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Mokara Hotel and Spa – reviews, photos

4.5 of 5
212 W. Crockett, San Antonio, TX 78205 (Formerly Watermark Hotel and Spa)
Hotel amenities
Mokara Hotel and Spa
Mokara Hotel and Spa
Mokara Hotel and Spa
Mokara Hotel and Spa
Mokara Hotel and Spa
Mokara Hotel and Spa
Ranked #5 of 342 hotels in San Antonio
4.5 of 5 stars 221 Reviews
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221 reviews from our community

What travellers say about this hotel
  • Very nice(11)
  • Room service(9)
  • River walk(5)
  • Fitness center(4)
  • Hot tub(3)
  • Good size(3)
  • Great location(3)
  • Rooftop pool(3)
  • High ceilings(3)
Traveller rating
    145
    38
    15
    13
    10
Only show reviews for Family (19) | Couples (92) | Business (39)
Date Rating
Fort Worth, Texas
Senior Contributor
32 reviews 32 reviews
Reviews in 14 cities Reviews in 14 cities
132 helpful votes 132 helpful votes
“Wonderful Spa - Not so great Food - Horrible Logistics”
3 of 5 stars Reviewed 12 February 2012
2
people found this review helpful

I spent a half day at the spa with my first treatment beginning at 11am and was there till 4:30pm. I had a very nice time. My first treatment was a Summer Rain Shower Massage which took place in a Vichy Shower room. The therapist was Hubert and he was the same therapist who did my Vichy treatment years ago when it was still the Watermark hotel/spa. Having a massage while under the warm spray of vichy shower has got to be one of the most indulgent and relaxing things on earth! Hubert did not disappoint and his attention to detail and service are excellent. He brought me a new robe as he noticed a small hole in the shoulder of it (which I had not noticed). The only negative about this treatment is that it is a long time on your stomache with your head having to be turned to one side or the other as the table is flat (although padded well). After a while it becomes a little difficult to remain comfortable, but it is still worth it as the warmth of the waters makes it all worthwhile. My next treatment was a facial and it was excellent. The therapist asked me if she could do extractions around my nose and I was all for it as I knew I had some blackheads that needed removal. She did an excellent job and it was 50 minutes of pure relaxation. My husband commented that my face looked radiant later that night and it is now 4 days later and my skin still looks and feels great! Following that I had spa lunch (included in my half day package of facial/mani/pedi). This is where I feel the experience has taken a sever downturn since it was the Watermark. I selected a salad, sandwich, and dessert. The salad was a huge portion of overly drenched greens in a dressing that was too thick and hearty for a spa salad. The sandwich was in house roasted turkey on a croissant. Again, it was massive and was enough for 2 people. It had two very thick 1/2 inch slices of turkey which did taste good, but was too large and thick for a spa sandwich. I was only able to eat half and it felt like such a waste. The dessert was supposed to be a pecan chocolate chunk brownie with vanilla ice cream. It seems like they are trying to make up for their lack of flavor and creativity with huge portions. It was two huge triangles of brownie that were a bit dry and overcooked (heated up in the microwave, so portions were very hot, other portions cold). There were no pecans anywhere. It was very disappointing to be expecting a creative spa type light lunch and get this overly done massive proportions of sub par tasting food. On my previous visit when it was Watermark, the food was fantastic, so much so that I brought my husband back the next day for a roof top lunch and we both raved about it. The other point that I will mention about the way spa lunch is done, is that it is at the roof top cafe as it was back when it was Watermark. It can be very awkward to be naked with just a robe on and be sitting there with regular street dressed people coming up to look around or eat lunch. I felt extremely uncomfortable this time as I was the only person there wearing a robe, with my hair disheveled and in flip flops, while tons of staff and others dressed in suits were also there preparing and setting the area up for some function for that night. This is not a good set up and is definitely not a relaxing and enjoyable experience. Not to mention that when it is time for you to go back to the spa a staff member has to insert their key card into the elevator and press the spa floor for you, but you may end up on a different floor with other people from the hotel entering the elevator and you are standing there looking a mess with just a robe on. Next I enjoyed the sauna and whirlpool for 20 minutes before I showered and got ready for my mani/pedi. The therapist I had was extremely nice and thoughtful. She did an excellent job other than cutting my cuticle a bit on one of my toes (which she apologized for) and the paint job on the nails looked great. However, the next day it was already peeling off and by the next day after that it was completely peeled off of my finger nails as if it was made of vinyl or rubber. My toes still look fine. I suspect there was too much oil on my fingernails when she applied the polish. Anhyhow, the spa is still very nice and beautiful and the staff very professional and nice. There are just some issues they could improve on to make it once again outstanding. The food needs a serious re-work!

