The new Kimpton Santo hotel in San Antonio

This is the Kimpton Santo in San Antonio in Texas. It is a new adapted hotel by IHG that has been open about 8 months now.

The hotel styles itself as luxury, it has a smart rooftop bar, a very fancy Dean’s steakhouse and very helpful and caring staff.

This entrance is compromised by road construction that has been happening outside for the length of time they have been open. Hopefully it will be completed soonish so the hotel can be enjoyed as intended.

As a result of the construction there is only valet parking available. The valet staff are wonderful and very helpful. They were always offering assistance, holding the door open, offering to carry your stuff, really courteous. Oh, they also have umbrellas available for you to use if it rains.

This is the lounge/library/waiting area. It is a wonderful space with many interesting books, comfy couches and a lighted candle display.

Check in is at this desk. Even with only 4 of us checking in there were 3 people on hand to assist. Really impressive. On the snacks side they only have a very small fridge with some drinks available as well as chips and snacks. Not a big supply but useful if you need.

https://santohotelsanantonio.com

As an example of hotel room pricing, for the week after my stay the cheapest rooms were between $230 and $290 per night up to between $390 and $502 a night.

This is the bar which is associated with Dean’s steak and seafood restaurant. Dean’s is a high end steak house ($50-$250 steaks) and serves amazing quality food.

Some really classy, very expensive cuts of beef are available.

I had steak and mash takeout one night. It was very nicely done and I really enjoyed it. The only weird thing was that it was packed in a Chinese takeout type box.

I found that to be strange as it meant that I couldn’t use the container to eat out of as you would normally do with takeout in a larger plastic type tray.

This is an open air area with gentle coverings that let in light but protect you where needed. Nice comfortable chairs all around, a nice hang out spot.

The room:

Even though it is similar in size and shape to most other hotel rooms it is a really nice room. The modern attributes added a bit extra.

For example this is the fridge. An interesting sliding door with 2 shelves for cooling items.

This was the display on the counter under the tv. Fancy 7 dollar bottles of water as well as complimentary water for use in the Nespresso coffee maker.  The ice bucket was also special with ice tongs, nice glasses and a wine bottle opener – a first outside of expensive 5 star hotels.

I found there to be sufficient power plugs around, even usb-A and usb-C power plugs. I like that the regular power plugs are turned different ways so they can accommodate different sized plugs together, nice modern fittings.

There are 2 comfy chairs as well as this table and lamp in the room.

I also had a pleasant view from my 8th floor window. No other hotels or buildings blocking the view.

The bathroom:

This is the first sight of the bathroom. Shower to the right, toilet on the left and a nice counter with single basin, mirror, shaving mirror and front lighting.

The shower has a nice powerful hand spray and I ended up using it the whole week. Shampoo, conditioner, body wash, soap and body lotion by Atelier Bloem which sort of means ‘flower studio’. For example the shampoo was ‘ylang ylang amber chamomile orange blossom geranium oolong tea shampoo’ !

There are other supplies like ear buds, shower cap, make up wipes, tissues, a hair dryer and real glasses.

The hall cupboard gives another indication of the aspirations of the Kimpton Santo Hotel.

Fancy dressing gowns, slippers, a yoga mat, as well as the normal iron, ironing board, safe and baggage rack.

A rather comfy bed with small reading lights on each side, power plugs on both sides too. A very nice place to sleep.

Hotel facilities:

This is the elevator landing on the 8th floor where I stayed.  Elegant floors and stylish lights One inconvenience is that there is only one ice machine for all 9 floors.

It is on the 5th floor so it meant going down the fire escape 3 floors to fill up ice and then taking the elevator back up. Quite an inconvenience but I did get used to it.

There is a lovely gym with amazing views over downtown San Antonio for your enjoyment as you do your exercises.

The gym and the pool are up on the 1oth floor and share the floor with the rooftop bar area. Very nice pool with luxury cabanas, deck chairs, plants, etc.

Conclusion:

The Kimpton Santo is a really nice place to stay for quite a few reasons. The staff are wonderfully trained and are helpful, courteous and friendly. Staying in the rooms means you get to enjoy those extras like robes, yoga mats, comfortable reading area and rooftop bar. The facilities like the steakhouse and the pool and gym are top class.

I would recommend staying at the Kimpton Santo anytime you are in San Antonio.