Save Big With San Antonio Hotel Deals from Groupon
Standing at the Alamo puts you in the middle of one of American history's most defining moments, and downtown San Antonio has built an entire experience around that legacy. The River Walk adds another layer, a pedestrian network of restaurants, hotels, and bars that functions as a city within the city. The downtown hotel market is well developed, with River Walk properties carrying a premium for direct access and properties a few blocks back offering strong value.
100+ deals
San Antonio Guide
With 1.3 million residents, San Antonio is the second most populous city in Texas. But once you’re here, you’d be forgiven for thinking the population was even higher, thanks to more than 20 million visitors who pass through each year. They come for the Alamo, of course, as well as to enjoy the sunny weather, gorgeous River Walk, and family-friendly atmosphere (both SeaWorld and Six Flags Fiesta Texas are here).
What to See
- The Alamo: Due to the 1836 battle that made it a symbol of Texas independence, the Alamo has become the most visited tourist site in the state. It's actually one of five historic Spanish missions clustered around the San Antonio River.
- River Walk: A 2.5-mile artery in the heart of San Antonio, this picturesque riverside path goes past restaurants, hotels, and other businesses, with little surprises such as public art installations along the way. A new extension connects the walk to the four-story San Antonio Museum of Art, where you'll find more than 25,000 sculptures and paintings ranging from Roman antiquities to contemporary work.
- Tower of the Americas: a 740-foot observation tower with views of the city and a revolving restaurant at the top
What to Eat
- Frito pie: Combine two of San Antonio’s most beloved foodstuffs—chili and Fritos (the latter were born here)—and you’ve got yourself a deliciously spicy-crunchy street food. You can find food trucks, bars, and restaurants selling their own versions all over town.
- The Luxury has a misleading name—for starters, it’s housed in a corrugated metal shack. But the food is top notch; try a local beer and a crispy fish banh mi sandwich.
Tex-Mex: Mi Tierra Café y Panadería in Market Square is open 24 hours a day, serving up homemade tortillas and cabrito, a roasted goat kid with chili-based gravy. Well worth the wait in line.
Where to Stay
- A record-breaker: The Fairmount Hotel, built in 1906, was moved intact to its current location (a convenient three blocks from the Alamo) in 1985. For that feat, the hotel made it into the Guinness Book of World Records as the heaviest building ever moved on wheels to a new address.
- A taste of history: Even closer to the Alamo is the Menger Hotel, which was built in 1859. Have a drink at the bar where Teddy Roosevelt recruited Rough Riders as a colonel in the Spanish-American War, and stay in rooms still sporting their original 19th-century furnishings.
- Views of the River Walk: The Riverwalk Vista Hotel is a handsome boutique property with prime access to San Antonio’s trendiest area.
Frequently Asked Questions
A good price range for centrally located San Antonio stays runs from about $80 to $240 per night, depending on proximity to the River Walk and hotel class. For example, Cityview Inn & Suites is around $82, while Omni La Mansion del Rio along the river is about $233 per night.
Some of the best-value family options in San Antonio are La Quinta Inn & Suites Riverwalk from about $81 per night and Hampton Inn San Antonio-Downtown River Walk with kids staying free on select room types. These put you close to the Alamo, Rivercenter, and downtown attractions without luxury prices.
Yes, several downtown properties sit within a short walk of both the River Walk and the Alamo, including Menger Hotel near Alamo Plaza and Omni La Mansion del Rio along the river. These typically price between about $170 and $235 per night, reflecting their prime historic-core location.
Travelers heading to SeaWorld or Lackland often book Hampton Inn & Suites San Antonio Lackland AFB SeaWorld or Ramada by Wyndham San Antonio Near SeaWorld/Lackland AFB, usually in the $79 to $121 per-night range. These properties trade walkable downtown access for shorter drives to the west-side attractions.
Romantic and upscale stays that often feel worth the splurge include the 4-star all-suite Hotel Contessa on the River Walk, the 5-star Kimpton Santo San Antonio with a rooftop pool, and Bluegreen Vacations Eilan Hotel and Spa near La Cantera. Periodic member pricing and limited-time offers can soften nightly rates.
Yes, Schlitterbahn Resort and The Resort at Schlitterbahn in New Braunfels offer waterpark-focused stays from roughly $116 to $128 per night, about 30 miles from downtown. For a Hill Country feel closer to golf and trails, Tapatio Springs Hill Country Resort near Boerne runs around $176 per night.
Extended-stay style options like Staybridge Suites Stone Oak by IHG typically start near $105 per night and are popular with longer visits, medical trips, or work assignments. These properties usually include suite-style layouts and kitchen amenities, trading a downtown address for residential-style comfort.
Locals often find the lowest prices by booking member-only or limited-time promotions on sites such as Groupon, where River Walk hotels, SeaWorld-area properties, and Hill Country cabins can drop 7 to 16% below standard listed rates. Flexibility on midweek dates and neighborhoods usually unlocks the best savings.