The 13 best hotels in San Antonio

Positioned right on the River Walk, this stunning hotel puts you right in the heart of the city’s top eats, drinks, and sights. Inside, expect Texan glamor and contemporary design; 195 boutique rooms outfitted with local art, Mediterranean-style black & white tiled bathrooms, and some with towering balconies to enjoy your morning brew or nightcap on. Speaking of which, you’ll want to add their restaurant and bar to the schedule, too. Domingo, under the lobby, serves acclaimed South Texan fare, while Otro Bar, is a go-to for local cool cats with a thirst for agave-forward beverages. Complimentary bike rental is provided.

Mood? Eclectic yet modern.
Location perks? Right on the River Walk – with many attractions nearby.
Budget range? Very affordable.

As part of the Omni Resort family, Mokara Hotel and Spa is one of San Antonio's more luxury options – perfect for couples retreats, a girlfriend's weekend, or, hell, just treating yourself to Swedish massages, a seafood dinner at in-house restaurant Ostra, and swims in the heated rooftop pool. The central setting on the River Walk makes it an ideal location for exploring the city or doing some serious shopping, but you'll want to return every night for a dip in your room's oversized soaking tub.

Mood? A taste of luxury. 
Location perks? Along the River Walk – choose your perfect day out nearby.
Budget range? Affordable for most budgets. 

When it first opened, Hotel Emma was one of the hottest hotels in San Antonio, and it is still a fabulous stay today. Hotel Emma offers luxury accommodations conveniently located in the heart of the trendy Pearl District. The building was originally a 19th-century brewery and has been transformed into a handsome space that expertly combines historic industrial accents with refined modern touches.

Mood? Next level glam.
Location perks? Super close to the River Walk, but with so many amenities, you may never want to leave.
Budget range? Pretty pricey.

The ultimate staycation for San Antonians, or travelers who prefer to explore at a slower pace, La Cantera is situated across 550 acres, clad with pools galore and a huge golf course. The family-friendly resort has 496 guestrooms including 34 villas, furnished with modern tech and complete amenities. Those without kids can opt to stay on the adult-only guest floor, which has access to an adults-only pool and champagne check-in.

Mood? Modern design.
Location perks? A few minutes walk from La Cantera, for all your shopping delights.
Budget range? A fantastic deal.

Every city has at least one haunted hotel, and in San Antonio, the Crockett is rumored to have ghosts and ghouls aplenty. It's easy to see why: Situated just steps from the Alamo, the historic hotel is a stone's throw away from Texas' most epic battleground. Named after Davy Crockett, it offers 138 rooms, plenty of bars and restaurants, an outdoor swimming pool, and access to the spa next door. Of course, you'll have to keep an eye out for the spirit of old Davy himself – who was said to have taken his last breath in the current patio area.

Mood? Inner city bliss.
Location perks? Minutes away from the historic Alamo and the rest of downtown. 
Budget range? Super cheap.

Here’s a place that manages to successfully deliver a more personalised approach to hotel-ing. Located all-but-five minutes from the Alamo, the Omni La Mansion del Rio opts for a classy palette of neutral shades with a bit of exposed brickwork and ceiling beams thrown in for good measure. We love the central outdoor swimming pool with its courtyard feel, and the sweet little garden area. In the hotter months, there’s a pool bar open for lunch, but if you’re out-of-season try either El Colegio for All-American fare or Four Brothers for a tempting mishmash of American, French and Tex-Mex.

Mood? Laidback but stylish.
Location perks? Magic yourself over to the Hertzberg Circus Museum, the oldest public circus collection in the US, don’tchaknow.
Budget range? Middle and rising.

Tucked away on 100 acres of the Texas Hill Country, Eilan Hotel and Spa is one of San Antonio's most luxe destinations. The Italian-inspired grounds include an outdoor pool with cabanas, an indoor Olympic-sized lap pool, tennis courts, a spa, and a virtual golf room. While its surroundings are fairytale-like enough to host plenty of weddings throughout the year, it's also a great place to escape into the rolling hills of Texas, with San Antonio just a short, 25-minute drive away.

Mood? Resort retreat.
Location perks? Did we mention the 100 acres?!
Budget range? Incredible value for money.

The Fairmont Hotel has a pleasingly distinct aesthetic to other San Antonio hotels. Located super close to basically all things you came to town for (we’re assuming you’re a sightseer), this place capitalizes on a décor scheme that never looks bad: white and black. Thrown together with a number of different patterns and textures, the result is a series of rooms that look striking without going overboard. Extra points for the rooftop terrace (a good end-of-day drinking spot) and their comforting Italian restaurant.

Mood? Coco Chanel’s favorite colour scheme.
Location perks? Learn more about the American West at the nearby Briscoe Western Art Museum.
Budget range? A nice middle ground.

True to its name, this charming ol’ boutique hotel is situated on a more mellow stretch of San Antonio's normally bustling Riverwalk. Spanish and Mediterranean touches lend the Hotel Valencia a more European feel than some of the city's other digs, and the 213 rooms are outfitted like the golden olden days. Think Italian marble bathrooms, breezy balconies, and vintage leather armchairs. If you’re the old-school sort, this is a cozy stay.

Mood? Mediterranean vibes across the board.
Location perks? 400 metres from the River Walk – with a terrace to soak up the atmosphere.
Budget range? Boutique and affordable.

Another River Walk hotel, the Contessa offers sleek, modern rooms that convey more of an urban loft experience than other hotels around town. Exposed brick and private bedrooms are features in every room, and several on-site dining and drinking spots (with prime people-watching views) make spending the weekend here a breeze.

Mood? Contemporary luxe.
Location perks? Ahem... the River Walk, but it really is that great, you'll want to be close to the action. 
Budget range? Varied, but price points to suit most budgets.

Quite possibly the only hotel known for its mango ice cream, the Menger is a San Antonio institution – and its legendary dessert has been on the Colonial Dining room's menu for over 100 years. The hotel opened in 1859 and has since served as both a landmark and historic hotel in the city's center, just a short stroll from the Alamo. While the Victorian decor in the 316 rooms can seem a little dated, it's all part of the charm of this elegant hotel.

Mood? Big landmark energy.
Location perks? Nestled next to the Alamo and the River Walk, you'll be spoilt for choice here.
Budget range? Suuuuper cheap.

St. Anthony is another historic landmark that has plenty of stories in its old (but renovated) halls. Whether you're staying in one of the superior or deluxe rooms or suites, the modern rooms are a comfortable respite after a day of exploring the city. Swimming pools with private cabanas, a health and fitness center, a rooftop bar, and multiple dining experiences make this all-in-one hotel a splurge that's hard to resist.

Mood? A large slice of luxe.
Location perks? In the heart of downtown San Antonio.
Budget range? Very good value for money.

San Antonio's Hyatt Regency not only a convenient and reliable choice, it's also the choice that happens to have a rooftop pool with panoramic city views. And even if you're afraid of heights, you'll find plenty to love about this hotel; the on-site restaurant serves up speciality cocktails and Texan cuisine of the highest order, plus, there's also a British-themed pub, oyster bar, pool lounge and snack bar for bites on the go. 

Mood? Business casual. 
Location perks? Along the River Walk, 100 metres from the Alamo. 
Budget range? One of the cheapest options.