San Antonio, Texas, is known for its tasty food, dynamic cultural heritage, and rich history. It was the site of the infamous 1836 battle for Texas’ independence from Mexico at The Alamo, now a preserved historic site and museum — and for the San Antonio Riverwalk, which overflows with delicious restaurants, fun shops, and opportunities to explore on foot. Here’s where to stay and spend the night on a trip to this southern city in the Lone Star State.
Photo: Mokara Hotel & Spa
The Most Convenient San Antonio Hotels Across The Riverwalk and Downtown
Traveling to Texas? Check out Matador’s Texas accommodations guides:
- The best Texas Airbnbs to experience Lone Star culture
- The best Dallas Airbnbs, from a Deep Ellum warehouse to a family ranch
- 9 San Antonio Airbnbs within walking distance of the riverwalk
- The 9 most exciting boutique hotels in Dallas
- The top Houston hotels in and around the city center
- These 9 luxurious Houston Airbnbs are the best in the heart of the city
- The best Austin Airbnbs for large groups
We hope you love these San Antonio hotels! Just so you know, Matador may collect a small commission from the links on this page if you decide to book a stay. Listed prices are accurate as of the time of publication.
Hotel Emma
- Address: 136 E Grayson St, San Antonio, TX 78215, United States
- Rates from: $517 per night
Hotel Emma is a historic jewel in the Pearl District of San Antonio, just off the riverwalk. The
146-room upscale boutique property was a thriving brewery but was transformed into a sophisticated and modern hotel, blending traditional, well-preserved industrial architecture with contemporary design and stylish decor. Dine on-site at the signature restaurant, Supper, grab gourmet goods to go at The Larder, or spend some time at the bar, Sternewirth. Rooms are luxurious, with high ceilings, hardwood furniture, and leather furnishings — a classic Texas flare — and comfortable beds, large bathrooms, and cozy turndown goodies that likely include pastries from the local bakery.
The rooftop pool is a stunning sunny spot to enjoy peace — or book a treatment at the exquisite spa. There’s also a beautiful, peaceful library space and a gorgeous 24-hour fitness center. In the same area but not inside the hotel itself, be sure not to miss the surrounding businesses of the historic Pearl district, which showcases a collection of local restaurants and shops.
Hotel Valencia Riverwalk
- Address: 150 East Houston Street, San Antonio, Texas 78205
- Rates from: $246 per night
Hotel Valencia Riverwalk is located downtown on a more peaceful section of the River Walk, serving as a great home base for downtown adventures and walkable to many local attractions. It’s a picturesque, charming hotel — blending Spanish Colonial and Modern Mediterranean architecture and design with modern amenities ideals. The 213 rooms and suites feel upscale, cozy and private, some with their own balconies featuring scenic views of the River Walk and the courtyard.
The 24-hour fitness center boasts various cardiovascular equipment, free weights, weight training balls, and yoga mats — and those who want to indulge in a spa experience can book an in-room treatment. Dine on delicious Argentinian fare at the property’s signature restaurant, Dorrego’s, which offers sweeping River Walk views, or grab some tapas and a craft cocktail at Naranja Tequila and Mezcal Bar, which is the only tequila bar on the River Walk and serves an impressive range of Blanco, reposado, añejo and cristalino tequilas, and Mezcals.
Canopy by Hilton San Antonio Riverwalk
- Address: Address: 123 N St Mary’s St, San Antonio, TX 78205, United States
- Rates from: $191 per night
This property used to be a historical fish market in the early 1860s and has been transformed into an architectural gem of a hotel today. It sits on the San Antonio River Walk, within easy walking distance to attractions like The Alamo, La Villita Historic Arts Village, and San Fernando Cathedral.
There are 22 stories of clean and bright guest rooms featuring large windows offering city views. Spend time at the well-equipped fitness center, or get some work done at the on-site business center. Dine at the open-air Domingo restaurant, which hosts a menu of Mexican-inspired dishes blended with South Texas flavors, right on the River Walk level. Or grab a drink at Otro Bar, perched on the third floor, overlooking the River Walk.
