Over the past few years, I have had the pleasure of staying at some of the best hotels on the San Antonio River Walk. From luxury stays with rooftop pools to historic hotels and those operated by major chains, I've experienced the whole spectrum.
When choosing a hotel along the River Walk, remember that the atmosphere in the core area of downtown San Antonio can be busy, especially on weekends, holidays, and during major sports events. This area has the highest density of bars, restaurants, and people.
Given the narrow walkways, quickly getting where you want to go can become challenging during peak times. A fair comparison would be Times Square in New York City. As a rite of passage, most first-time tourists go to gawk at all the neon signs and billboards while locals avoid them.
The segments of the River Walk that extend north and south from this core area tend to be quieter. While the density of places to eat, drink, and sleep is lower, I find these areas more pleasurable. If you're planning a trip to the Alamo City, here are my top picks for the best places to stay along the River Walk.
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River Walk Hotels
Hotel Valencia Riverwalk
When the Michelin Guide entered the Texas market in 2024, the Hotel Valencia was their only recommendation in the core River Walk area of downtown San Antonio.
The inspectors said the hotel's guest rooms are "stylish and creatively lit spaces, fusing classic good looks with the kind of contemporary style you'd expect to see on the coasts."
I was introduced to Hotel Valencia during a work trip hosted by Visit San Antonio to promote the city's Holidays on Houston Street in December.
While the street-level entrance is austere, a charming water fountain welcomes guests who step inside. The upstairs lobby provides comfortable seating, eye-catching art, and The Naranja Tequila and Mezcal Bar.
One wall in the lobby is lined with dozens of glass oranges, each signed by famous guests who've stayed at Hotel Valencia. Among them are athletes, musical acts, and comedians, including Joe Montana, Charlize Theron, My Chemical Romance, and George Lopez, to name a few.
Hotel Valencia's on-site restaurant, Dorrego's, specializes in Argentinian cuisine and has indoor seating and an outdoor patio overlooking the San Antonio River Walk.
Kel and I spent three nights in a standard room with a king-size bed. Our room overlooked a communal inner courtyard featuring a two-story water fountain, accessible through a sliding glass door.
Why I recommend Hotel Valencia:
- Its restaurant and some rooms overlook the River Walk.
- Location on East Houston Street provides easy access to Pinkerton's BBQ in Legacy Park (two blocks), the Historic Market Square (four blocks) to the west, and The Alamo (three blocks) to the east.
- It can be a good value for a boutique-quality hotel on the River Walk.
150 E Houston St, San Antonio, hotelvalencia-riverwalk.com
Hotel Emma
It's no secret that I'm a massive fan of the historic Pearl Brewery, located north of downtown San Antonio. This pedestrian-friendly neighborhood offers foodies Pullman Market, weekend farmers markets, and dozens of restaurants.
The luxurious, River Walk-adjacent Hotel Emma was built from the bones of the 19th-century Brewhouse and celebrated its 10th anniversary in 2025.
The hotel lobby showcases the brewery's industrial heritage, while guest rooms are furnished with attractive wood and leather furniture, as well as luxury linens.
Overnight guests of Hotel Emma receive complimentary welcome drinks in the Library and Merit Coffee service in the mornings. The cavernous Sternewirth bar, developed from the brewery's old fermentation room, often fills up at night. Craft cocktails and live music attract hotel guests and visitors to the Pearl.
Supper, the hotel's on-site restaurant overlooking the River Walk, highlights seasonal South Texas cuisine.
Why is Hotel Emma often voted the best hotel in San Antonio?
- Imaginative re-use of a historic building.
- Excellent customer service and attention to detail.
- Terrific food and beverage program.
- The prime location at the Pearl allows guests to leave their cars behind.
- The San Antonio Museum of Art and Tobin Center for the Performing Arts are accessible via the River Walk.
- Rooftop pool.
The Michelin Guide awarded Hotel Emma Two Keys, its second-highest designation, signifying "an exceptional stay." Hotel Emma is the only hotel in San Antonio to receive Key-level recognition and one of only three hotels in Texas to be awarded Two Keys. 136 E Grayson St, San Antonio, thehotelemma.com
Mokara Hotel & Spa
For visitors to San Antonio seeking a modern boutique hotel in the heart of the River Walk, I recommend the Mokara Hotel & Spa. This 101-room hotel is Michelin-recommended and boasts a 17,000-square-foot spa.
I had the good fortune of winning a free night's stay (and a collagen facial), which allowed me to experience it firsthand. While waiting for our room, Kel and I grabbed a drink at the hotel's oyster bar in Ostra, its riverfront seafood restaurant.
We were provided with a guest room offering a river view, a small balcony, and a king-size bed. The San Antonio River Walk was easily visible, as it was mid-February and the leaves had fallen from the trees. Across the water is the Mokara's sister hotel, the larger Omni La Mansion del Rio.