  • Stayed February 2012, travelled on business
    • 4 of 5 stars Value
    • 5 of 5 stars Location
    • 5 of 5 stars Cleanliness
    • 5 of 5 stars Service
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This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC
John Wallace, General Manager at Mokara Hotel and Spa, responded to this review
13 February 2012
Thank you for the wonderful comments regarding Hubert and your overall experience, as well as, your constructive observations. We will certainly address the nail polish issue with our spa staff and take another look at our Rooftop menu to insure we are offering the freshest and best tasting items available. Since the vast majority of our team, including myself, has been here for many years, we are striving to improve Mokara Hotel & Spa every day. You may rest assured that on your next visit you will see our commitment in the level of our service and delivery, including at the Rooftop Café.
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Denver, Colorado
Contributor
11 reviews 11 reviews
Reviews in 2 cities Reviews in 2 cities
4 helpful votes 4 helpful votes
“True luxury beyond expectations”
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 12 February 2012
1
person found this review helpful

We booked last minute for the bed and breakfast package (only $20 more for two). Our room was amazing. The ceiling was high with moldings and had a ceiling fan. The room was huge and the bed and bedding was the most comfortable ever. The bathroom had a deep jetted tub and separate shower with actual water pressure. The bath products were top of the line. Our greeting was nice- they had aqua fresco and organic apples at arrival if you wanted them. The pool was nicely heated on the rooftop and the cafe girl came out and offered us drinks (as opposed to having to call someone for service)- she was very nice. I had shrimp and grits for breakfast and my husband had the filet- both meals were delicious. Coffee is good.

The only thing you need to know is that self-park is public parking across the street. Parking self or valet is expensive.

Room Tip: We had deluxe room and it was amazing- I can't imagine the luxury of the other rooms. You might...
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  • Stayed February 2012, travelled as a couple
    • 5 of 5 stars Value
    • 5 of 5 stars Location
    • 5 of 5 stars Sleep Quality
    • 5 of 5 stars Rooms
    • 5 of 5 stars Cleanliness
    • 5 of 5 stars Service
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This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC
Houston, Texas
Reviewer
5 reviews 5 reviews
Reviews in 2 cities Reviews in 2 cities
1 helpful vote 1 helpful vote
“Indulge in fabulous!”
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 12 February 2012
1
person found this review helpful

Have stayed at this property in San Antonio many times and have never been disappointed with the spa, restaurant or spacious room and bathroom!. The staff is amazing also, accommodating and ready to help with any request. Small boutique hotel with none of the hustle and bustle of the larger hotels.

  • Stayed September 2011, travelled on business
    • 5 of 5 stars Value
    • 5 of 5 stars Location
    • 5 of 5 stars Sleep Quality
    • 5 of 5 stars Rooms
    • 5 of 5 stars Cleanliness
    • 5 of 5 stars Service
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This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC
Washington DC, District of Columbia
Senior Reviewer
6 reviews 6 reviews
Reviews in 5 cities Reviews in 5 cities
1 helpful vote 1 helpful vote
“A Treat During the Alamo Bowl”
4 of 5 stars Reviewed 12 February 2012

We visited San Antonio during Alamo Bowl week. We came down to watch the games, but ended up loving the city and Mokara.

