The best cheap hotels in San Antonio

The grand entrance invites guests into this cozy and clean hotel located on the edge of the River Walk. It was originally opened in 1914 by a grocer named Edward Franz Melcher. Built in the Mediterranean Revival style, the 27-bedroom hotel has quite a fun history, which includes but is not limited to FBI stings. Pop into their onsite bar, Ocho, for their pomelo cocktail, or take a stroll to the River Walk. 

Bookings made at least 14 days in advance or stays three nights or longer qualify for a discount, but generally, weeknight rates range from $179 to $259 per night. The booking calendar shows the rates by day, so you can take advantage of the lowest prices if your schedule is flexible.

When you hear the name, ‘San Antonio,” Davey Crockett instantly springs to mind, which is why this independently-run historic hotel chose the frontiersman for its namesake. The hotel began over 100 years ago and has since hosted guests in its 138 rooms. Amenities include a welcome drink at the Crockett Tavern and use of the rock grotto pool. There’s no gym, but the property has a reciprocal agreement with the Menger Hotel for guests who wish to use the fitness center. 

Rates start at $168 per night. No special rates are listed on the hotel’s website; however, bookable packages include extra perks, such as dining credits, valet parking and tickets to nearby attractions.

History buffs will enjoy this three-story hotel, which holds the title for being the "oldest continuously operating hotel west of the Mississippi." Opening in 1859, the hotel offers old-world Victorian charm with modern comforts. Grab a drink at the Menger Bar, where Teddy Roosevelt convened with his Rough Riders before going off to war. 

The regular rate is $226 per night, but AAA or AARP membership can knock that down to as low as $204 per night. Their website lists a number of packages that offer extra inclusions, such as welcome drinks, valet parking and tickets to attractions.

Part of the ever-reliable Hotel Indigo group, this well-oiled machine of a hotel provides a very decent level of comfort for the cheap-to-mid-range price bracket. Score a room for as low as $159 per night.  Plus, the River Walk location puts you within walking distance of all the main attractions.  

Dine on-site at Fresca on the River, which offers casual, upscale American cuisine for breakfast and dinner. During your free time, take a dip at the outdoor pool or break a sweat at the fitness center. The Hotel Indigo brand falls under IHG Hotels, so make sure to sign up for IHG Rewards to secure a member rate and earn points. 

The Drury Plaza Hotel at the San Antonio River Walk is located in what was once the Old Alamo National Bank Building. Featuring 50-foot ceilings, travertine flooring and stained glass windows, this elegant hotel is loaded with the amenities that fans of the Drury brand have come to know, such as free hot breakfast and a happy hour from 5:30 to 7:00pm with hot food and alcohol included. The Downtown San Antonio location has both an indoor and an outdoor pool, a 24-hour gym and an onsite bar to enjoy appetizers, handhelds, pizzas and salads.

Rates begin at the $250 per night range, and if you’re a AAA and Drury loyalty member, you get extra discounts. 

Fairfield may be Marriott's budget brand, but it still offers quality amenities like comfortable rooms and free hot breakfasts. Rates vary considerably based on dates, but the Market Square location is generally around $110 per night without any discounts. Don't confuse this with the Fairfield Inn near the Convention Center in downtown, which is considerably more expensive, with rates often reaching nearly $400 per night.

Comfort Suites might be a chain, but their San Antonio location is housed in a quaint building inspired by the Spanish Colonial style, giving it added details and flair. Nightly lows of $98 get you a grab-and-go breakfast, free Wi-Fi and a late check-out should you need it, making this an excellent choice for budget-conscious travelers. Pets are also welcome, so you don’t have to pay extra for a sitter. 

Friendly staff, spacious rooms, a fitness center and an outdoor pool can all be found at the Holiday Inn San Antonio Riverwalk.Food-wise, there’s a full-service restaurant and cafe with grab-n-go food items. Nightly rates are around $230, but you can score a lower rate as a member. 

Those with large groups looking for shared spaces shouldn’t pass up on Home 2 Suites. With its spacious rooms, apartment-style lodging and barbecue facilities, this Hilton property will make you feel right at home. What’s nice? Rooms are pet-friendly, so you can bring your four-legged friends at no additional cost. With all of the amenities included and proximity to The Alamo, Ripley's Believe It Or Not Museum and the Convention Center, the as-low-as-$169 rate is an incredible value for travelers looking to stay in the heart of the city. 

The Residence Inn is another great spot for those traveling with large groups and family. The affordable suites offer large, home-style living spaces that come equipped with a full kitchen. Find studios for as low as $230 and one- and two-bedroom suites. 

If you want to live like a local during your San Antonio stay, the Arbor House Suites is an adorable bed and breakfast with just three suites, each outfitted with artwork, a kitchenette and access to an outdoor garden area. Built by a Swiss cabinet maker in 1903, the house was designed with family living in mind, making it feel just like home. 

Planning a reunion or travelling with a huge group? Book the whole house.

Built in 1924, the building originally served as a medical facility until 1976 before being converted into a hotel in the 1980s. It has been a part of the Doubletree brand since 2012. The 177 rooms are modern and comfortable, offering great views of the city. Guests can enjoy amenities such as an on-site restaurant and bar, Oro’s, a 24-hour fitness center, valet parking and, of course, the complimentary DoubleTree chocolate chip cookie upon check-in. 

The Emily Morgan is rumored to be haunted and is often ranked as one of the most haunted hotels in the world, with numerous reported paranormal encounters. Rates start at $220 per night. If you’re booking a stay, consider joining the Hilton Honors Program to unlock potential discounts. 

Hampton Inn may be Hilton’s budget brand, but it still offers a plethora of amenities—think comfortable rooms and free hot breakfast—that make it feel like a relaxing getaway. With just a short walk to many of the main attractions, this is easily one of the best deals on the River Walk.  With nightly rates as low as $151, you’ll have some change to explore all that the city has to offer. 

If you love a good boutique hotel, check out Hotel Valencia River Walk. The Instagrammable lobby has the River Walk’s only tequila bar and upscale, casual Argentinian-inspired restaurant, Dorregos. The rooms have luxe linens and a well-stocked honor bar. While there's no pool, and the gym is tiny, the location on the river and it being mere steps from San Antonio’s iconic Majestic and Empire Theatre makes up for it. Enjoying a complimentary welcome margarita in the picturesque lobby. Not a bad way to start off your stay, am I right?