The Westin Riverwalk, San Antonio

Perhaps it’s the signature scent of white tea permeating the lobby, or the peaceful view of the river framed by green foliage that make the Westin Riverwalk instantly feel like a tranquil, luxurious oasis. It could be the oversized sofas and chairs and elegant carpets and glowing candle chandeliers in the stately lobby, the pair of antique statues flanking the carved wood front desk, or the immaculate heated pool set in a quiet rooftop-garden setting. Even the hallways are appointed with colorful art and photography, fresh flowers, sconces, and antique-style furnishings forming cozy seating areas. Whatever the reason, this resort is definitely a step above many other comparably priced properties in the area. The Westin Riverwalk's attractive decor and features appeal to a range of travelers: the hotel's meeting facilities draw people in town on business, its quiet riverfront location and romantic style attract couples, and its kid-friendly policies bring in plenty of families.

Although in the heart of the city, The Westin Riverwalk's location away from the main strip of the River Walk provides for a more serene experience without being too far from the action. Guests can walk to any of a number of area attractions, including the Alamo, La Villita, and Tower of the Americas.- 10-minute-walk to the Alamo

• 10-minute walk to Henry B. Gonzalez Convention Center
• 12-minute walk to Tower of the Americas
• 15-minute walk to the King William Historical District
• 18-minute drive to San Antonio International Airport

Room decor is on par with the rest of the property, with antique-style furnishings that include wrought-iron headboards, carved wood dressers and side tables, light teal armchairs, and stone-topped writing desks. In-room amenities here exceed the basic requirements: all rooms have mini-fridges, coffeemakers with free Starbucks coffee and Tazo tea, flat-screen TVs with cable channels, Westin's White Tea Aloe toiletries, plus a sleep experience enhanced by Westin’s Heavenly Bed, with its pillow-top mattress and signature bedding. Higher-level rooms feature perks like bathrobes, oversized balconies overlooking the River Walk, and huge bathrooms with separate soaking tubs and walk-in showers, plus extra toiletries, like mouthwash, sewing kits, and nail files. Wi-Fi costs a fee, but is free for SPG members.

Westin's rooftop pool is small for a 473-room hotel, but it is lovely, with a trellis covered in greenery and views of River Walk and Tower of the Americas. The pool is heated year round, and a bar serves cocktails and light snacks during warm weather. Towels are provided. The Woodhouse Day Spa offers a variety of holistic treatments, from agave nectar manicures and anti-aging facials to volcanic stone massages and espresso mud body scrubs. Reflexology and Ayurvedic head/scalp massages are available. In-room treatments can be arranged. Near the spa is Westin's large fitness center, which has a sauna and is equipped with up-to-date cardio machines with private TVs, resistance balls, exercise cables, yoga mats, and free weights. Chilled and room temperature towels are available, and loaner workout gear and maps of nearby running and walking trails can be provided.Zocca is Westin's main restaurant breakfast menu is classic American, while lunch and dinner menus are classic Italian. Meals can be had in Zocca's modern and airy dining room with a wood-beam ceiling, or outside on a stone patio by the river. Zocca has a lounge area with a full bar. Cafecito coffee bar in the lobby serves Starbucks coffee and espresso drinks, Tazo tea, and pastries. A Spanish-style afternoon tea with pastries and drinks is held in the lobby every day, for a fee.The hotel's 26,000 square feet of meeting space includes 23 meeting rooms, the largest of which can accommodate nearly 800 people. A 24-hour business center consists of three pay-to-use computers; printing, copying, and faxing costs a fee, though printing boarding passes is free. Mailing and shipping services are available for a fee. A gift shop sells San Antonio-themed souvenir hats, T-shirts, mugs, and Christmas ornaments, plus items like candy, cold drinks, and sunglasses. Valet parking is available for a fee and dogs up to 40 pounds are allowed, also for a fee. (No other pets are permitted.) Wi-Fi is free for SPG members only; the loyalty program is free to join.