San Antonio is one of the most sought-after destinations in Texas, teeming with southwest culture. With top-notch art museums, historical sites dating over 300 years back, lively nightlife, and delectable Tex-Mex, deciding where to stay in San Antonio, TX, can be tricky.
They say everything’s bigger in Texas. And this includes the major charm and personality of each of San Antonio’s unique areas, neighborhoods, and districts. History lovers will find bliss around the Riverwalk and Downtown with easy access to The Alamo. Art connoisseurs will encounter galleries and artisanal boutiques galore in La Villita. The best hotels in San Antonio can be found radiating from the heart of the city.
Need a hand deciding where to set your base? Find your ideal lodgings with this guide to the best places to stay in San Antonio, TX.
Looking for more ideas for your trip? Check out our other hotel & accommodations guides and our Texas Travel Guide for recommendations on when to visit, where to go & what to do!
Best places to stay in San Antonio, TX
Steeped in south-central Texas heritage, San Antonio hosts a range of diverse areas & neighborhoods. With each district boasting unique claims to fame, this city has an area to suit every type of traveler.
Downtown is the best bet for first-time visitors. Explore The Alamo, witness battle reenactments, and inspect the ancient Spanish mission. Snag tickets to a show at the Majestic Theater, or catch live music at Aztec on the River.
Experience San Antonio tradition in Riverwalk, moseying along the River Walk promenade on the San Antonio River. Enjoy authentic Mexican dishes at Casa Rio and refreshing margaritas at Rita’s On The River as the Mariachi bands play festive tunes. Head north to midtown to sip craft brews and sample exquisite dishes in Tobin Hill’s Pearl Brewery.
South of downtown, peruse centuries-old adobe homes in La Villita, browsing eclectic shops and galleries along the way. For a more modern side of the city, visit Southtown’s Blue Star Arts Complex.
The best areas to stay in San Antonio, TX, are:
Riverwalk
✓ The best area to stay in San Antonio for foodies and a buzzing nightlife scene
Make the Riverwalk neighborhood your base to soak in the city’s culture. This hub of activity is where the River Walk along the San Antonio River creates a rectangular shape. Inside and around this area, you’ll encounter top-notch Tex-Mex and international cuisine, lively bars, and unique art installments.
One of the most popular things to do in San Antonio is to explore the Riverwalk’s magical cobblestone paths, passing over or under arched stone bridges. Shop at quaint riverside shops, then take a Go Rio riverboat cruise for a floating history tour. Browse the Briscoe Western Art Museum, centered around cowboys and Native American culture.
Fall in love with the romantic ambiance of the River Walk district. In the evening, grab a river-facing table at Esquire Tavern to enjoy the vintage ambiance of the area’s oldest bar. Or end your day in San Antonio chowing down at Boudro’s as a live mariachi band serenades you.
Stay in Riverwalk for excitement day or night in the heart of this colorful city. Most lodgings in the area are mid-range or luxury hotels.
Canopy By Hilton San Antonio Riverwalk
Embrace southwest-chic flair at the Canopy By Hilton. The desert-decor-styled rooms feature relaxing, earthy tones and pops of color with Mexican textile details. Help yourself to a fresh Nespresso coffee each morning. After a day of exploring the area, retire to Otro and order a specialty cocktail, looking out at the twinkling lights of the River Walk.
Drury Plaza Hotel San Antonio Riverwalk
The Drury Plaza combines an art deco ambiance with an Alamo City twist, with prime access to the area’s top tourist attractions. Escape the south Texas heat in the outdoor pool, indoor pool, or a whirlpool. Splurge on the King Terrace room and revel in the commanding views of the city from the corner balcony.
Embassy Suites San Antonio Riverwalk-Downtown
The grand lobby of The Embassy Suites is less than 500 meters away from the River Walk, making this hotel ideal for sightseeing. The contemporary, neutral-toned rooms are adorned with vibrant cactus artwork and photos of local landmarks. Sunbathe at the year-round heated rooftop pool, and dine at the Range, a chophouse with river views.
Hotel Havana
The Hotel Havana is a historic and charming boutique hotel in an artsy and quiet section of the River Walk. The Mediterranean Revival building features vintage-influenced rooms, bright pops of color, and floral prints. Join the fiesta at Ocho to sample mouthwatering, house-made specialties like Cuban sandwiches and Havanas Papas Bravas.
Thompson San Antonio Riverwalk
Enjoy the pinnacle of luxury at the Thompson in North Riverwalk. Sip cocktails in a private cabana with panoramic views of the city on the Cenote Pool Deck, or relax at the Thompson Spa. The rooms are sleek and stylish, with soothing deep teal walls, dark hardwood floors, reclaimed wood tables, and plush furniture.
