Exterior

Reviews of O´Brien Historic Hotel

3.5 out of 5
O´Brien Historic Hotel
116 Navarro St, San Antonio, TX

Reviews

7.8

Good

Rating 10 - Excellent. 409 out of 1011 reviews" "
Rating 8 - Good. 274 out of 1011 reviews" "
Rating 6 - Okay. 143 out of 1011 reviews" "
Rating 4 - Poor. 103 out of 1011 reviews" "
Rating 2 - Terrible. 82 out of 1011 reviews" "

8.0/10

Cleanliness

8.4/10

Staff & service

7.0/10

Amenities

7.4/10

Property conditions & facilities

7.6/10

Eco-friendliness

Reviews

8/10 Good

Mary

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service
Beautiful hotel but only it does needs updates. Other than that wonderful experience
Stayed 1 night in Mar 2024
Response from Ed on 27 Mar 2024
Thank you!!

6/10 Okay

Gretchen

Disliked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities
The room was clean but not properly maintained, with needed paint and caulking around the tub. The lobby was hot and didn’t have the air conditioning on. Check in time is 3:00 and take them at their word bc they didn’t let me check in at 2:55
Stayed 1 night in Mar 2024
Response from Ed on 26 Mar 2024
Thank you

8/10 Good

José Ángel

Liked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities
Good
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2024
Response from Ed on 18 Mar 2024
Thank you!!

8/10 Good

Thomas

Travelled with partner
Disliked: Amenities
Lobby dank and unpleasant. Very warm as no air conditioning in lobby area.
Stayed 1 night in Mar 2024
Response from Ed on 19 Mar 2024
Thank you for the review . One of the breakers tripped off making the lobby AC stop working as well as some lights but that was solved ASAP

2/10 Terrible

Randy, Kansas City

Disliked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Stayed 1 night in Mar 2024
Response from Ed on 22 Mar 2024
Thank you for your reviewWe wish you let us know what went wrong . We could have made your stay better or issue a refund

2/10 Terrible

Diane

Disliked: Staff & service, amenities
I made the grave mistake of editing my stay from one room to two rooms. When I went from one screen to the next the dates of my stay defaulted to that days date. It was totally my fault for not checking the date more carefully but the day I wanted was exactly the same just a month later. Expedia reached out to the hotel manager and of course they wouldn’t refund my reservation but the part that is unacceptable is that they would not even change my reservation and charge me just the extra. I wasted a ton of money on my own stupidity but this hotel sure could have made it better by simply changing the date and charging me any additional amount. I will not be staying here when I travel.
Stayed 1 night in Mar 2024
Response from Ed on 11 Mar 2024
Thank you for your review Unfortunately we don't set the rules when you make a reservation with 3rd party booking sites . The same applies when you buy a ticket to flight with an on line travel agent. The airline will ask you go to the travel agent you bought the flight with Thank you

10/10 Excellent

Erica

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2024
Response from Ed on 14 Mar 2024
Thank you.

10/10 Excellent

Awesome Aron

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Response from Ed on 6 Mar 2024
Thank you!!

8/10 Good

Sharon

Travelled with family, Travelled with group
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service
Loved the balcony! The staff was great!!
Stayed 3 nights in Feb 2024
Response from Ed on 6 Mar 2024
Thank you!!

10/10 Excellent

julie, Valleyford

Travelled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
This is a nice hotel. Close to everything. Walking distance to Riverwalk, the Alamo. Market Square. Bus lines, carriage rides. Great location. The property itself is historic and an old facility, it’s very clean and the staff is wonderful. Could use a bit of attention but we would stay again. Big shout out to Stacey for all her attention to detail and excellent care of us.
Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2024
Response from Ed on 26 Feb 2024
Thank you!!

