Where to Stay in San Antonio, Texas → 5 Best Areas for Tourists

It is no surprise that San Antonio is called the “American Venice” thanks to the stunning San Antonio river that passes through the heart of the city. This beautiful city is one of the oldest cities in Texas and won’t disappoint you at all with its historical architecture, cultural sites, nightlife, and amazing food scene!

You will love strolling along the famous River Walk that offers spectacular views and discovering many nice historical museums such as the San Antonio Museum of Art, San Antonio Art League, and art galleries. If you are looking for fun attractions you’re in luck! This city has some of the most famous amusement parks in the US such as SeaWorld San Antonio and Six Flags Fiesta Texas. So you see, no matter if it is a family trip or a journey to discover history and culture, you can have it all in San Antonio!

Let’s come back to the main aim of this blog post, which is to find an answer to where to stay in San Antonio, Texas. I have looked through all of the best of the best hotels in San Antonio and picked my favorite ones that have perfect location and facilities. I am sure when you see them you won’t want to miss them so be quick to secure your place and get a better deal!

Now, are you ready to discover the beautiful neighborhoods of San Antonio?

If you are in a hurry

Here are the best places to stay in San Antonio from luxury to budget. They all have very good reviews and great locations!

Here is a map about where to stay in San Antonio, Tx with the 5 best areas I will be talking about so you can easily visualize them:

1. Downtown/Riverwalk – where to stay in San Antonio for the first time

Downtown San Antonio is the heart of the city and the best place to stay for travelers visiting San Antonio for the first time thanks to its cultural attractions, great museums, and trendy restaurants. Whether you are a museum enthusiast or foodie, you won’t be disappointed here!

The most charming area in Downtown San Antonio is Riverwalk where you will see stunning views of the San Antonio River. Enjoy a stroll here and pick one of many charming cafes to sit down and spend some time people-watching. Then, check out great museums like the San Antonio Museum of Art and the other fun attractions in downtown San Antonio. At night, grab a ticket to a music event after a fancy dinner, how does that sound?

I did my homework and found the best places to stay in San Antonio Downtown and now it is time to do yours by making a reservation in advance. That is of course if you don’t want to miss the best of the best ones that I picked for you. If you plan to continue your holiday in Texas, check out the best places to stay in Austin.

Let’s have a look at the best places to stay in San Antonio downtown:

Other options in Riverwalk/Downtown San Antonio

If you want to stay in the area of River Walk in particular, here are some more accommodation options for all budgets. 

• Luxury: Mokara Hotel & Spa – One of the best luxury hotels in River Walk that has a large rooftop pool, spacious rooms with a panoramic city view, an on-site restaurant, and a very chic bar
• Mid Priced: Menger Hotel – Feel like you’re in a movie in this regal family friendly hotel with beautiful decoration and an outdoor pool
• Budget: Fairfield Inn & Suites – This centrally located hotel is within walking distance to all main city attractions and has comfortable rooms, free wifi, and a swimming pool 
• Airbnb: 2BR NYC Style – This Airbnb is located at the heart of Riverwalk and has rooms with modern amenities, an amazing sun terrace, and a rooftop pool overlooking the city

Things to do in Riverwalk/Downtown San Antonio

2. Southtown & La Villita – the best area in San Antonio for nightlife

Southtown and La Villita are neighbors located 1 mile (2 km) south of downtown San Antonio. If you want to be within walking distance of nightclubs, bars, and restaurants, you are at the right place!

I am sure you won’t have difficulty finding great dining and bar hopping in Southtown but before partying, don’t forget to allow some time for sightseeing as there are many nice museums and tourist sites here too! If you go to La Villita Historic Arts Village, you won’t be able to stop taking photos for a second as it’s one the most picturesque places in San Antonio with cute historic buildings by the river, cafes, and craft shops!

By staying in Southtown or La Villita you will also be very close to the city center, so this area is also a good alternative for those who cannot find a place downtown. Since you are in Texas, why not add another cool city to your travel itinerary, check out the best places to stay in Houston.