Downtown
✓ The top location in San Antonio for first-time visitors (especially history buffs)
Visiting San Antonio for the first time? Downtown is San Antonio’s epicenter for entertainment venues galore and major historical sites. Immerse yourself in the Texan traditions and hospitality radiating from this city center.
Discover 300 years of history at The Alamo Plaza. Take a tour of the Spanish mission, and learn about its legacy. Witness live recreations of the Battle of the Alamo, then meet actors playing soldiers and locals from the 1800s at the Living History Encampment.
Snag tickets to a concert or comedy show at the Italian palazzo-style Empire Theater or a broadway production at the grand Majestic Theater. Experience old-west culture at the Buckhorn Saloon and Texas Ranger Museum. Dig into a hearty dinner, then grab a pint and peruse the Native American and cowboy-themed artifacts of the museum.
Accommodation options in Downtown San Antonio are sophisticated and upscale, featuring trendy on-site restaurants, glamorous rooms, and stunning views. Expect to pay a premium to stay here.
Hotel Gibbs Downtown Riverwalk
Hotel Gibbs guarantees top sightseeing destinations at your doorstep. The bold and brightly colored folk art and designs in the spacious rooms will energize your San Antonio travels. Secure an Alamo-view room to take your stay to the next level. Grab a glass of Texas Honey Cider at the 1909 Taproom, where happy hour never ends.
Omni La Mansion del Rio
Make the Omni La Mansion your southwest sanctuary. The Spanish Colonial-style hotel combines peak elegance and local charm near major attractions. Get cozy in modern rooms amid rustic exposed brick and massive windows facing the courtyard or River Walk. Lounge at the outdoor swimming pool in the hotel’s private courtyard.
San Antonio Marriott Rivercenter
The Marriott Rivercenter screams southwest chic, with stained glass windows and woven patterns. Fuel up at Cafe Bodadillo, and in the evening, devour locally-sourced meals at Tributary. Settle into your simple yet stylish room, then fit a workout in at the 24-hour fitness center. Cool off at the outdoor or indoor pool.
Mokara Hotel & Spa
Stay in distinguished splendor at the Mokara Hotel. The rooms are sleek and classic, with floor-length windows, some including a balcony. Retreat to the spa and cedar sauna room to decompress, then indulge in fresh seafood at Ostra. Sip cocktails at the Rooftop Cafe with scenic sights of the buzzing San Antonio streets below.
The St. Anthony, a Luxury Collection Hotel, San Antonio
The St. Anthony is sophistication at its finest. The hotel is dripping with opulence, from the dazzling chandeliers to the infinity pool spilling over into the spectacular city views. Signature green velvet accents are found in all of the tastefully decorated rooms, evoking feelings of old-world European charm.
La Villita
✓ The ultimate neighborhood to stay in San Antonio for culture fiends and art coinneseurs
La Villita offers a tranquil respite from the bustle of the city center. A haven for artists, this quaint district boasts strong cultural roots through its art galleries and locally crafted goods for sale. Discover La Villita’s historic beauty, situated on the south banks of the San Antonio River Walk.
Mosey through the charming La Villita Historic Village, past traditional adobe and more ornate Victorian-styled buildings. Check out Plaza Taxco for handcrafted Mexican silver jewelry and Oaxacan wood carvings from Casa Manos Alegres. Admire the work of local artists at La Villita’s original art gallery, Little Studio Gallery.
Take a spin through Hemisfair Park, and marvel at San Antonio from 750 feet in the air at the Tower of the Americas. Enjoy dinner at the rotating Chart House restaurant at the top while gazing upon the skyline from 360 degrees.
La Villita’s hotels tend to be mid-range, with ample amenities to make your stay comfortable.
SpringHill Suites by Marriott San Antonio Downtown-Riverwalk Area
The SpringHill Suites, on the outskirts of La Villita, provides easy access to the business district of the city. The contemporary rooms will make your San Antonio stay a breeze with daily breakfast, refrigerators, microwaves, and plenty of desk space. Laze by the pool or hit the fitness center to get your steps in.
Hyatt Place San Antonio Riverwalk
Hyatt Place is a lovely choice for business travelers or families on the go. Relax in your minimalistic room with contemporary art adorning the walls. You’ll appreciate the “Cozy Corner” in each room, with a sitting area separate from the workspace. Snatch a bite to go at The Market or dine in at The Placery.
