As well as The Alamo itself, and several other historical spots, this is a modern city that comes with state-of-the-art arenas with the chance to catch some sports.
Part of your stay should be finding the best possible accommodation for you and your loved ones.
That could be a vacation rental for that home-from-home feel, cozy bed and breakfasts, a spot close to the waterfront, a cheap/midrange hotel, or even a luxury hotel for those trappings when you just want to treat yourself.
In this guide, we will look at where to stay in San Antonio. This will include a range of accommodations including vacation rentals, hotels close to the waterfront, luxury hotels, bed and breakfasts, and cheap/midrange hotels.
We will also look at the district you should consider staying in.
Vacation Rentals
Booking a vacation should not mean going without that feeling of home. Some of the ideal spots to stay in San Antonio are vacation rentals where you can essentially stay in someone else’s home and enjoy the comfort of a familiar experience.
That could mean a historic cottage or even a barnhouse but do your research to ensure you find the ideal location that only has enough bedrooms for your party. There are classy apartments that can still sleep up to six people or more compact houses just for four.
If you need to sleep six, then look no further than this two-bedroom historic cottage.
That’s right, you would be staying in a piece of history as it is known as the Engelmann-Muench House having been built in 1858 by Martin Engelmann who was an esteemed German immigrant.
The site was once part of the Alamo farmlands yet is now a private home where you can survey the land with a coffee while sitting on the front porch. For some more history, take a short walk to The Alamo itself or the San Antonio Riverwalk.
Right in the heart of the Medical Center, you can stay in this gorgeous, rustic Texan Barnhouse. With 1700 square feet to enjoy, the accommodation sleeps four in two bedrooms and comes with two bathrooms.
The grounds themselves feature a guest cottage and even a separate garage with a private pool and picnic area. Be sure to enjoy the nearby 20-mile cycling and walking path known as Leon Creek Greenway as well as the large soaking tub when you get back.
Lying just three miles away from downtown San Antonio, this single-bedroom, single-bathroom apartment is ideal for a getaway. It can sleep up to six people, and includes a deck/patio while feeling wholly modern with a Smart TV and fully-equipped kitchen.
The Alamo is only 4.3 miles away yet you can enjoy this apartment as a home base complete with a Queen bed and a sleeper sofa. Crucially, there is free Wi-Fi and air conditioning to combat the time you may spend indoors.
Few who stay are ever disappointed in this San Antonio home vacation rental known as Case de Adriel. There may only be 2,668 square feet available but they are packed with character and charm with a fireplace and some gorgeous indoor decor.
The Fifties ranch-esque house is based in the relatively sedate neighborhood of Bed Meade which is a great location for a getaway.
There is a single King bed in bedroom 1, two twin beds in bedroom 2, and a Queen bed in the guest house, which should be enough for a large family.
Close To The Waterfront
Many people come to San Antonio for its history, including the key role that the city played in Texan-Mexican relations.
Yet The Alamo is only part of the appeal as the now-modern city is bubbling with culture and a lot of it is centered around the Riverwalk so you should opt to stay close to the waterfront.
This is the epicenter of San Antonio with the best drinking and eating spots as well as being a beautiful gateway into the city itself. If you want to stay where it all happens, then book a hotel close to the waterfront.
For a traditional hotel stay in San Antonio, go for a hotel that combines the past with the comfort of modern living.
With a mix of modern Mediterranean and Spanish Colonial design with everything you would expect of a luxury hotel, Hotel Valencia Riverwalk is a tranquil base to explore the city.
There are 213 guest rooms in total, each with complimentary Wi-Fi though the location is one of the hotel’s best features. Choose from a range of packages including romantic ones or simply one that offers the decadence of breakfast in bed.
To get in on the action in downtown San Antonio, decide to stay at this bright and stylish studio which remains relatively close to the waterfront.
It should only take minutes to get to so many attractions including Fort Sam Houston, The Alamo Dome, Henry B Gonzales Convention Center, Pearl Brewery, The Alamo, and The Riverwalk.
