We spent four nights in San Antonio at the Hilton Palacio del Rio, in Nov.. Loved the hotel. It was not our first choice, but we loved the location, service and having a private terrace overlooking the river. It was our first trip to Texas, and we were overwhelmed by just how nice everyone was - everywhere, not just service workers. Two great meals at Boudros's (our favorite), great meals at Texas Land and Cattle, Zuni Grill and Michellino's(sp?). Our only disappointment was a lunch at County Line.
We visited all the hotspots - Tower of the Americas, La Vilita?, King William district, but the Alamo was our favorite. We were glad we saw the IMAX movie first (a suggestion from this board) as it gave us a true appreciation of the Alamo as a shrine, not just a great tourist attraction.

I'm so glad you enjoyed your visit to Texas. People are often pleasantly surprised to learn that most of Texas is not the dry, dusty desert that's portrayed in the movies. (BTW, those were all filmed the deserts of AZ and CA anyway) I hope you will come to visit us again soon, maybe next time you will see some of the Hill Country and Austin as well as the lovely city of SA.

P. S. I don't care for the County Line either.

Completely agree on Hill Country! After going countless times to SA, we just recently went to Fredericksburg for the first time this year. Really nice little town, less than 1hr away!

Great choice of SA for your first visit to Texas. Even as a lifelong Texan, I still feel like I've had a holiday when I go there!

Glad to read this post after any Fodorite wrote a few days ago about how disappointed he was with his trip - nothing to see, went through Alamo in 20 minutes, blah blah blah...

Hi Gin, so glad you enjoyed your stay here! I think the views from the Hilton are some of the best. Boudros is one of our favorite restaurants (and I'm not a big fan of County Line either).

Jean, at what speed did you drive to Fred?!? I live on the north side of town and it takes me a little over an hour to get there unless, of course, I put the petal to the metal

Ooops, hooked on phonics....petal should read pedal--but you knew that, right?!

Glad you enjoyed San Antonio, Gin. Thanks for the report.