Historic Hotels in San Antonio

Housed in a historic neo-Gothic building with a reputation for paranormal activity, this 177-room boutique has a prime downtown location across from the Alamo and within walking distance of the River Walk entertainment district and Henry B. Gonzalez Convention Center. It offers modern amenities such as a bright fitness center, a small heated outdoor pool with city views, and a couple of computers for guests to use. Rooms, though inconsistent in layout, are generally large, bright and have classic decor.

The mid-range Crockett Hotel has been a downtown San Antonio landmark since it opened next to the Alamo back in 1909. Its location makes it a great base for exploring the famous River Walk and its many dining and nightlife options. The 138 rooms are clean and comfortable, but can vary greatly in size -- some are plain tiny. Highlights include an excellent free hot breakfast, a popular bar, a outdoor pool, and an impressive brick atrium. Guests also get free access to amenities at the upper-middle-range  sister property across the street (The Menger Hotel), which has a larger pool, a fitness center, and a spa.

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.

The 352-room St. Anthony Riverwalk (a Wyndham hotel) bills itself as a "historic hotel," but there's a fine line between historic and just plain old -- and the St. Anthony does not entirely succeed in negotiating between these distinctions. 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the marble-floored lobby and adjacent stately bar), other areas -- particularly the standard guest rooms -- are a bit outdated. A decent pool with city views and a modern fitness center bring the St. Anthony to the current millennium.

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 and 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 Menger Hotel is one of the city’s historic gems, having played host to numerous visiting U.S. presidents over the years. Although its glory days are long gone, it remains a well-preserved historic hotel, with a lobby chock-full of memorabilia, comfortable rooms spanning various construction stages, and decent amenities.