- I grew up in San Antonio and visit every year. As such, I've developed a list of top places to stay.
- Here are the best places to book from historic hotels to sprawling resorts and well-located Airbnbs.
- Visit Insider's hub for travel guides, tips, and recommendations.
In the last 10 years or so, the hotel scene in my hometown of San Antonio has flourished. Dazzling new locales have opened, and some of the classics got a face-lift. Now, the city boasts everything from refurbished antique hotels to bougie, modern stays.
I grew up in San Antonio, and while I now live between Houston and Mexico, I return regularly to visit family and friends. As such, I've developed a trusted list of the best places to stay in the city, whether I'm looking to indulge in self-care at a luxury property, stick to a budget with modest lodging, or spread out in an apartment or home on Airbnb for an extended stay.
From bustling downtown hotels close to shops, restaurants, and bars, to a funky Airbnb in artsy Southtown, or a remote spot for a relaxing vacation just outside of town, these are all places that should be on your travel radar this year.
Hotel Emma
Tucked away in the vibrant Historic Pearl Plaza, Hotel Emma is a boutique hotel located right on the San Antonio River. Hotel Emma boasts fantastic restaurants and luxury suites with custom-designed furniture, original artwork, and vaulted ceilings. I think it's one of the top hotels in the city, and as a book lover, I also enjoy going to Hotel Emma if only to soak in the expansive, dreamy library while sipping on a cup of coffee from Larder, a gourmet market housed at the hotel.
Menger Hotel
From time to time, my family stayed at the Menger Hotel to marvel at one of the longest-running hotels in the region (it's celebrating 163 years of operation in 2022).
The hotel is like a museum come to life with vintage photographs, a wood-paneled pub, and antique furniture. We always got a kick out of some of the spooky tales of ghosts that supposedly still roam the hallways, including that of former president Theodore Roosevelt, who is said to have visited the Menger several times.
La Cantera Resort & Spa
For those looking to do a little more relaxing and less downtown sightseeing, La Cantera Resort & Spa is a full-service resort and spa where you can totally disconnect in Hill Country, which is just outside of the city.
There are a ton of activities at this expansive hotel, like golfing and running trails, but if you're traveling with children, Six Flags Fiesta Texas is located just five minutes away. Separate family and adult-only pools mean this can also be a romantic retreat for couples, especially when paired with a treatment at the spa.
JW Marriott San Antonio Hill Country Resort & Spa
JW Marriott San Antonio Hill Country Resort & Spa is a great option for many types of travelers. Marriott Bonvoy loyalists love the trusted upscale vibe that a JW property brings, while families with kids will surely enjoy the nine-acre water park with a lazy river, which is heated year-round. If you're traveling alone, or as a couple, the adult pool offers a more relaxing experience.
The resort is located in the Texas Hill Country, one of my favorite places in the state, which boasts bright-orange sunsets, picturesque winding roadways, and natural wonders like the largest bat colony in the world, which is just 20 minutes or so away.
Hotel Valencia River Walk
Located in a quieter section of the River Walk, Hotel Valencia is a great option for people who want to feel like they're in a remote vacation locale while still being close to the liveliness of restaurants and shops. I'm a fan of the "breakfast in bed" package, which includes a morning meal for two delivered right to your door.
Hotel Havana
Your Instagram feed will never look better after a stay at this brightly-colored boutique hotel. Hotel Havana has 27 rooms that are smartly designed with picture-perfect retro decor, like a Smeg refrigerator alongside eye-catching furniture, floral rugs, and trendy art.
I love Ocho, the hotel's restaurant, which serves a mean brunch and delicious mojitos, perched above the light-green San Antonio River.
Canopy by Hilton San Antonio
Canopy by Hilton is a good pick for business travelers or remote nomads who need reliable Wi-Fi and comfortable work spaces. The staff is beyond welcoming and the sleek, modern tree-house design stands out among the historic buildings nearby.
Because of its location on the River Walk, it's ideal for working during the day followed by a drink or bite at one of the nearby cafés and restaurants during the evening (make sure to stop by the dreamy Esquire Tavern, just one block away).
Fairmount Hotel San Antonio
Fairmount Hotel San Antonio is so adored in San Antonio that instead of allowing it to be demolished in 1985 to make room for retail spaces, some locals purchased it, paid to put the 3.2-million-pound hotel on wheels, and moved it to a new location.
You can find the historic building in its new location with updated modern touches, such as a sleek rooftop oyster bar. From the bar, you'll have a scenic view of downtown San Antonio. As a pet lover, I also appreciate the option to travel with my dogs here for a one-time fee.
Southtown house near River Walk on Airbnb
When I go back to San Antonio to visit family, I always try to stay around Southtown because of its younger crowds, proximity to downtown, burgeoning art scene, and hip restaurants and bars. Airbnb has hundreds of places available in the city, but I tend to reserve Airbnbs in Southtown, an artsy community near the downtown area. (Local tip: Make sure to filter for Airbnbs with pools during the summer.)
This quaint home in the Southtown community has a comfortable, open floor plan with top-notch amenities, such as a California King Bed. It's located just a handful of blocks away from breweries, restaurants, and a speakeasy.
Historic River Walk loft on Airbnb
This Airbnb is ideal for a solo traveler or couple who wants to have the experience of renting a cozy home in a local neighborhood while still being close to downtown. I love the homey decorations, the light-filled working area, and the affordable price.
View Insider's comprehensive guide to visiting San Antonio.