Hotels in San Antonio

Best time to visit San Antonio

San Antonio is a year-round destination, but the best time to visit is between November – April when hotel rates are at their lowest, and there are fewer tourists. You can enjoy several local festivals without waiting long or competing with other tourists for space. Average temperatures remain around 60 – 70 degrees Fahrenheit during this time. Summer months from May – October see an influx of local and international visitors. Keep in mind that the high humidity and temperatures exceeding 90 degrees Fahrenheit can cause heat exhaustion as you explore various sites and attractions in the city. Not to mention, the significantly higher hotel rates will make you sweat even more during this time! Remember to wear sunscreen and drink plenty of water to keep yourself hydrated, especially when you are out and about.

Getting around San Antonio

San Antonio’s downtown core is very walkable, particularly the areas surrounding the San Antonio River Walk. VIA Metropolitan Transit runs several buses and streetcar routes that connect you to popular sites and attractions in the city. The VIVA Culture (11) route connects all the cultural attractions, VIVA Missions (40) route goes via all the San Antonio Missions World Heritage Sites and VIVA Centre (301) route travels through the heart of downtown from Centro Plaza to Sunset Station. A single-ride ticket costs a $1.30 USD for regular bus routes and $2.60 USD for express bus service. Consider purchasing a daily bus pass and enjoy unlimited rides within a 24-hour period for $2.75 USD. You can also explore the city in a fun and leisurely manner on the 3 streetcar routes offered by VIA. Check out the city’s bike share program called B-Cycle. For a 24-hour pass that costs $12.00 USD, enjoy unlimited 30-minute rides and access to all bike stations across San Antonio. Taxis operated by Yellow Cab and River Taxi are available in the city center as well as on the outskirts. Driving through the narrow downtown streets can be tedious, so if have come into the city with your own vehicle, leave it in a parking lot or parking garage and explore some of the downtown areas on foot.

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.

The beautiful blend of cultures between historic Texas ranchers and Mexican settlers is conspicuous in several attractions across San Antonio, including missions, parks, museums and galleries. You can also explore some of the best southern flavors and the most authentic ‘Tex-Mex’ cuisine at a wide range of restaurants throughout the city and along the meandering San Antonio River Walk. Here are some suggestions for an interesting San Antonio itinerary.

• Stroll, bike, or rent a paddle boat to explore the 3-mile long San Antonio River Walk that runs along the San Antonio River. The 2 parallel sidewalks are flanked by scores of shops, bars, and restaurants, and connected by several pedestrian bridges. Stop to dine under colorful umbrellas at one of the many restaurants offering riverside seating. Enjoy the live street performances and Mariachi music in the area.
• Visit San Antonio’s most famous landmark, The Alamo. Formerly a Franciscan mission, this is a historic venue that stands as a tribute to the brave men who sacrificed their lives during the struggle for Texan independence which sparked here after the 1836 Battle of the Alamo.
• Explore the rustic stone bridges, stroll along shady walkways and jogging trails, admire the beautiful Japanese Tea Gardens and San Antonio Botanical Garden, or let your kids take a spin on the carousel and the miniature train in the 343-acre Brackenridge Park.
• Visit the 1738-dated San Fernando Cathedral that boasts breathtaking interiors and dominates the Downtown San Antonio area. It is also one of the oldest cathedrals in the U.S.
• Explore several historic missions, including Mission San José, Mission Concepción, Mission Espada and Mission San Juan, at the San Antonio Missions National Historical Park.
• Admire exquisite collections of Native American, Spanish Colonial, Latin American, and the largest collection of Asian art in Texas, at the San Antonio Museum of Art.
• Explore the Spanish Governor’s Palace, a National Historic Landmark. Opt for a guided tour to learn about the intricate carvings and heavily decorated 18th-century furnishings in its various stately rooms.
• Spot over 700 species of animals, birds, insects, and marine life at the 35-acre San Antonio Zoo and Aquarium.
• Take your kids on a fun, educational trip to The Witte Museum, a quirky gallery that covers a range of exhibits about natural science, anthropology and Texas history.