March 29, 2024

Just Moments

Travel Groove

San Antonio inns sell out as inhabitants without the need of electric power and drinking water search for refuge

As thousands of San Antonio people grapple with frigid temperatures and several hours of no ability, drinking water or WiFi, numerous are seeking refuge at community motels.

Guests who drove or flew into San Antonio this weekend are also extending their stays as they wait for flights to be re-booked.

All 48 Hilton motels in the spot — stretching from downtown San Antonio up to New Braunfels — were booked for Tuesday evening, in accordance to the company’s web page.

Hyatt and Marriott properties also showed no availability. Neither did the Menger Hotel nor even the Pearl’s Lodge Emma, which instructions some of the maximum charges in San Antonio.

Some hotel managers did have rooms out there for Tuesday night, but couldn’t choose reservations simply because they, way too, ended up without the need of electric power and drinking water.

Charles Leddy, CEO of Presidian Hotels & Resorts, explained he’s received cell phone calls from pals and acquaintances begging for rooms Tuesday night mainly because they did not have warmth at their households.

Of the six motels San Antonio-based Presidian operates in the place, 5 have been without the need of energy as of Tuesday afternoon. Company occupying seven rooms at the Hilton Back garden Inn San Antonio Airport South lodge have been permitted to stay, although a lot more than 100 other rooms sit vacant.

“We cannot rent rooms without having ability,” Leddy stated. “It’s a fireplace security concern.”

The a single Presidian resort that does have electrical power, the 368-area Hilton San Antonio Airport resort, is internet hosting 200 army personnel who came to the location to help with coronavirus vaccinations. The home has energy not for the reason that CPS Vitality restored provider, but simply because Presidian bought a back-up generator.

With foodstuff shipments to motels delayed, roads iced around and grocery merchants closed or restricting hrs, hotel workers are also scrambling to obtain food items for ravenous company.

The Hilton San Antonio Airport lodge ran out of foods mainly because a cargo that was intended to get there Sunday hardly ever arrived, mentioned Tom Green, Presidian’s director of operations. Environmentally friendly acquired foods at a H-E-B retail outlet for visitors.

Along with these problems, resort employees are battling to get to and from get the job done. Those unable to journey home safely and securely are having to continue to be right away.

“Staffing has been a obstacle because of to street and bus assistance closures,” reported Michelle Madson, president and CEO of the San Antonio Hotel & Lodging Association. “But staff that have been able to make it in or have stayed at the assets to present more guidance are inspiringly focused and fully commited to carrying out whatsoever they can to deliver ease and comfort and support all through this time.”

As need surges, it’s unclear whether the Business office of the Texas Legal professional Typical has received any issues about selling price gouging at nearby accommodations.

“Unfortunately, we are unable to comment on, confirm or deny likely or pending investigations, and as grievances continually come in and are reviewed, I can not provide a full selection at this time,” spokeswoman Kayleigh Day mentioned.

Significant prices really do not necessarily indicate that cost gouging is developing, but if the governor has declared a disaster and businesses hike their goods “to exorbitant or abnormal fees to consider benefit,” persons really should file a criticism, Day added. Value-gougers could possibly experience civil penalties or be demanded to reimburse customers.

Folks can file issues on the web via the OAG web-site, by emailing [email protected] or by contacting 800-621-0508.

[email protected] / [email protected]