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Few cities can claim a personality as bold and inviting as San Antonio’s. San Antonio is the perfect location in Texas Hill Country to allow guests to enjoy cowboy grit mixed with cultural grace, where travellers can spend their morning in a saddle and their evening under the soft glow of River Walk lanterns. Blending storied heritage, vibrant festivities, and a culinary scene to rival any global hotspot, San Antonio is a destination that charms year-round.
Boots, buckles, and big crowds
Every February, the San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo gallops into town, bringing championship bull riding, barrel racing, and a packed concert lineup. This isn’t just a rodeo, it’s a citywide celebration, with carnival rides, livestock shows, and food stalls serving everything from deep-fried treats to Texas barbecue. Even if your clients can’t make it for rodeo season, they’ll find Western heritage alive in ranch tours, cowboy boot shops, and live country music venues across the city and neighbouring Bandera.
San Antonio’s calendar also shines bright during Pride celebrations each June, when the city comes alive with parades, performances, and parties that celebrate diversity and inclusion. The River Walk is decked out in rainbow colours, while neighbourhoods like North Main Avenue host lively events that showcase the city’s welcoming spirit. Known as one of the most LGBTQ+ friendly cities in Texas, San Antonio embraces its community with open arms year-round.
A River Walk romance
Winding through the heart of the city, the San Antonio River Walk is as much an experience as it is a landmark. Couples can share a dinner cruise beneath twinkling lights, while families can hop aboard a Go Rio Barge to uncover the city’s history and architecture. With restaurants, shops, and public art lining its banks, the River Walk shines in every season – bursting with blooms in spring, glowing with holiday lights in winter, and coming alive each October during Día de los Muertos, when decorated barges parade the river in a vibrant celebration of culture.
Where history lives and breathes
The San Antonio Missions National Historical Park, including the Alamo, tells the story of the city’s Spanish colonial past. The Alamo’s newest exhibit features artefacts collected by singer Phil Collins, who also narrates the experience. The missions – still standing after centuries – are UNESCO-listed treasures, ideal for a self-guided bike ride or leisurely exploration. In the heart of downtown, plazas like Main and Travis blend 18th-century charm with modern-day energy, while cultural hubs such as La Villita showcase art, crafts, and performances that keep traditions alive.
Culinary adventures from street eats to fine dining
San Antonio is a UNESCO Creative City of Gastronomy, and home to one of only three Culinary Institutes of America – and every bite tastes like a celebration. Visitors can begin their day with breakfast tacos or visit La Panadería for their legendary tres leches croissant, then wander through Market Square for salsas and tacos at colourful stalls. Explore the Pearl District’s chef-driven eateries, artisanal bakeries, and food halls, or soak up the bohemian vibe and inventive menus in Southtown. A short hop away lies St. Mary’s Strip, a lively entertainment corridor where food trucks and restaurants serve up global flavours, like Vietnamese-Mexican fusion at Singh’s or crave-worthy burgers in a historic gas station setting at Tycoon Flats, plus lots of spots perfect for a post-meal night out. From street food gems to inventive fine dining, San Antonio’s food scene blends nostalgia with innovation beautifully.
Stay in style
Here’s a handpicked selection of luxurious hotels that match San Antonio’s warmth with comfort, elegance, and location:
4* Thompson San Antonio
A sleek, contemporary property just steps from the River Walk, the Thompson offers panoramic rooftop views, a chic infinity pool, and refined dining at Landrace, helmed by award-winning chef Steve McHugh. Rooms feature floor-to-ceiling windows, curated local art, and deep soaking tubs, while the rooftop bar, The Moon’s Daughters, is a hotspot for cocktails and sunset views.
4* Omni La Mansión del Rio
This Spanish-colonial style hotel oozes character, with wrought-iron balconies, a tranquil courtyard pool, and rooms that feel like a luxurious hacienda retreat. Situated directly on the River Walk, it’s perfect for guests who want easy access to boat tours, dining, and entertainment, while still enjoying a serene oasis
5* Hotel Emma at Pearl
Located in the Pearl district, Hotel Emma is a reimagined 19th-century brewery that’s now one of the city’s most stylish addresses. Expect industrial-chic interiors, library lounges, and culinary excellence at Supper, the on-site restaurant. Guests also have access to a rooftop pool, curated cultural events, and a culinary concierge to help explore the city’s food scene.
5* The St. Anthony, a Luxury Collection Hotel
A historic landmark in the heart of downtown, The St. Anthony combines Gilded Age elegance with modern sophistication. Its grand lobby, lined with chandeliers and plush seating, sets the tone for a stay that feels special from the moment you arrive. Rooms feature high ceilings, custom furnishings, and large windows with city views. Amenities include a rooftop infinity pool, a well-equipped fitness centre, and celebrated dining at Rebelle, known for its seafood-driven menu. Just steps from Travis Park and minutes from the River Walk, it’s ideal for guests who want both glamour and convenience.