This is an ideal location for a remote working getaway too with a laptop-friendly workspace in a staycation unit that comes with a washer, dryer, and dishwasher.
Throw in a Keurig for caffeinated beverages and you have everything you need to get some work done but this is also a family-friendly spot with a fully-equipped 4K HDTV, community pool, and bike share station to take on some local trails.
Luxury Hotels
When you decide to stay in San Antonio, you should consider treating yourself to some luxury. That should mean decadent suites, exceptionally convenient locations, and excellent in-hotel dining.
Feel free to treat yourself with a spa, perhaps a swim in the rooftop pool with a view, or a leisurely soak in the whirlpool. To make your trip extra-memorable, perhaps book in a luxury hotel that comes with the most exquisite furnishings for some incredible photos.
While the location is directly on the Riverwalk, a stay at Hotel Contessa can seem a long, long way away from the hustle and bustle of the city.
This is less a hotel, and more a classy, all-suite retreat with stylish notes taken from the deep history of the city and its exciting culture.
The work of local artists can be viewed amidst the hotel walls itself which may be ideal to impress business guests with expert planning provided and on-site catering for crucial meetings.
For those after a break, enjoy their spa and some exquisite transformational wellness.
Another luxury hotel, and probably the finest in the city, that can be found directly on the Riverwalk is the Hilton Palacio Del Rio. The Rivercenter Mall and even The Alamo itself are a leisurely five-minute stroll away yet you’d be hard-pressed to leave the hotel.
Not with an outdoor pool and fitness center, nor even with an on-site restaurant serving the best in South Texas and American cuisine, and the sole wood-fired oven pizzeria you can find on the Riverwalk.
There is even an Irish pub complete with cute fireplaces and authentic stone walls where you can enjoy a sing-a-long to while away the evening.
For one of the best views of the Riverwalk, head up to the deck of the Drury Plaza Hotel’s rooftop pool, equipped as it is with two whirlpools.
The hotel used to be the Alamo National Bank yet each of its 24 stories has been renovated to make exceptional use of those 50-foot ceilings and stained glass windows.
Every single room includes a microwave, refrigerator, free Wi-Fi and a television yet you should want to venture out as the Aztec Theater is only across the street.
As a former bank, you better believe it has enough space for a meeting with over 18,000 square feet as well as banquet space with a 5:30 Kickback menu to enjoy for free at the end of the day.
This upscale hotel is located on the quiet end of the Riverwalk close to the Pearl District and within walking distance of everything downtown has to offer.
Few hotels are truly pet-friendly as well as decadently luxurious yet The Westin offers private balconies, marble bathrooms, and pillow-top mattresses.
The Alamo is only half a mile away yet with a contemporary Italian restaurant in Zocca Cuisine D’Italia and hand-tossed pizzas, you would find it difficult to leave.
However, once you have explored San Antonio, you can kick back and relax in their outdoor heated pool, or sneak a workout in as they have a trademarked WestinWORKOUT Fitness Studio.
Not to be confused with the Drury Plaza Hotel, the Riverwalk Plaza Hotel is out on its own with relaxing rooms that come with contemporary amenities.
That includes a courtyard pool with many upgraded rooms coming with a balcony to enjoy the view, a full kitchen, and even a jacuzzi. You could even book their luxurious Southtown villa that can sleep up to 14 people in a gorgeous 3,080-square-foot townhome.
Or you could just book their two-bedroom, two-bathroom, two-balcony apartment suite while both the Executive Suites and the Presidential Suite come with a jacuzzi.
Bed And Breakfasts
To enjoy the best in comfortable Texan hospitality, you should consider opting for a cozy, homely bed and breakfast.
While many of the hotels can have excellent locations literally on the Riverwalk and offer a free hot breakfast, many inns are a few blocks away from the city center so prove to be an ideal place to be.
Several bed and breakfasts on offer also have a history of their own, as well as offering luxurious accommodations with a range of suites.
They still come with modern amenities, including Wi-Fi and coffee-making facilities, yet you should have a memorable experience, especially if you can find one with a swimming pool or hot tub.
