January 4, 2015;
Map of Natchez Trace Parkway
At 9am I say goodbye to my friend Cate in Centerville, Tennessee and head down the highway. I decide to take the Natchez Trace Parkway because of its scenic beauty. Part of my journey is to enjoy the back roads and see what’s off the beaten path. There’s woods and fields and farm land. It’s a relaxing drive. My plan is to arrive in Phoenix AZ to see my friend Sue on the 7th and stay until the 12th. I have 3 days to get there.
I drive 12 hours before I decide to find a roadside hotel to sleep. I make it as far as Lake Charles and stay at a Holiday Inn Express for the night. After a goodnight sleep I awake to sunshine. At least the weather is improving. Next stop is San Antonio Texas. On Trip Advisor I find the Drury Plaza Hotel Riverwalk. It’s a grand hotel. I love the Architecture and the allure of the Riverwalk.
It takes me a little over 6 hours from Lake Charles, LA to San Antonio, Texas via Interstate 10. There are a lot of one way streets and some are under construction, but I finally make it to the hotel around 2pm. It’s the fanciest hotel that I’ve stayed on this trip. There is no parking except for a garage across the street which cost $20/day. That’s steep but it’s the city.
Gold color crown moldings line the ceiling
The hotel lobby reminds me of Penn Station in New York with its magnificent high ceilings. I am warmly greeted by friendly staff. It’s a beautiful hotel with intricate gold laden crown moldings, large columns and marble floors. It’s simply amazing. My room number is 1120 on the 11th floor (11 is my lucky number). The room is richly appointed in a masculine tone with dark wood and carpet.
My room
I freshen up then take the elevator to the second floor where there is a Meet and Greet (happy hour) which includes 3 free drinks
A cocktail with the lobby in the background
and free food which is my dinner. Afterwards I explore the hotel. It’s essentially shaped like the letter H with two towers and a cross-section. I wander around and find the indoor pool and hot tub which is at the top of the opposite tower of my room.
A wall of glass allows you to see the city. Or, you can walk through the glass door which leads to the patio with amazing views of the city.
San Antonio, TX
Indoor pool/jacuzzi overlooking the city
At 10pm I turned in and enjoy a wonderful night sleep. In the morning I shower and go down to the second floor for a buffet breakfast. There is an array of assorted food-scrambled eggs, hot cakes, bacon, sausage, cereal, bagels, etc. It’s nice to sit and enjoy a hot breakfast of bacon and eggs. After eating I take a dip in the pool and do a few laps. Then I sit my weary body into the hot tub and relax, aah. I’m very impressed with my overall stay. They really go out of their way to accommodate you.
Riverwalk San Antonio TX
After checking out and putting my bags in the car, I walk around the Riverwalk taking in the sites. There are many restaurants, hotels and boutiques along the river. River boats carry people up and down the narrow river which is more like a canal. Arch bridges let you cross over to the other side. I have lunch at an outdoor café and enjoy the warmth of the sun.
At 2pm its time to say goodbye and hit the road once again.
Riverwalk San Antonio TX
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