Alamo Inn and Suites

Krystal Vital huddled with her five children, their faces flushed with cold. The Alamo Inn and Suites, a beacon of warmth on Commerce Street, was their refuge. The Alamo Inn and Suites wasn’t their home, but for now, it was a haven. This San Antonio motel became a lifeline for families like Krystal’s during the brutal winter storm of 2021. The storm crippled the city, leaving homes without power, heat, or water. The Alamo Inn and Suites, typically a budget-friendly option for travelers, transformed into a sanctuary for locals. Rick Vazir, the owner of the Alamo Inn and Suites, witnessed the desperation firsthand. He recalled shoveling ice from the driveway, noting the influx of guests from the surrounding neighborhood. The Alamo Inn and Suites is situated on the edge of the Eastside Promise Neighborhood. This area is known for its lower average household incomes. Vazir acknowledged the dire situation, calling it a “rotten deal” for his displaced guests. Many were struggling financially, facing the harsh reality of a cold home and an empty wallet. The Alamo Inn and Suites provided warmth and shelter. It offered a respite from the unforgiving weather. But the reprieve was temporary. The cost of even a budget motel room was a burden for families already grappling with pandemic-induced financial hardship. Krystal, like many others, lost her restaurant job due to the pandemic. Her husband’s contracting work had also dried up. Staying at the Alamo Inn and Suites offered a temporary solution. The family cherished the simple comfort of a warm room. But the financial strain was evident. Krystal knew their stay couldn’t last. The future remained uncertain as they prepared to return to their cold, dark home.