Where to stay in San Antonio – A guide to the American Venice
San Antonio is one of the oldest and largest cities in Texas. Nicknamed the “American Venice”. it is located in the south of the state and is famous for its River Walk, its amazing Tex-Mex food, its historic sites, and for being home to The Alamo, an 18th-century Spanish mission and symbol of the Texan fight for independence from Mexico. In this post, we will explore the best areas to stay in San Antonio.
San Antonio is a place with lots of things to see and do. The main attractions in this Texan city include the aforementioned Alamo, the San Antonio Missions National Historical Park, the city’s River Walk, the San Antonio Museum of Art (SAMA), the San Antonio Zoo, the Witte Museum, and the Tower of the Americas, the cathedral and the Historic Market Square, to name a few.
For lovers of the outdoors, the outskirts of San Antonio are home to some beautiful natural sights and parks such as the Natural Bridge Caverns, Cascade Caverns, Brackenridge Park, the San Antonio Botanical Gardens, the Natural Bridge Wildlife Ranch, and the Medina, Calavera and Victor Braunig Lakes.
If you’re traveling with kids, you’ll be happy to know that San Antonio is one of the most family-friendly destinations in the US. Considered the theme park capital of Texas, this place is home to several amusements parks like Six Flags Fiesta Texas, SeaWorld San Antonio, Aquatica San Antonio, or Splashtown San Antonio.
The humid subtropical climate in San Antonio makes it a tourist destination all year round. Summers are hot and humid, with bright sun and open skies. Meanwhile, winters are short, cool, and partly cloudy. The best time to visit San Antonio is from March to June and September to December.
The San Antonio International Airport is the main gateway to the city. It’s located in Uptown Central San Antonio, about 8 miles north of Downtown. This airport offers domestic connections to major cities across the US, and a handful of international destinations in Mexico and the Caribbean.
Public transport in the city consists of a bus system. Traditional taxis and mobile apps are widely available in the central districts. That said, cars are, by far, the most effective means of transportation. You can rent a cheap car in San Antonio here.
From its historic and eclectic architecture to its attractions, museums, and unique atmosphere, this a city that has a lot to offer, and Downtown is the best area to stay in San Antonio. See accommodation in Downtown San Antonio.
Featuring free WiFi and a year-round outdoor pool. Just 1.3 mi from The Alamo. The hotel has a sun terrace and fitness center, and guests can enjoy a drink at the onsite bar. Private parking is also available. The property is adjacent to the Riverwalk.
Here’s a guide with the best areas to stay in San Antonio, Texas.
Stay Near the Attractions and Theme Parks
Stay near the River Walk
Stay Near Six Flags Fiesta Texas
Stay Near SeaWorld San Antonio
The Best Areas to Stay in San Antonio, Texas
1. Recommended area: Downtown – River Walk
Downtown is the heart of San Antonio.
The River Walk is the most popular attraction in this area. This lovely riverside promenade earned the city its nickname “American Venice” and it is the city’s most romantic and lively area.
The Alamo, a World Heritage Site, originally known as the Misión San Antonio de Valero, is a historic Spanish mission and fortress located Downtown. It played an important role during the Texas Revolution and it is now regarded as a symbol of the Texan independence from Mexico.
Downtown is also home to several museums, theaters, and art galleries.
The best way to get to know the Downtown is on foot. In order to move to other districts, it also has several bus stops.
Downtown San Antonio is home to several nightlife spots, especially around the River Walk. Its bars and clubs are always busy.
Upscale restaurants, street food, and fast-food chains are also abundant in the Downtown area.
Downtown is the best area to stay in San Antonio since you can choose between shopping, cultural entertainment, the best cuisine, and tourist attractions.
Why is this a recommended area to stay in San Antonio, TX:
- Best area to stay without a car
- Riverwalk
- Best area for sightseeing
- The Alamo
- Best area for business travelers
- Great variety of accommodation
Accommodation in this area
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Top Choice
Tru By Hilton San Antonio Downtown Riverwalk
Located in San Antonio, 400 meters from El Alamo, Tru By Hilton San Antonio Downtown Riverwalk offers air-conditioned accommodation and a fitness center. In the mornings, a buffet and American breakfast is served.
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Budget
Motel 6 San Antonio Downtown – Market Square
This motel offers a wide variety of services and amenities in an ideal location next to lively Market Square, an area of restaurants, shopping and entertainment downtown San Antonio, Texas.
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Luxury
Sheraton Gunter Hotel
The Sheraton Gunter Hotel is located in downtown San Antonio, opposite the San Antonio Riverwalk. Wi-Fi is available in all areas for an additional fee.
2. Midtown San Antonio
Midtown is located north of Downtown San Antonio.
This area is full of residential neighborhoods, stores, entertainment venues, and Texan restaurants.
Among the main attractions of Midtown are the Witte Museum, the Botanical Garden and the popular San Antonio Zoo.
Like Downtown, this area has bus routes that connect it with the rest of the city, although, for greater comfort, it is better to move by car.
Midtown is very central and is also a great area for business travelers.
Another of the attractions of Midtown is the Pearl Brewery, an old industrial site turned into the most important leisure and gastronomy center of the city. It is San Antonio’s main hipster hangout spot.
Midtown is one of the best areas to stay in San Antonio due to its proximity to the main attractions of the city and entertainment options.