We had a few rooms between us, and they were all very large and well appointed. The pillows and comforters were absolutely delightful, and so very soft. While I was not in a room with a balcony, friends of ours were, and I would absolutely recommend this. It lets you in on the action of the riverwalk, even when you're relaxing in your room. Its a great place to people watch. These rooms also seemed to be a bit larger as well.

Another great perk of the hotel was the fresh juice in the lobby throughout the day. The "agua fresca" came in a variety of flavours and was always delicious and refreshing, even in December. One thing that was not quite as tasty was the hotel's restaurant. Food was subpar, and the waitstaff was clearly not prepared for a full restaurant. Because it was a bowl week, the city was packed, so I understand having to wait for service every now and then, but a half and hour for a coke, bread appetizers and beer seemed ridiculous to us. We had come in planning to eat dinner, but with the slow service, we did not have time before the game (we gave ourself 2 hours to eat too).

Thankfully, the hotel staff was more efficient than the waitstaff and they were always helpful with advice on where to eat, or how to get to somewhere. The location of the hotel is amazing as well. Right on the riverwalk, but near the end so it does not get too loud at night. There are several clubs and bars, so we were originally a bit worried about noise, but even in the front rooms, mokara remained quiet. Turned out to be a relaxing and wonderful trip, despite the bad outcome of the game!

Room Tip: Get a front facing room with balcony. Third floor and above.
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  • Stayed December 2011, travelled with family
    • 4 of 5 stars Value
    • 5 of 5 stars Location
    • 5 of 5 stars Sleep Quality
    • 5 of 5 stars Rooms
    • 5 of 5 stars Cleanliness
    • 4 of 5 stars Service
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This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC
Texas
Reviewer
3 reviews 3 reviews
Reviews in 3 cities Reviews in 3 cities
21 helpful votes 21 helpful votes
“Hotel is fabulous but tried spa twice- they missed the mark both times”
1 of 5 stars Reviewed 6 February 2012
1
person found this review helpful

I went to this spa twice while staying at the hotel. I am a spa junkie! The first visit was bad because I had a facial and the lady doing it practically did surgery on my forehead! I complained to the management and they said I would get a discount the next time. I went about a year later. No discount. Oh well. The people at the front desk were beyond confused about what I had booked (I booked while making my hotel reservations). I wanted 2 80 minute massages-one for me and one for my sons' girlfriend. We each got a less than one hour massage and mine was especially crummy. The girl just pushed around and did some 'pressure point releases'. It was an early appointment so there's no excuse for her lameness and it was supposed to be deep tissue and it was, well, nothing except a lame and disappointing rip-off. The therapists in this place STINK and I don't understand it because it's a gorgeous spa!! I've had FAR better massages at other hotels in San Antonio and I have even had the same therapists time after time at other hotels. I hate that this hotel has beautiful facilities but can't seem to find better therapists. The manager of the spa was also very unfriendly. I guess I'm not going back to the Mokara Spa....sad to say but save your $..again, hotel is super great and everyone there is FINE but don't waste your $ on their lame therapists.

Room Tip: I love the corner room with the giant bathtub!!!!!!
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  • Stayed December 2011, travelled with family
    • 5 of 5 stars Value
    • 5 of 5 stars Location
    • 5 of 5 stars Sleep Quality
    • 5 of 5 stars Rooms
    • 5 of 5 stars Cleanliness
    • 5 of 5 stars Service
Was this review helpful? Yes
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This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC
John Wallace, General Manager at Mokara Hotel and Spa, responded to this review
13 February 2012
While we were certainly pleased to read your positive comments regarding the hotel, we are also deeply disappointed to read of your concerns regarding the spa. Our expectation for the spa is the same as the high standards of service and courtesy we deliver at the hotel. We require a much greater level of education and experience for our therapists than any other spa in our area, so we expect much more form them in regards to levels of professionalism and service. I assure you that we will review your comments with the team and learn from any mistakes that may have been made.
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Additional Information about Mokara Hotel and Spa

  • Watermark Hotel San Antonio
  • Watermark Hotel
Address: 212 W. Crockett, San Antonio, TX 78205 (Formerly Watermark Hotel and Spa)
Price range (per night):* INR14,483 - 21,977

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