San Antonio, TX, USA - Hotel (Holiday Inn Express, Nt Riverwalk)

These wheelchair access and travel notes refer to the Holiday Inn Express, North Riverwalk, 120 Camaron St., San Antonio (http://www.ichotelsgroup.com/h/d/ex/1/en/hotel/satcm). This hotel is centrally located, about two block from the Market Square and about 4 blocks from the Riverwalk. It's actually occupies an historic building, formerly a prison, that makes it's access a little awkward.

Parking for the hotel is about a block away, but there is a single handicapped parking space at the front of the hotel. Since this was occupied, hotel staff allowed me to park in the 15-min registration space but the parking situation is far from ideal. (Although, at $10/day, it is a lot cheaper than other local options). There are many steps into the hotel, so the handicapped entrance is down the right hand side. You go up a long and treacherously slippy ramp to a door. You need a room key to open the door, but there is a bell that will alert the reception staff to your presence. Once inside everything is level. There is an elevator to upper floors, although this is at the back of the hotel so you have a bit of wheeling to do! Being a Holiday Inn Express there is no restaurant or bar, but the breakfast area is by the lobby and fully accessible.

My room (tow double beds, accessible, bath) was large and comfortable with adequate circulation space. I could just fit between the two beds in my chair but there was plenty of space at the end of the beds. The workdesk was a comfortable size. There was an electric socket in the desk lamp that was easy to reach. Wired Ethernet (free) was available and worked well. The TV controls were left in front of the TV and easy to reach. The coffeemaker easy to reach also. There was a fridge and microwave, all conveniently positioned for a wheelchair user. The air-conditioning controls were located at a comfortable height. When we arrived the A/C unit was unplugged which would have required a call to housekeeping had I been on my own, but my walkie partner was able to stand on a chair and plug it in.

The bed was about wheelchair height and transfers in and out were easy. Bedside light could be reached (not easily) from the bed, but the room lights could not be turned off from in bed (so remember to turn them off before getting out of your chair!). The closet was easy to use.

The bathroom was large with plenty of turning space. The grab-rails by the toilet were well positioned. The toilet at a comfortabe height. The sink was comfortable with plenty of knee space underneath. My room had a bath. The grab rails were not in the best position - being a little high for me. However it was usable. There was a shower seat supplied although I don't use them.  The shower rose was hand-held type and mounted on a rail that could just be reached from the chair. Towels were placed at a comfortable height and easily accessible.

All in all, the access levels and comfort in this hotel are acceptable. As an economic place to stay close to the San Antonio Riverwalk it is not a bad option. You can find some wheelchair and disabled access notes about the San Antonio riverwalk itself here.