4/10 Poor

Mackenzie

Travelled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities
Disliked: Staff & service, amenities
We booked a king room with a jet tub and when we got there they gave us a second floor room with two mattresses and a balcony that you share with about ten other rooms. When we brought this to their attention they said that they would not give us our money back because it was expedias fault and they wouldn't give us the room we paid for because they were at capacity. they acted like they were doing us a favor by giving us the other room. it was pretty irritating. We also had to pay an addition $80 when we got there to park and other fees we didn't know about until we were already there on top of the money I had already paid that had an extra $30 tacked onto it for different fees. They also told us to get all of our belongings out of our vehicle and make sure it's locked because the homeless roam the parking garage to find a car to sleep in. Extremely disappointing.
Stayed 1 night in Feb 2024
Response from Ed on 26 Feb 2024
Thank you for the review. We are sorry for your inconveniences, but we place on hold the type of room Expedia request to us in behalf of you until you arrive. If later you want something different we try to accommodate your needs depending on availability . THere is no free faring in downtown San Antonio Probably you didn't read neither expedia site not ours. We don't charge any other fees other than what expedia told you. We don't know who may have tolled about about homeless people sleeping in the garage but that is not true Thank you

10/10 Excellent

Diana

Travelled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Cozy and cute! Stacy at the front desk is very nice.
Stayed 1 night in Feb 2024
Response from Ed on 25 Feb 2024
Thank you!!

4/10 Poor

Michael

Travelled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service
Disliked: Property conditions & facilities
You have to pay for parking 20 dollars a night across the street is cheaper theres no breakfast in the morning for the price the hotel is not as worth it
Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2024
Response from Ed on 20 Feb 2024
Thank you for the review. Across the street parking is public parking with no security at nigh or day, frequent break in, not in and out privileges, not covered garage. Hotels next or on the Riverwalk don't serve free breakfast. Thank you

10/10 Excellent

Jolee, Robstown

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Stayed 1 night in Feb 2024
Response from Ed on 14 Feb 2024
Thank you!!

6/10 Okay

Gary, Longview

Stayed 3 nights in Feb 2024
Response from Ed on 22 Mar 2024
Thank you

10/10 Excellent

Natalia

Business traveller
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
I loved the history behind the property, the staff were well versed on the stories and legacy behind the hotel. Stacy at the front desk was really nice and friendly, she also gave me recommendations on where to eat. My only comments are that they do need to have more towels in the room and the fridge was not blowing too much cold air. There was a strange smell but I think it is because of how old the hotel is. I don't see these as total deal breakers it truly just adds to the charm of it all. I felt like I was stepping into a completely different time period.
Stayed 4 nights in Feb 2024
Response from Ed on 12 Feb 2024
Thank you.

2/10 Terrible

Francisco

Travelled with family
Disliked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
No Parking for Vehicles over 6’7”,,, no shampoo, no body wash, no conditioner, TV did not work, toilets are super small and OOOLD! Don’t really flush well.. We were about to walk out of our room at 10:59am and house keeping was already opening the door, plus they ask for $50 deposit which I hope I get back, and for the price I paid I could of gotten something way nicer with the money I had to pay for parking!!!! I will never stay there again in my life!
Stayed 1 night in Feb 2024
Response from Ed on 5 Feb 2024
Thank you for taking the time for write a review. We understand your frustration , but probably you were in a hurry and didn't have time to listen to front desk agent upon checking-in, not read the welcome letter. Most hotels in the Riverwalk area offer valet parking for oversized vehicles like yours, at a very hefty rate. Instead we give our guests the option to park oversized vehicle in front of the hotel in a public parking lot for a small fee. It is very unusual the bathroom would not have have all the toiletries you are mentioned . Rooms are meticulously inspected before guests check in Probably you overlooked where they are. But above all we are very surprised you didn't mention any of this problems to from desk. They could have assigned you another room or give you a refund. Instead you chose to complain after checking out when there was no time to make your stay better Thank you

10/10 Excellent

Dolores

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Friendly and informative front desk.
Stayed 1 night in Jan 2024
Response from Ed on 3 Feb 2024
Thank you!!

8/10 Good

John

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Stayed 1 night in Jan 2024
Response from Ed on 29 Jan 2024
Thank you!!

8/10 Good

Alejandro

Travelled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service
Disliked: Property conditions & facilities
Property was great. Inside the lobby and out. Great location for walkable areas in the downtown area for shopping and dinning. The only real problem is the room is pretty outdated and the tub didn't have a drain stopper as if someone has stolen it and staff didn't really have a replacement on hand.
Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2023
Response from Ed on 24 Jan 2024
Thank you We wish you had let us know during your stay to make it better

10/10 Excellent

Karla

Stayed 1 night in Jan 2024
Response from Ed on 24 Jan 2024
Thank you!!