Hotel Havana
Photo: Havana San Antonio Riverwalk
Photo: Havana San Antonio Riverwalk
Photo: Havana San Antonio Riverwalk
Photo: Havana San Antonio Riverwalk
- Address: 1015 Navarro St, San Antonio, TX 78205
- Rates from: $178 per night
This boutique 27-room property feels genuinely historic, housed in what was formerly a residential hotel that has since been updated while preserving its roots from the early 20th century. The architecture and design proudly showcase its original 1914 Mediterranean Revival design — but with a modern twist.
No two guest rooms are alike — meaning a unique experience for each overnight guest. The original Bastrop pine flooring, antique furniture, Turkish rugs, and vintage Cuban artwork make the space feel authentic. Mexican and Cuban cultures influenced the design of the public spaces, blending a sense of Old World tradition with pops of color. Guest room balconies feature views of downtown San Antonio and the River Walk.
The property’s signature restaurant, Ocho, housed in a former conservatory overlooking the water, is said to be one of the most picturesque destinations in the city. The enormous sparkling glass windows and bright turquoise pops of color in the furniture and steel support beams are mesmerizing. The restaurant is said to serve cuisine of “San Antonio roots with pan-Latin cultural influences from Mexico, Cuba, and Texas,” offering impressive views of the river and offering both indoor and outdoor seating options. Or, grab a drink at Havana Bar, which serves cocktails, beer, and wine in a moody and romantic setting.
Mokara Hotel & Spa
Photo: Mokara Hotel & Spa
Photo: Mokara Hotel & Spa
Photo: Mokara Hotel & Spa
Photo: Mokara Hotel & Spa
- Address: 212 W Crockett St, San Antonio, TX 78205, United States
- Rates from: $270 per night
Mokara Hotel & Spa is located in downtown San Antonio on the River Walk and is known for its high standards of luxury and service. The property’s 99 guest rooms are upscale and comfortable, featuring design elements like marble and wood with high ceilings, and some rooms have their own private balconies.
Indulge in a relaxing treatment at the 17,000 square-foot Mokara Spa, and use its dry cedar sauna, eucalyptus-infused steam room and whirlpool. Use the well-equipped fitness center, or soak up the sunshine on the rooftop pool and terrace, which boasts gorgeous city views. Dine at the romantic riverfront restaurant Ostra, known for its impressive Oyster Bar. Grab a bite with a view, poolside, at the rooftop cafe. Or, try a blending of South Texas, Latin and French cuisine at Four Brothers. This hotel is secluded but accessible, just a short stroll from landmarks like The Alamo, Historic Market Square, and Tower of the Americas — making it an excellent spot for those who want peace but also seek adventure on their trip.
Thompson San Antonio – Riverwalk
Rates from: $266 per night
The 162-room property, Thompson San Antonio – Riverwalk boasts impressive skyline views, bustling common spaces, upscale guest rooms, and tasty, award-winning dining experiences. The hotel sits 20 stories above San Antonio’s River Walk, making it an elevated but accessible spot to partake in all of the action below, from the perspective of an upscale oasis. It’s set in the city’s emerging Arts District, walkable to attractions like the Tobin Center for the Performing Arts and a collection of local galleries. Constantly changing programming gives each visitor a fresh experience.
The property features four distinct dining and drinking destinations, a beautiful pool deck with luxury cabanas, a full-service 5,000-square-foot spa, and modern, luxurious guest rooms. Grab a bite at Landrace, helmed by award-winning chef and James Beard Award finalist Steve McHugh, celebrating regional Texas farmers with thoughtfully designed dishes. Or, grab a drink at The Moon’s Daughters — a spirited, sky-high dining and nightlife destination boasting 300 seats with indoor and outdoor spaces, serving spirits that play off a Texas twist. The panoramic views of Downtown San Antonio from this spot are unparalleled.
