Eilan Hotel Resort and Spa

Beautiful Hotel!
But if you are going to coordinate an event they are terrible at returning your call. I called more than 4 times and left two voicemails and has not gotten back to me. All I wanted was to rent a Cabana by the pool for a Birthday Party. Still hang returned my call.

I really enjoyed my stay here. The rooms were very nice. We came shortly after it opened. We booked one of the conference rooms and it was great. Nothing but good things to say about this place.

The worst valet service I have ever seen. I parked with the valet since my event included this service. People who came 10 to 15 minutes after me got their car, as the valet staff had placed my car in a spot that didn’t belong to the hotel. It seems the San Antonio police were writing citations for parking my car in a fire zone, according to the valet who finally located my car.

Ah, the Eilan… a sad and upside down place, that I get to stay at a lot. The entire property is a great example of «this sounds like a great idea» from 2007 before the crash. An empty and disconnected piece of development in the middle of nowhere. It’s a good looking place, absolutely… but why?
There are plenty of good reviews about this place, so let’s get real about this place:
1) The staff is a helpless bunch. Always courteous, always cordial, but about as useless as a ticket taker at a movie theater. They always tell you about the rules, they can tell you about the plans they don’t have any say in… but they are basically never taking care of you. They will list the property’s amenities like they are delivering that to you… but, really?
2) Valet service! $ 35 per night… so, what about self-​park? About a half mile away, you can self park. Don’t get me wrong, a $ 55/​night valet at the Ritz on the Common in Boston is steep, but $ 35, in the middle of nowhere San Antonio… with the other option to be a shuttle where I have to call the valet guy to come pick me up in a golf cart? Honestly? That’s your plan?
3) Room service is also a wonderful little joke. A play by the rules team again shows up, where if you are 1 or 2 minutes past the hour, the room service menu changes entirely. It’s always great to watch a place forget who they work for… i.e., the Eilan.
4) The rooms are incredibly boring. My favorite are the 5^th floor rooms that are on the inside of the building. Hardwood floors, as if they were intended to be an office? Is this the plan? Really?
I really loathe this place… honestly, I just do. I stay here every 2 to 3 weeks, because I love me some Marriott points, and other colleagues stay here, but I simply cringe at the experience each and every time. I miss the stateliness of the Ritz, the cordial down-​to-​earth attitude of a Marriott Courtyard, I miss the boutique of a Renaissance, I miss the «home feel» of a Marriott Vacation Club, I miss the grandeur of a Gaylord, and it goes on…
Ultimately, this place misses the Marriott mark, and I’m likely to find a different location as I make my way to San Antonio in the future.

Beautiful amenities and very professional staff in the spa. Front desk was accommodating, the young lady gave me a walk through to show me where everything was. I love the little «hang out» areas in the spa where you can relax and eat little nuts and drink teas while waiting for your next services. The sheets on the beds are to DIE for. (
— I’ve ordered them for my home!) the therapists were wonderful, as well! 4 stars because it wasn’t he easiest place to find.

First impression was that the reservation by phone and check-​in at the front desk was quick and easy. Finding the hotel check-​in area was tricky — the second time we drove through we realized there are in fact some roadside signs to direct you but due to the abundance of other signs, it’s a little overwhelming navigating the aggressive drivers, speed bumps, and other distractions.
Upon reaching the check-​in area, we found they strongly prefer you use the valet parking, which is convenient but not complimentary. I really just wanted to get my room key and carry my bags up to my room before parking in the guest parking lot, which is ¼ to ½ mile walk from the main lobby. In contrast, the valet parking is just 50 feet away, which seems backward to me. So I grabbed a baggage cart posted at the front door and loaded my bags while my wife moved the car — and that also caused a ruckus. Long story short, they prefer to handle your bags and park the car — I assume they work for tips and they make it very awkward for you to do otherwise. I hated the whole experience.
As to the room — reminded me a lot of Vegas. No fridge or microwave. And if you want ice, you have to call room service. There are several dining opportunities within the hotel & apartment complex (it’s about the size of a city block) Including Ruths Chris steakhouse and the Sustenio restaurant. I didn’t go to either so can’t comment other than everything is fairly expensive. You can do better with a short drive to the La Cantera shops or the Rim across the highway.
The room is nice with no tub but a roomy shower with good pressure. We also got a terrace with double-​wide lounge chairs and they were also nice. The bed was also very comfortable with extremely plush bedding.
The rooms come with a Keurig and 4 k-​cups of coffee, 2 teas. You can order a pot of coffee delivered for about $ 12 or so if memory serves. There is also complimentary water (you get 2 bottles complimentary per day although the lady that does room service didn’t replenish our water for day 2 of our stay). If you drink the other water, they’ll charge you $ 4 per bottle. There’s also a shop downstairs that is open 6 to 6 where you can get starbucks coffee, among other things.
My overall experience was also affected by the guest in the next room, who slammed his/​her door all night.
It’s a beautiful hotel with very plush accommodations. 3 stars out of 5 for overall experience and value.

