Best places to stay in San Antonio
San Antonio proudly showcases its Texan pride and history throughout a downtown area that’s full of missions, parks, and churches that stand testament to its religious past. However, the city also has a modern avatar that offers gleaming skyscrapers, massive theme parks, top notch museums, and professional sports teams. Being a fairly large city, San Antonio is split into several neighborhoods. Here are a few key areas that are close to popular attractions and offer a good choice of hotels.
Downtown San Antonio
The downtown area features streets filled with beautiful architecture, charming shops, fabulous bars, clubs and famous restaurants. Most of San Antonio’s popular sites and attractions are located downtown. Along the buzzing San Antonio River Walk, consider Hotel Valencia or the Hilton Palacio Del Rio hotel. Adjacent to the Alamo, you have The Historic Menger Hotel set in a stately Victorian-era building with wrought iron balconies and traditionally decorated rooms. For a luxurious and indulgent stay, check out the Mokara Hotel & Spa, a 2-minute walk from Aztec Theatre or the Grand Hyatt San Antonio on Market Street, steps away from the San Antonio River Walk. At the southern end of Brackendridge Park, you have Hotel Emma, a former 19th-century brew house converted into a luxurious riverfront hotel with well-appointed rooms and suites.
Southside – King William Historic District
Just south of downtown, the King William Historic District is just one part of this artsy neighborhood, packed with galleries, cafés, bars, artist lofts, antique and thrift stores. Once a month, local art and products are showcased on South Flores Street. Several budget-friendly hotels are available in this area, including the Holiday Inn Express & Suites San Antonio West – Seaworld hotel and La Quinta Inn San Antonio Lackland. You can also check out traditional B&Bs, such as the Brackenridge House Bed and Breakfast or the King William Manor Historic Inn.
Eastside
Featuring the Alamodome stadium, the Freeman Coliseum sports stadium, and the AT&T Center (home of the San Antonio Spurs basketball team), Eastside attracts a large number of sports fans. This part of the city also includes the charming Saint Paul Square, and the Knob Hill San Antonio Historic District. Consider quality hotels, such as Days Inn San Antonio Splashtown/ATT Center, Staybridge Suites San Antonio Downtown Conv Ctr, or Holiday Inn Express and Suites San Antonio Rivercenter Area.
Northwest
This area is home to the main campus of the University of Texas at San Antonio (UTSA), and northwest campus of the University of the Incarnate Word (UIW). This is a student-friendly neighborhood that offers plenty of cheap eateries and affordable bars. The Six Flags Fiesta Texas amusement park is here too, and you can shop at a wide range of national chains and local stores at The Shops at La Cantera. Less than 1.5 miles from The Shops at La Cantera mall, check out the posh rooms and suites in the award-winning luxury hotel, La Cantera Resort & Spa. Consider the sleek rooms and modern amenities offered by the Hyatt Place San Antonio-Northwest/Medical Center hotel.
Alamo Heights
Located on the edge of Olmos Basin park, Alamo Heights is home to the San Antonio Zoo and Aquarium, The Witte Museum, and the McNay art museum. This vibrant community has a quaint, suburban vibe and tree-lined streets filled with boutique shops, galleries, bars, and cafés. The Olmos Creek river runs through the area and offers several walking paths to enjoy the outdoors. For comfortable, modern accommodation, check out the Crowne Plaza San Antonio Airport hotel or Residence Inn by Marriott San Antonio Airport / Alamo Heights hotel.