Culture along the River Walk

San Antonio is not always what you'd expect of a typical large city in America. Sure, it comes with the big malls, sporting stadiums and plenty of fast-food outlets, but there's also the San Antonio River Walk. This entertainment precinct couples the natural beauty of the river and parkland with fine-dining, shopping, events and a range of other attractions.

You can stay right within this charming area at the Hotel Contessa, positioned on the banks of the river, or at The Westin Riverwalk for 4-star value and a view of the river and surrounding buildings. Stay connected to the River Walk and shopping at the Marriott Rivercenter, which is attached to the Rivercenter Mall.

Romance in the big city

Whether you're on a weekend getaway or a romantic tour around the United States, San Antonio is a great city to stop off for a rendezvous with love. With multiple candlelit restaurants, intimate hole-in-the-wall bars and horse-drawn carriage rides through the city, it's easy to find a way to reconnect with that special someone.

Let the romance bloom at the Mokara Hotel & Spa, where 4-star luxury can be felt in the indulgent day spa and the premium rooms with spa baths and private balconies. You can also get away from the world at the San Antonio Hill Country Resort & Spa, which dishes up a pool with lazy river and resort-run outdoor adventures.

San Antonio's history right outside your door

A heritage exists within San Antonio, one that can take you back to the 18th Century, thanks to the Spanish colonial missions such as the Alamo. There's also a residential area dating back to the 1860s and museums, including the Buckhorn Museum & The Texas Ranger Museum, with exhibits that speak on the city's culture and history.

There are plenty of San Antonio hotels with a similar historic vibe, such as the Hotel Havana, built in 1914 with a pan-Latin influence. You can also stay at the King William Manor, a gorgeous B&B housed in an 1892 Greek Revival home that possesses Southern charm.