Why is this a recommended area to stay in San Antonio:
- Pearl Brewery
- Great nightlife
- Great area for business travelers
- Good area to stay without a car
Accommodation in this area
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Top Choice
Hotel Emma at Pearl on the Riverwalk
Featuring free WiFi and a year-round outdoor pool. Just 1.3 mi from The Alamo. The hotel has a sun terrace and fitness center, and guests can enjoy a drink at the onsite bar. Private parking is also available. The property is adjacent to the Riverwalk.
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Budget
Americas Best Value Inn Downtown River Walk/Market Square
Americas Best Value Inn Downtown River Walk / Market Square is located in the Midtown district of San Antonio, 1.1 miles from the Riverwalk and 1.4 miles from El Alamo. This 2-star hotel, built in 1963, is 1.5 miles from the Henry B Gonzalez Convention Center and 1.5 miles from the Ripleys Believe It Or Not Museum. There is free Wi-Fi.
3. North San Antonio
North San Antonio is another important district of the city, full of luxury shops, gourmet restaurants and entertainment.
The views offered by the Hill Country area, which is located in North San Antonio, are among the most impressive in the city.
La Cantera is also located in North San Antonio, with multiple shops, restaurants, and hotels.
The north is one of the best areas to stay in San Antonio with children because it houses Six Flags Fiesta Texas, a major amusement park. In addition, to the east of the area you’ll find Stone Oak, with shopping centers and clothing stores.
North San Antonio is served by bus routes and taxis. However, it is advisable for travelers to stay in this area with a car.
This area also houses the international airport of the city, making it an excellent area to stay in San Antonio for short stays or during a layover.
Why is this a recommended area to stay in San Antonio, Texas:
- San Antonio International Airport
- Peaceful area
- All kinds of hotels
4. West San Antonio
West San Antonio is a mostly residential part of town..
The streets of West San Antonio combine colorful murals, historic buildings, and authentic Texan culture.
The art exhibitions at the Guadalupe Art Center are well worth a visit when staying in this area.
West San Antonio has parks to fish like Woodlawn Lake Park, where you can enjoy the day and outdoor activities, especially during the summer.
West San Antonio has bus routes that connect with the main theme parks, shopping centers, restaurants and accommodations in the city.
North of this district is SeaWorld San Antonio, the world’s largest marine theme park.
In addition, West San Antonio offers cheaper accommodation than central districts, making it one of the best areas to stay in San Antonio, Texas.
Why is this a recommended area to stay in SATX:
- SeaWorld San Antonio
- Cheap hotels
- Historical buildings
Accommodation in this area
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Top Choice
La Quinta Inn San Antonio Sea World Ingram Park
This hotel is less than 20 minutes’ drive from downtown San Antonio and its river. It offers free continental breakfast every day and rooms with free Wi-Fi and flat-screen cable TV.
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Budget
Rodeway Inn Lackland AFB/Sea World
The hotel is ideally located for guests attending graduation ceremonies or other special events at Lackland Air Base. It is also close to other places of interest in the area.
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Luxury
Hyatt Regency Hill Country Resort & Spa
This luxury resort is located 1.2 miles from the SeaWorld theme park in San Antonio, Texas. It has a 27-hole golf course, 7 restaurants and spacious rooms with an iPod dock.
5. Northwest San Antonio
Northwest San Antonio is home to SeaWorld, so it is a great area to stay for families.
This area is also known for housing offices and important corporate buildings, as well as residences with tree-lined streets that create a sense of tranquility.
The amusement parks, food places, and cheap hotels make the Northwest one of the best areas to stay in San Antonio.
As in the majority of San Antonio, the Northwest area has bus routes and taxis to travel to other areas.
This is also one of the cheapest areas to stay in San Antonio, as it is home to many motels, small chain hotels and tourist apartments.
Why is this a recommended area to stay in San Antonio TX:
- Near SeaWorld San Antonio
- Great area for business travelers
- Near Six Flags
Best Location in San Antonio, TX – Frequently Asked Questions
San Antonio, TX is a large city. The best area to stay will largely depend on your style and what you plan to visit. San Antonio’s Downtown & River Walk is the most obvious choice to stay close to the sights, the Midtown district is home to several museums, green areas, the city’s zoo and the lovely gastronomic and entertainment area around Pearl Brewery. If you’re visiting for SeaWorld, there are several option available in and around the theme park.
San Antonio is an extremely very family-friendly destination. If you’re visiting San Antonio with kids, you will more than likely want to visit Seaworld at some point. Other great areas for families are around Six Flags Fiesta Texas and the Midtown district, home to the zoo, the DoSeum and the Witte Museum.
Downtown San Antonio, TX is home to most of the city’s skyscrapers and office towers. This central area also has the Henry B. González Convention Center and the Alamodome, so it is considered the best area to stay in San Antonio for business travelers.
The north side of Downtown and south of Midtown (roughly around the Museum of Art) is the liveliest part of town to go out, have a cocktail, and dance the night away. This area is home to the Pearl Brewery complex, with up-and-coming restaurants, quirky cafés and lovely boutiques.. Anther great area for nightlife is Downtown & River Walk.
If you’re in San Antonio, TX in transit and don’t have much time for sightseeing, then the obvious choice is to stay near San Antonio International Airport. This area has everything from cheap motels to high-end luxury hotels.
The Alamo is located in the southeast side of Downtown San Antonio. It is a pretty lively area with plenty to do and see. It is also home to several upscale hotels.
San Antonio is not particularly known for its efficient public transportation. The city does have a bus system but that’s all. If you’re visiting the city without a car, you’ll want to stay somewhere central, Downtown San Antonio is probably the best option. Alternatively, Midtown is a more laidback option and it’s also close to everything so you’ll save a few bucks on Uber rides.
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