JW Marriott San Antonio Hill Country Resort & Spa
Set among the bubbling streams and tree-covered hills of Cibolo Canyons, the JW Marriott San Antonio Resort & Spa is a magnificent family escape and a premier golf destination.
5 Best Hotels in San Antonio, Texas
Many visitors choose to stay downtown to be close to the Alamo, River Walk, museums, and other attractions. Once you're downtown, almost everything is accessible on foot or via river taxi or trolley; a car isn't needed and parking can be expensive. The city has one shuttle service from the airport that serves all downtown hotels ($14 one way, $24 round-trip). It runs from 7 am to 11 pm right from the airport. Several national chain hotels are concentrated along the River Walk and adjacent to the convention center. The Menger and Crockett hotels lead the list of historic hotels next to the Alamo. In recent years several boutique hotels have opened up, promoting spa weekends and indulgent getaways. Downtown has also seen the opening of some larger, value-oriented and extended-stay chains.
Several full-service resorts within the city limits, most near Sea World and Fiesta Texas amusement park, offer golf, tennis, on-site water parks, children's activities, restaurants, and the services you'd expect from a resort—a good option for families. Most major resorts are a 15- to 20-minute drive from downtown.
Bed-and-breakfasts are concentrated in a few of the national historic districts but still offer a range of mid-range and pricier room options. Virtually all are no-smoking, and only a few accept children younger than 12.
San Antonio is a major convention destination, so it's feast or famine for hotel rooms; peak seasons are generally spring and late fall. At the right time you can get some great deals for top-quality accommodations, but during special events (Fiesta week, the NCAA Final Four tournament, during major conventions) expect to pay top dollar and make reservations months in advance. Because of the city's appeal for business travelers, you can actually find lower rates on weekends at many hotels.
Canopy by Hilton San Antonio Riverwalk
With a clean, contemporary design and excellent location, the Canopy by Hilton has almost everything you would want for a comfortable stay right on the River Walk. It's a stellar location, with the Alamo, La Villita Historic Arts Village, and San Fernando Cathedral only a half-mile away. Guest rooms are spacious and well-appointed with a sharp yet colorful design. If you want a balcony facing the River Walk, be sure to request it when booking. There is a fitness center, but no pool. The open-air Domingo's restaurant offers breakfast, lunch, dinner, and weekend brunch, with a wide variety of American and Tex-Mex specialties in a lovely River Walk setting. The on-site Otro Bar is known for their agave cocktails on a bright, colorful elevated terrace overlooking the River Walk, perfect for conversation and relaxing with a drink.
Drury Inn & Suites San Antonio Riverwalk
One of the best values among River Walk hotels, the Drury Inn & Suites is located in the historic 1921 Petroleum Commerce Building. Ask for a room with a terrace overlooking the river. This isn't a posh or luxurious getaway, but if you're on a budget or want a kid-friendly hotel, you can't beat it. There's a heated rooftop pool and whirlpool and in-room amenities include free Wi-Fi. There's also a free hot breakfast buffet and an afternoon free dinner buffet reception with two free alcoholic beverages.
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Hilton San Antonio Hill Country
A 15-minute drive northwest of downtown, you'll find this full-service resort at the base of Texas Hill Country. SeaWorld is only a mile away, with complimentary shuttle service to and from the park on a first-come, first-served basis from 9 am to 10 pm.
Hyatt Regency Hill Country Resort and Spa
Step into relaxation at this sophisticated yet homey country resort with lots of shade—a key feature when the mercury soars during a San Antonio summer. On the northwestern edge of the city, it occupies 200 acres of former ranch land, so you feel far removed, even though you're just a few minutes from SeaWorld, about 15 minutes from Six Flags, and 20 minutes from downtown.