Stayed here for a quick getaway. Front desk was so friendly, and accommodating. Great service from the front desk and bell boys!
We took advantage of the spa and did a couples massage, they have a great relaxation area where you can escape from the world for awhile. Loved the spa!
We also did happy hour at Sustenio, the restaurant in the hotel. Great food specials, martinis and wine $ 5! Later we came back to the restaurant for dinner. Do it! My steak was tender and cooked to perfection, the sweet potatoes were seriously the best I’ve had so far.

It was our first visit to Eilan Hotel while my husband attended a conference on site, so we got a cheaper group rate (no complain there).
The kids thought it was pretty cool how the whole complex of hotel and apartments looked like a mini town within San Antonio.
Staff was friendly and attentive, room was ample and nice. Food on site was good and overpriced, just as I expected.
On arrival I noticed the floors in our room were not clean and one of the sinks wouldn’t drain.
The beds, although dressed in good quality whites, were too soft and sunk in the middle.
We stayed 2 nights and our room wasn’t serviced even though we left at 11am and came back after midnight, so they had enough time for housekeeping to come and clean. When I advised at the lobby during check out, the lady didn’t seem very interested in my comments.
My take is save your money or find other alternate hotels in San Antonio where you get your moneys worth.

Excellent stay so far. Room service was excellent to include the food taste delicious. Price of the hotel don’t match the stay. Outrageous price. Not sure who the market is targeting. One of the Spurs came over for dinner, lol I didn’t know who he was but even if the whole team came to dinner it wouldn’t be enough to support the up keep. One other guest already complaining about his stay, wanted his room rate reduced. Lol, all appearance is he looked like he couldn’t afford to stay in the first place.

I’m withholding that 5^th star because each and every time I stay here I am frustrated by the poor Internet service. Constantly kicks me off and is just slow! Cellular service (have both AT&T and Verizon) is also sketchy at best. Otherwise, the hotel is beautiful and the food there is amazing. The spa is pricy but nice. I just wish they could get better with this important amenity.

Service and upkeep are terrible. The bartender at the pool said they didn’t expect the crowd but in the three hours I have been here I have yet to see a manager come work on cleaning up the mess. With drinks at $ 12 a pop I expect better ambiance. I don’t want to look at nasty left over crap while I am trying to enjoy myself. Shame on the management here.

Beautiful place but the customer service at the front of the house could be better.
Again, going back to the event in May: everything was great the first couple of days. All the employees were on the ball and one particular lady at the front (as well as a couple of the valets) were very helpful. I was told that valet was complimentary during the event and I didn’t have to worry about things like getting a ticket stamped or what have you. The kitchen staff was wonderful and so was one of the gentlemen I met in the back (I wish I could remember his name but I believe he was with security). The rooms we used were set up beautifully and we were given the conference room as sort of our ‘nerve center’ for ops, administrative duties, and to secure some of our equipment.
Why the one star? On the third day, I drove up to the front for valet. Mind you I wouldn’t have mind walking but the parking lots aren’t very convenient. Plus, I would have had to wait for one of the valets with a cart to come get me but I didn’t know how often they came around or what have you (and each day of the conference I had some type of equipment or supplies I needed to have carried in). That being said, I drove up just to be met with an immediate, «It’ll be $ 15 to valet.»
I responded, «Oh. But I’m here with the conference. I’ve been here for the past couple of days and haven’t had to worry about paying because I was told it was complimentary.»
Valet: «Oh, well I don’t know. If that’s the case, then have the front desk validate this ticket. You should be okay then.» (hands me a blue stub)
«Uhm. Alright then.»
I walked up to the front desk and saw the same lady I’d seen the days before. I asked her if I could get it validated and she said no problem and to just come by later to get it done. I went on my way to the conference. At the end of the day, I was very tired and walked up to the desk thinking I’d get the ticket validated, get my car, and crash out on my bed. Although I was met with a VERY rude front desk employee (not the lady I’d seen and talked with earlier that morning but this other guy).
Me: «Hi. I need to get this validated. I’ve been at the conference and was told this morning to come here to get it done at the end of the day.»
Employee: (In a much bothered tone and in a I-don’t-care-about-you-or-my-job-and-why-in-the-hell-are-you-bothering-me-because-I’m-a-paycheck-collector tone) «I don’t know anything about this.»
Me: «The conference has been going on since Monday evening. This is actually the first time I’ve had to do this during the week and the lady I talked with this morning told me…»
***SLAM!!!*** The stamp comes flying down the desk on to the ticket before I knew it.
I happened to be looking outside when I was in the middle of my explanation and the slam of the stamp startled me. He shoved the ticket in my face as if to say GTFO. I was definitely dismissed!
I know. You may be saying that’s ONE PERSON compared to every one else. But that ONE PERSON left a very bad taste in my mouth and to be honest, I want nothing to do with the Eilan ever again. I’m not asking for ass kissing — all I’m asking for is to be treated with at least some semblance of respect. If you’re working a job you don’t want to do, then as I’ve said before, you MIGHT want to consider working somewhere else!

