Where to Stay in San Antonio, Texas: 3 Best Areas & Hotels

Planning a trip to San Antonio and trying to figure out where to stay? You’re in the right place!

San Antonio really took us by surprise on our first visit. Sure, we expected all the history and Tex-Mex (which definitely did not disappoint!), but what we didn’t expect was just how much personality the place has. The famous River Walk alone is worth the trip, and the whole city has such a fun, easygoing energy, which we loved!   

We know finding the perfect place to base yourself isn’t easy, so we’ve put together this guide to the three best areas to stay, plus the top hotels for every budget.

Ready? Let’s get to it!

Overview of the Best Areas to Stay in San Antonio

As Texas’s second-largest city, San Antonio is quite big and spread out. However, most of what you’ll probably want to see and do is centered around the downtown area. This is where the iconic River Walk, the very best Tex-Mex restaurants, and the Alamo are all located, and it’s the only part of the city where you can genuinely get by without a car.

Other popular areas to stay include Southtown, which is the city’s trendy art and historic district sitting just south of downtown, and Northwest, which is a more suburban area near Six Flags Fiesta Texas. Both are solid alternatives to downtown, but each offers a completely different experience depending on your priorities and the kind of trip you’re planning. 

It’s also worth mentioning that unless you plan on staying in the downtown area for the majority of your trip, you’ll probably need a rental car to get around. This is the easiest way to explore everything San Antonio has to offer without spending a small fortune on Ubers (trust us on that one!).

Before we get into the details, here’s a quick overview of our top hotel picks in each area: 

• Downtown/River Walk – Best for first-time visitors – This is the heart of the city and the most convenient base for sightseeing, putting the River Walk, the Alamo, and top restaurants all within walking distance. Omni La Mansion del Rio is our favorite place to stay here, which is a beautiful historic hotel right on the river.

• Southtown – Best for local culture & nightlife – This is San Antonio’s artsy, historic neighborhood close to downtown, packed with trendy restaurants, galleries, and cocktail bars. Our top pick here is Courtyard by Marriott San Antonio Downtown – it’s super comfortable and convenient. 

• Northwest – Best for families – This is the quieter, more suburban area of San Antonio near Six Flags Fiesta Texas, with larger hotels and easy parking. Our favorite hotel in this area is the Embassy Suites by Hilton San Antonio Landmark; the rooms are massive, and the breakfast is always a hit! 

Where to Stay in San Antonio

Downtown/River Walk

BEST FOR FIRST TIME VISITORS

Pros

• Direct access to the River Walk, The Alamo, and the best restaurants in the city
• Highly walkable, no rental car needed
• High-energy, buzzing atmosphere

Cons

• Can get crowded, especially on weekends and during festivals
• Hotels and dining are pricier here than anywhere else in the city
• Parking fees at hotels can be eye-watering (budget for it!)

Downtown is the beating heart of San Antonio, and it’s our absolute favorite place to stay. You have direct access to the famous River Walk, The Alamo, and a genuinely impressive lineup of restaurants and bars, all within walking distance. The riverfront paths are beautiful at any time of day, but they really come alive in the evening when everything’s all lit up! 

One of the biggest perks of staying downtown is convenience. Instead of wasting time sitting in traffic or constantly calling Ubers, you can simply step outside and start exploring. You can visit The Alamo before breakfast, hop on a river cruise in the afternoon, stop for tacos and margaritas along the River Walk, and still be back at your hotel to freshen up before dinner.

That said, downtown definitely comes with trade-offs. It’s the busiest part of the city, and weekends can feel hectic, especially during festivals or big events. Hotels also tend to be more expensive here, and parking fees can really sting if you’re renting a car.

Still, for most first-time visitors, we think the pros far outweigh the cons. If your goal is to see the highlights, soak up the atmosphere, and make the most of a shorter trip, this is without a doubt the best place to stay in San Antonio.

Mokara Hotel & Spa – $$$

If you’re in the mood to splurge, you absolutely have to consider the Mokara Hotel & Spa. This 4-Star property sits right on the River Walk and offers spacious rooms with private balconies overlooking the water, a full-service spa, and a rooftop outdoor pool with views that will make you want to stay up there all day. There’s also a fantastic fitness center, which we always appreciate!

