tdmort

My husband and I are considering a 4 night trip to San Antonio. What is the weather like in Jan/Feb? Is this a good time (i.e. not rainy) to visit? Hotel suggestions on the Riverwalk? Thanks!

AnnMarie_C

Jan / Feb can be sunny and beautiful--it all depends on the weather patterns. Weather wise, I think it's the most beautiful time of year but it can get cold and may even freeze but generally speaking the cold spells don't last too long. There are plenty of hotels to choose from along the Riverwalk--do you have a price range in mind?

AustinTraveler

They drain the riverwalk area once a year and this year it will be the week beginning January 11 so you may want to avoid that week.

tdmort

AnnMarie- thanks for the response. I am from Michigan so a little frost won't kill me As for a hotel, I'd like to stay away from the big chains. I'd also like to keep it in the $150-$200 range - is that possible?

Thanks for the tip - AustinTraveler. We're looking at the end of Jan or early Feb.

tdmort

P.S. Is 4 nights too long? My husband thinks there is nothing to do besides see the Alamo?

clueless

Yes.

Orlando_Vic

There is some pretty good information in the December 2006/January 2007 issue of Budget Travel. The article entitled "25 Reasons Why We Love San Antonio" runs from page 82-82. Sorry, no link available yet.

AnnMarie_C

lol, I think 4 nights would be perfect--that way, you could add a day trip to Austin and / or the Hill Country. Austin is a great city--definitely worth a visit. The Hill Country consists of small German settled towns, such as Gruene (pronounced Green), Fredericksburg and Boerne, and is the home to several wineries.

Winter is the perfect time of year for a day hike. If you're interested, Enchanted Rock, located close to Fredericksburg, is unique and beautiful.

There is a lot to see and do in San Antonio and the surrounding area. In addition to the Alamo and it's museum, the shops at La Villita and El Mercado are fun to puruse. The Missions are incredibly beautiful--I never tire of seeing them. If you're interested in architecture you could tour the King William District. The Tower of the Americas recently re-opened though the restaurant at the top continues to receive poor reviews. The San Antonio Museum of Art and McNay Art Museum are excellent. We also enjoy the Witte Museum and Botanical Gardens.

Non chain hotels along the Riverwalk include The Watermark, Emily Morgan (which is close enough to the Riverwalk though not directly on it), La Mansion Del Rio (recently, I believe this hotel was purchased by a chain, though which one I'm unsure), Riverwalk Vista, Riverwalk Plaza, and Havana Riverwalk Inn.

I'm probably forgetting some things but this should get you started. Hope it helps!

ChristieP

Winter weather in Texas can be unpredictable. It can be cold, or it can be in the 70s. Go ahead and book your trip, and just check the weather before you leave so you'll know how to pack.

There are TONS of things to do in San Antonio besides visiting the Alamo!
1. Go see the other missions in San Antonio along the "Mission Trail." This is actually a National Park, and is very informative. The visitor center at San Jose has an award-winning film.

2. Take a drive through the Hill Country. Fredericksburg, Boerne, Gruene, and Kerrville are all eay day trips, and the drives to each are scenic. Each town has lots of cute shops and restaurants. Bandera is known as the "Cowboy Capital of Texas" and is also a great day trip.

3. As you know, the Riverwalk is great!

For hotels, if you're looking for something unique, try the St. Anthony. It is a VERY historic hotel (almost 100 years old), and has only recently been run by Wyndham. It's one bloack off the Riverwalk, so it's an easy walk. Here's the website: http://www.wyndham.com/hotels/SATST/main.wnt

tdmort

Orlando Vic - thanks for the tip, I'll watch for it online or see if I can pick up a copy at the drug store!

AnnMarie and ChristyP - thanks for the info. I'm going to make my husband come here and read your posts I was originally thinking about not renting a car, but it sounds like I'll want one after all. Do either of you know anything about the Hotel Contessa?

AnnMarie_C

Hi tdmort,

Definitely rent a car if you can--you'll need it to see the Missions, visit Austin, etc. Hotel Contessa, I knew I was forgetting something! One of the newer downtown hotels, it's beautiful and in a great location on the River close to La Villita. It faces Market Street, a busy street, so be sure to request a room facing the River.

ChristieP

Yes, definitely rent a car! You'll enjoy getting out of downtown, and the cars are inexpensive. For what you'd pay in cab fare, you can rent a car.

smom

Avoid the Watermark Hotel...I stayed there last year and was very disappointed: room not ready, dirty room, room service slow. I spent more time talking to management than enjoying my stay.