So close to 5 stars…
So we stayed there for just one night while we visited San Antonio for a family get together. We got to Eilan Hotel and I was just floored at how massive and beautiful it is. It’s truly remarkable. We pulled in and were very confused as to where the parking was. You have to follow the path and really pay attention to the signs that take you to the parking lot. Now for paying over $ 400 a night, I don’t expect to walk close to 1.5 blocks to find the entrance. No signs help you find your way. It’s very weird. Yes they have a valet but I did not feel like paying $ 35.
That was my main issue with this place.
The good/​great:
The walk up the main stairwell is breathtaking. Everything about the hotel is beautiful. The room was just amazing. The bed was so perfect and I haven’t felt so relaxed so much. The walk-​in shower was amazing.
Food:
The breakfast at Sustenio was delicious and the service was first-​class. I had the Brioche French Toast with a side of house made potatoes with coffee. Absolutely amazing!
Overall our experience was fantastic for a quick trip and I will definitely return to the Eilan Hotel.

Although, this place is beautiful parking is inconvenient you’ll find yourself walking a good two blocks just to get to lobby. The room is comfortable my only complaint is that there are no waste baskets in room, I found myself using the small one in restroom. Also no refrigerator in room.

One of my best friends gifted me with a two night stay at the Eilan Hotel Resort and Spa, which is classified as a Marriott Autograph Collection Hotel, and I loved it. I will say that I did not have much interaction with the staff there, so I cannot comment on their customer service. I can, however, comment on the rooms, the atmosphere, and the nearby restaurants.
The room:
My hotel room felt like home away from home. There was a vanity table, French sliding doors that enclosed the bathroom, hardwood floors, and a beautiful view to boot. And the free Wi-​Fi was a nice touch as well.
The atmosphere:
This hotel truly felt like a resort. The pool area was beautiful, as was the lobby, and the outdoor area. The area is so beautiful that you will often see people taking photos on the steps in order to capture the breathtaking view.
The restaurants:
Superb. My favorite restaurant on the property was Piatti, an Italian spot that I also wrote a Unilocal review for. It was delicious! The outdoor seating was nice as well.
With regard to the downside of staying of this hotel, I do agree that the price of water in the room was exorbitant and the lack of a service elevator is a problem as well. For the hefty pricetag, those things should not be issues.
That said, I enjoyed my experience at the Eilan. I look forward to staying in other hotels in the Autograph Collection as well.

Great facility, lots of amenities, close to six flags the rim and i10. Room was comfortable and really enjoyed the great room (which had two pool tables, meeting rooms, and a full lending library.) there are multiple restaurants, a café, and a pub on campus.

The best description of this place is expensive and inconvenient. Parking is painful, either with distance for self park or cash on valet. The room is annoyingly wired, with weird switches that must be on for anything to work. Water is indeed $ 4 per bottle, which is typically complimentary at places this tier, and just about everything is an overpriced amount extra. The balcony had random bits of litter and bags of sand on it, and my room key randomly stopped working for no reason.
Wouldn’t stay here again.

