San Antonio has a lot to offer, in terms of culture, luxury, and things to do. Of course, when you have a downtown area as vibrant as the River Walk, it's going to attract a lot of tourists and businesses, so it's not terribly surprising that most of the nice hotels in town are located along within the region. Here are five of the city's best.
- Riverwalk Vista
The Riverwalk Vista is a downtown boutique hotel has 17 rooms of three differing types, but all boast enormous windows, giving you a perfect view of the San Antonio skyline and the people outside. The historic decor includes hardwood floors and exposed brick walls, and the amenities include afternoon snacks with cookies and lemonade. There's also a nightly glass of wine. Pool access is nearby, and the Strive fitness studio is complimentary. With only 17 rooms, the innkeepers are free to focus on keeping people cared for. - Mokara Hotel and Spa
This Omni hotel is renowned for its luxury, from high ceilings and whirlpools to free Wi-Fi and coffee delivery. Rooms include suites, River Walk views, and spa rooms, many with private balconies. There's a heated pool and cafe on the rooftop, as well as an acclaimed oyster bar at the main restaurant Ostra. The 18-room Mokara Spa has been featured in numerous travel features in its own right, and, of course, the whole thing is in the center of downtown. - Hotel Contessa
This all-suite urban resort offers spacious, luxury accommodations near the River Walk. The hardwood floors and muted, earthy pallet give a modern, urban feel, and the suites range from the 500-square-foot luxury suites to the 1,000-square-foot Contessa Suite, which has a garden tub and a wet bar. All of the suites have floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the River Walk, and all of them have a sofa bed separate from the bedroom for the sake of privacy. The hotel also boasts a heated rooftop pool, Las Ramblas restaurant, a full-service spa, and the Cork Bar. - Hotel Valencia Riverwalk
This Dodd Mitchell-designed hotel offers 213 rooms and suites with dark, rich colors and sleek, modern lines. The furniture includes a leather club chair and solid wood credenza, and the Presidential Suite has an oversized garden tub and a private balcony with a River Walk view. In-room spa treatments are available throughout the hotel. Dining options include Citrus, an American restaurant with a local focus that offers rich, hearty fare, and Vbar, voted one of the best hotel bars in the city. - Westin Riverwalk
The Westin Riverwalk actually offers nine different types of rooms and suites, including preferences between river views or city views. The space offers an elegant, Latin-influenced decor, and holds "La Merienda," a Spanish version of high tea to help ease the transition from day to night, with sangria, margaritas, and companionship. The hotel features a spa, workout studio, and outdoor pool, as well as a workroom designed with video conferencing in mind.
