San Antonio Downtown's BEST Kept Secret: Budget Inn I-10 East!
San Antonio Downtown's BEST Kept Secret: Budget Inn I-10 East! – A Review (with a Side of Honesty)
Alright, buckle up, buttercups, because we're diving headfirst into the… ahem… Budget Inn I-10 East, a contender for San Antonio's most… unique lodging experience. Forget the polished brochures and staged photos. This is the real deal, and I'm here to spill the tea, the coffee, and whatever else they’ve got brewing (more on that later, shudders).
First Impressions (And the Smells):
Okay, let’s be real. The "budget" in "Budget Inn" is not a euphemism. You’re not walking into a Four Seasons (thank god, because I'm wearing sweatpants). The exterior? Let's call it "charmingly… retro." And the scent? Well, it's a symphony of cleaning products, filtered cigarette smoke, and maybe… just maybe… a hint of stale tacos. Embrace it. You’re on an adventure.
Accessibility & Safety: Navigating the Labyrinth
- Accessibility: I didn't personally need it, but I did notice a few key things. The elevator is definitely there. The hallways seemed wide enough for wheelchairs… mostly. The website boasts about Facilities for disabled guests, so call ahead and double-check specifics. This is a budget place, so don't expect perfection, but they're clearly trying.
- Safety: This is a big deal. There are CCTV in common areas and CCTV outside property. Fire extinguishers are present, praise the Lord. There's Front desk [24-hour], which is a HUGE plus. There’s even mention of Security [24-hour] and Smoke alarms. This is a relief, because… well, you're never too careful, right?
Cleanliness & The Germ Warfare:
Alright, let's get down to brass tacks. The pandemic has changed everything, and I was watching, because… eww.
- Anti-viral cleaning products: Check.
- Daily disinfection in common areas: I saw someone wiping… stuff. Maybe it was important.
- Hand sanitizer: Abundant, bless their hearts.
- Rooms sanitized between stays: Supposedly. I have no way of proving this, but I did see the cleaning lady going in and out, and she looked busy.
- Rooms sanitized between stays Again, can't confirm with 100% certainty, but they say they are.
- Staff trained in safety protocol: They seemed to be wearing masks, at least.
- Hygiene certification: I think? Maybe? I'm starting to need a drink (which, conveniently, they don't have a formal bar, but I'll get to that later.)
The Room: A Study in… Utility
Okay, let's dissect the room. It's not the Ritz, people. Think "functional" with a capital "F."
- Available in all rooms: Air conditioning, alarm clock, coffee/tea maker, desk, hairdryer, Internet access – wireless (finally!), iron, in-room safe, non-smoking, private bathroom, refrigerator, satellite/cable channels, shower, soundproofing, telephone, toiletries, towels, wake up service, and Wi-Fi [free].
- The Bed: It was… there. Not the worst I've ever slept in, but not the best.
- The Bathroom: Clean-ish. The water pressure in the shower was surprisingly decent. And the toiletry situation? Well, let’s just say I was grateful for my travel-sized shampoo.
- The Wi-Fi: Praise be, it worked! Internet [LAN] access too. You know, in case you're feeling retro and want to plug in. And hey, Internet services available.
- The Stuff: Additional toilet - Nope. Bathrobes - Nope. Bathtub - Nope. Blackout curtains - kinda sorta. Complimentary tea - Nope. Electric kettle - Nope. Extra long bed - Doubt it. Linens - Questionable. Mini bar - HAH! Mirror - Yes. Reading light - Kinda. Scale - Nope. Seating area - Not really. Separate shower/bathtub - ABSOLUTELY not. Slippers - NO. Socket near the bed - Thank god. Sofa - No. Toiletries - Minimal, so bring your own. Umbrella - Not on my watch. Window that opens - Yes! (It is Texas.)
Dining, Drinking, and the Culinary Adventures:
Okay, here’s where things get… interesting. They offer breakfast, but "breakfast" is a broad term.
- Breakfast service and Breakfast [buffet] – More like lukewarm continental. Think pre-packaged muffins, questionable coffee, and maybe… maybe… some hard-boiled eggs that have been judge-y.
