Are you traveling to San Antonio soon? Wondering where to stay in San Antonio? I had the amazing opportunity to live there for six weeks and extensively explore the city. This post is going to give you the best hotels to stay while visiting this vibrant and colorful part of Texas.
Did you know according to US News that Alamo City is one of the most visited places in Texas?
If you’re going to stay in San Antonio of course you can stay at cheaper options like La Quinta Inn, Days Inn, or Holiday Inns but that’s not what this post is about. You want the right place to stay to truly enjoy your holiday.
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How To Get To San Antonio
San Antonio By Airplane
The best way to get to San Antonio is via domestic flights in the United States. The airport you will fly into is San Antonio International and the airport code is SAT.
San Antonio By Bus
You can take a bus to San Antonio, Texas. I’ve used Greyhound before when traveling in the US. Find your bus ticket to San Antonio here.
San Antonio By Train
There are 19 Amtrak trains that go to San Antonio per day. They can get you to San Antonio from 74 cities around the USA including Sacramento. You can check out if your city has a train to San Antonio here.
How To Get Around San Antonio
Downtown San Antonio is very walkable so you can easily get around by foot. If you don’t have a car, there are other ways to navigate San Antonio.
- Bus—VIA Metropolitan Transit Service – Buses cost $1.30 for one way and 15 cents when transferring to another bus. Express buses cost $2.60. Carry exact change or download the VIA go mobile app.
- VIVA Culture Route(buses 11, 11a, 11b) – These buses travel from downtown to the San Antonio Museum of Art, Japanese Tea Garden, San Antonio Zoo, Witte Museum, Brackenridge Park, and the San Antonio Botanical Garden.
- VIVA Missions(bus 40) – This bus goes from downtown to the four historic missions in the south.
- VIVA Centro(bus 301) – This bus takes you all around downtown, east side and west side. You can catch all of the VIVA buses at Alamo Plaza.
- RIVER TAXI—GO RIO river-taxi shuttles – The River Taxi stops at locations along the Downtown Reach and Museum Reach sections of the River Walk and runs daily from 10am to 9pm. You can book your River Taxi pass here.
- Hop-on Hop-off San Antonio Tour – This bus takes you around the city’s highlights and you can hop on and hop off at the designated stops.
- By Ride-share & Taxi – Uber and Lyft are popular ride sharing options.
- SWell Cycle – This is a public bike-share program and the easiest way to reserve and find the bikes is to download the SWell Cycle app. You can purchase passes at B-stations for 30-minute rides ($3). A 24-hour pass is $12, and monthly membership is $18 ($100 for entire year).
- By Car – San Antonio’s weekday rush hour is between 7:30am to 9am and 4:30pm to 6pm.
San Antonio Explorer Pass
To make your trip budget friendly, look into the San Antonio Explorer Pass. You can save a bunch of money by paying one flat fee and choose 4-5 San Antonio attractions that are included in the pass.
Attractions included are Six Flags Firesta, Seaworld San Antonio, Texas Hill Country and LBJ Tour, and Extreme Escape Games. This is best for travelers who don’t want to see everything and do what they want. Book your San Antonio Explorer Pass here.
Where To Stay in San Antonio?
Below you’ll find the best neighborhoods to stay in. The average price to stay at the San Antonio Riverwalk area is about $120 per night while downtown hotels will be around $90 a night.
- San Antonio Riverwalk – Best for first time travelers. It’s within easy reach of many restaurants, bars, and other tourist attractions.
- Downtown San Antonio – Great for budget travelers who want close proximity to top attractions.
- Southtown San Antonio – This is the best area for nightlife.
- Pearl District – This is the perfect hub for creativity, food, and leisure.
- Northwest San Antonio – Perfect for a family trip with peace and quiet at night.
San Antonio Downtown Hotels
Where to stay in San Antonio? The downtown area is a great place to stay. You’ll be close to the Riverwalk, but not super central to all the weekend festivities.
1. Hotel Havana
Looking for boutique hotels in one of the best areas in San Antonio? Hotel Havana is located a short walk from the San Antonio River Walk.
This historic boutique hotel was built in 1914 and inspired by the union of old and new worlds, with roots from its Pan-Latin culture. It’s a great place to stay because of the location. Reserve your room at Hotel Havana here.
2. Aiden By Best Western San Antonio Riverwalk
This location is a ten minute walk from the San Antonio Riverwalk. Aiden by Best Western features free Wi-Fi. Rooms include 55″ Flat-Screen TVs with cable and streaming service options as well as a small refrigerator. Modern amenities include tea-and coffee-making facilities.
Just a short drive away is Hemisfair Park and the Tower of the Americas. The Alamo is about a mile away. Check the rates for Aiden by Best Western San Antonio Riverwalk here.
3. Menger Hotel
This hotel is adjacent to the Alamo and the scenic San Antonio Riverwalk. It is a central location and perfect for first-time visitors to San Antonio. The Menger historic hotel features a restaurant and an outdoor pool. Menger Hotel offers free WiFi. The hotel is 3.1 mi from San Antonio Zoo and San Antonio Botanical Garden. Book your stay at the Menger Hotel here.