Step back into the 1900s as the Inn On The Riverwalk comprises of three homes from the early part of that century with 13 luxury guest suites.
Though the Riverwalk is only a ten-minute walk away, the inn is nestled under a canopy of trees at the end of a sedate cul-de-sac.
Such an ideal setting is ideal for events and the inn even proves to be an all-inclusive wedding venue for intimate ceremonies with just two guests, or up to 125 with the ceremony held on the Riverwalk itself.
If you are looking to treat yourself during your stay then look to book one of their packages including for honeymoons, anniversaries, birthdays, or simply a relaxing getaway.
For that family-friendly touch, head to the decidedly quaint O’Casey’s Boutique Inn, north of downtown’s historic district.
The Riverwalk and downtown can get busy so take it easy in an inn that was built in 1904 and continues to impress guests with modern amenities.
This could be the ideal spot to get away from everything with self-check-in available as well as staff that are still available 24/7. When you need to relax, be content that you can book a long-term stay as easily as a honeymoon getaway or a family vacation.
More affordable elegance can be found in the Bullis House Inn, another gorgeous bed and breakfast in San Antonio.
Priding itself on its award-winning ‘classic Southern style’, the neoclassical mansion is literally down the street from the Fort Sam Houston quadrangle.
For those history buffs, the bed and breakfast was built between 1906 and 1909 for a frontier Indian fighter known as General John Lapham Bullis who was key in capturing Geronimo.
You should sleep well after a dip in their crystal clear swimming pool yet there are claims that Geronimo’s spirit still lingers and even roams around the mansion.
Privacy and charm come as standard in A Yellow Rose Bed and Breakfast with a range of rooms to suit several arrangements.
Perhaps the traditional Carriage House Suite with its poster bed, the gorgeously decorated Bluebonnet Room, or the Bordeaux Room with its sofas.
Each room comes with a Queen-sized bed complete with memory foam or feather topper, refrigerator, French press coffee carafes, and a private ensuite bathroom. There are special rates to enjoy for those frequent guests and extended stays are readily available.
In the heart of the King William Historic District, kick back and relax in the intimate setting of Brackenridge House Bed and Breakfast.
Though it is only a couple of blocks away from the Riverwalk and five blocks away from downtown, the inn is situated on a cozy, tree-lined residential street.
That may mean a sedate evening soaking in the hot tub or watching the day go by sitting on the verandahs.
For the first bed and breakfast in the area, you can revel in the best Texan hospitality, whether for a honeymoon, romantic getaway, reunion, or vacation.
Cheap/Mid-Range Hotels
There is little to separate the range of cheap and mid-range hotels in San Antonio so there is a lot to consider. While you can expect a free breakfast, some are a little closer to the Riverwalk than others while the accommodation itself may be the defining factor.
From Hotel Gibbs which is a veritable institution in the city’s very beginning to more generic and modern offerings including La Quinta Inn and Hampton Inn Downtown. Expect modern amenities, free Wi-Fi, and excellent locations at an honest price.
The La Quinta has a prime location in downtown San Antonio and is a short walk away from the Riverwalk. There is a free Bright Side Breakfast to enjoy as well as an outdoor pool and fitness center with free parking for a single vehicle per room.
Along with everything you would expect, from a flat-screen HDTV and ironing amenities to pet-friendly facilities. Then there are four meeting rooms with an on-site business center if it is a work-related stay you are booking the hotel for.
With a modern design, it may seem strange when you discover that Hotel Gibbs was actually built in 1909, as the very first high-rise office building in San Antonio.
Now, the property is an exceptionally modern boutique hotel that still carries the building’s original characteristics as a treasured historical building.
Any stay is essentially steeped in the city’s very development, though you can simply enjoy decadent accommodations, colorful furnishings, and an excellent location a mere 100 feet from the main entrance to the Riverwalk.
If you want a mid-range hotel that still has a story to tell then look no further.
If downtown is more your jam then book in at the Hampton Inn on Crawford Street. That means a short walk to some of the city’s finest restaurants while Minute Maid Park is only two blocks away and Discovery Green is literally down the street.
