Hotels on the San Antonio Riverwalk: Your Ultimate Guide

The San Antonio Riverwalk, also known as Paseo del Rio, is the heart and soul of San Antonio, Texas. This vibrant urban waterway is lined with restaurants, shops, attractions, and, of course, a fantastic array of hotels. Choosing the right hotel can significantly enhance your Riverwalk experience, so we’ve put together this comprehensive guide to help you find the perfect accommodation for your needs and budget. Whether you’re looking for luxurious pampering, a family-friendly base, or a budget-conscious stay, the Riverwalk has something for everyone.

Why Choose a Hotel on the Riverwalk?

Staying on the Riverwalk offers unparalleled convenience and immersion in the San Antonio experience. Here’s why it’s a popular choice:

• Location, Location, Location: You’ll be steps away from the Riverwalk’s main attractions, dining, and entertainment.
• Atmosphere: The Riverwalk boasts a unique and lively atmosphere, day and night. Enjoy leisurely strolls, river cruises, and al fresco dining right outside your hotel.
• Convenience: Easy access to major landmarks like the Alamo, the Pearl District (via the Riverwalk extension), and downtown San Antonio.
• Walkability: The Riverwalk is pedestrian-friendly, making it easy to explore the area on foot.
• Scenic Views: Many hotels offer stunning views of the Riverwalk from their rooms or public areas.

Types of Hotels on the Riverwalk

The Riverwalk offers a wide variety of hotel types to suit different preferences and budgets:

• Luxury Hotels: These hotels offer top-notch amenities, impeccable service, and exquisite dining options. Expect elegant rooms, spas, and stunning Riverwalk views.
• Boutique Hotels: Unique and stylish hotels with a more intimate atmosphere. Often feature personalized service and distinctive design.
• Chain Hotels: Familiar and reliable hotels with consistent standards and amenities. Offer a range of price points and features.
• Family-Friendly Hotels: Hotels that cater to families with kids, offering amenities like swimming pools, kids’ clubs, and spacious rooms or suites.
• Budget-Friendly Hotels: More affordable options that still offer comfortable accommodations and a convenient location.

Luxury Hotels on the Riverwalk: Indulge in Opulence

For travelers seeking the ultimate in comfort and luxury, the Riverwalk boasts several exceptional hotels:

Mokara Hotel & Spa

The Mokara Hotel & Spa is a AAA Four Diamond hotel known for its elegance and sophistication. Nestled in a quiet section of the Riverwalk, it offers a tranquil escape from the bustling city. The hotel features luxurious rooms and suites, a full-service spa, a rooftop pool, and fine dining at Ostra, a renowned seafood restaurant.

Key Features:

• Luxurious rooms and suites with elegant decor
• Full-service Mokara Spa offering a variety of treatments
• Rooftop pool with stunning city views
• Ostra Restaurant serving fresh seafood
• Excellent service and attention to detail

Hotel Emma

While technically located in the Pearl District (a short Riverwalk extension ride away), Hotel Emma deserves mention as one of San Antonio’s most exceptional hotels. Housed in a former brewery, this hotel exudes industrial-chic charm with its exposed brick walls, vintage machinery, and carefully curated art collection. The hotel features stylish rooms and suites, a library bar, and several acclaimed restaurants, including Supper and Sternewirth.

Key Features:

• Unique industrial-chic design
• Stylish rooms and suites with luxurious amenities
• Library bar with an extensive selection of books and spirits
• Award-winning restaurants serving innovative cuisine
• Located in the vibrant Pearl District

Thompson San Antonio – Riverwalk

This sophisticated hotel provides a modern and upscale experience. Its sleek design, rooftop pool, and exceptional dining options make it a favorite among discerning travelers. The Thompson offers stylish rooms and suites with floor-to-ceiling windows, offering breathtaking views of the Riverwalk and the city skyline. Landrace, the hotel’s signature restaurant, serves locally sourced Texas cuisine.

Key Features:

• Modern and stylish design
• Rooftop pool with panoramic views
• Landrace Restaurant serving locally sourced cuisine
• Sophisticated rooms and suites with floor-to-ceiling windows
• Excellent location on the Riverwalk

Boutique Hotels on the Riverwalk: Unique and Stylish Stays

If you’re looking for a hotel with personality and charm, consider these boutique options:

Hotel Valencia Riverwalk

With its Spanish Colonial architecture and romantic ambiance, Hotel Valencia Riverwalk offers a distinctive and memorable experience. The hotel features elegant rooms and suites, a courtyard with a fountain, and Citrus, a restaurant serving contemporary American cuisine. Enjoy live music in the hotel’s VBar.

Key Features:

• Spanish Colonial architecture and romantic ambiance
• Elegant rooms and suites with luxurious amenities
• Courtyard with a fountain
• Citrus Restaurant serving contemporary American cuisine
• Live music in VBar

The Emily Morgan Hotel

This historic hotel, often referred to as the “Official Hotel of the Alamo,” is located across the street from the famous landmark. The Emily Morgan Hotel boasts stunning Gothic Revival architecture and a rich history. The hotel features comfortable rooms and suites, a rooftop pool, and Oro Restaurant and Bar.

