Convention Center Parking

Can anyone give me information on the best place to park for the Convention Center? I will have to be there from 6:45 am until as late as 10:00 pm for four days. Is there any better or worse parking as far as location? I will be reimbursed for the cost, so that is not a concern.

Thanks!

Convention Center Parking

You can go to this website for maps, click on the area below that says maps. www.visitSanAntonio.com

or you can try this one as well downtownsanantoni.org/pdf/parkingmap0905.pdf

Convention Center Parking

I forgot the downtownsanantonio.org/pdf/parkingmap0905.pdf

This site sanantonio.gov/convfac/general/parking.asp has a great map of the convention center and surrounding parking options. As you can see, parking will depend on which side of the convention center you need access too.

Thank you both for the maps. I don%26#39;t know yet what room will be used, but this will definitely help me when I get that information.

Grand Hyatt will be your best bet as they have the best security as well as 24 hr access...I lived in San Diego for 10 years..It is by far the best city in America!!!!!!!!!

There is parking all around the convention center. There are garages next door, across the street as well as down the street. You will have to pay, so have your cash ready. I use to park for free at the Water Board across the street when I went to convention. I dont know if that is still available. River Center mall use to have 2 hours free when You got your ticket stamped at a store in the mall, but I think those days may be over.

Basically, you can park right next door in a huge paring garage. Parking will not be problem for you it will just cost you

Hello Everyone -

Just to close the loop here....

We parked at the Grand Hyatt for all four days of the convention. It was wonderful. The cost was $9 some days and $10 other days. We couldn%26#39;t have been closer and could get to our event without having to get out into the weather. Two of the days at poured, and we were very happy with our choice.

Thanks for all of your advice.

Thanks for the feedback!

Thanks for the info %26amp; letting others know how it worked out for you. Great advise for others that are going to the Convention Center.

Stay Downtown, Northwest or at Airport?

I am coming for a convention this May, with my 15 year old son in tow. We will have Friday-Monday to play and then I will work Tuesday-Friday.

My choices are:

The Hyatt Regency downtown

Staybridge Suites at the Airport

or

Either the Omni or Homewood Suites in the Northwest area.

I can rent a car or not.

So, will we be able to enjoy what the Riverwalk area has to offer if we aren%26#39;t staying there? Will driving in and out of the convention center work well? Those work days will be very long days.

Normally I get Suites so that we have roon. My son is pretty much cooped up when I%26#39;m not there and I like the kitchen amenities. The more I read though, it just seems like the downtown area would be a lot of fun for us.

Any thoughts will be greatly appreciated. Thanks!

Stay Downtown, Northwest or at Airport?

I have stayed both downtown(Menger and Gunther hotels) and also stayed Northwest by the medical center and also by the airport. I prefer to stay away from downtown for a few reasons...1st~ rooms are cheaper!, 2nd~you don%26#39;t have to pay parking daily which gets really pricey! 3rd~you can get downtown in a matter of 20 minutes or so even from the airport! Straight down Broadway! Hope it helps~we will be there next week.

Stay Downtown, Northwest or at Airport?

They are all good choices it all depends on what you are looking for in a great stay %26amp; which meets your criteria %26amp; personal preference.

Staying downtown would be good since it has a lot to offer.

Did you consider the SA Rivercenter Marriott the hotel opens up into the Rivercenter Mall which your son could take a walk around the mall while your in your meetings. I had a friend who stayed there with there 16 yrs old daughter %26amp; she really enjoyed going to the mall while her mother was at the convention, just a thought!!!!!

Oooops I meant to give the website for the Hotel Marriott Rivercenter www.marriott.com/satrc They also have a heated pool %26amp; is a short walk to the convention center.

BTW if you are looking for a great value for your money on the RW with great amenities you may want to check out the Drury Inn %26amp; Suites or Drury Plaza.

druryhotels.com/properties/sanantonioriverwa鈥?/a> They have a FREE hot breakfast every morning.

Unfortunately, the Marriott and the drury are already eliminated because I can%26#39;t get the per diem rate during my stay or they don%26#39;t show up on my company%26#39;s list of approved hotels. The hotels I listed are the only choices I can take.

It seemed that the mall was close to the Hyatt as well, but maybee distances are not true on the maps I%26#39;m looking at.

