Entering the Riverwalk Vista is like taking a step back in time. The converted grocery warehouse from the 19th century showcases photos depicting its history, and patchwork quilts hang on the walls. Iron support posts are attached to original wood plank floors. Rustic leather armchairs and sofas sit in front of huge windows that cascade light upon thriving potted plants. Period antiques are around every turn. Some walls are exposed brick, nicely painted in white. Despite being a boutique hotel with 17 rooms, the Riverwalk Vista has spacious common areas where guests can relax in quiet comfort. The breakfast area is the center of activity. The large room features exposed pipes, weathered, farmhouse-style tables, and a vintage jukebox in the corner. Like the rest of the hotel, it’s been thoughtfully furnished to honor its past. This hotel attracts tourists and business travelers alike who prefer charming, small hotels with history and individual character.

The aptly named Riverwalk Vista is directly across the street from steps that descend onto the famous River Walk, where dozens of restaurants, shops, and hotels await. This access is positioned roughly in the middle of the River Walk, only a five-minute walk from the historic Arneson River Theater on the water. The Blimpie Rivercenter Mall, Briscoe Western Art Museum, and the Alamo are all about a five-minute walk away. Up from the Riverwalk in downtown, the Tower of the Americas in Hemisfair Park is a 12-minute walk. The Henry B. Gonzalez Convention Center is a 10-minute walk. The Historic Market Square is five to 10 minutes by public transit or five minutes driving. The AT&T Center where the NBA’s San Antonio Spurs play is 10 to 15 minutes by car. Lackland Air Force Base is around 20 minutes away by car. The hotel is surrounded by all types of restaurants, including a McDonald’s on the ground floor below it. There also is a pub that has live music on the ground floor of the same building. The Amtrak Station is a five-minute drive or 10-minute transit ride. The city’s trolley stops next to the hotel, which provides cheap and convenient transportation throughout downtown. San Antonio International Airport is a 15-minute drive or about an hour by public transit. 

Rooms at the Riverwalk Vista are individually decorated in a simple, rustic style but they have common design elements including original hardwood floors. Period wood antiques or quality reproductions are used for most furniture including headboards, dressers, and desks paired with modern office chairs. Vintage, light brown leather armchairs and matching ottomans are a cozy touch. Most rooms have walls of exposed brick and floor-to-ceiling windows that bathe rooms with lots of natural light. Other walls are painted in muted earth tones, while drapes are typically olive. Photos depicting the building’s history or San Antonio-themed artwork hang on the walls. Ceilings are high, lending airy ambiance. Bedding is white with grayish brown throws. Some of the furniture shows nicks and general signs of age, but some guests report that adds to the historic character. The bathrooms are roomy and decidedly more modern and upscale, with dark slate floors and walk-in showers with clear glass doors. The spacious, light granite-topped vanities have magnifying mirrors. Room options include Standard queen and king rooms, and King and Queen Suites. One suite combination includes a connecting parlor between two suites. 

Minibars are stocked with soft drinks, and each room has a Keurig coffeemaker. All rooms are well-equipped with 26-inch flat-screen TVs and DVD players, iHome docks, and free Wi-Fi. Free bottled water and robes lend extra comfort. Safes are also provided. Views are of the river or city skyline. There's a music club directly below the hotel that creates some muted noise in the rooms, and outside noise from the bustling tourist area below can be heard especially in street-facing rooms. But generally, guests report room noise is acceptable for an urban hotel.  

As an intimate, historic property, the Riverwalk Vista has fairly limited features, but they do provide a lot of extra perks, especially when it comes to food and drink. A varied hot breakfast is included in room rates, with everything from apple cake to empanadas to hard-boiled eggs available. Guests also are offered free cookies and lemonade in the afternoon and a free glass of wine each evening. Room service is available for lunch and dinner, although there's no full restaurant. 

There is no fitness center or pool on-site either, but guests are offered free passes to a nearby gym and pool at sister property El Tropicano. Business travelers can make use of the two meeting rooms and a computer station with Internet access and printer. Free Wi-Fi is accessible throughout the building. There's an elevator but guests must climb a short flight of stairs to the hotel, which occupies the second and third floors of the building. Valet dry cleaning services are available. No on-site parking is available, but a city garage with reasonable rates is a half-block away. Arriving guests can unload their luggage in the commercial loading zone in front of the hotel. Note that upon check in, guests receive a code to enter the secure building. No pets are allowed in the hotel.