With its Tejano culture, scenic River Walk, and historic Spanish colonial buildings, there are plenty of reasons visitors flock to San Antonio year after year. As one of the fastest-growing cities in the US, there’s always something new and exciting to do in this sprawling Texas city!

You can easily spend your entire trip exploring all of the cool things to do on the 15-mile-long River Walk. Catch a live performance at the Tobin Center for the Performing Arts, dine alfresco at one of the many riverside restaurants, or go for a serene sunset cruise along the River Walk! 

Founded by the Spanish in 1718, San Antonio is also famous for its colonial buildings and missions. No trip to the city is complete without visiting the Alamo. The 18th-century Spanish mission turned museum commemorates the 1836 battle for Texan independence from Mexico – it’s on everybody’s Texas bucket list.

Nature lovers will definitely want to explore the San Antonio Botanical Garden, the Natural Bridge Caverns, and the Japanese Tea Garden. If you want to shop for handcrafted goods, head over to the historic Market Square or the Pearl district. From theme parks to world-class museums to innovative restaurants, there’s no end of cool things to do in this vibrant city!

There’s no doubt that San Antonio is brimming with historic hotels, luxurious boutique hotels, and charming B&Bs. So many, in fact, that you might have a hard time choosing the perfect one. So we’ve created a list of the 12 best hotels in San Antonio to help you plan your perfect getaway!

Don’t forget to check out our web story: 12 Cool Boutique Hotels in San Antonio, Texas

Where to Stay in San Antonio

It’s no surprise that the best hotels in San Antonio are clustered around the River Walk. If this is your first trip to the city, this is hands down the most convenient and fun place to base yourself. Plus, you’ll be able to walk to some of San Antonio’s most popular attractions, restaurants, and bars.

Set right in the center of the action, downtown is popular among business travelers and holiday goers alike. Because downtown is a bit removed from the River Walk, you’ll find all sorts of excellent value hotels in this part of town.

If you want to let loose during your trip to San Antonio, Southtown is the best area to stay when it comes to nightlife. The neighborhood is chock full of luxury hotels, vibrant art galleries, and some of the best restaurants in town.

The Pearl is the place to be if you’re in search of the coolest neighborhood in San Antonio! It might be small but you’ll find all sorts of hip hotels, boutiques, and cafes in this neighborhood. The Pearl is also home to a Culinary Institute of America campus, so expect to find tons of top-notch restaurants lining the streets!

12 Best Boutique Hotels in San Antonio, Texas

1. Hotel Emma

If you want to stay in the best boutique hotel in San Antonio, look no further than The Emma. This gem of a hotel is actually housed in a 19th-century brewery so expect to find original architectural details and nods to its storied past around every corner. 

Not only will you be in awe of the elegant interiors but the friendly staff will offer you complimentary margaritas at check-in! After check-in, head over to your impeccably decorated room. You’ll love all of the over-the-top extras, including the gourmet in-room pantry, comfy seersucker robes, and the turndown service with macaroons.

Explore the property and you’ll find all sorts of cool amenities. You can lounge around the rooftop pool, curl up with a good book in the private library, get massaged at Hiatus Spa, or keep up with your exercise routine at the fully outfitted gym. The Emma is also home to three eateries and lounges – Supper, Larder, and Sternewirth – which just happen to be some of the best in the city.

2. Hotel Havana

There are plenty of reasons Hotel Havana is considered to be one of the best boutique hotels in San Antonio. Housed in a 1914 Mediterranean revival-style building, the hotel is beautiful both inside and out. Plus, the River Walk is a breezy 5-minute walk away so you’ll have easy access to the city’s best restaurants, shops, and attractions!

This intimate boutique hotel boasts 27 picture-perfect rooms and suites. Each room is completely unique and seamlessly blends historic touches with modern amenities. You’ll love the retro furniture, colorful decor, and adorable SMEG refrigerators stocked with locally sourced snacks and drinks.

If you can manage to tear yourself away from your dreamy room, you’ll definitely want to take advantage of the hotel’s cool offerings. Before a night on the town, grab pre-dinner cocktails at the candlelit basement bar, Havana Bar. 

Be sure to enjoy at least one meal at Ocho. Overlooking the River Walk, Ocho serves up pan-Latin dishes and mixes up a long list of tequila-infused cocktails.

3. Menger Hotel

Located on Alamo Plaza, just across the way from the River Walk, Menger Hotel is the oldest continuously operating hotel west of the Mississippi. The historic hotel was built by husband and wife William and Mary Menger in 1859 and is still running strong over 160 years later!

From its grand architecture to its modern amenities, there’s a reason visitors continue to flock to this gem of a hotel. You can choose from a variety of rooms and suites, which are all outfitted with traditional furnishings, beautifully patterned drapery and bedding, and luxe ensuites with Gilchrist & Soames bath products. Some of the best rooms and suites in the house boast private balconies and gorgeous views of Alamo Plaza. 

