Long Wknd w/Wife - Austin or San Antonio
 

We are looking to spend 3 days in either Austin or San Antonio without the kids. Are either of these more relaxing, more romantic etc.? Our priorities are a nice hotel and decent restaurants / shopping within walking distance. Any and all suggestions welcome. Thanks!

I think San Antonio would be more romantic. If you're wanting to party Austin would probably be better.

Also San Antonio would most likely be warmer.

What would you like to do? When do you plan to go? That will help us with suggestions. San Antonio may be 2 or 3 degrees warmer than Austin, nothing earth shattering.

I suggest staying in Austin at the Driskill Hotel downtown. The Driskill Grill is romantic, as is the Roaring Fork a couple blocks away. Lots of romantic walks, downtown, Town Lake, Zilker park and out at lake travis for sunset. If you do decide on San Antonio, check into being on the outskirts (in the hills) at Westin La Cantera. :-)

Fort Worth or Big Bend.
M

Come to Fort Worth and stay in the downtown area. The Worthington and Hilton are both there. There are TONS of excellent restaurants around Sundance Square, and shopping, too. Plus, you can take a short cab ride to the Cultural District and see museums if you like. The Kimbell has another Egyptian artifact one right now...

Either pplace could be good for a quick getaway, but given what you are looking for San Antonio is probably the better choice.
Hotels at the upper end that would fit your bill include La Mansion, Watermark, Valencia, Contessa. Second tier (just fine but not quite as nice as the ones above) would include Emily Morgan, Gunter, Westin, Hyatt, maybe the Menger and if you don't mind cookie cutter Marriott Rivercenter. There are also some nice B&B's in the King William and Monte Vista area if that appeals but the restaurants and shopping would not be within walking distance.
The Hyatt Hill Country Resort is great but it would be a self contained kind of getaway - not that that's a bad thing. Westin La Cantera is a golf oriented resort that is also on the outskirts if that appeals.

If you can spring for big bucks, make a reservation well in advance for Le Reve (San Antonio) and do the tasting menu with wine pairings.

Great suggestion, eyeski.
And if you can't get a reservation at Le Reve but want one of the best meals in town in a lovely setting (and are willing to drive or cab a bit) go for the Lodge in Castle Hills - absolutely superb, whether a la carte or tasting menu with or without wine pairings