Hotel Alsace and Spa, Castroville

We had our wedding and reception at the resort and while some aspects were great, some were extremely disappointing. Positives: affordable venue; advantage of being able to have guests lodge on-site with the pool and cafe as gathering places; nice views of the valley; front desk staff is kind and helpful Negatives: the event coordinator (absolute nightmare!); reception menu served was not at all the same as the one provided during sampling (grilled/diced fajita chicken became boiled whole tenders flavored with what tasted like italian dressing; spanish rice was instead plain rice with some cilantro included); in the middle of the reception the event coordinator told the groomsmen that all the ceremony chairs needed to be put away immediately (we had been told they just had to be put away by the next morning); dripping ac units (from the ceiling); hard beds; mini-fridges that don't work; key problems. Advice: if you want a cheap but attractive outdoor wedding venue, this is the place to go. No matter what event you book though, make sure to get everything in writing from the event coordinator. He is flaky, telling you one thing for one price and then changing his mind. Per the owner, the event coordinator is half-deaf. The owner, aware of all the wrongs involving the event coordinator and our reception, felt that "I couldn't do his job," was a substantial explanation. Bottom line: decent place to stay, great place to get married, awful place for a reception.

I called asking for information on the hotel and their ammenties. My husband and I wanted to get away for our anniversary without traveling too far. I speak to a Jennye who proceeds to tell me that she used to be a manager but isn't now, but it was her decision?? I ask for either a description or additional photos of the room (most hotels have different views of the rooms and I read other complaints about the rooms so, I wanted to be sure. All they have on their site is a picture of the bed.) Jennye wouldn't answer any questions and seemed to be annoyed that I was bothering her. I asked for a manager, she said there weren't any there, I asked for a call back from one and was denied that as well. All I am doing is trying to get some questions answered- because I read several bad reviews. This should have been a red flag to begin with. But, I went ahead and sent an email from their website thinking that I could get some help. I got a reply almost immediately from someone stating that they were the owner (which is odd because she claimed there was no manager.) I asked if he was at the hotel because I had been told that there were no managers. I thought that maybe the person I spoke to before was answering the email herself. His response was "No I am not, why would I have someone lie for me?" Nothing more.. I just explained why I asked and that I didn't understand his statement. Why would a customer that is only trying to get information be accused of something. The continued emails were very rude, curt, and outrageous. I finally just said that it is his perogitive how he treats customers and runs his busniess and that if he treated people that way, that is up to him, but it is up to me where I stay, and it wasn't worth his rudeness. I ended up having to ask him to not even respond. I couldn't believe it. All I wanted to know is what the rooms were like, what the property and surrounding areas were like, spa services questions.. Basic stuff that one would ask when you are trying to plan a special wedding anniversary trip. I just wanted a good experience. I don't know how people could be so atrocious and be in such a busniess. I am glad I called before making reservations... I saw a lot of reviews online, but the ones that were good, seemed to all be written by the same person and sounded all the same..it made me wonder if the hotel themselves had written them... and the ones that were bad were concerning. That is why I took the chance to call... I would be careful if looking into this place. I still can't believe the comments and treatment when all I was trying to do is ask questions and make reservations. I hate to think what it would be like if we had actually stayed. If you are thinking of visiting this place, I would give them a call before just staying. There are a lot of places you can stay that treat you with a little bit of kindness or even a little customer service.

My new bride and I were looking for a b&b in San Antonio for our honeymoon and almost settled on one in the King William district until I remembered a place I drive by everyday to and from work : Hotel Alsace in castroville. All I can say is thet I never imagined what it was like. The staff was amazing and knowledgable and very helpful. The restraunt was pleaseing and very laid back. They made our stay memorable. So much so we have requested the same room on our anniversary next year, and an occasional mini vacation from time to time. We soooo recommend this hotel!!!!!

Alsace has a great view from the hill in Castroville. Yet, you're twenty minutes from downtown San Antonio. The messages are great and the town friendly. A quiet place to sit and reflect

My family and I stayed at Hotel Alsace on Christmas Eve and had an enjoyable stay. The staff was very friendly and courteous, I made reservations the day before and the gentleman on the phone was very helpful and polite. Once we arrived at the hotel the manager was friendly and took the time to make us feel welcome. We look forward to staying at Hotel Alsace again.

Hotel Alsace is a very nice relaxing place for an overnight get away. The views are breath taking. Unfortunately the staff is not very friendly or welcoming. When asked questions they are respond in a short manner. They lack polite manners as you would expect from a place you are paying hard earned money to stay in. The lack of manners in person or telephonically is unsettling when having to stay there. Too bad the Hotel staff doesnt reflect the hotels charm and graceful character.

Elegant but not pretentious, Jana gives, without a doubt, the best facials I've ever had in my life, and I lived in Paris for 3 years. Go. Trust me.

Hotel Alsace and Spa is truly amazing! If you have not had the pleasure of staying there put it on your to-do-list. The rooms are so clean, views are breathtaking and the staff is terrific. The hotel has a lounge for those of us who seek unique and delicious wine or beer, a restaurant offering scrumptious food and grand service. I have traveled many places in my life and I tell this place is beyond extraordinary. Did I mention the Spa-wow! You feel as though you are in a world all your own-pampered and lavish treatment. My family and I are very impressed, we did not want to leave and we are ready to return a.s.a.p.

I would like to start by saying I have stayed in hotels from Silver Springs, Maryland to Sacramento, CA. and I have yet to get the nights sleep that I get at The Hotel Alsace. When I say a Breath of Fresh Air I mean just that. This Hotel overlooks the historic Medina Valley and the town of Castroville, TX. where there is so much history behind the town of Castroville itself and genuine hospitality of the people who live there. The Hotel Staff are phenomenal and the rooms have all the luxurious feel of any big name Hotel Chain without the hustle and bustle of big city and it will not have you maxing out your credit card to have one of the best night stays (or two) you have ever had. I would recommend this Hotel to anyone so bring family, friends' loved ones, even your dog as the hotel is pet friendly also. I would like to personally thank everyone at The Hotel Alsace for such a relaxing experience. Kevin Houston,Tx.

I loved the Alsace. The ladies at the front desk were very helpful and the view was incredible. The rooms were clean to a T, and with the spa we couldn't ask for more.My kids also enjoyed themselves as well, playing in the pool was there favorite, and my husband could not keep away from there lounge! It was a peaceful and relaxing trip. I would recommend everyone to visit this Hill country resort!