San Antonio Riverwalk Hotels
The San Antonio Riverwalk is one of the best places to stay since it is located in the heart of the city. It’s within walking distance of restaurants, bars, and tourist activities. It gives you easy access to the only UNESCO World Heritage Site in Texas– the missions.
4. Hotel Emma
Hotel Emma is one of the best luxury hotels in the Pearl district. Included in your stay is free wifi and year-round outdoor swimming pool. This beautiful hotel has a sun terrace and fitness center, and guests can enjoy a drink at the onsite bar.
Certain units feature a private terrace with views of the famous River Walk or the city. Rooms have a private bathroom equipped with a shower, bath robes and slippers. Book your hotel rooms at Hotel Emma here.
5. Mokara Hotel & Spa
Located alongside the San Antonio River Walk, this Forbes Four-star hotel features an on-site spa and dining options. The decor showcases high ceilings and marble finishes, the elegant spacious rooms at Mokara Hotel also have a spa bath.
Mokara Hotel and & Spa is also a pet-friendly hotel so you can bring your furry bestie with you. At Ostra Restaurant, you can enjoy seafood plus an oyster bar.
Go for cocktails at Rooftop Cafe. The Henry B. Gonzalez Convention Center is less than a mile away. Reserve your room at the Mokara Hotel & Spa here.
6. Hotel Valencia Riverwalk
Hotel Valencia Riverwalk is a great location with a terrace and views of the river and an on-site restaurant. It is also near Dorrego’s Restaurant and Naranja Bar which overlook the Riverwalk.
Guests can also take advantage of the city shuttle. Nearby attractions are the Ripleys Believe It Or Not Museum and The Alamo. Get your room at the Hotel Valencia Riverwalk here.
7. Canopy By Hilton San Antonio Riverwalk
This is another good location located in San Antonio on the River Walk. This property also provides guests with a riverfront restaurant and Third Floor Terrace Bar overlooking the San Antonio River Walk.
Guest rooms will provide guests with a fridge.The hotel offers a à la carte or American breakfast. Book your stay at the Hilton San Antonio Riverwalk here.
8. Element San Antonio Riverwalk
This hotel is the perfect place to stay if you’re looking for free breakfast. I have stayed here before and the staff is absolutely wonderful! It is about a ten minute walk from The Alamo.
They also offer free bikes, private parking, a fitness center, and a restaurant. It’s great for business travelers because they also have a business center. Find room rates at the Element San Antonio Riverwalk here.
9. St. Anthony Hotel
The best part about the St. Anthony is that there is a rooftop pool where outside guests are allowed to come for their summer pool parties. It’s also THE place to get married in San Antonio. It is a luxury collection hotel so be prepared to be wowed.
It is a designated national historic landmark with an outdoor heated pool, private cabanas, and a pool bar. Each guestroom features high ceilings, wood and marble finishes, and pillow-top beds.
Sip cocktails and grab a bite to eat at The Haunt, or enjoy Texas-inspired drinks and live music at the historic St. Anthony Club. Reserve your room at the St. Anthony Hotel here.
10. Hilton Palacio Del Rio
This city center hotel is within walking distance of popular attractions, including the Alamo, and features many modern conveniences. The hotel also provides guests with private balconies in every guestroom.
Couples have good things to stay about it and the hotel star ratings are excellent at 9.3 for location. Check the room rates for the Hilton Palacio Del Rio here.
11. Hotel Contessa
This San Antonio Hotel has accommodations with an outdoor swimming pool, private parking, a fitness center and a garden. Among the facilities of this property are a restaurant, room service and a 24-hour front desk, along with free WiFi throughout the property.
There’s a hot tub, evening entertainment and an ATM. Book your stay at Hotel Contessa on the San Antonio Riverwalk here
Attractions Near The Riverwalk
If you’d like a completely done for your three day San Antonio trip with a map, then check out my post on the Best Three Day San Antonio Weekend Itinerary here.
Majestic Theatre
Established in 1929 and 1914, the Majestic & Empire Theatres are the historic Crown Jewels of Houston St., entertaining downtown for over 90 years. You can see a broadway show or two and marvel at the beautiful interior.
San Antonio Historic Market Square
A first-time visitor should definitely go shopping at the largest Mexican market outside Mexico. Located in the city center, you can enjoy the sights of old Mexico. At El Mercado, you can explore over 100 locally owned businesses, delicious restaurants, and fun bars.
San Fernando Cathedral
The San Fernando Cathedral left its mark on Texas history as it was founded in 1731 and is the oldest, continuously functioning religious community in the State of Texas. I also recommend taking this San Antonio historical down town food and walking tour.
Every Tuesday plus Friday through Sunday there is a free light show starting at 9pm that showcases the history of San Antonio. The light show has three times—9pm, 9:30pm, and 10pm.
La Villita
There are many historic sites in downtown. La Villita is an Artisan village is listed on the U.S. government’s National Register of Historic Places, featuring architectural styles that range from adobe structures, to early Victorian and Texas vernacular limestone buildings.
