturday, expect to hunt for a table like a hawk.
One thing that doesn't get enough credit is the evening social hour they run. Usually, it's a few nights a week (check the schedule when you check in). They put out snacks and often have free beer, wine, or sangria. It’s a nice way to decompress before heading out to a dinner at The Esquire Tavern or Schilo’s (which you absolutely have to visit for the root beer and split pea soup).
Is it worth it in 2026?
The hotel had a major renovation back in 2017, and while it’s holding up, it’s starting to show its age in the hallways. One of the elevators has been notoriously finicky lately. If you’re a Marriott Bonvoy loyalist, the point value here is usually great compared to the massive Rivercenter hotels.
Who it's for: Families who need a kitchen, people staying more than three days, and anyone who wants to be close enough to the Alamo to see it from the sidewalk.
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Who it's NOT for: People who want a quiet, secluded resort vibe or those who hate valet parking.
Actionable Tips for Your Stay
- Request a Corner Suite: The "City View" corner suites have much better natural light because of the old department store window layouts.
- Skip the Hotel Coffee: You’re two blocks from some of the best coffee shops on the Riverwalk. Go explore.
- Check the Elevator Status: If you have mobility issues, call ahead to make sure both elevators are running. With 117 rooms and only two lifts, one being down makes for a long wait.
- The Pool is Tiny: Don't expect to do laps. It’s an "outdoor European dipping pool," which is code for "a large bathtub in a courtyard." It’s great for cooling off, but not for a workout.
If you’re looking to book, check the Marriott app directly. They often have "Discover San Antonio" packages that include breakfast for two or discounted valet, which can take the sting out of those nightly parking fees.