Location-wise, you’re within easy reach of every major downtown attraction, making it an incredibly convenient base for exploring the city. 

In terms of pricing, you can expect prices to start around $200 USD per night and climb to $400+ USD per night, depending on the season.

If the Mokara is fully booked, the Hilton Palacio del Rio is a brilliant backup nearby. Every room has a private balcony, and the onsite Irish pub with nightly sing-alongs is super fun! 

We also love the Grand Hyatt San Antonio River Walk for its rooftop pool and ultra-modern rooms. It’s just a ten-minute walk to the Alamo, so you’ll be perfectly placed to explore downtown on foot.

Omni La Mansion del Rio – $$

For our mid-range pick, we recommend the Omni La Mansion del Rio, which is just around the corner from the Mokara. This hotel is a 4-star Spanish colonial beauty right on the River Walk, with tropical courtyards, marble bathrooms, and river-view rooms that genuinely take your breath away. 

The biggest perk here, though, is the location, with the Alamo just a 10-minute walk away and El Mercado about 15 minutes away. 

Rates for this hotel typically start from around $150 USD to $500+ USD per night, which is pretty reasonable considering it’s a 4-star River Walk stay in such a prime downtown location.

If the Omni is fully booked, the Emily Morgan Hotel is a brilliant alternative that’s even closer to the Alamo. It’s a Gothic Revival landmark from the 1920s, and it was famously listed as the third most haunted hotel in the world (whether that’s a perk or a dealbreaker is up to you!). 

If ghosts aren’t really your thing, Hotel Valencia Riverwalk is another great mid-range option along the River Walk. This is more of a boutique property with a Mediterranean feel, and there’s even an on-site spa, which helps elevate your whole experience. 

Hotel Gibbs Downtown Riverwalk – $

For our next pick, don’t let the budget label fool you! Hotel Gibbs Downtown Riverwalk is a genuinely fabulous stay. It’s housed in San Antonio’s first high-rise office building (built in 1909), and it definitely has a more historic feel, with its impressive Art Deco finishings and original water fountains.

In terms of location, you’re directly across from the Alamo and just steps away from the River Walk (so convenient!). 

Rates for this historic hotel start from around $90 USD to $200+ USD per night, depending on the season and room type, which is honestly such a steal!

If Hotel Gibbs is full, the Sonesta ES Suites San Antonio Downtown Alamo Plaza is a solid budget-friendly alternative nearby. Each room comes with a fully furnished kitchen, which is such a bonus if you’re staying a few days or traveling with kids.

Another reliable option is La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham San Antonio Downtown. It’s still close to the River Walk and has a lovely outdoor pool, which you’ll definitely appreciate during San Antonio’s warmer spring and summer months. 

Related Read: Need help planning the rest of your trip? Check out our 3-day San Antonio itinerary for our favorite activities, restaurants, and more.

Southtown

BEST FOR LOCAL CULTURE & NIGHTLIFE

Pros

• Artsy, creative atmosphere with brilliant street art and independent galleries
• Some of the best local restaurants and bars in the entire city
• Walkable access to the historic King William District

Cons

• A short drive or rideshare to reach The Alamo and the River Walk
• Fewer traditional tourist sights in the immediate area
• Can get lively on weekend evenings

If you want to experience San Antonio like a true local, Southtown is the place to stay. It sits about a mile south of downtown and has a completely different energy with colorful murals on every corner, tons of independent coffee shops, and a restaurant scene that punches well above its weight. The historic King William District runs right through it, and the UNESCO-listed San Antonio Missions are nearby, which is handy if you’re interested in the city’s history beyond the Alamo. 

In my opinion, this is a fantastic neighborhood to stay in if you’ve already done the Alamo and the River Walk before, and you want something with a bit more grit and personality. You can spend a morning wandering the residential streets (some of the historic houses here are seriously stunning), grab lunch at one of the local spots on South Alamo Street, and then settle into one of the neighborhood’s lively patios for tacos, margaritas, and people-watching.

Southtown definitely isn’t as convenient as downtown (you’ll have to walk around 20-ish minutes or rely on Ubers to get to the River Walk), but for anyone who wants a more authentic slice of the city, it really is hard to beat!