Key Features:

• Historic hotel with Gothic Revival architecture
• Located across the street from the Alamo
• Comfortable rooms and suites
• Rooftop pool
• Oro Restaurant and Bar

Hotel Contessa – Luxury Suites on the Riverwalk

As the name suggests, Hotel Contessa offers all-suite accommodations, providing ample space and comfort. The hotel’s contemporary design and Riverwalk views make it a popular choice. Enjoy a relaxing spa treatment at the hotel’s spa or dine at Las Ramblas, a restaurant serving Spanish-inspired cuisine.

Key Features:

• All-suite accommodations
• Contemporary design
• Riverwalk views
• Spa offering a variety of treatments
• Las Ramblas Restaurant serving Spanish-inspired cuisine

Chain Hotels on the Riverwalk: Reliable and Convenient Options

For a familiar and reliable experience, consider these chain hotels:

Hyatt Regency San Antonio Riverwalk

This large and centrally located hotel offers a wide range of amenities and services. The Hyatt Regency San Antonio Riverwalk features comfortable rooms and suites, several restaurants and bars, a rooftop pool, and a fitness center. Its convenient location makes it easy to explore the Riverwalk and downtown San Antonio.

Key Features:

• Centrally located on the Riverwalk
• Comfortable rooms and suites
• Multiple restaurants and bars
• Rooftop pool
• Fitness center

Hilton Palacio Del Rio

Known for its colorful exterior and prime Riverwalk location, the Hilton Palacio Del Rio is a popular choice for both business and leisure travelers. The hotel features comfortable rooms and suites, several restaurants and bars, a rooftop pool, and a fitness center. Many rooms offer balconies overlooking the Riverwalk.

Key Features:

• Prime location on the Riverwalk
• Comfortable rooms and suites, many with balconies
• Multiple restaurants and bars
• Rooftop pool
• Fitness center

Marriott Riverwalk

Offering a convenient location and comfortable accommodations, the Marriott Riverwalk is a solid choice for your San Antonio stay. The hotel features well-appointed rooms and suites, a restaurant, a bar, a fitness center, and an outdoor pool. Its central location makes it easy to access the Riverwalk’s attractions.

Key Features:

• Convenient location on the Riverwalk
• Well-appointed rooms and suites
• Restaurant and bar
• Fitness center
• Outdoor pool

Family-Friendly Hotels on the Riverwalk: Fun for All Ages

Traveling with kids? These hotels offer amenities and services to make your family vacation memorable:

Omni La Mansion del Rio

With its charming Spanish Colonial architecture and lush courtyard, Omni La Mansion del Rio provides a relaxing and family-friendly atmosphere. The hotel features spacious rooms and suites, a heated outdoor pool, and a kids’ club. Enjoy dining at Las Canarias, a restaurant serving contemporary American cuisine.

Key Features:

• Spanish Colonial architecture and lush courtyard
• Spacious rooms and suites
• Heated outdoor pool
• Kids’ club
• Las Canarias Restaurant serving contemporary American cuisine

Grand Hyatt San Antonio River Walk

This grand hotel offers a range of amenities and services, making it a great choice for families. The Grand Hyatt San Antonio River Walk features spacious rooms and suites, a rooftop pool, a fitness center, and several restaurants and bars. Its location near the Rivercenter Mall is a plus for families with shoppers.

Key Features:

• Spacious rooms and suites
• Rooftop pool
• Fitness center
• Multiple restaurants and bars
• Located near the Rivercenter Mall

Embassy Suites by Hilton San Antonio Riverwalk Downtown

Offering spacious suites with separate living areas, Embassy Suites by Hilton San Antonio Riverwalk Downtown is an excellent option for families who appreciate extra space. The hotel features a complimentary made-to-order breakfast, an evening reception with drinks and snacks, an indoor pool, and a fitness center. Its central location makes it easy to explore the Riverwalk’s attractions.

Key Features:

• Spacious suites with separate living areas
• Complimentary made-to-order breakfast
• Evening reception with drinks and snacks
• Indoor pool
• Fitness center

Budget-Friendly Hotels on the Riverwalk: Affordable Comfort

Traveling on a budget? These hotels offer comfortable accommodations without breaking the bank:

Holiday Inn Riverwalk

The Holiday Inn Riverwalk offers a convenient location and comfortable accommodations at an affordable price. The hotel features well-appointed rooms, a restaurant, a bar, a fitness center, and an outdoor pool. Its location on the quieter end of the Riverwalk provides a more relaxed atmosphere.