- Snack bar - a vending machine with chips and candy.
- Coffee/tea in restaurant: There is coffee, technically. I wouldn't call it "good".
Services & Conveniences: Trying Their Best
- Air conditioning in public area: Crucial. It's Texas.
- Cash withdrawal: Yes, there's an ATM, which is handy.
- Concierge service: Nope. You’re on your own, buddy.
- Daily housekeeping: The cleaning lady did come. See above.
- Doorman/Luggage storage/Valet parking: Nah, son. This is a “do-it-yourself” kind of place. But hey, Car park [free of charge]!
- Laundry service/Dry cleaning/Ironing service: No.
- Car park [on-site]: Plenty of parking.
- Convenience store?: Nope.
- Elevator: Yes, thankfully.
- Facilities for disabled guests: See above.
- Meeting/banquet facilities: Not that I saw.
- Safe deposit boxes: Probably not.
- Currency exchange: Again, no.
- Food delivery - I am not sure, but you can bring yourself, right?
For the Kids: Family-Friendly? (Maybe)
- Family/child friendly: I think so.
- Babysitting service/ Kids facilities/ Kids meal: None that i can find.
Things to Do & Ways to Relax… (HA!)
Let's be clear: Budget Inn I-10 East is not a spa retreat. They don't hide this, and I'm good with it. No:
- Body scrub.
- Body wrap.
- Fitness center.
- Foot bath.
- Gym/fitness.
- Massage.
- Pool with view.
- Sauna.
- Spa.
- Spa/sauna.
- Steamroom.
- Swimming pool.
- Swimming pool [outdoor].
However, the location is decent. You're a short drive from downtown San Antonio, so you can hit the Riverwalk, the Alamo, and all the touristy stuff.
The Quirks and the Truth: My Honest Review
Here’s the thing: You get what you pay for. This isn't a luxury hotel. It's a budget-friendly option. It’s got charm… in the same way a slightly-used car has charm.
The "Best Kept Secret" Aspect:
Okay, here's where things get interesting. It's not the best hotel. But… it's affordable. And it’s surprisingly convenient to a lot of things. Like, remarkably convenient. But I'm still not sure if I'd call it a secret. Maybe it’s a secret to people who only read TripAdvisor.
Quirky Observations:
- The artwork in the hallways? Let's just say it's… eclectic.
- I saw a cockroach. Once. But it was outside, okay?
- The staff? They were friendly-ish. They definitely seemed to be trying.
The Score:
On a scale of "five-star resort" to "abandoned gas station bathroom," I'd give Budget Inn I-10 East a solid… 2.5 stars. (Maybe bump it up to 3 if you really need a cheap place to crash.)
The Bottom Line:
If you're on a tight budget, need a place to crash for a night or two, and don't mind a little… character, then Budget Inn I-10 East might be just what you’re looking for. Just go in with realistic expectations. Don't expect luxury. Expect… *
Luxury Kalibata City 2BR Apartment: Mall Living Awaits!
Alright, strap yourselves in, because this ain't your grandma's travel itinerary. We're talking San Antonio, budget-style, and trust me, it's gonna be a ride. This isn't a polished brochure – it's gonna be more like my brain after a double shot of espresso and an hour of scrolling through TikTok.
The Budget Inn Blitz: San Antonio, Downtown (I-10 East) - Let's Do This, (Probably Wrongly)
Day 1: Arrival & the "Welcome to San Antonio" Embrace (and That Budget Inn Smell)
- Time: Whenever the heck I get there. Flight's delayed, naturally. Expect a text about it. Also, need to figure out if I can get to Budget Inn before the front desk closes.
- Transportation: Airplane, then a taxi/Uber. Praying I don't end up with some dude who only talks about his ex-wife.
- Accommodation: BUDGET INN. Pray, again. And bring air freshener. I'm expecting that mysterious "reminds-you-of-your-grandma's-basement-but-not-in-a-good-way" smell. I'm picturing faded floral bedspreads and maybe a slightly rusty bathroom. We'll see.