Plaza San Antonio Hotel & Spa – $$$

For our high-end pick in Southtown, we cannot recommend the Plaza San Antonio Hotel & Spa enough. It sits within three beautifully restored 19th-century buildings on the National Register of Historic Places, and the whole property has this calm, garden-oasis quality that is so hard to find in a city hotel. There’s also an outdoor pool, two restaurants, and free bicycles if you want to pedal your way around the neighborhood. 

Because this hotel sits on the north side of Southtown, you’re only a five-minute walk from the River Walk and just a short stroll from the best of Southtown. Basically, you get the best of both worlds! 

In terms of pricing, you can expect rates to typically start from around $200 USD to $385+ USD per night, which really isn’t that bad considering how close you are to all the main attractions. 

If the Plaza is full, you absolutely have to look at the Fairmount Hotel. This Victorian gem from 1906 is just around the corner from the Plaza, and it features a rooftop terrace with some of the best skyline views in the city! 

Courtyard by Marriott San Antonio Downtown – $$

For our mid-range pick in Southtown, we recommend the Courtyard by Marriott San Antonio Downtown. It’s got everything you’d expect from a modern city center hotel, with clean, comfortable rooms, a lovely outdoor pool, and an on-site bistro that serves up a solid breakfast! 

Location-wise, it sits near Market Square, putting you right on the edge of Southtown while still giving you easy access to downtown and the River Walk – a nice middle ground if you want to explore both areas.

Rates typically start at around $105 USD per night and climb to $155+ USD depending on the season and room type, which we think is pretty solid value for the location.

If the Courtyard is full, THE MADISON is another great mid-range option in the King William Historic District. We love this hotel because it offers fully furnished condos with a kitchenette and work desk, which is ideal if you’re planning on staying for more than just a few nights. 

The SpringHill Suites by Marriott San Antonio Downtown-Riverwalk Area is also worth considering. It’s conveniently located on the northern side of Southtown (so you’re still close to downtown and the River Walk), and the free buffet breakfast is fantastic! 

Holiday Inn Express & Suites San Antonio Downtown Market Area – $

For our final Southtown pick, we recommend the Holiday Inn Express & Suites San Antonio Downtown Market Area. 

This is hands down one of the best budget finds in this part of the city. The suites are modern and spacious (many have kitchenettes, which is so nice for longer stays), and the free breakfast can help stretch your budget even further. Location-wise, you’ll have easy access to both Southtown and downtown, and best of all, parking is free, which in this city is genuinely worth celebrating!

Prices for this hotel usually begin at around $85 USD per night and can go up to $185+ USD for higher-end suites or peak dates.

If the Holiday Inn is full, another affordable option in the area is the Hampton Inn & Suites San Antonio. This modern hotel is located close to Market Square, with both the Alamo and the River Walk less than a mile away. 

Northwest

BEST FOR FAMILIES

Pros

• Right on the doorstep of Six Flags Fiesta Texas and SeaWorld
• Resort-style hotels with massive pools and full amenities
• Quieter and less busy compared to downtown 

Cons

• A 20-25 minute drive from downtown (a rental car is non-negotiable)
• Very suburban, with little of the historic character of the city center
• Dining options are mostly chains and resort restaurants

The Northwest is a completely different San Antonio experience, and that’s not necessarily a bad thing; it just depends on what you’re after. This area is located about 20 to 25 minutes from downtown, and it’s home to Six Flags Fiesta Texas, The Shops at La Cantera, and some of the most impressive resort-style hotels in the city. 

If you’re traveling with kids (or just happen to love roller coasters yourself), this is by far the easiest and most convenient place to stay. And while you won’t be strolling to The Alamo from here, what you get in return is sprawling resorts with massive pools, Texas Hill Country views, lazy mornings, and family-friendly amenities that Downtown hotels simply can’t compete with. 

It’s important to mention, though, that this part of the city feels much more suburban, so you’ll miss out on some of the history, walkability, and atmosphere that make central San Antonio so special. Restaurants also tend to skew toward chains and shopping-center dining rather than the independent Tex-Mex spots you’ll find closer to Downtown and Southtown. However, if you’re looking to plan a trip that revolves around theme parks, shopping, or pool time, Northwest San Antonio is a genuinely fun place to stay. 