10/10 Excellent

Mary

Travelled with family
Liked: Amenities
Stayed 4 nights in Jan 2024
Response from Ed on 16 Jan 2024
Thank you!!

10/10 Excellent

Donita

Travelled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
This is our 2nd stay and not our last. I am in love with the jacuzzi tub. Rooms are comfortable and right by the River Walk without the high prices. Service has been outstanding both times. This is our romantic go-to for frequent trips to San Antonio. Parking behind the property is safe and convenient. Love this little boutique hotel!
Stayed 2 nights in Jan 2024
Response from Ed on 15 Jan 2024
Thank you!!

2/10 Terrible

Carlos

Disliked: Property conditions & facilities
Stayed 1 night in Jan 2024
Response from Ed on 8 Jan 2024
Thank you We wish we knew what happened. We could have made your stay better or issue a refund

4/10 Poor

Wadih

Travelled with family and small children
Disliked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
They can use some update a lack of housekeeping you have to keep asking for it overall one of the stuff she was nice to us her name is Stacy and the rest just dry faces if you ask me if I stay there again no I don't nice balcony to watch the fireworks but the room needs a lot of updates
Stayed 4 nights in Dec 2023
Response from Ed on 6 Jan 2024
Thank you for the review . As is ost of hotel after the pandemia daily housekeeping is upon request

10/10 Excellent

Richard

Stayed 1 night in Jan 2024
Response from Ed on 8 Jan 2024
thank you!!

4/10 Poor

Jennifer

Disliked: Staff & service, property conditions & facilities
This was a no frills hotel close to the Riverwalk. We liked the area and the room but it lacked the convenience of a more modern hotel... It did have a lot of charm, but it is hard to figure out parking and checkin...
Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2023
Response from Ed on 2 Jan 2024
Thank you

10/10 Excellent

Angie

Travelled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Sisters getaway
The clerk Stacy was an awesome help. Being my first time there she was very helpful and understanding. My sister and I enjoyed every bit of it, just wish your snacks & drinks were less expensive LOL Will definitely stay there again.
Beautiful plants in front of O’Brian Hotel by Riverwalk
Stayed 1 night in Dec 2023
Response from Ed on 30 Dec 2023
Thank you We hope to see you again soon!!

10/10 Excellent

Kenneth

Stayed 1 night in Dec 2023
Response from Ed on 24 Jan 2024
Thank you!!

10/10 Excellent

Jerome

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Appreciate the staff at O’Brien Historic Hotel. I had a flat tire and they went above and beyond to help me on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. Thank you Stacy, Devon, and Vanessa.
Stayed 1 night in Dec 2023
Response from Ed on 31 Dec 2023
Thank you !!

10/10 Excellent

Jerome

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
I will stay here again. Really like the old vintage appeal. I had a flat tire and the staff helped me out tremendously. Thank you Stacy, Devon, and Vanessa.
Stayed 1 night in Dec 2023
Response from Ed on 30 Dec 2023
Thank you !!!we hope to see you again!!

6/10 Okay

Inez

Travelled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Ok
Good hotel great rooms but no fresh coffe in lobby
Stayed 1 night in Dec 2023
Response from Ed on 28 Dec 2023
Thank you

2/10 Terrible

Marc

Stayed 1 night in Dec 2023
Response from Ed on 28 Dec 2023
Thank you

10/10 Excellent

Pedro

Stayed 1 night in Dec 2023
Response from Ed on 15 Jan 2024
Thank you!!

10/10 Excellent

Lysette

Travelled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Stayed 1 night in Dec 2023
Response from Ed on 26 Dec 2023
Thank you!!

6/10 Okay

Nancy

Travelled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 1 night in Dec 2023
Response from Ed on 28 Dec 2023
Thank you

10/10 Excellent

david ely

Stayed 1 night in Dec 2023
Response from Ed on 15 Jan 2024
Thank you!!

