Thompson Riverwalk, San Antonio, a review (October 2023 review)

Thompson is Hyatt’s lifestyle-boutique-semiluxury brand, which is simply classed luxury by brand ambassadors who claim the “upper upscale” is silent. Generally, these new construction (rather than conversion) properties are smaller than the giant Grand Hyatt’s and Hyatt Regencies, and theoretically sport higher room rates. In the aggressively and AI-managed world of hotel revenue management, your mileage may vary.

A Thompson is decidedly not a Park Hyatt, but they share a similar style and approach; both tend to central locations in cities with business travelers, cultural destinations, and associated high-net-worth individuals. To take advantage of the local populace’s wealth, Thompsons partner with local chefs for earned-media mentions and buzz.

The Thompson design is American lake place—not cabin. There’s a touch of the midcentury modern many of us consider classic. The decor is masculine, while the room size, mix, and emphasis on public spaces is similar to a W, but without the “trendy.” Thompson San Antonio specifically rates a few notches above the typical W for reasons beyond, but including, W’s dead-trends approach.

Checkin and lobby

The San Antonio property is a newly constructed 20-story tower looming on the north end of the River Walk with a view of the Toobin Center. It feels apart, but you’re a short walk to the heart of the action. I believe the property has around 160 rooms, with about 30 of those suites. As is so often the case with new construction, luxury condos share the tower.

I booked a base room with Live Luxe Travel, which averaged $436.12 a night with all taxes and fees. The hotel upgraded me one category to a 1 King Bed City View. I was booking a few weeks out, and pricing at the Grand Hyatt was about this price for a (very large) suite.

Check-in was efficient, and every time I witnessed the lobby, the desk seemed well-staffed and attentive. Front-desk staff were officious and eager to offer reusable metal bottles of water. I’ll note also the lobby was beautiful with fresh flowers in the elevator lobby. When meeting a delivery person, he was awed at how nicely the lobby was furnished. However, when I told him the room rate, his face changed: “I’ve got it, but I’m not spending it on a hotel.” I don’t completely disagree.

I believe Live Luxe booked me into a Virtuoso rate rather than a Hyatt Prive. Regardless, we received a $60 daily breakfast credit, a $100 property credit, and the aforementioned one property room upgrade.

Room

I would estimate the room was approximately 350 square feet. When entering, there was a short hall, with a closet followed by the bathroom to the left.

The TV is mounted above the minibar, which is next to a desk.

There was also a chaise with a small table next to the king bed, with two night tables. All window treatments were manually operated.

The bathroom featured a walk-in shower, toilet, and vanity.

Bath products were out of large pump bottles, which were not easily disassembled.

Wifi was fast, and the television used the standard Hyatt Chromecast setup, which disconnects constantly.

Food and beverage

Land Race is the restaurant; I heard a report that bar snacks were merely OK. The included $60 breakfast credit covered breakfast in its entirety both days, unusual. Breakfast itself was quite good, including a brisket Benedict, which was predictably decadent and filling. Portions were Texas sized. We did not order room service, and the minibar prices were quite high $8 for an individual bag of potato chips.

Near the elevator was a filtered ice and water station. I used the ice several times, and the machine dispensed cold, tasteless still water; the carbonation setting left much to be desired. I neglected to mention the issue to management.

Service

The service on property was uniformly quite good; not over-the-top, but attentive and helpful. A request for late checkout was cheerfully approved. There’s coffee in the lobby in the morning, a favorite of one who doesn’t completely trust in-room coffee machines.

*** stars (out of five)

I’m charitably giving the Thompson San Antonio four stars for its attractively appointed, if small, rooms, design of public spaces, friendly, helpful service, and good food. The Grand Hyatt and Hyatt Regency are large hotels with convention-center feels and waits for service, including elevators. My experiences with the Westin and St. Anthony were during COVID, but they were physically unremarkable and did less than the bare minimum, especially considering Texas’s less-than-total shutdown. Therefore, cheers to you, Thompson San Antonio. I may be back.

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This is a point-in-time review by a Chaedrol associate.