Best Hotels on the San Antonio River Walk
Are you looking for the best hotels on the San Antonio River Walk?
This guide will help you decide where to stay along the famous River Walk in San Antonio, Texas. This unique pedestrian-only thoroughfare winds through the city along the San Antonio River, spanning 15 miles in total, with about a mile and a half of the River Walk located in Downtown San Antonio.
Originally conceptualized to help prevent disastrous floods in San Antonio, the River Walk was created in the 1940s and has been expanding ever since. Today, the River Walk in Downtown San Antonio consists of two pedestrian paths on either side of the river, one level down from the street, linked by bridges.
On either side of the shady, tree-lined River Walk, you’ll find tons of lively restaurants, bars, shops, and hotels. You can follow the River Walk to many of the most popular tourist attractions and destinations in San Antonio, even places outside Downtown like the San Antonio Missions or the hip Pearl District.
I recently visited San Antonio and thought it was an amazing city overall, but the River Walk really enhanced it even further for me. Having a beautiful pedestrian-only space running through the heart of the city is amazing. It’s something that’s really rare to find in most US cities, and a highlight of San Antonio.
You don’t even need a car in San Antonio, especially if you’re staying on the River Walk. Many things are accessible on foot, and I found rideshare apps (Uber and Lyft) to be very cheap in San Antonio if needed.
Where to Stay on the San Antonio River Walk
I highly recommend choosing a River Walk hotel for your trip to San Antonio!
All of the hotels located on the River Walk have a regular street entrance and a special pedestrian-only River Walk entrance in the back, so you can simply step outside and be right on the River Walk.
Most of the hotels I’m recommending below are located on the 1.5-mile Downtown segment of the River Walk, although I have a couple of options outside Downtown as well. For most visitors, Downtown is going to be the most convenient area to stay, with close proximity to tourist attractions and entertainment.
This is the most developed part of the River Walk, packed with restaurants, bars, and shops.
Here are my top picks for the best hotels on the San Antonio River Walk:
And here’s a full breakdown of where to stay along the San Antonio River Walk:
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Omni La Mansion del Rio
One of the best places to stay on the San Antonio River Walk is the Omni La Mansion del Rio. This gorgeous riverfront hotel is housed in a historic building dating back to 1852. The rooms offer Old World charm combined with modern style, and many have lovely private balconies overlooking the River Walk.
Stepping outside, you’ll find yourself in the heart of the Downtown River Walk, with restaurants and bars at your doorstep. You’re also just a few minutes away from popular attractions like the Alamo.
Mokara Hotel & Spa
Located just across the River Walk from the previous hotel on this list, Mokara Hotel & Spa is another one of my top recommendations for your stay. It also has beautiful guest rooms with private balconies.
In addition to the River Walk access and views, guests staying at this hotel will enjoy a private rooftop swimming pool. There’s also a spa and a fitness center, making this the ultimate wellness retreat.
Hyatt Regency San Antonio Riverwalk
The Hyatt Regency San Antonio Riverwalk is another top-rated hotel in a great location. It’s situated in a particularly lively part of the River Walk, with restaurants and bars right outside your door.
It’s also just around the corner from the Alamo and other popular San Antonio attractions. Rooms at this hotel are modern and spacious, offering views of the river, atrium, or city. There’s also a swimming pool.
Canopy by Hilton San Antonio Riverwalk
Canopy by Hilton San Antonio Riverwalk is another great place to stay. This hotel was located right across from mine (which I will talk about further down), and I really like the area it’s in. It’s a slightly quieter portion of the River Walk, but you’re just a couple of minutes away from the more lively area.
The guest rooms here are sleek, bright, and airy, and some offer private balconies with views of the river. This is a good place to stay if you’re looking for modern design at an affordable price point.
