Mokara Hotel and Spa

The signature spa may be on the second floor, but every inch of this 99-room boutique property -- one of the most luxurious options on the River Walk -- is imbued with a soothing, spa-like ambiance. An exceptionally high level of service, upscale but homey decor, and leisurely property features equally contribute to Mokara's indulgently serene and comfortable atmosphere. The hotel is the sort of place where bellmen open doors and scoop up luggage, receptionists offer chilled water, and room service staff deliver free pots of coffee or tea to the rooms at any time of day, on request. Previously the site of the Watermark Hotel (and long before that, a 19th-century saddlery), the Mokara is filled with handsome, traditional furnishings, but there isn't a trace of pretension to be found. In the lobby, brass-studded leather club chairs, limestone and wainscoted wood walls, and wool rugs form a swanky interior, but fresh orchids, a bowl of free organic local apples and the personable front-desk team make guests feel like they are at home. Naturally, the sumptuous decor and relaxing vibe extend to the signature, 17,000-square-foot spa, which features separate men's and women's relaxation lounges with plush furnishings, whirlpools, saunas, and steam rooms. It's all undoubtedly very romantic, but families benefit from the big tubs and coddling service as much as anyone (milk and cookies are sent to rooms at bedtime). For business travelers, features like the meeting rooms, private dining options, and free coffee deliveries are big draws.

Located on a small street fronting San Antonio’s famed River Walk, the Mokara is walking distance from restaurants, shops, tourist attractions, and historic sites. San Antonio is a cultural city, with Latin communities and outdoor markets in La Villita, the oldest neighborhood in San Antonio. During the summer, festivals are held almost every week and flamenco dancers often perform. To escape the oppressive summer heat, visitors and locals cool down with margaritas on River Walk, a winding street lined with restaurants and bars, while families opt to visit theme parks such as Splash Town and Six Flags. San Antonio is particularly kid-friendly, with numerous amusement parks, bike paths, HemisFair Park (park and convention center complete with gardens and playgrounds), and a zoo.

• Seven-minute walk to the Alamo
• Nine-minute walk to La Villita
• 17-minute walk to Tower of the Americas
• 18-minute walk to Henry B. Gonzalez Convention Center
• Six-minute drive to the King William Historical District
• Eight-minute drive to the Alamodome
• 23-minute drive to San Antonio International Airport

The first thing you should know about Mokara's rooms is that some have River Walk views and some look out on the brick wall of a neighboring building. River-facing rooms also come with balconies from which to enjoy the view. Book accordingly. All of the high-ceilinged rooms feature cream-colored walls, classic wood and leather furnishings, and elegant four-poster beds with wrought-iron frames, Simmons Beautyrest mattresses, and Napa Plush pillow-tops. Additional amenities include Nespresso coffeemakers with free coffee and tea, mini-fridges, bathrobes, and slippers (yours to keep). Luxe bathrooms include marble countertops, walk-in glass showers, separate jetted tubs, and Gilchrist & Soames toiletries. Turndown service is provided; guests often report returning to their rooms to find eye masks waiting for them on the beds and hear soft New Age music piping through the flat-screen TVs. Wi-Fi and bottled water are free.

Mokara offers a range of luxurious services and amenities, nearly all geared around pure leisure. Room service is available 24 hours a day -- and guests can order free pots coffee or tea to be delivered to their room at any time. Free clothes pressing and bath butler services are also available. 

The spa is Mokara's signature offering. All guests receive free access to the renowned, 17,000-square-foot spa's facilities: separate men's and women's relaxation lounges with whirlpools, saunas, and steam rooms. Free bottled water and Tea Forte tea are available. Guests who opt for treatments can choose from personalized facials, more than 10 massage options, manis/pedis (OPI, Butter, and CND polishes available), and hair services. The spa boutique carries skin care, makeup, and other products by brands like SkinCeuticals and Babor.

Mokara's large, modern fitness center is bright, thanks to floor-to-ceiling windows. Headphones, cold towels, fruit, and ice water are all available. The rooftop pool is somewhat small, but it's heated and offers poolside cocktail service as well as excellent views of San Antonio. Next to the pool, the Rooftop Cafe offers sandwiches, salads, and cocktails (for guests willing to get out of their loungers) in a casual setting.

The hotel's main restaurant, Ostra, features lunch and dinner menus specializing in sustainable seafood and raw bar selections. A full wine list and specialty tequilas are available. For breakfast, guests can choose from the "Spa & Fitness Choices" portion of the menu, which has options like Greek yogurt and locally made granola, or the "Breakfast San Antonio Style" section, which has heartier meals like cage-free eggs with blackened shrimp. Ostra's interior feels like an airy, upscale tavern (beautiful wood floors, stone walls, booth seating, ceiling fans, blue glassware), while its outdoor patio is reminiscent of a Mediterranean waterside cafe. Reserve ahead if you want to sit outside. Private dining available.