SAN ANTONIO -- My favorite thing about the Hotel Valencia was the
bed. I'd never slept in a hotel bed that comfortable.
Imported from Italy, it featured a plush mattress with seven
layers of bedding that included Egyptian cotton sheets and a down
comforter.
Bonnie Best, corporate director of sales and marketing, said the
beds rate high on the list of client accolades. So does its
location. The 213-room luxury hotel opened in January on one of the
city's biggest tourist attractions, the River Walk.
When I visited San Antonio during the Fiesta, its 10-day annual
celebration, I found staying on River Walk a convenience. I was
able to walk to every last parade, festival and rodeo.
According to Best, the
Hotel Valencia attracts business and upscale leisure clients in
equal proportions. And although there were some families around,
Best said they do not cater to the family market, so the lobby will
never look like a playground.
From the outside, the Valencia has an Old World feel. Its towers
are reminiscent of a 15th century monastery, making the hotel stand
out among other buildings on the River Walk.
But inside, there is nothing Old World about it. The decor is
sophisticated and modern, fitting an urban boutique hotel. The
rooms are large and offer views of the River Walk below.
The indoor/outdoor restaurant, Citrus, is a swanky place for a
romantic dinner and a good venue to close a business deal.
The theme of the hotel, Valencia oranges, is revealed in the
orange-yellow hues of the exterior and continued inside. Fresh
oranges are available in the fitness center. Oranges also accompany
many of the dishes at Citrus and can be tasted in the mints left on
the bed at night.
The Vbar, arguably one of the hipper bars in town, has a lounge
and adjoining terrace. It offers Spanish tapas, pitchers of sangria
and a perfect setting: the River Walk below, framed by a
century-old Cypress tree.
The hotel's third floor has an outside piazza-style courtyard.
Best called it the perfect place for special events like wedding
receptions.
Rates vary from $145 to $355. Commission is 10%.
For more information, call the hotel at (210) 227-9700 or visit
www.hotelvalencia.com.