The hotel originally opened in 1909 as the most "modern" hotel of its time. Over the years, guests such as First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt, President Eisenhower, Princess Grace of Monaco, Judy Garland, and Fred Astaire, as well as modern notables such as George Clooney, Demi Moore, among many others, have entered the St. Anthony's doors. Although some areas have been nicely maintained or restored to contain the hotel's original elegant character (such as the marble-floored lobby and adjacent stately bar), other areas -- particularly the standard guest rooms -- are outdated. A decent pool with city views, a 24-hour business center with free Wi-Fi, and a modern fitness center bring the St. Anthony to the current millennium. All in all, rates are pretty fair for what you get.

Housed in a 100-year-old bank office building, the 98-room Hotel Indigo San Antonio at the Alamo manages to preserve its historic originality while offering modern amenities, such as free Wi-Fi, a fitness room, a business center, and a cool American bistro, and contemporary, fun decor. Its prime location -- right next to the Alamo -- makes it a great mid-range pick for people who prefer the uniqueness of a boutique hotel.

The upper-middle-range Embassy Suites is in a prime downtown location, close to tons of restaurants, nightlife, and major attractions -- and directly on the famous River Walk. It's popular with both families and business travelers, featuring a free breakfast/cocktail hour, and meeting space. The two-room suites feel especially spacious with a door separating the bedroom from the living/dining area. The rooms are clean and and comfy and come with two 32-inch-flat screen TVs, a coffeemaker with free coffee and tea, and large walk-in showers. The location and the size of the rooms make it a good deal.

The Four Points Sheraton San Antonio Downtown is a good choice for business travelers seeking a comfortable, spacious place to get work done during their stay, or for families needing just a little more space. Although still technically downtown, the trade-off for the lower price point and extra space is being a little farther from the main tourist areas than other downtown hotels. But for the price, the spacious and comfy rooms, and lovely outdoor pool create a great value -- as long as you don't mind the extra walk.