Courtyard by Marriott San Antonio Riverwalk
The Courtyard by Marriott San Antonio Riverwalk is where I stayed on my recent trip to San Antonio, and while I would recommend it, I wasn’t totally blown away by this hotel. The rooms are definitely on the dated side here, but I couldn’t complain too much since I got an extremely cheap rate during my stay.
Some rooms offer River Walk views, while others have city views. There’s an outdoor swimming pool and a fitness center for guests to enjoy. Right outside, the best of San Antonio is just steps away.
Drury Inn & Suites San Antonio Riverwalk
One more hotel in the same area is the Drury Inn & Suites San Antonio Riverwalk. This is another affordable hotel in a good location, about a ten-minute walk from top attractions like the Alamo, Historic Market Square, and more. This is another hotel that has somewhat dated rooms, but offers good value for money.
Some of the rooms also face the River Walk and have private balconies. There’s a nice rooftop swimming pool for guests to enjoy, and a major perk you’ll get staying at this hotel is free breakfast each morning.
Hilton Palacio del Rio
The Hilton Palacio del Rio is another excellent choice for the best hotels on the San Antonio River Walk. This hotel is situated directly on the riverfront in a lively area with lots of dining and entertainment nearby.
Many of the rooms here feature views of the River Walk from private balconies, while others offer sweeping cityscapes. Guests staying at this hotel will also be able to enjoy an outdoor swimming pool.
Hotel Contessa
Hotel Contessa is a great place to stay along the River Walk. It’s located in La Villita Historic Village, which is the oldest part of San Antonio, and is home to many restaurants, shops, and art galleries.
The spacious suites here offer separate sleeping and living quarters, and many have private balconies with River Walk views. There’s also an outdoor swimming pool, a hot tub, and a fitness center.
The Westin Riverwalk, San Antonio
The Westin Riverwalk is another good place to stay. This elegant River Walk hotel is in a convenient location, with all kinds of restaurants, bars, shops, and tourist attractions just a short walk away.
The rooms are spacious and stately, and you’ll be able to enjoy views of the River Walk or the city. Some rooms have balconies. There’s also an outdoor swimming pool where you can cool off and relax.
Homewood Suites by Hilton San Antonio Riverwalk/Downtown
One more great place to stay in the Downtown River Walk area is the Homewood Suites by Hilton. It’s in a quiet area, but you’re still just a ten-minute walk away from the lively areas and tourist attractions.
The rooms here are comfortable and modern, and all include kitchenette facilities so you can do your own cooking. Free breakfast is included each morning during your stay, and there’s a nice rooftop swimming pool.
Sol Cypress
The Sol Cypress is a great hotel in San Antonio, although it’s a little north of Downtown. This modern hotel is located near the San Antonio Museum of Art, as well as restaurants and bars. You have direct access to the River Walk, and it’s just a twenty-minute walk to get to the heart of Downtown.
Guests staying at this hotel will enjoy comfortable and chic guest rooms, some with private balconies overlooking the San Antonio River. There’s also an outdoor swimming pool, a hot tub, and a fitness center.
Hotel Emma at Pearl on the Riverwalk
Finally, one of the best hotels on the San Antonio River Walk is Hotel Emma. This is also located further away from Downtown, in the stylish and trendy Pearl District. I really liked this area, which has some great shopping and dining options, but it’s about a ten-minute drive from Downtown San Antonio.
This five-star hotel is housed in a historic brewhouse from the 19th century, and it has all kinds of incredible details. It blends rustic charm with modern luxury. Guests staying at this hotel have access to a newer section of the River Walk, which is about two miles from Downtown if you want to walk.
Best Hotels on the San Antonio River Walk
This guide showed you the best hotels on the San Antonio River Walk.
To recap, my top picks for where to stay are:
- Best historic hotel: Omni La Mansion del Rio
- Best on a budget: Homewood Suites by Hilton
- Best mid-range hotel: Canopy by Hilton San Antonio Riverwalk
- Best luxury hotel: Hotel Emma
Have a great trip and enjoy your stay in San Antonio!
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