Matthew U.
Yelp
This was quite the impressive hotel and I was impressed. The San Luis Resort is a much larger complex that what you think. Consisting of the The San Luis, Holiday Inn, restaurants, and meeting space. It has a lot to offer spread out over a space that is walkable.
The San Luis itself is a massive building that offers a few restaurants and shops on the lobby level, great pool area, and a short walk to the beach. When I arrived for check in, it was a breeze, except for one minor thing, they had me set to check out a day earlier than expected. After figuring this out, they were able to correct this, but on that last day of my stay, I would have to come back to the front desk to get another "key." I say key, because here, they aren't really keys. They are wristbands that you have to wear everywhere. They are gaudy, bright neon colors that you must wear in order to not only unlock your room door, but the elevators. They also allow access to the pool area and other things throughout the hotel.
During check in, I was told where my room was and jokingly said that I was facing the rear of the hotel. I was then informed that every room in the tower faces front with a beach view and balcony. Cool, I never had the luxury of this so I was happy.
I got to the room and was taken aback by the overall room. Spacious, overall storage was amazing, and as guaranteed, an amazing view. There is a small iPad for ordering room service if you like, fridge in the room, desk workspace and a big enough area to sit and relax. The balcony was hard to access. It was like pulling on a locked door. The suction from the outside air was crazy. No matter what you did, the door would slam and everyone around you would know you just came in from your balcony, and you would know whenever one of your neighbors did the same.
But there was one thing that overpowered the beauty and ease of the room...the smell. There was an overwhelming mildew smell. Most likely from the balcony and door letting in moisture from the Gulf. No matter how long you stayed, it still hit you in the face each time you entered the room. But I could overlook that being on the upper floors as they spoil you a bit. Drinks and snacks throughout the day. Convenient for how much water I drink all I had to do was go out my door, grab a bottle and go back in. But that was another downside to the room. Being right inside from the snack area and elevator lobby, you got all the noise. I was woken up one evening when they staff were emptying the trashcans. Lord, could you have done this midday instead of at night when people are going to sleep.
Pluses for this space: the pool, shops inside to grab high end items, plenty of options for food and drink, and the best one, shuttle service between the many hotel properties and convention center. It's not that big of a walk, but when it is windy or rainy or both, it is a walk. The shuttle service cuts that time and saves you from being out in the elements.