Hotels in San Antonio

San Antonio: River City at the Edge of the Hill Country

San Antonio, Texas, sits 80 miles southwest of Austin along the San Antonio River, where Spanish colonial history meets a modern city of 1.4 million. The Alamo, built in 1718 as Mission San Antonio de Valero, draws over 1.5 million visitors each year and anchors the downtown historic core. Four other 18th-century missions — collectively part of the San Antonio Missions UNESCO World Heritage Site (designated 2015) — stretch south along the river for 9 miles. The River Walk (Paseo del Río) runs 15 miles through the city, lined with restaurants, hotels, and open-air bars beneath cypress trees.

Where to Stay

Most hotels cluster around Downtown and the River Walk, placing guests within walking distance of the Alamo and the Henry B. González Convention Center. The King William Historic District, half a mile south of downtown, offers boutique properties in 19th-century Victorian mansions. Pearl, a redeveloped 1883 brewery complex 1.5 miles north of the Alamo, has become a destination neighborhood with a Saturday farmers market and chef-driven restaurants.

Practical Tips

• Getting around: VIA Metropolitan Transit bus routes cover most tourist areas; rideshare is widely available.
• Climate: Summers average 95 °F — pack lightweight clothing and plan outdoor sightseeing before noon.
• Fiesta: The city's 11-day Fiesta San Antonio festival runs each April, drawing 3.5 million attendees — book hotels 3–4 months ahead.
• Airport: San Antonio International Airport (SAT) is 8 miles north of downtown.