Identity, authenticity, and guest-​centricity are three hallmarks of a fantastic resort. The Eilan is certainly memorable, but only because it has none of them. It does not offer the experience that a guest would expect from a hotel in the Autograph Collection.
At first glance, it seemed clear that a group of property developers had asked themselves, «How can we make the hills outside of San Antonio look more like Las Vegas?» In that moment, perhaps inspired by a drunken trip to Sin City, a vision of the Eilan crept into their minds. They never recovered from their collective hangover.
Indeed, Eilan looks as if it were a piece of the Italian Riviera transported to Texas by way of Las Vegas, and it certainly has an identity crisis. I’m not sure I’ve ever run across a property as pretentious as this one, especially considering that half of it looks out over a theme park. Another Unilocal reviewer thought their attitude resembled that of a hotel in New York, but I would beg to differ. Having just returned from a business trip to NYC, I can attest that I’ve always been treated with dignity in the Big Apple. I can’t say the same for my experience at Eilan.
Upon my arrival, I noticed that the self-​parking lot was located at the bottom of a comically steep hill. Although a sign indicated that guests could call to be shuttled up to the lobby, I suspected that it might take some time. After driving for a couple of hours, I was eager to see my visiting family, so I reluctantly decided to valet. That was my first mistake.
Having driven around to the front of the hotel, I observed that very few cars were parked in the front. In fact, aside from a BMW sedan, my family’s car was the only one. There was plenty of room, and I thought it might be a good idea to have the cars parked next to each other. After all, I planned to take my mom out to dinner for her birthday.
When my request to have the car kept up front was ignored, I half-​jokingly asked why they didn’t park my car up front. I was provided with a matter-​of-​fact, sternly delivered explanation. «We only park nice cars there,» a staff member told me. I replied with a look of confusion. Was I still in Texas? Had I been magically transported into an ‘80s «fish out of water» comedy about snobby people and class warfare? My adventure at the Eilan had begun.
As I walked up to the automatic door, I realized that it was out of order, and actually wouldn’t open. The staff members weren’t thoughtful enough to help me find an alternative way to enter their hotel, although there was another door located nearby. That’s funny, I thought to myself. The doors on my car do open and close, at least.
Once inside, I was greeted by a pleasant, upscale lobby, whose design was reminiscent of The Venetian. Large, elegantly framed mirrors reflected the images of hidden flat-​screen televisions. A dramatic grand staircase led down to a well-​manicured, Tuscan-​style terrace, which gazed out on the rolling hills of. .. Wait a minute, was that a Best Buy? In the distance, a construction site and shopping center marred the otherwise stunning view. A woman sat under a cabana, in pose, as her wedding photographer’s camera clicked repeatedly. If I had a wedding here, I thought, I’d definitely ask my photographer to clone stamp those buildings out of the background.
The elevator assured me – with a soothing British accent, no less — that I had arrived on the right floor. I stepped into the series of adjoining rooms that my family had reserved. Small bottles of Voss water sat on the counter. The rooms were finely decorated with solid fixtures and subtle, thoughtful touches, such as LED spotlights that illuminated the towels in the restroom. Luxury linens adorned each bed, and the mattresses were certainly the summation of everything Marriott has learned about comfort. It was a fantastic space, which led me to wonder why the rest of the property wasn’t held to the same standard.
After meeting up with my family, we decided to simply stay in and try the resort’s much-​hyped restaurant, Sustenio. Renowned chef Stephan Pyles, we were told, had designed the menu. I wondered why a well-​known auteur of Southwestern cuisine had put his mark on a «modern Mediterranean» restaurant, but decided to give his creation a chance. That was my second mistake, which I’ll post about on the restaurant’s page.
I’ve been to a few of the hotels that this property seeks to emulate. If I had a message for management, it would be to remember that most of the guests visit the property to relax. Those other properties earned their distinguished status by virtue of an authentic identity and outstanding guest service, not condescending behavior and emulation. Although Eilan has many things, the hotel lacks one distinguishing characteristic. I’m afraid it has no soul.

We tried the hotel again… It’s nice, although the people in it seem a little snooty. You’re in San Antonio, not New York people, so don’t act like you’re too good for everyone. Honestly, I don’t get how the staff can walk by without smiling or the manager (guys in suit) give dirty looks, it’s really a low class place.
We went to the pool and there was some weirdos there. A few older men by themselves just watching people and a least three sets of couples making out in the pool. Yuk, it’s like we all were in a big bath together. It was a little inappropriate for my kid to see but other then the creepy old dudes and people sucking face, it was fun.
Also if you go swimming with the kids be sure that you bring a towel for the cold indoor hotel walk back to the room. They don’t let you take the towel out of the pool. That was pretty classless, relax Marriott I’m not going to steal your gross multiple used pool towel. Lol
We ordered room service and it was good. So much better then the restaurant they have on the 3^rd floor with the rude staff.

This is for the bar only…
Management: would recommend that your bartenders have an extra class on customer service. It wouldn’t hurt If Jennifer made conversation with the customers acted like she cared just a little bit– Seemed like Everthing was such a bother to her– look I paid $ 24 for a Bloody Mary & mimosa– the least you can do is smile… GeeZ! If you don’t like your job, maybe you should do something else… I don’t know– maybe she needed more help– but hey, as a customer that’s really not my problem… Will not return to the bar — would not recommend based on this experience.