Santikos Casa Blanca

Reviews 3

AN

Ann Hua

i visited casa blanca with a group of friends on opening night! when i checked the movie ticket availability for now you see me 2 around noon that day, there were plenty of seats available for the 10pm showing, but to be safe, my friends decided to buy tickets in advance to guarantee good seats (you choose them in advance). it was definitely a good call, because when we arrived, the theater had police directing traffic in the street and a line of cars going into the parking lot. literally black friday status... we tried to valet because the parking situation did not look good, but it seemed like the valet people didnt speak english? when we asked how much valet was, they shook their heads and waved us off. i guess we were supposed to interpret that as valet being full and no longer taking cars? but we saw some open spots in the valet lot... odd. the theater exterior looks like a confused mix of a santorini-inspired mexican casino haha. the inside is pretty large and open, reminiscent of the palladium at the rim. the place was seriously jam-packed though! upon entering, there are a bunch of large screens/stations where you can pick up tickets you purchased online. super quick and easy and high tech! then you have your typical movie theater popcorn/soda/candy-buying area (which oddly enough, also sells warmed edamame). and then theres a food area (pizza, quesadillas, burgers, etc), 2 bars, a gelato/dessert stand, and an arcade. if you order a soda/icee, you have to first go into the movie theater auditorium area to fill you cup with the drink of your choice (self-serve). it was kind of hard to find and there werent clear signs, but the one we found was near theater 3. my friends and i were especially excited because we had heard that the seats at this theater reclined. this is now standard at other theaters, from amcs to fancier venues like ipic. i was surprised to find that a movie ticket for a thurs night showing was $13 (it was avx-- a fancier sound system, but not imax or 4D experience) but figured it was worth a bit of a splurge if its a recliner seat. but when we showed up, we realized that none of the seats in that entire theater reclined! what a disappointment. i guess maybe only standard seats recline, but avx theater ones dont? kinda doesnt make sense because the standard tickets were a lot cheaper! the seats were still comfy though and a little roomier than usual. and i liked that they were a faux leather type material rather than cloth (felt cleaner) and had ample space on the armrest for you to put your wallet/keys/food/drink. overall, the movie experience was good, but nothing too far out of the ordinary. i probably wouldnt go out of my way to come to this theater often unless i knew i was getting a recliner seat or if the ticket prices are cheaper at a certain time (or for students!). glad san antonio is growing and getting more cool entertainment venues though!

DA

Daniel Koller

The newest Santikos Theater in San Antonio. I went opening week and was pleased. However, due to it being new, there is a lack of parking. It looks like there is more being built as construction is ongoing though. The bowling alley was cool. It has large video screens covering the back wall above the lanes. A full bar in front. Ticketing is all electronic via video kiosks inside. The traditional "box office" is gone. However there were employees standing there to assist. In fact, the entire place was overstaffed. Or should I say all concession registers were staffed. Lines were small, if non existent. However, this is typical dog and pony show for Grand opening and opening week. I can easily see not all registers will be staffed after a few weeks. My one gripe about all Santikos theaters is their drink stations. Its a cluster. You buy a drink and they give you a cup to fill up. Granted, the Coca-Cola Freestyle machines are nice, fun, and easy to use. However, the stations are usually messy and there are too many people all trying to walk around for butter, napkins, drinks, lids, straws, all in the same area. Its stressful and adds anxiety to an experience that should be relaxing. However, relaxing is exactly what the seats in the theater are. Large, leather, premium seats, with arms rests and flat table areas can accommodate a large drink sitting on top, or in the cup holder. Enough room for a bag or tub of popcorn to sit on the table part of the arm rest, a box of nachos, or other concessions. I saw my title in Dolby Atmos. Which this location has two theaters equipped with the technology. Palladium is the only other theater in town with Dolby Atmos but this gives another great option to folks who value premium sound, and an enjoyable movie going experience. I would love to try an IMAX title or one with the reclining seats which this theater also offers. It also has a dining experience theater as well. Overall, a great theater, with the newest technology and creature comforts. Santikos seems to have their finger on the pulse of the industry and brings it all together in this facility for an unrivaled entertainment experience.

HE

Heather Jacobs

I am giving this place 2 stars only because I did enjoy the reclining seats. Unfortunately, this place needs to train its employees a little better. I arrived early to try out the bar. Decent menu with some nice options. I wanted to order the Flirtini because I love martinis and anything with champagne!! But the bartender literally told me not to order it because she has been told by every guest that it was disgusting!! (dont you practice making these? and test them before hand?) So, I went with the Pink Margarita on the Rocks. It tasted OK but I dont think there was hardly any liquor in it (and I am a lightweight). So, I took my drink to the theater to enjoy my movie but people were in my seats. Apparently, they booked their tickets for the wrong day. They took forever to get up and previews were already starting (I love previews). So, we get seated and I press the order button. Took about 15 min and a young girl came over and said "what can I get you?". I ordered another margarita and she literally goes "whoa, I am going to need to grab a pen and paper cause I wont remember that.". I thought she was joking but she walked off and never came back. I waited about another 10 min with my light on. Of course I am frustrated and at this point it is hard to enjoy the movie. So, I get up and walk down to their little cubbie. I asked if someone is going to take my order and I have been waiting almost 30 minutes. The young girl is on the work station and goes "my bad, I forgot". I finally get my drink about 20 minutes later. Then they bring the check and it had all the food from the previous couple on it. So, I had to get up AGAIN and tell them they mischarged us and we only had a drink. We were not charged for the drink (so that is a plus) but I really didnt get to enjoy the movie at all. I am sure the staff will do a better job as time goes on but it was a bad experience for me. I will only go back for your seats and I will order all my drinks at the bar before the movie. The wait is not worth it. I feel like at the Draft House you dont even notice the waiter. But at Casa Blanca that was all I saw...not the movie.

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