San Antonio hotels

One of the first boutique hotels in San Antonio, Hotel Valencia is where I stayed when, more than a decade ago, I visited the Alamo City on a college tour. It’s since undergone a $10 million renovation, ushering in a design aesthetic that reflects the city’s Spanish heritage. One thing that hasn’t changed?
Hotel Valencia continues to be one of the best hotels in San Antonio, especially for first-timers who want a relaxing home base from which to explore the famed River Walk. After checking in, take a minute to peruse the library or make a reservation at the on-site restaurant, Dorrego’s (I recommend the empanadas and made-to-order paella).
Upstairs, spacious rooms boast stylish beds, smart TVs and Lather bath products. If you’re celebrating something special or in town for the holidays, spring for a balcony overlooking the water and dazzling Christmas lights.

Located along a quiet stretch of the River Walk and within walking distance of the San Antonio Museum of Art, the trendy Thompson San Antonio is ideal for couples, creative types and foodies who love fine dining without the fuss.
Take in the skyline views at the rooftop pool, indulge in a treatment at the full-service spa (in my opinion, the hydra facials are worth every penny) or try CBD-infused treats during afternoon tea at The Moon’s Daughters. For dinner, you don’t have to go far; just take the elevator down to Landrace.
Led by Chef Steve McHugh, a James Beard Award finalist, it’s hard to go wrong with anything on the menu, but the raclette grits and a personalized cocktail from the Old Fashioned cart are a must. Afterward, wind down in your well-appointed room, complete with plush robes, a Nespresso coffee machine and an oversized soaking tub.

The team at Canopy by Hilton San Antonio Riverwalk believes that everyone – both humans as well as their furry friends – should be able to stay in style. That’s why the pet-friendly hotel has a Paw Perks Program that includes a BarkBox, a custom dog bed and a canine city guide.
And even if you’re traveling without Fido, there’s still plenty to love, including complimentary bikes, yoga classes and Otro, the hotel’s cantilevered bar suspended high above the treetops. After a restful night’s sleep, head downstairs for an Instagrammable, al fresco breakfast at Domingo restaurant (I can never resist the churro French toast).
End the day just a few blocks away at San Antonio: The Saga, a free light show that’s projected onto the front of the centuries-old San Fernando Cathedral six nights a week.

When it opened in 1909, The St. Anthony became one of the top luxury hotels in San Antonio – and it remains that way today. Wake up to a view (nearly half of the rooms overlook downtown Travis Park) and then dig into farm-to-table fare at the light-filled Gallery On the Park restaurant.
From there, explore the River Walk or The Alamo (both are less than a mile away), catch a show at the nearby Majestic Theatre or Tobin Center for the Performing Arts or settle in with a good book next to the fireplace and French antiques in the grand lobby.
Whatever you do, just don’t skip the chance to enjoy a nightcap at one of the on-site bars. Dorothy Draper designed The St. Anthony Club in the 1950s and Haunt (my personal favorite) plays up the hotel’s paranormal past.

There are no rooms at Hotel Contessa, only what we can call Texas-sized suites. Attached living rooms, pillow-top mattresses, and not one, but two TVs combine to make it mighty hard to leave.
When you do finally make it out, you’ll be rewarded with easy access to the revitalized Hemisphere Park and La Villita Historic Village, an artisan market that’s also a key stop on many of the city’s famous river parades (I have fond memories of the springtime Fiesta parade and the spectacular Dia de Los Muertos parade every November).
On that same note, Hotel Contessa is one of the best hotels in San Antonio to stay at during the winter, thanks to its prime views of the annual Holiday Parade and River Lighting Ceremony, which takes place the day after Thanksgiving and features nearly 30 illuminated floats and more than 100,000 Christmas lights.

The Element San Antonio Riverwalk opened in December 2022 and, despite being a new addition, it’s already one of the top-rated hotels in San Antonio and a favorite among business travelers. In particular, it receives high marks for a free breakfast buffet, fast Wi-Fi and studio-style rooms with large desks and fully equipped kitchens.
Plus, it’s only a 15-minute walk (or a 5-minute bike ride if you use one of the hotel’s complimentary bicycles) to the Henry B. Gonzalez Convention Center. After a long day of networking, unwind at 1 Watson, the rooftop bar serving up craft cocktails, Texas wines and Southwestern bites – think everything from brisket tacos to Dr. Pepper-braised beef sliders.
Another benefit is that the hotel belongs to the Marriott hotel chain, so you can rack up points and redeem them for a well-deserved personal day.

If you want to stay close to the airport or are keen on doing some shopping, look no further than the Estancia del Norte San Antonio, located just up the road from The Quarry and across the street from North Star Mall.
Together, the two shopping centers showcase a range of designers and beloved Texas brands like James Avery and Lucchese. When you’re ready to put your feet up, relax in one of the hotel’s Spanish Mission-inspired guest rooms – thoughtful touches include handmade throw blankets and velvety soft bathrobes – or head to the palm tree-filled courtyard and outdoor pool.
The on-site Paseo Bar has a smart selection of agave-based spirits, but for dinner I recommend Clementine. Less than a five-minute drive from the hotel, the restaurant’s owner and chef, John Russ, was on the shortlist for the 2023 James Beard Awards’ Best Chef: Texas category.

A true escape high above the city, you could spend an entire week at La Cantera Resort & Spa and never need to leave. Within the confines of the 550-acre property, there are five pools, a golf school, an 18-hole course designed by the late architect Jay Morrish, a world-class spa, a daily kids camp and eight dining concepts.
Chow down on cured meats and gourmet cheeses at Bocado or sample the city’s famous Tex-Mex at Primero Cantina. For me though, it’s hard to top the surf and turf and elevated rustic decor at Signature Restaurant.
If you do venture out on your own (or via the complimentary shuttle), you’ll find there’s something for everyone nearby: Six Flags Fiesta Texas, Top Golf, Neiman Marcus and the state’s growing wine region roughly 40 minutes away.

In town to cheer on the Roadrunners at the University of Texas San Antonio? Only a three-minute drive from campus, the new, industrial-chic Aloft San Antonio UTSA is the place to be. Remote workers, such as myself, will appreciate the ergonomic workspaces and free WIFI.
I have found it to be one of the best hotels to accommodate me when working. When it’s time to power down, play a round of pool or enjoy live music and cocktails themed around different genres at WXYZ Bar.
After the big game or a night out with friends, the loft-style rooms beckon with plush beds, comic book-inspired throw pillows and Netflix. Add in reasonable rates and free parking and Aloft San Antonio UTSA Area is clearly a winner.

There are two properties from the Texas-based Omni Hotels & Resorts group on the River Walk – the Mokara Hotel & Spa and the Omni La Mansión del Rio. Both are worthy of a spot on this list of the best hotels in San Antonio, but I prefer the history and charm of the latter.
Dating back to 1852, the Omni La Mansión Del Rio evokes the feeling of a grand hacienda with a lush courtyard and European-style pool that’s heated year-round. In 2020, a multi-million-dollar makeover brightened rooms and made way for larger beds, marble-top vanities and Nest bath products.
The recently opened Four Brothers Southern Provisions serves up South Texas delicacies like a 48-ounce Tomahawk Ribeye steak and Gulf shrimp with blue corn grits. Don’t leave without experiencing a treatment at the renowned Mokara Spa.