Staybridge Suites San Antonio NW near Six Flags Fiesta Texas

Housed in a plain, nondescript building right off the Loop, the Staybridge Suites San Antonio NW near Six Flags Fiesta Texas is no different from any mid-range chain hotel in the area. Outside, the cream-colored building is surrounded by a concrete patio, complete with a pool deck, some tables and loungers, and a pleasant courtyard with additional seating under umbrellas. Inside, common spaces are functional rather than stylish, and despite a few cute touches -- such as a fireplace and comfortable seating in the lobby, large windows, and soft carpets in earth tones with pops of orange and pastel blue -- the overall feel is rather generic. Although the property lacks a wow factor, it is a popular pick among families and extended-stay business travelers due to its spacious suites, its affordable rates, and many freebies. Guests, however, should expect some wear and tear in rooms. This area in San Antonio offers a wide array of accommodation options that cater both to families and business travelers. At about the same price as the Staybridge Suites, the Wyndham Garden offers a similar experience but features more modern rooms with coffeemakers, mini-fridges, and microwaves, as well as a small pool and full restaurant. For travelers wanting something more upscale, La Cantera Resort & Spa is a lovely hotel with several pools and dining options, a fabulous spa, and two nearby golf courses. 

The hotel is located in northwest San Antonio, an area more convenient for those wanting to visit Six Flags Fiesta Texas or the University of Texas at San Antonio than those looking to explore attractions in downtown San Antonio. The property is right off Loop 1604, which makes getting to other parts of town easy and generally fast. Six Flags Fiesta Texas is a five-minute drive away, as are La Cantera outdoor mall, The Rim shopping center, and Palladium IMAX movie theater. UTSA is right across the highway from the hotel. Numerous restaurants are within a five-minute drive. Central San Antonio attractions such as King William Historic District and The Alamo can be reached in about 20 to 25 minutes by car. The hotel is a 20-minute drive from San Antonio International Airport. The hotel provides free shuttle service to destinations within a three-mile radius, and there is free on-site parking.

The hotel features 118 studios and suites, all decorated in a generic, somewhat dated style that combines older green carpets with generic dark-wood furniture (that’s starting to feel worn) and an earth-tone palette throughout. Pale-green accent walls, throw pillows with pops of orange, and chocolate-brown bed runners are nice touches, but the overall look is rather plain, and there have been reports of sloppy housekeeping and some maintenance issues. Even entry-level studios are spacious and comfortable, however, with ample seating areas and separate work spaces with long desks and office chairs. All units are outfitted with fully equipped kitchenettes, complete with microwaves, full-sized fridges, toasters, coffeemakers, dishwashers, stoves, and lots of pots and pans. Additionally, suites and studios have flat-screen TVs, free Wi-Fi, dining tables, and DVD players. Movies can be borrowed from the front desk free of charge. Bathrooms are basic, with pale-yellow walls, granite counters over wooden vanities, and cream-colored floor tiles. Sink areas are spacious and have hairdryers and big mirrors, plus there are shower/tub combos with plastic curtains and basic toiletries. Housekeeping is available during weekdays only, or on weekends on request. For longer stays, housekeeping is provided on a weekly basis.

The pool is small but pleasant, with a narrow deck around it dotted by loungers and tables. It features a separate small kiddy section, a whirlpool, towel service, and handicap accessibility, and it's heated during the winter months. The 24-hour gym offers a good array of basic cardio and strength-training equipment, but the space is small and can feel a bit cramped. The hotel also offers 756 square feet of meeting space spread over two rooms equipped with DVD players, LCD projectors, flip charts, whiteboards, and stationery material. There is also a 24-hour business center with computers, a printer-scanner, and a shelf with loner DVDs and magazines. Free laundry facilities are a great perk for extended-stay guests.Rates at the Staybridge Suites include a simple but filling breakfast buffet with pastries, breads, juices from concentrate, fresh fruit, yogurt, and cereal. Additionally, free wine, beer, cheese, and small bites are served free of charge several times per week in the evening. The hotel lacks a full restaurant.