We had a very nice family stay (2 teens). The room was lovely, just as pictured on the website. It wasn't technically a suite but did have a sitting area with sofa/chairs/table that was separate from the sleeping area (2 queens). In other places we've stayed, this setup is usually side by side (bathroom by the entrance). Here these areas are divided by a hallway/bathroom, in the middle, making each area more distinct. And each had it's own TV! which meant the adults and the teens could watch separate shows at the same time.
We went to use the hottub but it was empty. No sign or anything, although we did mention it to a staff member in the hall who didn't know anything. On our last day we passed by and to our surprise it was up and running, so we were disappointed to miss it but probably should have pursued it more ourselves.
Prepare to pay $27/day for valet parking but this price range seems to be standard on the Riverwalk.
It is nice to be on the Riverwalk. It is in a more quiet location but not far from the busy area if you like that. We did not eat in the hotel restaurant, which looked nice, but also looked expensive and a little formal. The posted menu did not include prices and we chose from the many and varied (often more casual) restaurants on the Riverwalk.
I did inquire if they were aware of any 'specials/discounts' available for local restaurants/attractions but did not get much response. A staffer was supposed to 'check it out' and leave info for us at the front desk, but we inquired the next two days and nothing was there for us. It's a 'nice' hotel and I kind of wondered if they felt 'discounts' were below them...but in our travels we wandered into the Hyatt lobby (also a very nice hotel) and picked up a copy of Fiesta magazine from a pile sitting in the open which had very useful tourist info in it and pages of discount coupons at the back. I would suggest that they could improve in this area.
Other than that, it was beautiful, very clean, good location and I would recommend it.

I highly advise anyone working with this hotel to only use the phone. Do not use their website. They just charged me in full for a reservation I cancelled using their website. For a property that is supposedly very high end, this is unacceptable.

Our second Christmas stay at the Hotel Contessa. We are a family of 4 -- me, my husband and our two college aged sons. The suite was perfect. Our "boys" were able to watch TV on their still college schedule while we slept in the adjoining bedroom. With the door shut, you hear little to no TV sounds.

"Tommy" checked us in. He was great! He gave us a corner suite which was wonderful... we could see the River Walk from both windows. We watched the nightly River Rides from our room. The Christmas lights, of course, were also beautiful from our room.

The ONLY reasons I gave 4 "stars" is because the room is beginning to show some signs of wear and the comfort of the beds is just so-so. Certainly okay, but not exceptional. Otherwise, everything else is great. The location is at the quiet end of the River Walk. Within easy walking distance of most sites, but not in the thick of everything.

We ate Christmas dinner at the Las Ramblas restaurant... it was buffet style, BUT not what you usually expect from a buffet. It was quite delicious.

We took a tip from another poster and parked across the street. MUCH cheaper rates and we were able to get our car out quicker.

Our biggest compliment... we'll probably go back around Christmas time next year as well!

From the minute we arrived we were treated like royalty. We used the valet parking because we were too tired to find alternate parking. There was somebody there to open the doors for us everytime we entered or left. The front desk staff were very friendly and helpful. The room was very nice with a sitting area (albeit not very comfortable furniture), but the beds! Mama Mia! I wanted to sneak that mattress home with me. The bed was triple sheeted so I didn't have to be concerned with putting the blanket up to my face. The restaurant was great. All in all, I would very highly recommend this hotel to anyone who wanted to stay on the riverwalk.