Yes the Hyatt Regency is very close to the Rivercenter Mall just a couple blocks away plus as you may already know it has the IMAX Theater there www.imax-sa.com It%26#39;s a very safe area for your son to walk to the mall.

BTW, there is a Homewood Suite on the RW, is it cover ????? www.homewoodsuitesriverwalk.com which would give you the kitchen also in walking distance.

The Hyatt Regency is a very nice place to stay, IMO it would be better staying on the RW then on the Northwest or Airport you wouldn%26#39;t have to contend with traffic from downtown to the other area IMO.

The Hyatt will work well for you and your son..Although parking is free in Hotels outside of downtown you will not want to deal with big city traffic after a long day..Also you will want to be close to your son should an emergency arise..The mall is close to the Hotel..It also has a movie theater..There will be lots to do downtown but you may want to rent a car for a day to go to Fiesta Texas and eat at Rudys or something of his choosing...

Of you choices I would pick the Hyatt Regency, it walking distance for his to do stuff, The Omni unless he drives he is stuck.

If you can stay downtown do it!!

In May it will be HOT! you will have just missed Fiesta (in April) but there will be some cool things to see anyhow. Downtown is fun but it is a tourist trap so if you want to purchase anything, food included, try to go elsewhere. Downtown does have more to do for someone on foot.

If you choose to do anything outside of downtown get a car San Antonio is big and spaced apart. There is Sea World or Fiesta Texas or the zoo (but the zoo stinks when its hot.)

http://www.imax-sa.com/

http://www.shoprivercenter.com/main/index.php

local site for any questions:

www.sanantonio.gov/

a local blogger that reviews some of the restaurants around here:

http://silvercreek78250.blogspot.com/

May 30th - Ice Cream Fest

http://www.sanantonio.gov/houstonstreetfair/

Road Trip Must See's and Misses

Hello! I am taking a Road Trip from New Orleans to Seattle. I am traveling Through Texas and want to see everything! I don%26#39;t have to stay on the coast. I was wondering what cities and attractions I shouldn%26#39;t

miss and what I can save for another trip. I do want to see Dallas and Austin for sure. I am planning like I don%26#39;t have a time line so that I can pick and choose where to go. If anyone has any suggestions please let me know thanks!

Road Trip Must See's and Misses

As you have read over the Texas forums, what kind of things have caught your eye?

Could you share some of your interests or reasons to visit Texas?

History? Music? Scenary? Camping? Shopping? Sports? Art? Cowboys?

That will help with suggestions- it%26#39;s a big place and it helps to narrow it down a bit.

Road Trip Must See's and Misses

What route were you planning on taking? Houston, San Antonio, Austin seem like the most obvious choices.

Are you planning to take I-10 all the way across Texas? If so, Dallas would be a long way out of your way. If you must see Dallas, you could do as mentioned above -- Houston, San Antonio, Austin -- then take I-35 up to Dallas and Ft. Worth, and then take I-20 West and maybe hit El Paso, or even go down into the Big Bend if you truly have no timeline. With that route, you would really see a big chunk of Texas and get an idea of the diversity of the the state.

I have made a very similar drive (round trip) and have a list of ';must-see'; and ';could see'; attractions along the way: (This is assuming you are driving the entire way)

New Orleans: must see

plantation homes around New Orleans: could see

LSU sports game in Baton Rouge: could see

Natchitoches, LA: charming small southern town: could see

Dallas: sports game/good food - would also visit Fort Worth

Austin, TX: must see (many people%26#39;s favorite city in TX) good live music, food, etc

San Antonio: must see

There%26#39;s not much between San Antonio and El Paso, but you should visit some of the small towns in the Texas Hill Country and see Big Bend National Park (must see)

Santa Fe, New Mexico: must see

If you are a golfer, stop in Phoenix area to play - some great courses out there

Grand Canyon; must see

Las Vegas: must see

Sequoia National Park: must see

Yosemite National Park: must see

San Francisco: must see

Napa/Sonoma Valley: must see

after Yosemite head west to the coast and stay on Highway 1 north - gorgeous drive - as long as you can

I would take it all the way up to Seattle

That is actually my dream drive (San Francisco to Seattle on Highway 1) I have not made it quite that far

there are plenty of other things to see along the way but I pointed out the big ones that I could remember

if you have more time, I would drive all the way to San Diego and spend some time there before heading north - very nice city. I would definitely plan to spend some time in and around Seattle too - great city!

you may not want to see so many National Parks but, if you see these, you will see some of the most beautiful land in America

have fun!

