Destination Spotlight: San Antonio
Mixing the cultures of Mexican settlers with Texas ranchers, San Antonio is a unique Southwestern destination offering historic attractions, a vibrant art scene, and distinctive "Tex-Mex" cuisine. Celebrating its 300th birthday in 2018, this city with a confluence of cultures is hosting commemorative events the week of May 1-6, including special events at each of San Antonio's five missions, along with an array of festivities throughout the year. To mark its 300th anniversary year, San Antonio recently unveiled a variety of new developments, such as the Bottling Department (the city's first food hall), the iconic barges along the River Walk were upgraded with electric models, and San Pedro Creek Culture Park transformed an old drainage ditch into a waterfront promenade with performance and art spaces.
Known for The Alamo (Spanish mission where one of the city's important battles took place), as well as the historic River Walk lined with shops, restaurants, hotels, and entertainment, visitors can stroll the street and plaza's to learn about the city's iconic Western past. In addition to The Alamo, the city is home to four additional missions, which are part of the San Antonio Missions National Historic Park, there's traditional Southwestern shopping vendors at La Villita, and Alamo Heights offers trendy shopping and high-end Western wear.
Foodies will want to sip an icy margarita along the River Walk and try some award-winning Tex-Mex cuisine. There's restaurants specializing in fresh seafood from the nearby Gulf Coast, a variety of iconic Texas steakhouses serving thick, Texas-sized steaks, plus German restaurants that pay tribute to the city's German heritage. For wine and golf enthusiasts, venture beyond the downtown to Texas Hill Country with an array of vineyards and tasting rooms, as well as championship golf courses.
Here are 5 Top San Antonio Luxury Hotels
1. Omni La Mansion del Rio
Originally built as a Catholic School by the Society of Mary in 1852, the Omni La Mansion del Rio was transformed into a luxury hotel in 1968 for the the World's Fair. Set along the River Walk, the property blends Spanish colonial architecture with gourmet dining at Las Canarias known for hand-made margaritas and Sunday Brunch on the River Walk, as well as a courtyard heated swimming pool. Plus, guests have access to the Forbes Four-Star Mokara Spa at the hotel's sister property, Mokara Hotel & Spa.
Check availability at Omni La Mansion del Rio
2. Mokara Hotel and Spa
In the heart of the city's famous River Walk, the Mokara Hotel and Spa provides a soothing oasis with a full-service, Forbes Four Star Spa and world-class fitness center. There's a year-round rooftop pool with panoramic city views, as well as the Rooftop Cafe with salads, sandwiches, and cocktails. Plus, dining at Ostra, a AAA Four Diamond Restaurant with a romantic riverfront location and a menu specializing in sustainable seafood.
Check availability at Omni La Mansion del Rio
3. Grand Hyatt San Antonio
Adjacent to the San Antonio Convention Center, Grand Hyatt San Antonio offers a contemporary setting in the heart of the city. Across the street from the Rivercenter Mall, the 24-story towers over San Antonio with River Walk views, more than 1,000 rooms, a Ruth's Chris Steak House with prime steaks, and handcrafted cocktails at Bar Rojo. There's also a rooftop pool, YogaAway classes via in-room TVs, state-of-the-art fitness center, and meeting spaces with audiovisual equipment and versatile seating options. Five Star Alliance Perk: All guests making reservations with Five Star Alliance receive, based on availability, a complimentary room upgrade and a 2 pm late check out.
Check availability at Grand Hyatt San Antonio
4. The St. Anthony Hotel
Recently restored to its 1909 grandeur, The St. Anthony Hotel provides an opulent setting overlooking Travis Park. Situated three blocks from both the River Walk and the Alamo, the hotel has multiple on-site dining options each with a unique dining experience, including Loggia serving traditional American classics with a twist. There's a rooftop bar, as well as an outdoor heated pool with private cabanas, fitness center, and state-of-the-art meeting venues.
Check availability at The St. Anthony Hotel
5. La Cantera Resort and Spa
For those seeking a resort setting overlooking Texas Hill Country, La Cantera Resort and Spa recently completed a major renovation, with furnishings inspired by the area's ranch heritage. Located about 30 minutes from downtown, the property is less than two miles from Six Flags Fiesta Texas, with two championship golf courses and five pools. The Loma de Vida Spa & Wellness Center provides an array of treatments, plus a grotto with a saline pool, outdoor gathering place with acoustic music, and outdoor cowboy tubs for relaxation. There are nine on-site dining options including the open-air exhibition-style SweetFire Kitchen, and the Palmer Grille at the Clubhouse, as well as the adults-only level on the property's highest floor.
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