San Antonio travel question??

[7swans]

We will be headed to San Antonio in January for our sons graduation from Basic Training.
We are planning to stay in a Residence Inn, as they have 2 bedroom suites.
One of the possible Inns is located right behind the Alamo, which I understand is walking distance to Riverwalk, choosing this sight will have no added benefit other than location & will add about $350.00 to the trip. It is also closest to Lackland.

I am hoping for some input from those of you who have visited the city before, is it worth the extra $ to stay right there?
The other 2 spots are not more than 12 or 15 miles away.

He will only be allowed off base 1 or possibly 2 days.
TIA :dog5:
Chris

[AFMom]

It's worth the money! The Riverwalk is fabulous, and the Alamo always worth visiting. Parking downtown is pretty bad, you'll really enjoy being right in the thick of things.
If Basic graduation is the same as it was many years ago - you'll actually have very little time with your son, and the Riverwalk will keep you busy in your time off. There are also many nie museums in town - many within walking distance of your hotel as well.
If you can swing the extra money - go for it.:cheerleader:

[7swans]

Thanks so much Kristy, that is just the sort of information I was hoping for. I thought it was probably worth the extra money, but I will feel much better about making the reservation with your reassurance that the decision is a good one. Thanks!

Here is the schedule we are looking at;


Thursday January 15Th-
Attend one of the four visitor briefings (8:30am, 11:00 am, 12:30 pm or 2:00 pm)
8:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m. – Family sign in at the BMT Reception Center to request visitation.
10:00 a.m. – Two-mile Airman’s Run (BMT Reception Center)
4:20 p.m. – Airmen begin arriving at the BMT Reception Center.
4:30 p.m. –Retreat commences and Airmen are released immediately after the ceremony.
(LIMITED visitation is possible due to potential training requirements)
4:45 p.m. – Honor Grad Recognition Ceremony.
5:00 –7:30 p.m. – Dinner Buffet at Mitchell Hall.
8:00 p.m. – Airmen are due back inside their dorms.

FRIDAY 16th
7:15 a.m. – Events Briefing (BMT Reception Center Auditorium) ONLY ONE!
7:45 a.m. – Buses depart from BMT Center to the Parade Grounds.
9:00 a.m. – Graduation Parade Begins.
10:00 a.m. - Buses depart to the Reception Center. (Airmen released for base liberty—they may ride back with you.)
10:00 a.m.-11:00 a.m. – Squadron Open House. (You can visit their dorms)
11:00 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. – Lunch at Mitchell Hall.
5:00 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. – Dinner Buffet at Mitchell Hall.
8:00 p.m. – ALL Airman are due back inside their dorms.

SATURDAY 17th
9:00 a.m.- Airmen are released from their squadrons for Town Pass.
8:00 p.m. – Airmen are due back inside their dorms.

SUNDAY18th
6:30 a.m. – Church Services begin (different services are scheduled at various times—If you and your Airman plan to attend church, you must attend YOUR Airman’s designated service for that denomination –Protestant Church Services are held at 12:30 p.m.)
9:00 a.m. – Airmen are released from their squadrons for Base Liberty.
9:00 a.m. – Sunday Brunch at the Gateway Club – Open to all visitors (Ends at 1:30 p.m.)
6:00 p.m. – ALL Airmen are due back inside their dorms.
YOU AIRMAN MUST RETURN TO THEIR DORM ON TIME OR IT MAY RESULT IN DISCIPLINARY ACTION THAT COULD RESULT IN LOSS OF VISITATION TIME.

THE ABOVE SCHEDULES ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE, ESPECIALLY DURING HOLIDAYS.

We are planning to arrive on Thursday & depart on Monday. Zach is a drummer will be marching with the band at graduation. Someone told us that we may have even less time with him because of this commitment. :confused24:

He said he is shooting for a physical training goal that may earn him more time off base at graduation, again :confused24:.

He got to call home on Wednesday of last week due to finishing in the top 7 of his group for a drilling competition. He was in Civil Air Patrol for a couple of years, I guess the marching they did paid off.
It was so good to here his voice, he said it 'sucks worse than he could possibly have imagined', but it sounds like he is doing okay.

I am working today , so I will check in here tonight.
TIA, :wave:
Chris

[KNWVIKING 2.0]

Wow. That sure isn't the way boot camp ended for me many years ago.

[AFMom]

Yeah - Viking - they've added a TON of stuff.
DH - basically they paraded around, graduated, got a few hours with the parents and then were shipped off to thier Tech School.
I was engaged to him at the time, but didn't have the money for a plane ticket (still in high school - crappy job), so I wasn't there. But talked to his parents when they got back.
Anyway - yeah - I really do think you'll like the hotel's location. Also - a ton of training is at Lackland - DH has been there 4 times now. Many opportunities to get to play there!:goodvibes:

[tinkerbella's mom]

Chris you should be proud. Wow that's some schedule. Have a great time, and don't forget the tissues.
Bea

[7swans]

We were told not to make travel arrangements until we get a postcard that he is graduating, meanwhile base fare on Continental has gone from $218.00 to $318.00. :headbrickwall:

I am proud of him, he called home on Saturday, he sounds more grown up already, his voice was alot like his older brothers. I am afraid planning this trip is more exciting than planning for Christmas this year. I haven't done any decorating at all. :blush:

[KNWVIKING 2.0]

I am afraid planning this trip is more exciting than planning for Christmas this year. I haven't done any decorating at all. :blush:

That's ok. Neither has he.

[7swans]

He did say that they allowed them to go Christmas shopping on base last week. He bought some Gucci perfume or body lotion or something for a girl he had a serious flirtation going with before he left. Cost him $15.00 to ship it.

[Colorado Belle]

I ditto that staying by the riverwalk is the way to go.
And since traveling is getting so cheap these days due to no one being able to afford it, please check the travel sites and priceline before committing to any hotel. I think we stayed at the Marriott right on the riverwalk and it was a lovely way to spend time walking, eating, dreaming along the river. and the alamo is a must do. Tho I don't know what the weather will be in January..I think we wer ethere in springtime.

There really should be some good deals. closer to the time, check discounthotels and hotels.com, priceline, tripadvisor. go to the web site and see if servicemen get any special pricing too.

and of course, have a wonderful trip.

[7swans]

Hi CB,
I hope you get your big break soon, at least it sounds like your exile is a lovely one!

The January weather norms are a high of 62, and a low of 40. I guess it is pretty cold there right now at least it is at 4:45 am, when Ds is doing physical training. I feel bad for the recruits at the northern bases in the winter months.

My brother used to live in the San Antonio area, he said springtime there is the best season of the years, and that the weather in January varies.

I hope that you are right about the last minute deals. I like to have everything planned in advance. Last minute is not my style!