We will travel through texas from New Orleans to Las Vegas. We would like to see some rodeo, traditional american life, line dancing, hillbillies etc. What places and things should we now miss on our way? First we were thinking of heading to El Paso before heading for Las Vegas, but that is not necessary if we can find interesting cities on other routes...

wow thanks for all your responses. I am pretty much up for anything. I%26#39;m going on a road trip I will go see a big ball of yarn. Anything goes which is my problem. I want to see everything. Since I am driving that far I will have to cut things out. We do have to go to Dallas because we are going to the Dallas and Titans game. I was thinking driving from New Orleans to Dallas than down to Austin and San Antonio then continue to the west coast. I was just wondering if I should add anything to my route. I will work it into my route so going anywhere worth it won%26#39;t be going out of my way. Thanks for all the reply%26#39;s and keep them coming!

natural remedies for pimple

Drury Inn on I40 or HIEx South on Hollywood

We%26#39;ll be passing through Amarillo on 13 July and want a place to stay for the night. Hopefully we%26#39;ll arrive in time to hit a good steak house while there. Anyway, for a good nights rest before another 11 hour drive which one is better, The Drury along I-40 or the Holiday Inn Express SOUTH on Hollywood?

Thanks

Drury Inn on I40 or HIEx South on Hollywood

I don%26#39;t know which hotel is better in terms of a stay but personally I would prefer the Drury just because of the location. Logan%26#39;s Steakhouse and Johnny Carinos is next door, plus the mall is right across the expressway from the Drury.

Drury Inn on I40 or HIEx South on Hollywood

tsth,

Thanks for the information. I%26#39;ll take Drury then as I want a good steak after this first leg of our journey. I%26#39;ll need the protein for the next several days!

Good idea! 11 hours is quite a stretch.

Godspeed.

Hope you enjoy your steak!

Thx. One of about 4 during this trip of 3 weeks or so.

Appreciate your input.

Country inn and suites is my recommdation to you for a nice hotel we were just there less than two weeks ago it%26#39;s on 2000 Soncy Road right off I-40 west. It%26#39;s a new motel and has a full free breakfast, very clean and quite.

Authentic English Style Fish and Chips

I lived in Houston in the early %26#39;80%26#39;s - Cedric%26#39;s had pretty good fish and chips. Is there anything around now. Please do not reply with Long John Silvers or Captain D%26#39;s - THANKS!

Authentic English Style Fish and Chips

Black Lab, Richmond arms, to name a couple.

Authentic English Style Fish and Chips

Hi In,

Try this:

b4-u-eat.com/houston/鈥sv3025.asp

It%26#39;s called the Bull and Bear Tavern, and the reviews look favorable. I agree with Kingwood; the Black Lab is prett authentic, as well.

I do Not recommend the ';Firkin and Phoenix'; for food; as a pub, there are nice people,and plenty of soccer on the big screens, but we were disappointed in the food.

Let us know what you find and enjoy!

cc,

Cupcake

Thank you - I am still a few weeks away from my visit, I will look into these recos. My stay will only be 3 days, so I may or may not be able to get to this meal.

The best in town is the Red Lion on Shepherd. Enjoy :-)

I think the Red Lion looks like the spot - $16 for F%26amp;C is pretty pricey to me... I guess I have issue with that as I know so many great inexpensive places to eat in HOU. I did put it in my notes and will see if the mood strikes. Thanks!

spots

Sea World

Whats the best plan for a day @ Sea World? I heard the parking lot opens pretty early, then also heard you can do a few things befor the ';park'; opens. Also I have etickets but have to go to customer service to get my %26#39;hard'; tickets (year pass)can that be done befor the ';park opens';? Any fst food resturants outside of the park to grab a light breakfast. Want to make the best of our time, any suggestions/ What about taking food in, lockers %26amp; such? Good idea or a waste of time?