Now, here are the best places to stay in San Antonio for nightlife:

Other options in Southtown & La Villita, San Antonio

Things to do in Southtown & La Villita, San Antonio

• Visit the San Antonio Art League and Museum
• Have a delicious dinner at Rosario’s Mexican Café Y Cantina
• Discover the beautiful streets of the La Villita Historic Arts Village
• Have a cocktail at Bar 1919
• Dance till the early hours of the morning at Bonham Exchange
• Party at Jokesters 22 Pub N Grub

3. Northwest – where to stay in San Antonio for families

Northwest is located 8 miles (12 km) north of San Antonio downtown and is the best place to stay in San Antonio for families. From family hotels to fun attractions, you have everything you need to have the best time with your kids here!

In the Northwest, you can go hiking at the beautiful Government Canyon, have fun with kids at the aquapark, and have delicious family dinners in one of many nice restaurants. If you go to North San Antonio you will also find the famous amusement park, Six Flags Fiesta Texas. This can only add to the awesome reasons to travel to North San Antonio, right?

Thanks to its great family attractions, North San Antonio is the most convenient place to stay in San Antonio with kids and I have already picked the best family hotels for you.

Other accommodation in Northwest, San Antonio

Things to do in Northwest, San Antonio

• Go hiking at Government Canyon State Natural Area
• Have a nice family dinner at Rudy’s Country Store and Bar-BQ
• Take a golf lesson at Oak Hills Country Club
• Have fun at the waterpark Aquatica San Antonio
• Go for dinner at Alamo BBQ Co
• Take a day trip to the amazing theme park Six Flags Fiesta Texas

4. Pearl – the coolest area to stay in San Antonio

Pearl is located in North San Antonio just 1 mile (2 km) from Downtown. Once you step into this neighborhood you will instantly realize how cool this area is!

Pearl is surrounded by beautiful historical buildings and it is so much fun to get lost in its streets checking out designer boutiques, cool cafes, and trendy bars. If you are a foodie there is an amazing selection of restaurants and food courts, local breweries, and bakeries here. At night you can take a pint in local bars, listen to live music, and mingle with locals. How does that sound?

By staying in Pearl you will still be within walking distance to downtown San Antonio and will be able to enjoy local experiences in a hip area. Making this another great area to choose if Downtown happens to be booked out.

Let’s check out the best places to stay in North San Antonio Pearl:

Other accommodation options in Pearl, San Antonio

Things to do in Pearl, San Antonio

• Take a pint at the Pearl Brewery
• Have a homemade ice cream at Lick Honest Ice Creams
• Go shopping at the Pearl Farmers Market
• Have delicious food and drinks at Southerleigh Fine Food and Brewery
• Go for dinner with live music at Jazz, TX
• Sip amazing cocktails at Blue Box Bar
• Try foods from international cuisines at the Bottling Dept Food Hall
• Visit the San Antonio Zoo

5. West San Antonio – where to stay in San Antonio on a budget

West San Antonio is located 3 miles (5 km) west of downtown San Antonio and is the best place to stay in the city if you are traveling on a budget. Here you will be able to find relatively cheap hotels but don’t worry, this area is just not all about budget accommodation, you will find some of the most popular attractions here too!

West San Antonio is famous for having one of the largest theme park-focused aquariums in the world, Seaworld San Antonio. You can discover the underwater world, see more than 39,000 animals, and have fun at the aqua park and amusement park. In West San Antonio you will also be able to find affordable local restaurants, lush green parks, and shops.

Other accommodation options in West San Antonio

Things to do in West San Antonio

Frequently asked questions about San Antonio

Conclusion

I hope you enjoyed reading about the best hotels from luxury to budget in the top areas where to stay in San Antonio, TX. By now you should be ready to start the countdown until your trip!

If you are a person like me who likes to discover cities on foot, I highly recommend you stay in San Antonio downtown but all of the areas I mentioned have a lovely vibe so I let you decide your hotel according to your taste, as I am sure these hotels will not disappoint you!

I would like to remind you again that in order not to miss your favorite place to stay in San Antonio and get better deals on hotels, do not forget to make a reservation in advance!

After giving so many great hotel options, I know you might be feeling a little overwhelmed. So to help those of you who might be a bit indecisive, here are my favorite 2 San Antonio hotels that have convenient locations as well as good reviews:

• Thompson San Antonio – One of the best luxury hotels in downtown San Antonio with comfortable rooms
• Canopy By Hilton – Ideally located in downtown San Antonio, a great place to stay by the San Antonio river

If you have any other suggestions or questions about San Antonio and Texas please do not hesitate to leave a comment below. I’ll be glad to leave a reply to them!

Enjoy your time in San Antonio,

Eylul