The St. Anthony, a Luxury Collection Hotel, San Antonio
- Address: 300 E Travis St, San Antonio, TX 78205, United States
- Rates from: $260 per night
This 277-guest room and suite property is located in the heart of downtown San Antonio overlooking Travis Par and is known as a classic Texas jewel. It was initially developed by two Texas cattlemen with a big hospitality-driven dream back in 1909, and today, it is still designated a National Historic Site.
In 2015, the property was reborn and revamped under a multi-million-dollar renovation to reveal a beautiful contemporary but historic space. Common spaces are outfitted with antique, French Empire furniture and stunning sculptures, paintings, and tapestries. Guest rooms feel vintage and upscale with high ceilings, rich emerald green velvet design touches, pillowtop beds, free WiFi, and black marble tubs.
Spend time at the well-equipped fitness center or the sixth-floor outdoor infinity pool adjacent to Cabana Bar — and enjoy fantastic city views. Check out the storied St. Anthony Club, a storied cocktail lounge, or visit Rebelle, one of San Antonio’s most appreciated culinary destinations. There’s also Haunt — a happening bar with traditional and trendy cocktails.
AC Hotel by Marriott San Antonio Riverwalk
- Address: 111 Soledad St, San Antonio, TX 78205, United States
- Rates from: $128 per night
This property sits in the center of San Antonio near attractions like The Alamo and the Henry B Gonzalez Convention Center. The interior and architectural design pays tribute to its Spanish roots, blending traditional and contemporary design elements.
There are 181 guest rooms spread across 20 floors featuring clean, bright approachable spaces equipped with a desk for working, and some even have impressive views outside the large windows. Spend time on the 15th-floor rooftop bar One Watson, with its stunning sights and tasty cocktails. Work out in the fitness center, get some work done in the business center, or relax on the outdoor terrace.
Element Hotel San Antonio
- Address: 111 Soledad St, San Antonio, TX 78205, United States
- Rates from: $121 per night
Element Hotel San Antonio is located on the San Antonio Riverwalk, making it a great location for business and leisure travelers. The property shares amenities with AC by Marriott — including a fitness center equipped with Peloton bikes, a cardio rower, and a business center. There are multiple clean and contemporary guest room options — each equipped with in-room kitchens for cooking meals en-suite. There’s complimentary breakfast each morning at Rise, the property’s signature restaurant.
TownePlace Suites
- Address: 10015 Westover Hills Boulevard, San Antonio, TX 78251, United States
- Rates from: $121 per night
This property is located in the West San Antonio district of San Antonio, just a short distance from Lackland Air Force Base, The Shops at La Cantera, and SeaWorld San Antonio (there’s even an on-site shuttle that runs to SeaWorld).
Guests can enjoy scenic views of the beautiful surrounding hill country geography, eat a complimentary, hot breakfast each morning, exercise at the 24-hour gym and pool, or use one of the on-site barbecue pits to grill a tasty meal. Rooms feature separate living areas and full kitchens for cooking on the go, and there are three different floor plans for visitors to choose from — each option includes a dedicated workspace, free WiFi, and a fitted flat-screen TV.
Visitors can spend time at the on-site fitness center or go swimming at the outdoor pool. It’s a great spot for leisure travelers on their way to SeaWorld San Antonio, government and military staff who seek easy access to Lackland Air Force Base and NSA Texas, and corporate business travelers.
Is the Emily Morgan Hotel in San Antonio haunted?
The Emily Morgan Hotel, which sits in the heart of downtown San Antonio near The Alamo, is said to harbor many spirits and has gained a longstanding reputation as one of the most haunted hotels in America. It’s a top spot for extra “spirited” guests, ghost enthusiasts and history buffs alike to plan an overnight stay.
What is the best hotel on the Riverwalk in San Antonio?
There is no single “best” hotel on the riverwalk, but there are more than a dozen dynamic, upscale and approachable hotels to spend a night. The options are abundant depending on whether a traveler is seeking an extra luxurious experience or a more approachable overnight stay. 