The Best Hotels to Book Near the River Walk, San Antonio

Make yourself at home in one of the 37 Euro-luxe rooms at the historic Fairmount. Small but mighty, each room is dressed in unique decor. The Victorian-era rooms and suites are comfy, full of antiques, and come with a nightly turndown service. Modern expectations are met at the hotel, too, with its lush courtyard, stunning rooftop area, and three award-winning restaurants and bars.

For a taste of Cuba in the South, consider a stay at the Hotel Havana. Built in the early 1900s, and renovated with a touch of nostalgic glamor, the hotel carries a Mediterranean Revival design gracefully throughout each room, suite and penthouse. While no two rooms are alike, each is thoughtfully decorated with a mix of modern conveniences and antique pieces, such as cast-iron beds, retro radios and colorful furniture. Stop by the glass-enclosed bar and restaurant, Ocho, for antojitos and pan-Latin-influenced drink specials.

Perfect for art aficionados, Hotel Contessa offers stylish suites. Each has separate bedrooms with wood furniture and floor-to-ceiling windows with river or city views, while the hotel is decorated with Picasso-esque artwork by local artists. There’s also a serene rooftop pool, a spa and fitness center. Sample the drinks at the riverfront restaurant, Ambler, where the agave cocktails are infused with the quintessential flavors of the Lone Star State.

Mokara is the perfect place to stay if you intend to spend a fair bit of time in San Antonio. Decorated in muted tones, the rooms feature wood and marble finishes, cozy beds with fine linens, and spa-like bathrooms with jetted tubs and custom bath products. With a 24-hour fitness center, award-winning spa, complimentary coffee delivery service and rooftop pool, this hotel is ideal if you want a touch of indulgence on your trip.

For a comfortable place to rest your head, La Mansion del Rio is your best bet. There may be more than 300 rooms and suites, but each feels like a touch of home with comfy bedding, wood-beamed ceilings and Americana-craftsman style. For opulence, book the presidential suite for a wet bar, two balconies overlooking the river and complimentary access to the spa. Relax in the hacienda-style pool that’s open year-round, English garden courtyard, or in one of the many stately eateries.

Despite being conveniently close to the River Walk, Oge House feels a world away from downtown. In the King William neighborhood, the B&B has a quaint and quiet country cottage atmosphere. The rooms are beautifully appointed with antiques, toile-pattern linens, and marble bath jacuzzis for two. Take your coffee outside on the verandas to enjoy the lush garden. The backyard has plenty of shaded areas and hammocks to escape the sizzling Texas sun. Guests are also free to use the pool and spa at sister B&B, Pancoast Carriage House, across the street.

A brewhouse in the late 19th century, this building was converted into a luxury, modern hotel. The distinctive rooms and suites were designed with industrial details such as custom-made furniture, original artwork, handmade Spanish porcelain tiles, original stonework and exposed brick walls. Expect a welcome La Babia margarita, made with freshly squeezed lime juice, orange liqueur and premium tequila. A stay comes with perks – an icebox pantry with seasonally sourced South Texas treats, tailor-made robes, round-the-clock coffee, and free-to-use Electra bikes to cruise around town. The hotel also has a rooftop pool with an accompanying bar made from a 1960s beer delivery truck, a fitness center and a handsomely decorated 3,700-volume library.

Travelers wanting European-style on their trip won’t do much better than the Eilan, the only luxury boutique hotel north of the River Walk. This lavish escape offers rooms and suites inspired by the villas of Italy. The highlights include a large pool with private cabanas, a fitness center with a dance studio, an indoor pool and two tennis courts. The staff provide plenty of perks, including a free shuttle to the main shopping area and a wine tasting.

Over the years, the Inn on the Riverwalk has been a doctor’s office, a private residence, even home to a hot-air balloon business. Today, the Victorian boutique retains its colorful past. This small family-run inn has eight simple yet cozy rooms in the main house. There are also five homey suites in the Cottage House, a craftsman home with a wraparound porch overlooking the river. Wake to a hot breakfast, with a variety of dishes that have been passed down through several generations.