The Alamo
The Battle of the Alamo is famous for its thirteen day standoff between the Texans and Mexicans. “Remember the Alamo” is still a thing. Plus Davy Crockett and William B. Travis were the most famous Americans to be deleted during this Texas Revolution.
Every Friday- Sunday, there is a guided tour for $40 if you’d like go with a tour guide. You can book your Alamo ticket here.
King William Historic District
The King William District was by far my most favorite part of living here. They have Victorian Era houses and they’re beautifully decorated during Fiesta San Antonio. These historic buildings make you feel like you’re taking a walk into the past.
Hotels Near The San Antonio International Airport
The San Antonio Airport is located near the north side of the city. If you’re looking to be more low key, this is a great area. It’s also good for families.
12. Super 8 Wyndham SAT Airport North
This is a great budget hotel that is perfect for travelers who need to stay near the airport. It’s also about 12 miles away from Six Flags Fiesta.
They offer clean rooms with air-conditioning, a private bathroom, and free WiFi. The hotel features family rooms.Check room rates at the Wyndham San Antonio Airport North here.
13. Drury Inn & Suites San Antonio Airport
I’ve also stayed at this property and I loved it. Since its right by the expressway, you can get around the city easily and also get to the airport just as easily. They offer complimentary hot breakfast and rooms with free WiFi.
The rooms also have a compact refrigerator, flat screen cable TV, and microwave. Suites include a sofa bed. Book your stay at the Drury Inn & Suites San Antonio Airport here.
14. Estancia Del Norte A Tapestry Hotel by Hilton
I lived here for six weeks while job training for Southwest and it is a really pretty hotel. It is decorated with a Spanish colonial influence and are equipped with cable TV.
An in-room safe and coffee maker are provided. They also ave a shuttle which will take you across the street to the mall. Reserve your room at the Estancia Del Norte here.
15. La Cantera Resort & Spa
This San Antonio Hill Country resort and spa showcases four outdoor swimming pools, including an adults-only infinity pool and hot tub. You can definitely curl up with a good book poolside if that’s your vibe.
They also have an on-site golf course. It is just across the street from the Shops at La Cantera and Six Flags Fiesta Texas, with free shuttle service for guests. Book your room at La Cantera Resort & Spa here.
Attractions Near The Airport
World’s Biggest Cowboy Boots
These adorable cowboy boots are on the side of a pretty popping mall. Bring your patience or go early because there’s a lot of people driving past trying to get on the freeway.
San Antonio Botanical Garden
There is a section in the San Antonio Botanical Garden that has a Japanese garden donated by the city of Kumamoto. It is a sister city of San Antonio. It’s really peaceful to sit down and enjoy it.
Denman Estate Park
In a gesture to promote friendship between the two cities, Gwangju donated a large Korean pagoda and wall for the people of San Antonio to enjoy.
Japanese Tea Garden
If you’re looking to go to a land far away, the Japanese Tea Garden is a great place to start. General admission is absolutely free. Here you’ll find koi fish ponds, a waterfall, and landscaping inspired by the far east.
Six Flags Fiesta Texas
This is one of my favorite theme parks in the States. Being from the Chicago area, I would spend my summers and autumns going to the park.
16. Embassy Suites Brooks City Base Hotel & Spa
This hotel provides accommodations with a garden, free private parking, a terrace and a restaurant. This 4-star hotel offers room service and a 24-hour front desk. Book your stay at the Embassy Suites Brooks City here.
17. Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott Brooks City Base
At the hotel, rooms come with a desk. At Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott San Antonio Brooks City Base the rooms are equipped with bed linen and towels.
Tower of the Americas is 6.6 miles from the accommodation, while AT&T Center is 6.6 miles from the property. Check room rates and availability for the Fairfield Inn & Suites here.
Attractions Near South San Antonio
Mission Concepcion
These Spanish colonial missions are the only UNESCO World Heritage Site in Texas and part of the National Park Service. Dedicated in 1755, Mission Concepción is America’s oldest unrestored church and a landmark of Spanish colonial times. The missions are all located in southern San Antonio.
Recommended UNESCO Mission Tours
- San Antonio Mission Private Tour With Round Trip Transport
- San Antonio Group Missions Tour With Round Trip Transport
- Historic San Antonio Two Missions Bike Tour (North Route)
- Historic San Antonio Two Missions Bike Tour (South Route)
- Historic San Antonio Three Missions Bike Tour (4 Hour Tour)
Mission San Jose
Mission San Jose is Texas’ largest historic mission with a carved limestone facade and rose window. Since the grounds are vast, chances of getting people in your photo are slim. This is one of the most gorgeous spots of all the missions.
Mission San Juan Capistrano
Mission San Juan Capistrano is the remains of a Spanish mission that housed indigenous converts and includes an unfinished 1780s church. I really love the construction of the three bells at the front of the church. The uniqueness of Mission San Juan Capistrano is what makes it one of the most Instagrammable places in San Antonio.
Mission Espada
Mission Espada is Texas’s oldest Spanish Colonial mission. They offer tours and mass in its 18th-century church.
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