All the guest rooms at the Mokara Hotel & Spa feature marble bathrooms and a bath butler service, allowing you to unwind with a relaxing soak (available from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m.).
Benefits of staying at the Mokara Hotel:
- The River Walk is outside the front door.
- The in-house spa is among the best in the city, making it easy to experience a range of wellness services, including massages, body treatments, and nail care.
- Rooftop pool and patio with food and beverage service.
- The hotel is adjacent to the Aztec Theater, a historic event space that hosts concerts and stand-up comedy shows.
- The Alamo and the Briscoe Western Art Museum are three blocks away.
212 W Crockett St, San Antonio, omnihotels.com
The St. Anthony
The St. Anthony opened in 1909 as San Antonio's first luxury hotel. More than 100 years later, it remains one of the best hospitality experiences in the city. The hotel looks out over Travis Park, a block and a half east of the River Walk.
Guests can enjoy breakfast at the Gallery on the Park, the hotel's sunlit restaurant overlooking Travis Park. For cocktails, check out the St. Anthony Club, a small British-style pub where early discussions about launching Southwest Airlines once took place.
The hotel's primary restaurant closed in early 2025 to make way for a new concept yet to be announced.
Benefits of staying at the elegant St. Anthony include:
- Luxury rooms and amenities.
- Large rooftop infinity pool and expansive terrace.
- La Panaderia, an award-winning Mexican bakery, is one block south.
- Two craft distilleries are a block to the east (Maverick Whiskey and Devils River Whiskey).
- The Alamo is three blocks away.
300 E Travis St, San Antonio, marriott.com
Menger Hotel
The Menger Hotel, built across the street from Alamo Plaza in 1856, is the oldest continuously operating hotel west of the Mississippi. In addition to having a UNESCO World Heritage Site outside the front door, the River Walk is accessible one block west or south.
Kel and I spent several nights in a cozy guest room with a view of the Spanish courtyard garden. A second inner courtyard boasts San Antonio's largest heated swimming pool. The hotel is rumored to be haunted, but we witnessed no paranormal activity.
The attractive Victorian-era Colonial Room Restaurant serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Or, if you fancy a drink, drop by the Menger Bar, which was built in 1881 and modeled after the House of Lords Club in London. It was here, in 1898, that Theodore Roosevelt recruited his Rough Riders (the first U.S. volunteer cavalry).
More reasons to stay at the Menger Hotel:
- La Villita Historic Village is two blocks away.
- The Tower of the Americas and the Henry B. Gonzalez Convention Center are three blocks away.
- The Tenfold Rooftop bar at the new Kimpton Santo Hotel is four blocks away (and offers some of the best views of the city).
- Mixtli, San Antonio's only Michelin-star restaurant, is only one mile away.
204 Alamo Plaza, San Antonio, mengerhotel.com
Grand Hyatt San Antonio River Walk
The 1,003-room Grand Hyatt San Antonio River Walk is far and away the largest hotel I've stayed at in Alamo City. The River Walk is accessible directly from the hotel, and the convention center is next door.
Our October stay coincided with the Big Texas Comicon, so we saw plenty of attendees on the street dressed as their favorite comic book characters.
The hotel room we were assigned provided a commanding view to the north and a comfortable king-sized bed. Amenities include a heated rooftop pool with a view of the Tower of the Americas, as well as a 24-hour Fitness Center.
See also: San Antonio's Best Restaurants
Four dining options are on-site, including the hotel's casual Bar Rojo concept and a Ruth's Chris Steak House.
Five reasons to stay at the Grand Hyatt:
- You're attending an event at the Henry B. Gonzalez Convention Center next door or the nearby Alamodome.
- There is easy access to Hemisfair Park, featuring the Tower of the Americas and the Mexican Cultural Institute.
- You have kids and like the idea of LEGOLAND Discovery Center and the SEA LIFE San Antonio aquarium being across the street.
- Alamo Plaza is two blocks north.
- The Briscoe Western Art Museum is two blocks west.
600 E Market St, San Antonio, hyatt.com
Homewood Suites by Hilton San Antonio Riverwalk
Hilton's Homewood Suites is the most affordable hotel on the River Walk that I've stayed at. Cast aside the luxury touches and historical backgrounds for a solid value and an excellent location.
The lounge, located off the lobby, features floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the River Walk, providing a quiet space to read, relax, or work during the day. However, in the mornings, it's a bit busier, as this is also where the complimentary breakfast is served.
The rooms are what I've come to expect from this brand: basic, clean, comfortable, and sporting kitchenettes. A small rooftop pool and patio offer panoramic views. I remember spotting the C/2023 A3 Tsuchinshan–ATLAS comet from this hotel's rooftop.
432 W Market St, San Antonio, hilton.com
After staying at more than a half-dozen of the best hotels along the San Antonio River Walk, I've come to appreciate their various experiences. Whether you're looking for a boutique luxury stay, a historic landmark with character, or a solid value option with a great location, there's something for everyone.
