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Hotel Indigo Plans San Antonio Expansion

Looks like Yotel isn't the only "modern" brand that can go on an expansion binge. InterContinental has announced plans to open its third Texan Hotel Indigo in San Antonio. The new property has an ambitious opening date of "early 2008."

The Hotel Indigo at the Alamo will take up residence in the Gibbs Building downtown, but it won't be the first hotel to repurpose a downtown building. The Drury Plaza Hotel San Antonio River Walk opened in a renovated Art Deco bank this past February. If the PR spin is to be believed, though, the Indigo might be a touch more classy:

Hotel Indigo at the Alamo will feature renewable elements such as vivid murals, area rugs, plush duvets and slip covers that will change periodically. Public spaces will be transformed seasonally through changing artwork, music, flora, murals and directional signage.

Sounds nice, but will it offer that signature Indigo smell?

[Photo: Venegas]

Related Stories:
· Narrow Drawers and Cold Wooden Floors are Modern at Hotel Indigo [HotelChatter]

Tags: Hotel Pets / San Antonio Hotel Reviews / → All Tags

A Doggie Concierge Hard At Work

Where: 401 South Alamo [map], San Antonio, United States, 78205

It's been a while since we checked in on the Hotel Pets craze but we are happy to report that today this trend of having dogs or cats on staff is still alive.

And again, it seems like doggie concierges are leading the pack here. At the San Antonio Fairmount, Luke Tips, the Labrador with a hotel appropriate last name, is on staff as "Director of Pet Relations" and has his own business cards, complete with e-mail address, and fax, phone and toll-free numbers.

"People who've stayed at the Fairmount often call to see how Luke's doing," says front desk manager Lani Fulgencio, giving the Labrador an affectionate pat. "He's definitely in charge around here and helps guests feel at home. Sort of a canine concierge."

So what does Luke do? Well, he meets and greets you when you check-in (or sniffs and licks). Since he actually sleeps on a dog bed in the lobby he also doubles as a nighttime security guard. Now, he is learning to deliver newspapers to certain hotel suites and you can take him out for walks around the courtyard or for a jog at a nearby park. You also have the privilege of giving him a nice hair-brushing session, which makes you wonder who is serving who here?

Related Stories:
· Luke, the Labrador, a natural as hotel's canine concierge [My San Antonio.com]

Tags: Hotel Hell / Bed Bugs / → All Tags

Tales of an Itchy Stay at the Hyatt San Antonio

Where: 123 Losoya [map], San Antonio, TX, United States, 78205

Ideally located right on the River Walk, the Hyatt Regency in San Antonio brings you right to the steps of the action along with a jazz bar, ice-cream shop, Aveda spa, and fitness center. But who really cares when you're covered in bed bugs.

Trying to stay PC in the green world, the Hyatt is promoting the new linens every 3-day scheme. We're not sure if this is the reason why the beds are full of bugs that will leave you smothered in small bumps or if its just plain old disregard in the housekeeping regime. But just when we thought the bed bugs were hotel hell enough, things took a turn for the worst when the realization of just how paper-thin the walls were.

Conversations could be heard word for word from either side of the bedrooms, not exactly a helpful factor when you're trying to sleep and fend off bugs. On top of that screams are non-stop from down below at the River Walk itself (think Hard Rock Cafe Crowd and Music.)

As for the hotel bar, a mango-mojito sounded great but in truth tasted like Perrier with a little mint and this was at a point when no alcohol could overcome our sour mood from the costly WiFi and insect infestation. Whether or not you want your WiFi in your room, the lobby, or the business center, it's going to cost you. Even entrance to the jazz bar has an entry fee (which was waived upon the suggestion that we go elsewhere.)

Overall, the hotel was like an Playground that allows for easy access to the River Walk, but a noisy and itchy one at that. Now, where's our calamine lotion again?

Related Stories:
· Hyatt Regency San Antonio Reviews [TripAdvisor]

Tags: Hotel Deals / → All Tags

HotelChatter's New Year's Rockin' Eve: Ozzy Style

Where: 420 Market Street [map], San Antonio, TX, United States, 78205

HotelChatter's New Year's Rockin Eve :: 2006

In 1982 Ozzy Osbourne put on his wife's dress, waltzed over to the Alamo, and pissed on the historic landmark.

Unfortunately, the Westin Riverwalk is not offering "The Ozzy Package", however they are offering a cool NYE package:

The Westin Riverwalk for $459
Fireworks, live music on multiple stages, food booths, family activities, plenty of Riverwalk bars, and big ass hats--we are assuming.

Included in the package:
2 nights with the Westin Riverwalk. Guests who book December 30 - January 1 will enjoy:

·   Traditional Mexican 12 grapes and Champagne for Toasting
·   Tamales and Menudo after you ring in the New Year
·   San Antonio Style A Sunday Black - Eyed Pea Breakfast for good luck

Whoa--they are digging up Menudo? Wait, that is some sort of soup in Texas right, not a washed up boy band?

Image Via rustyrabbit

Related Stories:
·   Westin Riverwalk Hotel Reviews [TripAdvisor]