4/10 Poor

Nancy

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service
Disliked: Property conditions & facilities
Used to be a 5 star plus place to stay and we loved staying there once or twice a year for over 30 years, but takes 5 minutes for hot water to come through pipes. Clock couldn’t be set correctly, and the first day during our two 1/2 fay stay, right in the middle of a TV program the TV went out. We had some problems last year but we love the O’Brien so much we decided to book our stay again. But NO more.
Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2023
Response from Ed on 26 Dec 2023
Thank you for the review . We are sorry you didn't enjoy your stay. Had you make front desk aware of the problem they could have assigned another room or refund your money

8/10 Good

Corey

Travelled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Slept like a baby
Just slept there, came in late, out early the next day.
Stayed 1 night in Dec 2023
Response from Ed on 26 Dec 2023
Thank you!!

2/10 Terrible

Howard

Travelled with family
Disliked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Pictures of rooms on website, especially bedding, are very misleading. Room was damp and bedding looked dirty. Deodorizing smell was so strong in room that it was unpleasant to stay in there. We changed hotels and they refused to refund our money. Again, this property is rated too high and pictures are very misleading. I would not recommend to anyone.
Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2023
Response from Ed on 15 Dec 2023
Thank you for the reviewFor the information of other readers . We have hundreds of guests a year in that room. No one complained before . But we understand Howard may have different opinion . It is no true we denied giving his money back . We certainly did Thank you

8/10 Good

Joseph

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Great price for River Walk hotel
Nice hotel. Little loud from hallway into the room. Would have liked to have gotten clean towels but not a big deal at all. Very nice staff. Very close to the river walk. Room was nice. Bed was a little hard. Was a little nervous after reading reviews but man was I surprised. We had a very nice stay. Would definitely stay again. Good price for being just a block or 2 off the river walk.
Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2023
Response from Ed on 15 Dec 2023
Thank you!!

6/10 Okay

Andrew

Travelled with group
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Cute hotel, ugly price.
Cute place. But not for the price. Hand soap smelled disgusting. Beds were hard. TV didn’t work. Very limited snacks and drinks. For the price, you would expect something much more, but received so much less. Staff was very nice, at least.
Stayed 1 night in Dec 2023
Response from Ed on 15 Dec 2023
Thank you!!!

10/10 Excellent

Janie

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
We really enjoyed our stay. Everyone was friendly and welcoming. Easy check in. Parking is tight but convenient.
Stayed 1 night in Dec 2023
Response from Ed on 12 Dec 2023
Thank you!!

8/10 Good

Eleanor

Travelled with group
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
staff was friendly and helpful. Great old-fashioned hotel.Next door to La Villita and access to Riverwalk.Parking adjacent to hotel.
Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2023
Response from Ed on 9 Dec 2023
Thank you!!

4/10 Poor

yomair

Travelled with family
Liked: Staff & service
Disliked: Amenities
The room wasn't in the best conditions, smell musty, the AC and the refrigerator was too loud and we couldn't sleep with the noise. TV didn't have any service.
Stayed 3 nights in Dec 2023
Response from Ed on 9 Dec 2023
Thank you for the review We are surprised you didn't mention anything to our front desk staff . They could have done your stay much better or give you another room or issue a refund

6/10 Okay

Moises

Travelled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, room comfort
Stayed 1 night in Dec 2023
Response from Ed on 8 Dec 2023
Thank you

10/10 Excellent

Donita

Travelled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Absolutely adorable "antique" facility like being in a different era. Laura was a huge help when I messed up our reservation by a day and showed up a day late. Our room was immaculate, comfy bed, great amenities (coffee, fridge) and oh my that jetted tub was better than Christmas. Parking was much more affordable and convenient behind the hotel. Riverwalk was less than a block away. We can't wait to stay with you again. Thanks for the charm and elegance of an amazing pre-Christmas romantic weekend.
Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2023
Response from Ed on 8 Dec 2023
Thank you!!!

10/10 Excellent

Amy, Austin

Travelled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Friendly staff
Stayed 1 night in Dec 2023
Response from Ed on 8 Dec 2023
Thank you!!!

10/10 Excellent

Rafael

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Iconic property, beautyful building, near the old San Antonio and the River Walk
Stayed 1 night in Nov 2023
Response from Ed on 28 Nov 2023
Thank you

10/10 Excellent

Christopher

Travelled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Great accommodations and friendly staff! However , if you want to save yourself a few bucks park in the parking garage next door.. was $38 total for two days.. excellent stay !
Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2023
Response from Ed on 28 Nov 2023
Thank you