The luxury Mokara is one of San Antonio’s most luxurious hotels. The boutique hotel sits on a prime location right on the River Walk, and has such swanky amenities as a stately lobby, a signature spa, a riverfront seafood restaurant, and a beautiful rooftop pool with drink service and excellent city views. Some of the 99 rooms have far better views than others (as in: river versus brick walls), but all are bright and sophisticated, with romantic features like iron four-poster beds and two-person soaking tubs. Pampering service is another highlight: guests can expect nightly turndowns and 24-hour room service, which includes free coffee or tea delivery at any time. Travelers looking to stay on the River Walk chould compare rates with Emily Morgan Hotel, a larger, less luxe hotel right across from the Alamo.

In the heart of downtown, the 213-room Hotel Valencia Riverwalk offers a favorable location and nice RiverWalk views -- though you'll have to do without some amenities many would consider vital in sweltering San Antonio (namely: a pool). It's also a property best suited for adults with a food-and-drink-centric agenda or business travelers -- and not families -- thanks to its RiverWalk restaurant and bar and modern meeting rooms. All of the sophisticated guest rooms feature custom beds, Smart TVs, and nicely stocked honor bars. For a slight upgrade in price, the nearby Hotel Contessa offers a sleek rooftop pool and a lovely day spa. 

Hotel Contessa, located on a quiet stretch of the River Walk, sells itself as San Antonio's "only luxury all-suite hotel," and in many ways it lives up to that claim. The 265 suites range in size from 500 to 800 square feet, and all feature separate living rooms and bedrooms with contemporary, southwestern-inspired decor, two 37-inch flat-screen TVs, and free Wi-Fi -- but microwaves or mini-fridges only upon request, for a fee. The urban chic rooftop pool and Jacuzzi area is a nice perk, but the pool is small and gets crowded quickly. Those looking for some quiet relaxation should head to the adjacent rooftop day spa.

Originally built in 1859, the upper-middle-range Menger Hotel is defined by its history and desirable central location. Over the decades, the property has grown from 50 rooms to 316; rooms in the original section can be snug, but they're bursting with character, and all rooms feature flat-screen TVs, coffeemakers, and free Wi-Fi. All meals, plus a popular Sunday brunch, are served in the Colonial Room restaurant and drinks are available from morning until night at Menger Bar, a historic hideaway where Teddy Roosevelt recruited his Rough Riders. There is a good-sized heated pool in one of the courtyards, plus a small spa and fitness center. Although the hotel's glory days are in the past, it remains one of the city's historic gems. The mid-range Crockett Hotel, built across the street in 1909, is a good historic alternative. It has the same coveted location by the Alamo and slightly lower rates and a free breakfast, but no on-site restaurant or spa, like the Menger.

The upscale St. Anthony, a Luxury Collection Hotel, is an elegant Victorian-era landmark centrally located just three blocks from the Alamo. Built in 1909, the hotel's architecture and decor evoke its rich history, while serving up modern comforts and plenty of style. Its 277 chic guest rooms mix contemporary furnishings with vintage touches and have sleek bathrooms, though Wi-Fi incurs an extra fee (free for SPG members). A lovely rooftop pool offers private cabanas and cozy fire pits, while dining options include a fine-dining restaurant, historic bar with a Jazz Age feel, and a cocktail lounge with a menu inspired by rumored ghosts haunting the property. In addition to a bright fitness center, the hotel offers 15 meeting rooms. The nearby Mokara Hotel & Spa offers free Wi-Fi as well as a spa, but rates are more expensive.

The Westin Riverwalk enjoys a quiet location on a secluded stretch of San Antonio’s famed waterway -- a nice change of pace from the hectic, touristy parts of the River Walk. Although it has 473 guest rooms, it feels far from a mega-chain hotel thanks to its elegant, traditional decor, and intimate seating areas throughout the stately lobby and terrace overlooking the river. Rooms start at a spacious 420 square feet, and feature comfortable and pretty antique-style furnishings; some have bathrooms with separate walk-in showers and soaking tubs. There's also a small, lovely rooftop pool surrounded by plantings and ample lounge seating (a perk when the pool bar is open). Westin Riverwalk has 23 meeting rooms, including multiple ballrooms, but business travelers nonetheless may prefer Grand Hyatt San Antonio for its location directly next to Henry B. Gonzalez Convention Center.

Though noticeably older than its Grand Hyatt counterpart, this 632-room luxury hotel features a prime location right on the River Walk in the heart of Downtown San Antonio. Its 16-story atrium lobby offers striking views of the surrounding city and the rushing water below. Rooms are comfortable and stylishly furnished, but privacy and noise levels vary.

The Marriott Rivercenter is a large, business-oriented hotel that also caters to leisure travelers looking for comfortable accommodations and a solid array of features, including an indoor/outdoor pool and spacious fitness center. The Marriott's other main draw is its excellent location adjacent to the River Walk (though the nearby shopping center dampens the appeal of the area a bit). Decor is what you'd expect of a massive mega-chain -- contemporary but generic (with some particularly busy carpeting in the common spaces). Still, it's a solid four-pearl option in the area.

The 338-room Omni La Mansion del Rio's Spanish Colonial architecture gives the upscale hotel a relaxed hacienda feel. The vibe carries to the spacious and classic rooms, which have beamed ceilings and charming Spanish details; the heated outdoor pool, where mariachi bands frequently perform; and at Las Canarias, one of the best restaurants in the city. Some guests may miss the presence of an on-site spa and fitness center, but these are found just across the River Walk at Omni La Mansion's sister hotel, Mokara Hotel & Spa, a five-minute walk away.

Located across from the famous Alamo and boasting a rich history (as well as, potentially, a few ghosts), the Emily Morgan Hotel is an excellent upscale property in downtown San Antonio. Its well-preserved 1920s building is a Gothic-Revival-meets-Texas style, with interiors that benefitted from a 2013 renovation when it was bought by Hilton. The 177 modern rooms have flat-screen TVs, tubs, robes, and iHome docking stations. An outdoor pool, free Wi-Fi, American restaurant and bar, and 24-hour gym complete the offerings, plus the property is close to many San Antonio attractions. For a location right on the River Walk, however, guests might look to the historic Omni La Mansion del Rio, which features hacienda flair, a lively pool area, and kid-friendly perks. 

Directly facing Hemisfair Park, the Marriott Riverwalk is conveniently located next to its eponymous waterway, with convenient access to downtown attractions. Although it doesn't feel as opulent as its more business-oriented counterpart nearby, the Marriott Rivercenter, there are some nice features the leisure traveler will appreciate, including rooms with balconies and a cool lobby bar.

This well-maintained, upscale chain is periodically updated, and does a fine job of melding old-time charm with modern comforts. It's a historic property with neutral, pleasant (if chain-like) rooms, in the heart of downtown San Antonio, within walking distance of most major attractions.

A well-located budget alternative to its full-service sister properties, the Marriott Plaza makes a comfortable base for exploring downtown San Antonio and its historic attractions. But it lacks some basic in-room amenities found in its competitors’ rooms. It's a good choice for business travelers, as it boasts 17 meeting spaces -- and a nice pool for unwinding.