If you want to see the Rockets shoot some hoops then this is the ideal place to be as Toyota Center is ten minutes away. After all that, you should be relieved to know that the Wi-Fi is free, as is the daily hot breakfast.
The Best Districts
Finding the right accommodation in San Antonio has a lot to do with finding the best neighborhood to stay in. That could mean spending more on a room with a view of the Riverwalk or heading downtown where you can still find some affordable rates with a great location.
Southtown is closer to some of the historical sites while Northwest is a relatively sedate area. Then there is the Pearl District which is the trendiest district in the city and full of great shopping and some locally-owned restaurants.
Downtown
Those that are visiting San Antonio for the very first time should opt to stay downtown. There is still a range of affordable accommodations yet you would be staying directly in the middle of the city.
This is the best place to simply get yourself lost in the city and still know you are not too far away from your bed. You should be able to find both historic cottages and luxurious hotels so take your pick.
Southtown
The night owls should look to stay in Southtown to enjoy the trappings of San Antonio’s exciting nightlife. As well as being close to some of the city’s main bars, you can still drop by La Villita Historic Arts Village and The Alamo.
For a district relatively close to the best parts of San Antonio, if you are staying in Southtown, you probably do not need to rent a car and the airport is not too far away.
Northwest
Though further away from the city, the Northwest district is ideal for families. Especially those who want to visit Six Flags Park yet still make time for downtown San Antonio.
For such a quiet area, you can easily travel to both places and still make it to the city. If you are traveling with a young family then bet on Northwest for a tranquil stay.
Pearl District
For the best culture and history in the city, head straight for the Pearl District. This is decidedly the trendiest district in the city which is host to the most attractive venues and shopping spots.
Then there are the historic places to enjoy and several locally-owned restaurants and boutique shops. Due to the attractions that lay nearby, you can expect to pay more for the elegant and luxurious accommodations.
Riverwalk
The Riverwalk is ideal for first-time visitors to the city with an exceedingly central location where you can easily immerse yourself in everything that San Antonio has to offer. The prices for accommodation do vary as the location serves itself well for luxury hotels.
However, if you look around, you can still find an affordable spot only a few blocks away. That could mean a bed and breakfast or even a vacation rental.
Final Thoughts
San Antonio is packed full of history and culture though still has space for modern arenas and some fine restaurants. The craft beer scene is also up and coming so you may want to book accommodation close to some of the most renowned breweries in the city.
There are also certain districts to choose from including Pearl District to be close to the trendy parts and, of course, the Riverwalk.
Alternatively, you could simply stay Downtown to be close to pretty much everything, Northwest for Six Flags Park, or opt to stay Southtown for the nightlife.
There is a range of accommodations to choose from when you do stay in San Antonio. From luxurious hotels with in-room jacuzzis to cheap/midrange hotels with swimming pools where you can still benefit from a great location.
If you and your family enjoy the feeling of home then choose a vacation rental or for that homely feeling with some great service thrown in then there are some great bed and breakfasts.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is It Worth Trying To Find Somewhere To Stay On The Riverwalk In San Antonio?
Those that have visited San Antonio before would likely benefit from staying in another district in the city simply to get a different experience. However, those first-time visitors should find accommodation on the Riverwalk as it is one of the highlights of the city.
The river winds its way through the CBD with palm trees and some of the best bars and restaurants. The area is also ideal for couples due to kissing bridges and romantic spots.
When Is The Ideal Time To Visit San Antonio?
Texas can be hot during summer so plan your trip to the city for between September and April while it remains cool. Perhaps the cheapest time to visit San Antonio is between late September and the start of December. While it may get busier closer to the holidays, the cheapest period to visit the city is also when the city is less full of visitors.
Hi, my name is Alex Kallen and I love to travel. Ever since I could afford the ticket, I hopped on a plane and never looked back. I’ve made a living writing travel guides and blogging my experience all over the world.
I want to encourage and inspire others to travel around the US like I am. There’s no need to go on vacation overseas when there is an amazing land of opportunity right on your doorstep. Enjoy my website, I hope to see you out here one day.