Be sure to sip hand-crafted cocktails at the historic Menger Bar, which was built in 1887 as a replica of London’s House of Lords Pub. You can also dine in the hotel’s Victorian-era Colonial Room Restaurant. Once helmed by head chef Mary Menger, the restaurant continues to pay tribute to its culinary roots. Plus, Oscar Wilde, Ulysses S. Grant, and Theodore Roosevelt all spent time here back in the day so you know it’s something special!

4. O’Brien Riverwalk Boutique Hotel

O’Brien Riverwalk Boutique Hotel is the perfect pick if you want to be in the heart of town. The River Walk and some of the city’s best attractions are just one block away! Housed in yet another one of San Antonio’s historic 19th-century buildings, O’Brien Riverwalk Boutique Hotel just oozes charm!

The hotel has 39 traditionally decorated rooms where you can get a good night’s sleep on the chiropractic mattress, get some work done at the spacious workstation, and have a relaxing movie night with the large flat-screen. It’s well worth upgrading to the premium rooms for their jetted whirlpool tubs, furnished balconies, and sweeping city views. 

Fuel up for an action-packed day with the hotel’s continental breakfast buffet, which has everything from waffles to eggs to bagels. While the hotel doesn’t have an on-site restaurant, the friendly staff will go above and beyond to give you insider tips on the best restaurants and cafes in the area.

5. Mokara Hotel & Spa

Mokara Hotel & Spa is a great choice if you want to live in the lap of luxury during your trip to San Antonio. Not only is Mokara the only four-star hotel in San Antonio but the customer service is arguably the best in town. Expect to be treated like royalty during your stay! 

The lavish rooms boast 12-foot ceilings, large picture windows, hand-forged iron four-poster beds, and beautiful wood writing desks. The luxurious marble bathrooms feature designer bath products, plush bathrobes and slippers, and deep soaking tubs. Plus, the bath butler will draw a bath for you if you want! 

One of the many cool features of this hotel is the rooftop pool and cafe. You can easily while away the days lounging around the pool and taking in the city views. You can also socialize over light bites and alfresco cocktails at the cafe.

For a special meal, head over to the hotel’s romantic riverside eatery, Ostra. Ostra specializes in serving up sustainable seafood dishes from tuna tacos to Applewood roasted salmon. Don’t miss out on their famous Oyster Bar, where you can choose from a variety of fresh oysters, clams, crab, shrimp, and ceviche.

6. Hotel Valencia River Walk

Whether you’re in town for business or pleasure, Hotel Valencia is one of the best hotels in San Antonio. With so many luxurious amenities, you don’t have to leave this hotel if you don’t want to. But if you do feel like exploring town all of the River Walk’s excellent eateries, shops, and attractions are just minutes away!

The sophisticated Spanish colonial-style rooms and suites boast custom-made Hotel Valencia beds topped with seven layers of designer linens, cozy sitting areas with plush leather chairs, and fully stocked honor bars. The Italian marble bathrooms feature beautiful vanities, waffle weave bathrobes, and designer C.O. Bigelow bath products. 

Both guests and locals alike flock to Dorrego’s Restaurant, which is the only Argentinean restaurant in town. Open all day long, you can feast on creative Argentinean-inspired dishes including egg and chorizo-stuffed breakfast quesadillas, spicy wings slathered in a buffalo chimichurri sauce, and chimichurri marinated grilled chicken sandwiches. Not only does this intimate eatery boast beautiful views of the River Walk but on certain nights they even host live flamenco performances!

7. The Emily Morgan Hotel

If haunted hotels are your thing, you’ll definitely want to book a night or two at the historic Emily Morgan Hotel. In 2013, USA Today even listed Emily Morgan Hotel as one of the 13 most haunted hotels in the world!

The building dates back to 1920 and was formerly a Medical Arts Building. Nowadays, guests report all sorts of paranormal activity from apparitions of nurses to faucets mysteriously turning on in the middle of the night.

Most of the spooky activity happens on floors 7, 12, and 14. So if you don’t want to go ghost hunting during your visit, you can opt to stay in one of the stylish rooms on another floor. Each room boasts modern amenities including ultra-comfy beds, large HDTVs, and luxury ensuites. 

You can do laps in the heated outdoor pool, unwind after a long day in the hot tub, or work up a sweat in the state-of-the-art fitness center. If you feel like dining at the hotel, Oro Restaurant & Bar dishes out traditional Southwestern fare with a creative twist. Located just steps from the River Walk, this upscale restaurant is a popular spot for guests and locals alike.

8. The St. Anthony

The St. Anthony first opened its doors in 1909 and quickly became the it place for the city’s elite, including presidents Franklin D. Roosevelt and Dwight D. Eisenhower! In order to restore the hotel to its former glory, the hotel was given a much-needed multi-million dollar makeover in 2013. Expect to find sparkling chandeliers, original Italian marble floors, and “St. Anthony green” accents throughout this luxurious hotel. 

