Choosing a Hotel in San Antonio
American history comes to life in San Antonio, Texas, the site of the famous Battle of the Alamo. American and Mexican heritage is celebrated in this diverse city, particularly in the downtown core, where the San Antonio River Walk is a well-known hub of cultural activity, as well as restaurants, bars and boutiques to delight any traveler. That’s not to say that San Antonio is only for city-dwellers—the abundance of rivers, lakes, natural areas, outdoor attractions and amusement parks makes it a haven for adventure-seekers too.
ORIENTATION
With its own international airport and several interstate highways feeding into the city, getting to San Antonio is no problem. This large metropolis is located in the centre of Texas, 199 miles (321 kilometers) east of Houston.
DOWNTOWN
San Antonio is a large city—the seventh largest in the United States, in fact. As such, there’s a wide range of accommodation choices throughout, including nearly 300 different hotels to choose from. Most visitors to the area will choose to stay in the downtown core, as this is where San Antonio’s top tourist attractions—The Alamo and the Riverwalk—are located.
If location is crucial, consider staying at the Menger Hotel, a grand and luxurious Victorian-style hotel located steps from the Riverwalk and across the street from the Alamo. Built in 1859 on the site of the first brewery in Texas, this elegant hotel has the distinction of being arguably the most well-known hotel in San Antonio, and boasts past guests like Babe Ruth and President Roosevelt. These days, this awe-inspiring hotel features lots of original touches coupled with modern conveniences. If the Menger is full, its sister property, the Crockett Hotel is a short walk away, and the nearby Hotel Contessa offers accommodations that are just as elegant in a location that’s just as grand–on the banks of the Riverwalk.
KING WILLIAM HISTORIC DISTRICT
If history’s your thing, the area just south of the Alamo-Riverwalk district—known as the King William Historic District—is the place to be. In the late 1800s, addresses in this area of San Antonio were by far the most sought-after among wealthy merchants, and today it’s just as fashionable to stay here. The Noble Inns is a collection of three Victorian-style hotels located in this area, and each property gives guests a glimpse into the luxurious lifestyle enjoyed by those fortunate enough to be considered part of the South’s upper crust.
OUTSIDE OF DOWNTOWN SAN ANTONIO
Hotel options are available in virtually every area of the city, and the further they are from downtown, the more economical they tend to be. Many families choose to stay in the west end of the city, close to one of San Antonio’s most popular child-friendly attractions, SeaWorld. A number of chain hotels are located literally right outside the gates, as well as a few miles south, close to the Lackland Air Force Base.
Yet others are drawn to the Northeast section of San Antonio, close to Six Flags and a couple of big shopping malls, the Shops at La Cantera and Fiesta Trails. Travelers will find everything from high-end brand-name hotels to budget motels here.
Not surprisingly, the airport is also a popular area to stay in San Antonio. Over a dozen chain hotels have properties either right next to or a few blocks away from the terminal, making it easy to stop over in the Alamo City for anything from a layover to an extended visit.






