The hotel was originally built as a school in 1852, and then converted to a hotel for the HemisFair, the 1968 World's Fair. Inside and out it's replete with Spanish tiles, archways, exposed beams, and soft, earthy tones. Many rooms share balconies or verandas looking out on the river—be sure to request a river-view room. Location is a big selling point for this hotel, in a quiet section of the river but still steps away from the entertainment district. Pros: Right on River Walk, frequent online discounts on third-party sites. Cons: Some complaints about service, undiscounted rooms pricey for quality, lower-level street-facing rooms noisy.
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