The St. Anthony has all sorts of cool amenities. You can soak up the Texas sun around the rooftop infinity pool, party the night away at The St. Anthony Club, or get in shape at the fully outfitted fitness center. Enjoy hearty locally sourced breakfasts at Gallery on the Park. For lunch, you can dine poolside at Cabana Bar and for a special dinner, splurge on an upscale seafood meal at the award-winning Rebelle. 

You’ll love crashing out in the impeccably decorated rooms at the end of a long day. Get comfy on the plush pillow top bed, where you can curl up with a good book or have a relaxing movie night. The writing desks, whimsical sitting areas, and luxe Italian marble baths are nice added touches.

9. Hotel Gibbs

This lovely boutique hotel is housed in a 1909 building that was the first-ever high-rise office building in San Antonio. This historic building is not only located 100 feet from the main entrance of the bustling River Walk but it’s technically on the grounds of the original Alamo compound!

The colorful rooms boast 100-year-old original hardwood floors, large picture windows, and spa-like baths. You can brew your morning cup of coffee with the in-room Keurig coffee makers, catch up on your emails at the spacious workstation, or watch your favorite TV shows on the large flat-screen. 

Start your day off the right way with the hotel’s complimentary breakfast tacos. In the evenings, head down to the hotel’s 1909 Taproom where it’s happy hour, every hour!

For $4, you can imbibe with a long list of locally sourced wine and beer – from Texas Albariño to Texas Honey Cider. If you’re hungry, you can also snack on bar bites, including cheesy quesadillas, veggie-topped flatbreads, and overstuffed sandwiches. 

10. The Crockett Hotel

The Crockett Hotel is located right next to the Alamo and is named after legendary frontiersman Davy Crocket, who perished at the Alamo. Built in 1909, this building is now on the National Register of Historic Places so you’ll be staying in a piece of history! This is an excellent option if you want to be within walking distance of both the Alamo and the River Walk.

The Southwest-style rooms boast plush beds, large windows with custom plantation shutters, and views of either the lush atrium or the Alamo. If you’re traveling as a family or simply want more space, the suites are well worth the upgrade for their spacious sitting areas and foldout couches. This hotel is also pet-friendly in case you’re traveling with your furry friends.

You’ll love the complimentary breakfast of Texas-shaped waffles, breakfast tacos, and much more. In the evenings, grab pre-dinner drinks at the hotel bar. Ernie’s Bar specializes in Texas-crafted spirits and microbrews. Once you’re ready to hit the town, you’ll be able to walk to all sorts of excellent bars, restaurants, and nightlife venues. 

11. Inn on the River Walk

If large hotel chains aren’t your thing, the charming Inn on the River Walk might just be the ideal place to stay. With only 13 rooms, the staff at this adorable bed and breakfast will go above and beyond to make sure you have the best stay possible. 

This building was originally constructed as a doctor’s office in 1916, so each suite is completely unique. Suites are outfitted with ultra-comfy beds topped with colorful quilts, cozy sitting areas, and beautifully tiled bathrooms. If you’re in town for a romantic getaway, the Mockingbird Suite is tucked away on the second floor of the owner’s home. 

No bed and breakfast experience is complete without indulging in a gourmet breakfast. The chef serves up made-to-order dishes including apple cinnamon pancakes, migas-style scrambled eggs, and crispy French toast. Make sure you try the B&B’s famous cinnamon Colombian coffee!

As the name implies, Inn on the River Walk is perched right on the River Walk. You can hop on one of the hotel’s bikes and easily cruise around town. If this is your first time in town and you’re not sure where to go, the staff give you all sorts of recommendations about what to see, do, and eat in San Antonio!

12. Omni La Mansion del Rio

The luxurious Omni La Mansion del Rio is hands down one of the best hotels in San Antonio. Not only is it nestled right on the River Walk but the hotel boasts so many cool amenities. You might never want to leave!

The beautiful hacienda-style rooms are outfitted with exposed brick walls, plush beds with oversized headboards, and 49-inch flat-screens. You can brew your morning cup of Stance coffee with the Keurig coffee maker, have a relaxing night of Netflix with the 49-inch smart TV, or freshen up after a long day in the luxurious bathroom. 

If you want to do San Antonio right, the opulent Presidential Suite is well worth paying a little bit more for. You’ll love its spacious living room, wet bar, and two balconies overlooking the bustling River Walk. When you’re not adventuring around town, go for a dip in the heated outdoor pool, keep up with your workout routine in the state-of-the-art gym, or get pampered at Mokara Spa.

The Omni is home to four bars and restaurants. Sip poolside cocktails at Pool Bar, snack on light bites at El Colegio, or socialize over fine wine and fresh oysters at Ostra. But the real standout is the 3-story Las Canarias Restaurant, which serves up refined American fare along with prime River Walk views. 

That completes our list of the 12 best San Antonio hotels! Did we miss any cool boutique hotels in San Antonio? Comment below so we can add them to the list!

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