Exterior view of Hotel Valencia from the River walk.
Visitors to San Antonio who want convenient access to all the culture and history the city has to offer housed in a stylish and sophisticated hotel need look no further than the Hotel Valencia. Perfectly located on San Antonio’s famous River Walk, Hotel Valencia is a modern luxury hotel with Spanish Colonial and Mediterranean influences. I love staying here for the ambiance of the river; the unique design both in the architectural details and the room decor, and the friendly and efficient staff.
All The Attractions Of San Antonio At Your Doorstep
Within ten minutes of this convenient San Antonio hotel, you can walk to the Alamo, the location of the infamous battle between the Texians and Mexicans for Texas territory. The Alamo is part of the San Antonio Missions National Historical Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site that includes four other missions. Less than five minutes walk is the fabulous Briscoe Western Art Museum; the San Fernando Cathedral, and the Majestic Theater.
In ten minutes or less, you can be at the historic Market Square eating fajitas at La Margarita or on a narrated river tour with Go Rio and a lot more. Don’t let anyone tell you the Riverwalk is too touristy. It’s an experience not to be missed.
Hotel Valencia Room Details
In 2017, Hotel Valencia partnered with the renowned Rottet Studio to renovate the 213 luxurious guest rooms and suites. The renovation preserved Valencia’s timeless appeal while incorporating sleek details like plantation shutters, leather club chairs, and mahogany-stained credenzas.
Every room is 350- 450 square feet–spacious by most city standards. My executive king room included a built-in seating area, 50″ television, executive workstation, capsule coffee maker, mini-bar, safe, Hotel Valencia signature robe, and a partial view of the river. Other rooms have full or partial river views or courtyard views with a furnished balcony. On a past visit, I stayed in a king room with a Juliet balcony overlooking the river. Aside from the obvious attraction of a river view room, the bonus is that The Hotel Valencia is located on a quiet part of the river so your sleep is never interrupted by late-night revelry.
Speaking of sleep, the beds are custom-made for the hotel and have seven layers of 300-thread count Egyptian cotton linens. Seven layers! It’s like sleeping on a cloud. If you fall in love with it you can purchase linens and even mattresses from the hotel.
Executive King Room with seating area
The bathrooms are outfitted with Italian marble vanities large enough you won’t be picking your toiletries up from the floor. There’s a combination tub with rain showers, complimentary C.O. Bigelow bath products; a lighted makeup mirror, and shave lights.
The hotel entrance is at street level but check-in and room elevators are one floor up–accessible via a gorgeous wrought iron stairway or the elevator. I love the street entrance where a water fountain enhanced by real candles in glass globes creates an elegant ambiance. Note: Access to all the hotel rooms is secured by your room key for safety.
To the right of the check-in desk is perhaps one of the sexiest libraries in the world, or at least that I’ve seen. The dark wood-paneled walls, paintings of matadors and flamenco dancers, and cozy seating arrangements suggest an elegant Spanish Villa where one might sip sherry after dinner.
A stunning lounge area adjacent to the hotel bar has vaulted ceilings reminiscent of a wine cellar and makes a great place for a photo op. The furniture is deep and inviting hence this is where I most often see people sitting hanging out with a drink (there’s a bar adjacent) or doing a bit of work.
Lounge at Hotel Valencia
Dining Options
Staying on the Riverwalk means there are endless dining options nearby but for convenience, the hotel also has onsite dining at Dorrego’s. Dorrego’s is open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner and advertises Argentinian-inspired cuisine. I had dinner there and tried a beef empanada and the red snapper entree. I also had a delicious Viva Evita cocktail from their inspired drinks menu. Service at Dorrego’s was good but the entree came out within minutes of my starter. Dorrego’s closes from 2 – 5 daily. Room service is available from 7:00 am to 10:00 pm.
Also at the Hotel Valencia is Naranja’s Tequila Bar, the only tequila bar in the city. Naranja’s serves small plates and often hosts live music.
Other options for breakfast and lunch within a block or two include Panaderia, known for fresh-baked Mexican pastries and classic breakfast sandwiches. The specialty grocery Royal Blue Grocery is within walking distance of the hotel and has a fancy coffee menu plus takeaway items.
The Hotel Valencia bar
Beyond the accommodations, Hotel Valencia Riverwalk is an idyllic destination for travelers seeking a romantic or relaxing getaway. Nestled along a tranquil stretch of the Riverwalk, the hotel is within walking distance of the city’s top dining and entertainment destinations without being within the wild nightlife often associated with the Riverwalk area.
Things to know: For the business traveler the hotel has 7000 square feet dedicated to meeting rooms. All rooms have a credenza and ample electrical and USB ports. A 1400 square-foot terrace overlooking the riverwalk which would be a lovely place for a special event, wedding, or date night. On-site conference services provide everything from catering to audiovisual services. Valet parking is $49 per night.
To Book
Room rates are from $199 – $359. Call the hotel at 855-516-1090 or book online at their website. You can also go to Booking.com to compare rates and make a reservation there if you find a better deal.
Hotel exterior and bar photos courtesy of Hotel Valencia. All other photos © Penny Sadler. Hotel Valencia hosted my stay.