- Initial Reaction: Okay, so the parking lot is already a character in itself. It has a vibe. The lobby is… well, it's functional. And the smell. Oh, the smell. Not terrible, not great. Neutral, like a political candidate. The room? Yep. Floral bedspread. Check. A bit… worn. Hey, it’s clean enough, right? I think I love it. I am a fan of the vibe.
- Evening Activities (Maybe): Since I'll be utterly exhausted, I'll probably order takeout from a chain restaurant. I hope the delivery guy doesn't judge my questionable dietary choices at 10 PM.
- Food: In-room microwave dinner. Gotta get my bearings, gotta get something in my stomach before I pass out.
Day 2: River Walk Revelations (and a Mild Panic Attack)
- Morning: Coffee (instant, probably). Maybe attempt the hotel "continental breakfast" which is probably just stale bagels and lukewarm coffee. I'll bring my own.
- Action Plan: The River Walk. Duh. Everyone says I needed to see it.
- Transportation: Uber. Walking sounds great, but with my terrible sense of direction, I'll end up in a cow pasture.
- River Walk Experience: Okay, here’s the deal. The River Walk is gorgeous. Like, seriously, breathtaking. But there are so many people… it's almost overwhelming. I get panicky in crowds. I think I need to find somewhere to hide.
- Lunch: Gotta find a spot that feels a little less tourist-trap-ish. I'm on a mission to find real Tex-Mex. No margaritas at lunchtime though, okay?
- Impression: Love the boats that chug along the river. The whole place is a sensory overload in the best way. The shops are cute, it’s a bit Disney-fied, if that makes sense.
- Afternoon: Take a boat ride. It is so cheesy and romantic. I love it. It is a total cliche, but I don't care. I have never looked at a river like this, ever. It is the best.
- Evening: After that I am going to go to the Alamo. That will be nice.
- Dinner: It is time for more budget eats. Looking into a drive-thru.
Day 3: The Alamo & Maybe Some More Tears (Because History)
- Morning: Sleep in. Maybe.
- Action Plan: The Alamo! This is the big one. I'm not a big history buff, but everyone said it was a must-see. Don't go if you're feeling in a bad mood. It is a somber place.
- Transportation: Uber/Walk.
- The Alamo Experience: Okay, first of all, it's smaller than I expected. But seriously, the history is intense. The stories are heartbreaking. I am an emotional person. I may need a tissue. I think I will cry. Okay, I'm crying. Wow.
- Afternoon: A stroll through the shops. I am going to buy something for a friend or family member.
- Evening: Get a good night's sleep. I can't be a total mess.
- Food: I guess I will look at a diner.
Day 4: Departure & Reflections (and the Aftermath)
- Morning: Check out. Pray the Budget Inn's bill isn't too catastrophic.
- Transportation: Uber to the airport.
- Post-Trip Thoughts: Okay, San Antonio. You were weird, wonderful, and exhausting. I loved the River Walk, the Alamo made me cry like a baby, and the Budget Inn… well, it was an experience. I’m pretty sure that smell will haunt my dreams in a good way.
- Emotional Roundup: I feel like I've seen a slice of history soaked in margaritas and a healthy dose of budget-conscious travel. I'll need a vacation from my vacation. Maybe next time I'll splurge on a slightly less… rustic hotel. But honestly, I'm incredibly glad I came.
- Final Verdict: San Antonio, you were a win. Would recommend. (With a warning about the crowds and the budget hotels).
Important Notes (aka, Warnings):
- This itinerary is fluid. I'm a total mess. Plans will change.
- I will probably get lost. A lot.
- I may become overly attached to the free coffee.
- My expectations may be very low.
- Bring snacks. Always bring snacks.
- Have fun. Take lots of pictures and videos.
- Don't take any of this too seriously.
- Expect the unexpected.
And that, my friends, is how you don't plan a trip to San Antonio! (But hopefully, how you have a good time.) Wish me luck!
Orlando Luxury Condo: 3BR/2BA Vista Cay Resort Escape!