Hilton Palacio del Rio
Directly on the lively banks of the River Walk, Hilton Palacio del Rio combines San Antonio’s energy with the iconic glitz of the Hilton brand. Each room includes a private balcony and ultra-modern decor. Sample authentic Mexican cuisine at The River’s Edge, then hit up the legendary Durty Nelly’s Irish Pub for karaoke downstairs.
Southtown
✓ The prime place to stay in San Antonio for architecture fanatics and for its brilliant bar scene
Southtown, predictably south of downtown, is considered the new arts district of the city. It’s a hodgepodge of classic architecture, and industrial warehouses turned into galleries and trendy shops. Around Southtown, you’ll find some of San Antonio’s trendiest coffee shops, hippest eateries, and best breweries.
Swing by the Blue Star Arts Complex to browse diverse art installments and sip your way around the bar scene, starting with Blue Star Brewing Co. Munch on homemade pizza at Stella’s, then rent a bike at the Blue Star Bike Shop and roll down the River Walk.
Architecture aficionados, head straight to the King William neighborhood. Wander under speckled sunlight from the oak trees lining the streets, marveling at the stately 19th-century Second Empire and Romanesque mansions. A guided tour is the best way to appreciate this area.
Southtown hosts a variety of affordable hotel options and well-equipped homestays, perfectly suited for extended holidays.
La Quinta by Wyndham San Antonio Downtown
Get bargain rates on your San Antonio stay without sacrificing quality at La Quinta. Stretch out in spacious rooms equipped with coffee machines to energize your mornings and plenty of desk space to maximize productivity. The Texas-shaped waffles at the continental breakfast are bound to get you psyched for your day in the city.
Candlewood Suites San Antonio Downtown, an IHG Hotel
Planning a longer stay in San Antonio? Set your base at the Candlewood Suites for uber-convenient amenities like a laundry room, kitchenette, and a grill on the patio. After a long day’s work or explorations of the city, destress in the outdoor pool or sweat it out in the gym, which is open around the clock.
Sonder at Southtown
Whether you’ve booked an extended stay, or simply prefer apartment-style lodgings, Sonder at Southtown is perfect for you. Take a dip in the pool, looking out at the waterfall feature. Fire up the grill on the rooftop terrace, or make use of the full kitchens. Peacefully doze off in the simplistic yet thoughtfully decorated bedrooms.
The Madison
The Madison condo hotel ensures a homey atmosphere in a tranquil neighborhood. You’ll feel right at home with details like stocked bookshelves, full china cabinets, and kitchen appliances. Rest in the flourishing secret garden, or use the free bikes provided to hit downtown and the historic King William neighborhood.
Tobin Hill
✓ Recommended district to stay in San Antonio for a local atmosphere and convenient day tripping
Tobin Hill is an understated residential neighborhood with some of San Antonio’s finest hidden gems. This midtown district is great for avoiding the crowds of downtown without straying too far from top sightseeing destinations.
By the River Walk Museum Reach, find a rejuvenated historic district full of life. Scout out The Pearl Brewery, a historic brewery complex with over 15 unique restaurants and shops. Grab a brew from Southerleigh Brewery, then catch a show at the Pearl Amphitheater.
Get familiar with the local art scene, making your way from the outdoor sculptures, stonework, and waterfalls of The Grotto to the San Antonio Museum of Art. Or to enjoy one of the best day trips from San Antonio, mosey through Brackenridge Park and take your family to meet over 3,500 animals at the San Antonio Zoo, then sip tea in the authentic Japanese Tea Garden.
Accommodations here are full of character and range from holiday homes with ultimate privacy to artistic and glamorous boutique hotels.
La Villa By The Riverwalk
Brimming with Texas culture, La Villa provides a warm and artsy escape. The quirky, old-west-themed rooms are reminiscent of an antique store. The mismatched furniture and cowboy artwork all somehow fit together perfectly. A perk of this property is that each bedroom is outfitted with its own flat-screen TV.
Pearl Palace
Pearl Palace is a family-owned holiday home with southwest ranch decor. This welcoming accommodation has room for the whole family between the three bedrooms. The state-of-the-art stainless steel kitchen appliances and snug living spaces will make this feel like your home away from home. Pearl Palace ensures total peace without noise from neighbors.
Hotel Emma at Pearl on the Riverwalk
Hotel Emma is one of the most popular hotels in the area, located directly in The Pearl Brewery. Retreat into peak luxury in the rustic, opulent rooms, rich with southern Texas charm. Cozy up in the warmth of the fireplace on your personal terrace, soak in the claw foot bath, then sleep tight under Frette linens.
