The Best Luxury Hotels in San Antonio, Texas

There’s room to roam under Texas skies at the Hyatt Regency Hill Country Resort and Spa. Stroll or bike through 300 acres (121ha) of historical Texas ranch land, tee off at a 27-hole golf course or splash the day away at the 5-acre (2ha) waterpark. Catch a cool evening breeze on a porch swing, or watch a movie on the lawn. Expect accommodations that are pleasingly upscale urban rather than country cowboy.

This 1850s former boarding school became the first San Antonio luxury hotel on the River Walk in 1968. Wrapped in Spanish charm, you’ll find timbered ceilings and wrought-iron railings. Throw open the French doors on your private balcony to let in the sights and sounds of the city, or cocoon in the courtyard pool. Make some memories on a hotel tour, scavenger hunt or riverboat ride.

Treat yourself to a walk through Peacock Alley, the opulent lobby of this luxury hotel in San Antonio. Built in 1909 and on the National Register of Historic Places, the St Anthony retains its old-world ambience, complete with high, coffered ceilings adorned with massive chandeliers. Modern amenities include a rooftop pool with a view of downtown. Service is top-notch, from the friendly front desk to five restaurants, including the St Anthony Club, a former private wood-lined bar open for casual dining.

In the 19th century, Hotel Emma was the site of the largest brewery in Texas. The remnants of its historical past are combined with Spanish Colonial details, creating a sophisticated steampunk mélange. Prepare to be enchanted by the attention to detail that make it one of San Antonio’s top hotels. Frette linens and seersucker robes, lacy cast-iron staircases and fairy lights on the outdoor terrace may leave you feeling punch-drunk with delight.

You’ll see miles and miles of rolling Texas hills from the 35ft (11m) start platform of the tube slides at the River Bluff Water Experience. It’s the shimmering jewel at the heart of this 600-acre (243ha) park-like San Antonio resort, studded with live oaks. Float in an inner tube along the lazy river, or plunge down a heart-stopping 60ft (18m) slide into a heated pool. Choose from a wide selection of 85 suites and 1,002 rooms, all with modern decor and many with balconies to take in the outstanding surroundings.

Art and history buffs will appreciate the local artwork that adorns the all-suite Hotel Contessa. It’s in an excellent location – you’re a short five-minute walk from the can’t-be-missed historic Alamo and the Briscoe Western Art Museum. Enjoy vistas of either the River Walk or downtown San Antonio through the floor-to-ceiling windows, or venture out on a riverboat tour at the nearby Go Rio riverboat dock.

The kid-friendly La Cantera hotel in San Antonio caters to young and old alike. Younger children can join the Kids’ Club for naturalist activities and arts and crafts, while teens will enjoy the gaming arcade. There’s also a dedicated shuttle to rollercoaster heaven at nearby Six Flags. Meanwhile, the adults-only floor, Seven, offers serenity with a full-service lounge, personal concierge and separate check-in. Float undisturbed in the adults-only infinity pool and hot tub. At night, catch the fireworks at Six Flags from your balcony – something everyone can enjoy.

They say that everything is a bit bigger in Texas, and this holds true at Mokara Hotel and Spa. Sink into an oversize jacuzzi tub, or spread out in a king-size, four-poster bed. Meanwhile, spacious suites at this luxury resort in San Antonio add double marble vanities and extra-large balconies overlooking the River Walk. Stay in a Spa Suite for same-level access to the spa, steam room, sauna and whirlpool. At an impressive 17,000sqft (1,579sqm), the Mokara Spa is the only Forbes-approved four-star destination spa in San Antonio. Don’t miss the pillow-size, Texas-shaped waffles at breakfast.