Signia by Hilton La Cantera Resort & Spa – $$$

One of our absolute favorite hotels in the area is Signia by Hilton La Cantera Resort & Spa. This resort sits on 550 acres at the highest elevation in San Antonio, and it offers some of the most impressive views of Texas Hill Country.  

If you do choose to stay here, you’ll have access to five (yes, five!) outdoor pools, including an adults-only infinity pool and plenty of waterslides for the kids. There’s also a 25,000 square-foot spa, an 18-hole golf course, and enough dining options to keep you busy for a week. This really is a full resort-style experience, and it absolutely delivers on all fronts! 

Price-wise, you can expect rates to start from around $310 USD per night, rising to $1,865+ USD per night depending on the season.

Embassy Suites By Hilton San Antonio Landmark – $$

Next up is our mid-range pick, and we highly recommend the Embassy Suites by Hilton San Antonio Landmark. 

We love this hotel because it’s super close to Six Flags Fiesta Texas (about a 5-minute drive), and every room is a proper spacious suite with a separate living area, microwave, and fridge. The complimentary cooked-to-order breakfast every morning is also such a treat, and the outdoor pool with bar service offers the perfect place to decompress after the end of a long day at Six Flags. 

In terms of pricing, rates usually start around $190 USD and can climb to $390+ USD per night during peak season, which really isn’t too bad considering how lovely the rooms are! 

If the Embassy Suites is all booked up, The Westin San Antonio North is a fantastic alternative. While it’s slightly farther from Six Flags (around 15 minutes by car), you’ll still get stylish, comfortable rooms, plus a lively lobby bar with regular entertainment.

DoubleTree by Hilton San Antonio Northwest La Cantera – $

If you’re looking for a more budget-friendly stay in the Northwest area, DoubleTree by Hilton San Antonio Northwest La Cantera is definitely worth checking out! 

The rooms here are modern and comfortable, each fully-equipped with a microwave, mini fridge, and tea/coffee maker. There’s also an outdoor swimming pool with cabanas, which is definitely a necessity in the Texas heat.  

Location-wise, this hotel works really well for families. The Shops at La Cantera are only around a 15-minute walk away, Six Flags Fiesta Texas is just a 10-minute drive, and Downtown San Antonio can be reached in roughly 25 minutes if you fancy a day of sightseeing.

In terms of pricing, you can expect rates to typically start from a reasonable $125 USD to $230+ USD per night, depending on the season and room type.

If the DoubleTree is fully booked (and it does fill up since it’s so close to the University of Texas at San Antonio), the Aloft San Antonio UTSA Area is a great alternative. It’s located near the south side of the university and offers modern rooms, a fabulous outdoor pool, and

Top Activities to do in San Antonio

Now that you’ve picked out your favorite area and hotel to suit your travel style, you can plan the rest of your itinerary! San Antonio is unassumingly fun, from the River Walk to the historic Alamo, and the art-filled streets. Here are a few of our favorite activities to add to your bucket list!

• Experience the River Walk and the Alamo – Short on time? This top-rated tour takes you around two of San Antonio’s most famous sights: the Alamo and a boat cruise along the River Walk!

• Discover San Antonio’s spooky past – We love ghost tours, and this one in San Antonio is no exception. After dark, explore the city streets with a local guide, learning dark tales of the past.

• Go wine tasting – Did you know Texas has a booming wine scene? Now’s your chance to taste some of the local vintages on this wine tasting tour from San Antonio – they take care of all the details for you!

• Relax on a night river cruise – Walking along the River Walk is one thing, but cruising down it while it’s all lit up is an entirely different experience! This river cruise makes for a memorable evening in San Antonio – don’t miss it!

• Taste your way around the city – San Antonio is a foodie’s paradise, so this food tour is the best way to expand your tasting abilities! Explore the city and sample local staples, hidden gems, and true Texan cuisine!

Related Read: Need a few more activities for your schedule? See our blog on the best things to do in San Antonio for our personal favorite recommendations!

Thanks for reading!

Deciding where to stay can make or break your trip! San Antonio has just a few major areas, but boy, are they different and quite spread out. So be sure to pick the area that matches your travel style, stick to our hotel recommendations, and you’ll have a fantastic trip!

Before you go, see the rest of our USA blogs! We love sharing our favorite places and travel experiences with fellow travelers. Here are a few related blogs to inspire your next destination – cheers!

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