The 14 Best Riverwalk Hotels in San Antonio: Where to Stay for Every Need

The Riverwalk in San Antonio is a great spot with lots of hotels to pick from. There are some older ones that have been renovated and plenty of new places too. As a Texas native, I’ve stayed at quite a few of them, so I know the best places whether you’re on vacation or just having a local staycation.

Budget-Friendly Picks

If you’re on a budget, you can still find some good, comfortable hotels like Holiday Inn Express, TownePlace Suites, and Hilton Garden Inn. They’re in a nice location close to the Riverwalk and offer a safe place to stay. Checking Expedia for an online search is a good way to find the best deals and prices. These hotels might not have the best views or fancy amenities, but they have what you need. You may not get juliet balconies or full sitting balconies, but you’ll still be near the fun parts of the river.

Hotel Emma

Hotel Emma is one of the best hotels along the San Antonio riverwalk, right in the historic Pearl district. It’s in an old 19th century building that used to be the Pearl Brewery, built in 1894. The hotel has been carefully restored and now has 146 luxury rooms. It’s a top spot for a stay, especially if you want to be close to the north river walk area, which is quieter than the noisy downtown. You’ll find great restaurants, bars, and a lovely spa all in one place. There’s so much to do, from shopping to enjoying food, that you might not even need to leave for the entire weekend.

Mokara Hotel & Spa

If you’re looking for a comfortable spot right on the San Antonio Riverwalk, the Mokara Hotel & Spa is a great choice. It’s a 4-star hotel, built in 2003, with just 99 rooms, so it’s nice and quiet. Some rooms have balconies with a stunning view of the river and pedestrian path. You can even get a premiere room with its own whirlpool. The spa is top-notch, offering a dry cedar sauna, an eucalyptus-infused steam room, and a whirlpool. Plus, there’s a luxurious rooftop pool where you can relax away from the busy street below.

The Westin Riverwalk

The Westin Riverwalk is on the southern edge of the Riverwalk, close to La Villita, a small historic village in San Antonio. The hotel has rooms with balconies that give you unobstructed views of the river, perfect for enjoying the riverwalk experience. It’s a peaceful spot with shady trees, wide pathways, and running fountains. Even on crowded weekends, it stays pretty quiet here. The hotel has a Spanish Colonial style, with dark wood and iron accents. There are 473 rooms, including river view rooms and spacious suites, all with nice touches like marble bathrooms and spa-style showers. You can also relax by the heated outdoor pool or grab a bite at the modern Italian restaurant.

Omni La Mansión del Rio

Omni La Mansión del Rio sits right along the San Antonio river and has a cool Spanish colonial-style look. It used to be a school back in 1852, but they turned it into a hotel for the 1968 Hemisfair World’s Fair. The place has 338 rooms with options for private or shared balconies that offer great river views. You’ll notice Spanish tiles, archways, and exposed beams all over. They also have a heated courtyard pool, a fitness center, and guests get free access to the Mokara Spa next door. It’s close to all the fun San Antonio attractions and great restaurants nearby.

Hyatt Regency San Antonio Riverwalk

The Hyatt Regency San Antonio Riverwalk is a big, tall hotel with 16 floors, built back in 1981. When you walk into the lobby, there’s a gorgeous indoor pool with a bridge designed to look like the riverwalk itself – it’s a real showstopper. This place is super close to the Alamo, and some rooms even have a view of it. You’ll be in the touristy part of the riverwalk, right near spots like Joe’s Crab Shack and Rainforest Cafe.

With 630 rooms, you’ve got plenty of space to choose from. If you want to relax, there’s a pool and a spa. Whether you’re here to see the sights or just take it easy, this hotel has what you need. 

Hilton Palacio Del Rio

Hilton Palacio del Rio is a big, tall hotel right on the Riverwalk. It’s super close to La Villita, a cool old village, and the Arneson Theatre. Just one block from The Alamo and near the Hemisfair, the spot is awesome for getting around. The hotel is 21 stories high and has a hacienda-style look, built back in 1968 for the World’s Fair. It’s been updated but still has that 60s/70s feel. There are 486 rooms, a pool, and a spa. The area can be noisy with Riverwalk crowds and drunk tourists, so it’s not the quietest. But if you like being right in the middle of everything, it’s a great choice.

Thompson San Antonio – Riverwalk

If you’re looking for a luxury spot on the Riverwalk, you’ve got to check out the Thompson San Antonio Riverwalk. It opened in February 2021 and has become a standout in the city’s hotel scene. It’s tucked away on the quieter north side of the Riverwalk, so you can chill but still be close to everything. There are always things happening, like weekly pool parties with local DJs, or you can just relax by the outdoor pool.

