The River Walk, or Paseo del Rio, in the southern Texas city of San Antonio, winds through the downtown area along the San Antonio River, and offers a cooling refuge from the bustling city. Travelers can explore the River Walk, fringed by bars, restaurants and shops, on foot or by regular sightseeing boats. Visitors can choose from numerous independent and chain hotels bordering the River Walk, many with terraces and balconies overlooking the river.
Housed in a building with Mexican colonial styling and featuring a series of terraces overlooking the River Walk, Hotel Valencia has an atrium lobby with water features and lush foliage. The 213 guest rooms come with designer decor and furnishings, including faux-mink throws, leather armchairs and ebony credenzas. The hotel's Citrus Restaurant features contemporary American dining in a room with modern design and exhibitions by local artists. The hotel has a fitness center, and guests can book in-room beauty treatments and relaxation therapies. San Antonio International Airport is a 15-minute drive from the hotel, and nearby attractions include the Majestic Theatre, built in 1929, and the Buckhorn Museum & Saloon, which includes the Texas Ranger Museum.
Hotel Valencia Riverwalk
150 East Houston St.
San Antonio, TX 78205
210-227-9700
hotelvalencia-riverwalk.com
The Hotel Contessa's rooftop swimming pool affords views across the San Antonio cityscape. Also on the top floor, the hotel spa offers day-long treatment programs and serves its own menu by the pool. Las Ramblas, the hotel's on-site restaurant, serves Spanish and American dishes in a room with River Walk views. The Cork Bar, set in the hotel atrium, has a daily happy hour from 4 to 7 p.m., offering inexpensive drinks and half-price tapas. The Alamo Plaza and the 750-foot tall Tower of the Americas are both within a 15-minute walk of the hotel.
Hotel Contessa
306 W. Market St.
San Antonio, TX 78205
210-229-9222
thehotelcontessa.com (Ref 3)
The stone-faced Westin Riverwalk features a sweeping staircase topped by an ornate chandelier and has an outdoor pool with a poolside bar. The hotel's fitness center has a sauna, and guests can also arrange for spa services.The Zocca Restaurant and Bar serves traditional Italian cuisine with specialties including duck ravioli, porcini-crusted monkfish, and a selection of pizzas -- all available on the terrace overlooking the River Walk. The hotel has 473 rooms and 66 suites, many with balconies, and guests enjoy a tray of luxury Venezuelan chocolates at check-in. The mid-18th century Spanish Governor's Palace and the Rivercenter Mall are within a 10-minute walk of the Westin.
The Westin Riverwalk, San Antonio
420 West Market St.
San Antonio, TX 78205
210-224-6500
starwoodhotels.com
