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

Enjoy rooms with a view of either the city or the river from the suites at Hotel Contessa
Enjoy rooms with a view of either the city or the river from the suites at Hotel Contessa | Courtesy of Hotel Contessa - Suites on the Riverwalk / Expedia
Carrie Back

The San Antonio River Walk is one of the most popular tourist spots in Texas. You could try to walk its 15-mile (24km) length, but an afternoon is better spent dipping into the waterside shops and restaurants, or stopping at nearby attractions, which include the Alamo and the King William Historic District. If you’d rather have more time to explore, here are the top hotels nearby – all bookable on Culture Trip.

1. The Fairmount Hotel

Hotel

The Fairmount Hotel_8258fdb3
Courtesy of The Fairmount Hotel / Expedia
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.

2. Hotel Havana

Hotel

Hotel Havana_db416194
Courtesy of Hotel Havana / Expedia
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.

3. Hotel Contessa – Suites on the Riverwalk

Hotel

Hotel Contessa - Suites on the Riverwalk_79d2dc80
Courtesy of Hotel Contessa - Suites on the Riverwalk / Expedia
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.

5. Omni La Mansion del Rio

Chain Hotel, Luxury

Omni La Mansion del Rio_b40a359f

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.

6. Oge House, Noble Inns

Bed and Breakfast

Oge House, Noble Inns_39f82b40
Courtesy of Oge House, Noble Inns / Expedia

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.

7. Hotel Emma

Hotel

Aerial shot of outdoor pool surrounded by navy blue lounge chairs at Hotel Emma in San Antonio, Texas
Courtesy of Hotel Emma / Expedia
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.

8. Eilan Hotel and Spa, Ascend Resort Collection

Hotel

Eilan Hotel and Spa, Ascend Resort Collection_510e7824
Courtesy of Eilan Hotel and Spa, Ascend Resort Collection / Expedia
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.

9. Inn on the Riverwalk

Boutique Hotel

Inn on the Riverwalk_d80aac39
Courtesy of Inn on the Riverwalk / Expedia

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.

Looking for somewhere different to stay? Book into one of the best luxury hotels in San Antonio, or, if traveling with a four-legged friend, opt for a top pet-friendly stay. Inspire your itinerary with the most unusual things to see and do in the city; if you want to see more of Texas, take a road trip to Austin. Try one of the best cocktail bars while in San Antonio.

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.

Culture Trip Spring Sale

Save up to $1,100 on our unique small-group trips! Limited spots.

X
close-ad
Edit article