The hotel has 162 rooms and 33 suites, all with a cool mix of Texas style and modern touches. The rooms have things like dark hardwood floors, soft leather headboards, and a pop of color on the walls. The bathrooms are sleek, with white marble and giant soaking tubs. When it comes to food, there’s Landrace, run by Chef Steve McHugh, and a rooftop bar called Moon’s Daughters. Plus, it’s pet-friendly, and your pets can stay for free if you’re there for less than 30 days!

The St. Anthony Hotel

The St. Anthony Hotel has been around since 1909, and it’s still one of the most luxurious spots to stay in downtown San Antonio, just 3 blocks from the Riverwalk. It was built by a wealthy cattleman and is famous for its mahogany moldings and early features like private bathrooms and automatic doors.

Now part of the Luxury Hotel Collection under Marriott, the hotel has been fully renovated but still keeps its old charm. You can enjoy a drink at the Haunt bar, take a dip in the pool, or relax in the spa. It’s no surprise it’s one of the top hotels in Texas, especially for people looking for a bit of luxury.

Canopy by Hilton

If you want a comfortable place to stay on the San Antonio Riverwalk, check out Canopy by Hilton. It’s part of a lifestyle brand that started in 2014 and has a modern style. The hotel is tall and skinny, built in 2020, with 195 rooms. Some rooms have balconies overlooking the water, but some don’t have a view. It’s in a great location, on the western edge near Historic Market Square. The rooms are clean, and the service is really good. You get perks like free WiFi, hot breakfast, and easy mobile check-in. There’s a pool and spa, plus a fantastic restaurant. Even though not all rooms have a view, the ground floor real estate makes it super convenient for travelers.

Hotel Contessa

Hotel Contessa is a stunning hotel with 265 rooms, right on the riverwalk. It’s a great place if you want to relax by the water. Every room is a suite, so they’re large and give you plenty of space to make yourself at home. The rooms have big windows, blackout shades, and a living room with a sleeper sofa and TV. The bedroom has everything you need, and some rooms have a view of the water, while others overlook downtown. The only downside is that there are no balconies.

The hotel was built in 2005 and has a rooftop spa, a gym, and a pool with a view of the city. It’s also filled with San Antonio art. If you’re comparing it to hotels like Canopy by Hilton or Hotel Habana, Hotel Contessa gives you more space and an amazing view of the riverwalk.

Menger Hotel

The Menger Hotel has been around since 1859, making it the oldest hotel still running west of the Mississippi. It’s right by the San Antonio Riverwalk, though there aren’t any river views. This place has a lot of history—during the Civil War, it helped wounded soldiers recover. The hotel is also close to the Alamo and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Inside, you’ll find the original lobby with marble floors and a charming Victorian-style and Spanish-style courtyard. It even has the largest heated pool in San Antonio and 316 rooms. And fun fact, Theodore Roosevelt once gathered his Rough Riders here at the hotel bar!

Hotel Valencia Riverwalk

Hotel Valencia Riverwalk is in a great spot right on the Riverwalk, so it’s easy for guests to get to nearby restaurants, shops, and attractions. The hotel has a warm and welcoming vibe with nice, stylish spaces. People really like the attentive service and say the staff is friendly and professional. The rooms are clean and look nice, but a few guests have noticed some noise issues and say housekeeping could be better. While the hotel is comfortable, some people have mixed feelings about the cost, the amenities, and the valet parking.

Grand Hyatt San Antonio River Walk

The Grand Hyatt San Antonio River Walk has a cozy and stylish vibe that a lot of people like. The rooms are clean and quiet, with comfortable beds that guests really appreciate. Some people praise the friendly staff, but the service can be hit or miss. The hotel’s location right by the Riverwalk and convention center is a big plus for many. On the downside, some guests aren’t happy with the high parking fees and other charges. There have also been comments about old decor, maintenance problems, and the cleanliness in certain areas, though the hotel still gets positive feedback overall.

Hotel Havana

If you’re looking for a quiet place to stay, Hotel Havana is a great option. It’s an interesting boutique hotel, just a quick 10-minute walk from the busy Riverwalk, but it feels like it’s far away from all the tourists. This small 27-room hotel has a cool Cuban style, with lots of palm trees and a nice, old-timey vibe. You can grab a bite at Ocho, the in-house restaurant, or enjoy some drinks at the Havana Bar, both with beautiful views of the water. It’s perfect if you want to escape the noise for a bit.