I found the castle on-line and stayed there last June (2008) when my husband and I took a trip to see San Antonio for the first time.

We have stayed in B&B's before and I prefer places with character and history.

You could see the area around Terrell Castle had, at one time, been home to San Antonio's high rollers. Some of the fantastically huge, Victorian homes around it were, at one time, grand. But today, some of the homes have been abandoned and have fallen into disrepair and the area is rough, to say the least. The owner even advised not to park on the street out front because it wasn't safe.

I could tell upon arrival that the castle hadn't been loved on in quite some time. The flower beds were bare dirt with a few spike plants. There were pots, tipped over and plants left dead along the side walkway to the back parking lot area. The lawn was mowed and had a bench placed in the front corner. But nothing else was given maintenance - bushes needed trimmed, no color - you get the picture.

Inside the Castle, the wood work and architecture took my breath away. I admire & appreciate history and architecture anyway. This place was a feast for the eyes. But the owners were not giving the home it's just reward. A single, bare bulb torche light gave the entry harsh light in one area and shadows in the other. There was plastic lilac garland hanging from the ceiling, which I thought was tacky. The carpet going up the stairs was old, worn, and although I'm sure it was clean, it was so old it looked dirty. I guess I would have imagined, with a place like that, I would come in to find tapestry rugs and wall hangings, antiques, heavy, rich draperies, chandeliers and wall sconce lighting - more "castle like". But there was none of that. The light fixtures that were there looked like they were done in the 60's, not late 1800's, as the castle would have possessed. It gave me the impression the owner doesn't know how to decorate &/or doesn't care about such things. Everything was bare and what was there was cheap, except for a few pieces which stood alone. The stained glass window going up the stairs had wood repairs done to the frame and you could tell it was a home-made job. The work was far less than professional and the lumber was left bare - not painted, so you could tell work had been done - and left.

Our room was large with tall ceilings, but like I said about the carpet, it was clean, but so outdated and "dingy" it felt dirty. The white lace curtains had darkened with age, as did the once white wallpaper and paint. The bed was comfortable though and we slept well. The room had a window A/c which was kind of noisy, but it did the job.

Our bathroom was across the hall. It was old, very tiny and out dated. The walls were clad in 1960's pink square tile, with a matching pink commode and shower. There is a difference with things being classical old, as in antique and outdated old as in 1965 wants it's bathroom back. I mean, come on! It's a CASTLE, not a trailer.

I poked my head into the un-used room beside ours. It had an attached bath that was roughed in and not original to the home. The sink vanity was done in basic lumber and plywood and painted blue. The shelves below the sink were left open and exposed with a chincy curtain in place of doors. It was obviously a cheap, home-made job. And I thought to myself "why". With all the money they make on running this place and the expensive foreign cars they drive, why not hire a carpenter and do it right!? With a gem like this place is, why junk it up with half-[-] jobs like this bathroom was. It goes hand-in-hand with the dead potted plants knocked over on the front stoop that no one ever bothered to even pick up in who knows how long.... Again, why?

At breakfast the inn keeper, Diane, had to apologize to a young boy in his 20's, staying there with his wife, for loosing her temper at them when they broke their key in the lock the night before. The wife, just a kid, sat there blushing with her head down and said "it's okay". But I could tell they were uncomfortable and felt terrible. Although we were treated fine, I could see where the inn keepers could be less than hospitable.

I did learn from them that they were putting the home on the auction block in August of '08 and getting out of the business. I could tell they were burnt out and had many complaints. When someone hates their job, it shows. And I agree, in this line of work, when you're burnt out - get out.

I just pray whoever buys that castle will turn it into the showplace it should be.

Also, NOTE TO TRAVELERS TO SAN ANTONIO: Everything is centrally located to the Riverwalk area - everything. The only driving we had to do while in S.A. was to/from our B&B. If we go again, we will stay on the Riverwalk, no doubt about it. At night S.A. gets scary. We saw gang activity, hookers and had wine-o's asking for money while we were trying to find our car to go back to our B&B. All the food, shopping and things to see "Tower of America's, Alamo, La Villita, it's all within a block of Riverwalk - if not ON the Riverwalk. My advise is, book a hotel there, park your car and leave it. Stay where it's all 20 paces away from where you sleep at night..... highly recommended.

I very much enjoyed our stay at Terrell Castle. I originally chose this B&B because it looked like a better value than the hotels near the Riverwalk (although still close by), had very affordable suites (my friend and I wanted separate beds), and was a rare opportunity to stay in a castle! The quality of accommodations and food exceeded my expectations for a B&B in this price range. The rooms are large, clean, comfortable, and nicely decorated. Diane and Vic (our gracious hosts) have done a wonderful job making this old castle comfortable and inviting.

They were also accommodating. Due to a last minute change in plans, my original traveling companion could not join me. They said it would be no problem to downgrade from the suite to a regular room. I ended up staying in the Colonial room, a single room with both a queen size and twin bed. I also had an opportunity to see some of the other rooms (apparently a popular request) and found the other rooms to be just as nice.

Our hosts were both friendly and yet intuitively respectful of our need for peace. They have a great staff, who said they love working there (a happy staff makes for a happy stay). :-)

I would defintiely stay here again. \:D/

The thought of staying in a castle seemed like an amazing idea for our anniversary. The castle looked like it was impresive back in the day, but hadn't been updated in at least 20 years. The wallpaper was peeling in our bedroom, the bed was uncomfortable, the bathroom was terrifying (tiny, the provided toiletries included a used bar of soap in the shower, next to the hand pump for "hair and body shampoo," and I certainly hope you aren't taller that 5'5" because you won't be fitting under the shower head), and there might as well not have been a TV. The drive into the castle was sketchy at best, and I was nervous about something happening to the car at night. The best part about breakfast was the other family that we sat with. The food both mornings was very basic, and not what I would have expected based on other b&bs we have stayed at. One morning, Victor, the host, got in a heated political discussion with another guest, who was clearly trying to stop it as quickly as she could....it was a very uncomfortable ten minutes. The other host, we met once for aprox. 30 seconds. If you see pictures of the dog online, Bozo, don't be excited. The dog was a perfect reflection of the house. He barely lifted his head when we came to meet him, and I have never seen a dog in such need of grooming. Overall, the experience was very interesting, but not what you would expect for the money.

I recently traveled to San Antonio to attend to a mix of business and personal matters. While there I stayed at the Terrell Castle for 6 nights. I stayed in the Oval Rm., my 1st rm. of choice and found the room to be beautiful and very comfortable. I also found the owners, Vic and Diane Smilgin to be very welcoming, down to earth, engaging hosts. After traveling since 4:30 a.m., I arrived in San Antonio several hours before the noted check in time of 3 p.m. but Diane graciously welcomed me to check in early (12:30 p.m.), which I greatly appreciated. The breakfasts, created by Diane were very delicious and beautifully served and hosted by Vic. My daughter, who was completing Air Force training in SA was able to stay with me at the Inn for one evening. She too found the castle to be beautiful and welcoming and Vic and Diane to be gracious hosts. I highly recommend a stay at the castle to anyone who is looking for a place to stay that is beautiful and full of charm and character. My only regret is that I forgot to snap a few pictures of my room and the beautiful entryway and staircase to post here and to show to my family and friends. As well established New England transplants, Vic and Diane are gracious and attentive hosts who have found a way to elegantly integrate their new englander charm and whit with their well developed southern hospitality. I will stay at the Terrell Castle again.