Key Features:

• Affordable price
• Comfortable rooms
• Restaurant and bar
• Fitness center
• Outdoor pool

Drury Plaza Hotel San Antonio Riverwalk

The Drury Plaza Hotel San Antonio Riverwalk offers great value with its complimentary amenities, including a hot breakfast, evening snacks and drinks, and free Wi-Fi. The hotel features comfortable rooms and suites, an indoor pool, a whirlpool, and a fitness center. Its location near the Alamo is a plus.

Key Features:

• Complimentary hot breakfast
• Evening snacks and drinks
• Free Wi-Fi
• Comfortable rooms and suites
• Indoor pool and whirlpool

Homewood Suites by Hilton San Antonio Riverwalk/Market Square

Offering spacious suites with fully equipped kitchens, Homewood Suites by Hilton San Antonio Riverwalk/Market Square is a great option for budget-conscious travelers who want to save money on dining. The hotel features a complimentary breakfast, an evening reception with drinks and snacks, an outdoor pool, and a fitness center. Its location near Market Square is a plus.

Key Features:

• Spacious suites with fully equipped kitchens
• Complimentary breakfast
• Evening reception with drinks and snacks
• Outdoor pool
• Fitness center

Beyond the Riverwalk: Exploring San Antonio

While the Riverwalk is a major attraction, San Antonio has much more to offer. Consider exploring these other points of interest:

• The Alamo: A historic mission and fortress that played a pivotal role in the Texas Revolution.
• The Pearl District: A revitalized brewery complex with restaurants, shops, and a farmers market.
• Market Square: A vibrant marketplace with shops, restaurants, and cultural events.
• San Antonio Missions National Historical Park: A UNESCO World Heritage Site comprising four Spanish colonial missions.
• Natural Bridge Caverns: A stunning cave system with guided tours and adventure activities.
• SeaWorld San Antonio: A marine life park with shows, exhibits, and rides.
• Six Flags Fiesta Texas: A thrilling amusement park with roller coasters and live entertainment.

Tips for Booking Your Riverwalk Hotel

To ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience, consider these tips when booking your Riverwalk hotel:

• Book in Advance: Especially during peak season, hotels on the Riverwalk tend to fill up quickly. Book your room well in advance to secure the best rates and availability.
• Consider the Location: The Riverwalk stretches for several miles. Consider which section of the Riverwalk is most convenient for your interests. Some areas are more lively, while others are more tranquil.
• Read Reviews: Check online reviews from other travelers to get an idea of the hotel’s quality and service.
• Compare Prices: Use online travel agencies to compare prices and find the best deals.
• Check for Amenities: Consider what amenities are important to you, such as a swimming pool, fitness center, free Wi-Fi, or on-site dining.
• Parking: Parking can be expensive in downtown San Antonio. Check the hotel’s parking rates and consider alternative transportation options if possible.
• Riverwalk View: If a Riverwalk view is important to you, be sure to request it when booking your room. However, keep in mind that Riverwalk view rooms may be more expensive.

Getting Around the Riverwalk

The Riverwalk is primarily a pedestrian zone, making it easy to explore on foot. However, there are other transportation options available:

• River Taxis: Take a relaxing river taxi ride to see the Riverwalk from a different perspective. River taxis stop at various points along the Riverwalk.
• Walking: Walking is the best way to experience the Riverwalk’s atmosphere and discover hidden gems.
• Ride-Sharing Services: Uber and Lyft are readily available in San Antonio.
• Public Transportation: San Antonio’s VIA Metropolitan Transit offers bus service throughout the city.

Dining on the Riverwalk

The Riverwalk is a culinary paradise with a wide variety of restaurants to choose from. Here are some popular options:

• Boudro’s: Known for its tableside guacamole and prickly pear margaritas.
• Iron Cactus Mexican Grill & Margarita Bar: A lively spot with authentic Mexican cuisine and a wide selection of margaritas.
• Landry’s Seafood House: A classic seafood restaurant with Riverwalk views.
• The Original Mexican Restaurant: A historic restaurant serving traditional Mexican dishes.
• Casa Rio: San Antonio’s oldest Mexican restaurant on the Riverwalk.
• Paesanos Riverwalk: Known for its Italian dishes.

Seasonal Events on the Riverwalk

The Riverwalk hosts a variety of seasonal events throughout the year, including:

• Ford Holiday River Parade and Lighting Ceremony: A spectacular parade and lighting ceremony held annually in November.
• Fiesta San Antonio: A 10-day celebration of San Antonio’s culture and heritage, held annually in April.
• Mardi Gras on the Riverwalk: A festive celebration with parades, music, and food.
• Dia de los Muertos: A colorful celebration of the Day of the Dead, held annually in November.

Conclusion: Your Perfect Riverwalk Getaway Awaits

With its vibrant atmosphere, convenient location, and diverse range of hotels, the San Antonio Riverwalk offers an unforgettable travel experience. Whether you’re seeking luxury, family fun, or budget-friendly accommodations, you’re sure to find the perfect hotel to suit your needs. So, start planning your Riverwalk getaway today and prepare to be enchanted by the charm and beauty of this iconic destination.