Why The Alamo?
After a conversation with hubby about his bucket list he told me that he’d always wanted to go to The Alamo, San Antonio, Texas. He’s been seeing it in movies throughout his childhood but never expected to go there. He had a big birthday coming up that called for something special so out came the laptop for a bit of research.
Pilgrimage
I have to confess that although I’d seen the movies myself I hadn’t realised visiting The Alamo, San Antonio, Texas was such a pilgrimage. It’s somewhere I personally wouldn’t have chosen but I’m so pleased that I went. It was part of a road trip and the part David was looking forward to the most.
Beware the Domestic Flights!
You’d think from looking at a map that getting from Orlando to San Antonio would be easy. Just a short hop across the Gulf of Mexico by either sea or air and you’re there. Apparently not. No one offers a direct route from Florida to San Antonio.
The easiest route we could find was in two stages. From Orlando to Houston (1 hour 15 mins) then Houston to San Antonio (1 hour 5 mins) with United Airlines on a Boeing 737. Brilliant. Until they changed the schedule.
How To Make A Journey Long!
Our original journey time of three hours and twenty minutes turned into five and a half hours via the Carolinas!!! The plane was tiny and at six feet four inches David struggled to fit in his seat. Nightmare, but apparently not uncommon with domestic flights so there was creaking of joints and muscles by then. The Alamo, San Antonio, Texas would have to wait a few hours more.
Happily, we arrived safe amidst the cacophony of evening birdsong. We checked in to the El Tropicano Riverwalk Hotel on Lexington Avenue. It was clean and inviting, the staff were friendly and helpful and it was perfectly placed for the Riverwalk. Click here for TripAdvisor deals and reviews on the hotel.
The only food on offer in the evenings were bar snacks in the hotel Tiki lounge but you could order takeaway food to eat in your room.
The two double beds in our room were comfortable and we could control the aircon/heating. It rates a healthy 3.5 out of 5 on TripAdvisor but at less than £200 for three nights it gives a good level of comfort.
Unfortunately the weather didn’t play nice for us and it was below freezing which took even the locals by surprise so the Riverwalk wasn’t very pleasant in the biting cold. Had the sun been shining it would have been beautiful. Naturally the day we left it was 70 degrees but I digress. Back to the Alamo.
The Alamo Letter
I’m a little ashamed to admit the story of the Battle of the Alamo, San Antonio, Texas, had escaped me over the years. The Alamo Letter written by Lt. Col. William Barret Travis is one of the most moving letters I have ever read. The reinforcements he so badly needed never came and those brave soldiers lost their lives after thirteen days under siege, I defy anyone not to have a tear in their eye as they read it.
Mission San Jose
The Alamo, San Antonio, Texas isn’t the only place to visit. The San Antonio Missions National Historical Park is just a short ride away from The Riverwalk and again worth the time. Packed with information on times gone by and plenty of seats dotted around to rest on and videos to watch.
The area also boasts a Sea World, Aquatica Water Park and boat tours along the river. You’ll certainly need more than the three days we had and hopefully won’t experience the freak cold snap that we did. Overall whilst luxury wasn’t abundant it was relatively easy to get around (trolley buses running every 10 minutes). Having the ability to control the temperature back at the hotel made it a destination we’d be happy to return to and recommend.