Sea World

Check out my post at tripadvisor.com/ShowTopic-g60956-i76-k281312鈥?/a>

Food is not allowed to be brought in. A few little snack and some water can be talked in. You could always leave food in the car and go back out to it. There%26#39;s a McDonald%26#39;s right near the entrance.

Sea World

Great thanks for the tips! What about the waterpark area, what to do with purses %26amp; wallets, do they have lockers? Whats the best plan so things don%26#39;t get stollen.I saw night time shows %26amp; fireworks, but the calender says park closes @ 6:00 pm the second week in June, its not dark yet! Is dining w/Shamu fun or do you see enough animals kids 6 %26amp; 4?

It might not be officially allowed, but with two kids, we%26#39;ve always brought in snacks and water, and never had any problems. The staff WILL watch out for straws, plastic lids, and other things normally considered hazardous for the animals.

There are several restaurants around SeaWorld before you get there to stop %26amp; grab a bite. If you all plan on going on the rides at the same time than I would definitely get a locker to protect valuables. Since you are going early I would get a locker near the entrance %26amp; exit part of the Park due to when leaving it would be easier to get your things from the locker. You may also want to go to SeaWorld website under questions %26amp; Answer part for lots of good advise %26amp; a lot of answer to questions you may be thinking about. I%26#39;ve gone there several times %26amp; found many answers to my questions %26amp; family questions. www.seaworld.com/SanAntonio

BTW on the SeaWorld website click on F.A.Q. there is a answer for food %26amp; drinks.

Also I think the dining with Shamu is a great things for the kids, my niece %26amp; nephew were so fascinated about it %26amp; still talk about it %26amp; they were close to the age of your kids 2 yrs ago. The lunch is actually pretty good %26amp; the joy that you see on your kids face is memorable.

Thanks for all your great tips. What about night time shows I heard they had them but the web says they close at 6:00. Ps we are doing the dine w/shamu looks like alot of fun.

Food @ Brackenridge Oark

Is Amadillos close to the park? (looking for something close,walking)Or do they have resturants in the park. Planning on the Zoo,railroad,kiddie park, Witte museum. I%26#39;m assuming this will take up most the day, would like a place to have a good light lunch. Can you park in one spot %26amp; get to all these things? Am I missing anything fun in that area?

Food @ Brackenridge Oark

Augie%26#39;s Barbed Wire is the closest - next to the parking lot for the Japanese Gardens. Next closest is Josephs - good but a little pricey. On Broadway there are some fast food choices as well as WD Deli, Goodtime Charlies, Cheesey Jane%26#39;s and Central Market. I would recommend any of those.

Food @ Brackenridge Oark

Armadillos is not walking distance. Good Time Charlies on broadway would be a good food choice.

Armadillos is more central downtown %26amp; a great place for huge Hamburgers.

Witte museum isn%26#39;t easily walk from the zoo but you can take the train there %26amp; By the Wittie are several places nearby to eat.

Looking for deli like or mexi. I don%26#39;t eat meat. Living in Dallas we have great burgers %26amp; BBQ for the kids. Looking for fun %26amp; different. Hows that Twin Sisters? Magic Time Machine we do have that in Dallas but maybe its different in SA. Hows that for location from the riverwalk.Staying at Hilton hill counrty by sea world then moving to Hawthorns.

Tex-Mex near the zoo would Picante Grill or Tomatillos, I prefer Picante. Deli would be WD Deli or HEB Central Market (Central Market has a huge variety sushi, burgers, sandwiches, stir fry, prepared foods, salad bar, soup, beer, wine)

I would do zoo first (park at zoo) then train loop back to zoo parking lot. Drive to lunch (check out Kiddie Park you may choose to skip it - it is VERY kitschy) Then drive to Witte. If you have time after that - Botanical Gardens, or McNay Art Museum are nearby.

I agree with Octoboy suggestions!!!! If you are looking for good Tex Mex I also agree with Octoboy suggestions, FYI Picante Grill does have vegetarian dishes here is the website to check it out to see if it meets your criteria. http://www.sawhost.com/picantegrill also Tomatillos is very good. Magic Time Machine is a fun place never been to the one in Dallas so can%26#39;t compare. It%26#39;s on the NE side a little down from the airport. It%26#39;s about a 19 min drive from the downtown area.