Here are reviews of favorite family-friendly hotels near the top sightseeing and cultural attractions in sunny San Antonio, Texas. Keep in mind that San Antonio is known as 'Fiesta City,' and there's likely some big party going on somewhere. Always reserve a room well ahead of time. Here are some suggestions for where to stay and tools to find the top values when you're ready to travel.

San Antonio Family Friendly Hotels

Embassy Suites San Antonio Riverwalk-Downtown
125 E. Houston Street
San Antonio, Texas 78205
210/226-9000
$$
The Embassy Suites is a new addition to the local hotel panorama. It sits on the banks of the River Walk, two blocks from the Alamo. This sparking-clean property offers complimentary extras that visiting families will appreciate, such as a cooked-to-order breakfast and a nightly Manager’s Reception with beverages and kid-approved munchies. The friendly staff won’t blink an eye, no matter how many times ravenous teenagers go back for extra helpings.

This is an all-suite accommodation, so you can put the kids in the living room on the sleeper sofa with their own flat screen television, while you unwind in the bedroom. Each suite is equipped with a refrigerator and microwave. The outdoor pool is a refreshing place to cool off after a busy day of sightseeing. If you are seeking a fine dining experience you are in luck, as the hotel is home to celebrity Chef John Besh’s Cajun-inspired restaurant Luke, his first outside of his home state of Louisiana. The sophisticated menu mingles notes of Swiss, German and Italian cuisines, reflecting Besh’s global training. Chef Besh is a father of four boys, so children are welcome on this culinary adventure. If a romantic dining experience is on the menu, the front desk will be glad to secure an experienced babysitter.

Omni La Mansion del Rio
112 College Street
San Antonio, Texas 78205
210/518-1000 or 800/292-7300
$$-$$$
Just a shade quieter and more relaxing than the other big hotels in the area; also slightly less expensive. The Spanish colonial style fits in well with its surroundings. Spacious rooms have beamed ceilings, exposed brick walls, marble baths and modern conveniences such as flat screen LCD televisions, Internet access and TVs with games. The elegant La Mansion del Rio is located in the heart of San Antonio along the historical Riverwalk.

Wyndham St. Anthony Hotel
300 E. Travis Street
San Antonio, Texas 78205
210/227-4392
$$-$$$
The St. Anthony, built in 1909, offers a glimpse into San Antonio's history at a more reasonable price than most comparable downtown hotels. Although it's a busy hotel for conferences, they do have a two-bedroom suite ideal for families. This upscale Western style hotel has earned AAA's four-diamond rating for outstanding personal service for more than a decade.

San Antonio Marriott Rivercenter target="_blank"
101 Bowie Street
San Antonio, Texas 78205
210/223-1000 or 800/648-4462
$-$$
With a 84 luxurious suites, 919 guestrooms, and a convenient location nearby the Alamo, HemisFair Park and the Convention Center, amenities at this hotel include a pool, gym, spa and sauna. Be careful not to confuse it with its younger sibling across the street, the Marriott River Walk (210/224-4555).

La Quinta Inn & Suites San Antonio Downtown
100 West Durango Blvd
San Antonio, Texas 78204
210/212-5400; 800/642-4271
$
With 150 rooms, free parking and a complimentary breakfast, you can't beat the value at this downtown hotel near the Old Mission Trail. It's within walking distance of Market Square, River Walk restaurants and the Alamo, and has an outdoor pool. If you just need the simple reliability of rooms that are clean and comfortable, there are a few branches of La Quinta Motor Inns, more basic and cheaper, a bit farther from the sights.

The Hilton Palacio del Rio
200 S. Alamo & Market
San Antonio, Texas 78205
210/222-1400 or 800/445-8667
$$-$$$
This hotel offers a suepr convenient location on the Riverwalk tour boat stop, as well as all the business services and amenities you'd expect from a Hilton. The modern facility has a large fitness room and pool, along with large, inviting guestrooms with especially fine views.

The Menger Hotel
204 Alamo Plaza & Crockett
San Antonio, Texas 78205
210/223-4361
$$-$$$
Ask for one of the restored older rooms at the Menger, one of San Antonio's classic hotels that celebrated its 150th birthday in 2010. A noted landmark, it also has the popular Colonial Room Restaurant and a bar, a large heated pool, a full service spa, fitness room and a hot tub for guest use. It's opposite the Alamo in the heart of the historic district, and a pleaure to stroll through, if you can't get one of their charming rooms.

Crowne Plaza Hotel San Antonio
111 Pecan Street East
San Antonio, Texas 78205
210/354-2800
$-$$
Located at Soledad Plaza, this modern business hotel offers babysitting (upon request), and an outdoor pool, complete health club facilities, sauna and jacuzzi. Your pets willl be pleased to know they are welcome here as well. It's about a 10-minute walk down the non-commercial part of the river before you reach the Riverwalk.

Hyatt Regency San Antonio
123 Losoya
San Antonio, Texas 78205
210/222-1234
$$-$$$
With a prime location on the riverwalk, the stylish Hyatt offers a rooftop pool, spa, and gym. The most recent addition was nine holes to the hotel's Arthur Hills-designed championship golf course, now totaling 27 holes. The Hyatt's central atrium with glass elevators is a dramatic haven from the Riverwalk bustle. Expect all the amenities including fine cribs, allergy free linens and air-purified rooms, loaner refrigerators and humidifiers, and almost anything your family might need. There's also a fine restaurant in the "basement" on the river level.

Local Motel Sixes
San Antonio, Texas
505/891-6161 or 800/4-MOTEL-6
For strict budget-watchers who don't mind driving a lot, there are several reliable Motel Sixes in the area with rooms reserved for non-smokers. However, you'll have trouble parking in the central Riverwalk area.