We'll be spending a 3-day weekend in S. A. in January. Have never been there. Any suggestions for places to stay, eat, sightseeing? Should we rent a car? What kind of weather can we expect?

I copied this portion from my Texas trip report for you:

We went to the Alamo, the National Park Historic Missions, and the Institute of Texan Cultures in Hemisfair Park. After dinner, we took a Yanaguana Riverwalk narrated boat ride right from the Rivercenter Mall. We stayed overnight at the La Quinta Convention Center (great included breakfast: 3 blocks from the Alamo & across the street from the Rivercenter Mall where we accessed the Riverwalk).

We stayed at the Holiday Inn on a quite portion of the Riverwalk. Really liked it because it was close enough to the hustle and bustle but far enough away to be peaceful. Not too expensive either.

We did the Trolley Tour of the City, the Boat ride mentioned by the above poster, visted Market Square (lots and lots of little shops), did part of the mission trail including the Alamo. On the Riverwalk it self, they have musical shows (with local artists), though I'm not sure if that is seasonal (we went end of May); lots of restuarants and cafes where you can eat and people watch, also some bars and pubs w/music (went to a Jazz bar, a Martini bar, and an Irish pub, all pretty good).

Have fun.

You will need a car if you plan on doing anything outside of the immediate downtown area, and you will definitely need a car if you stay outside of downtown. Most people prefer to stay on the Riverwalk (or close to it) since that is where most of the nice hotels are located.

I'll agree with Laurie on what to do. Also, try www.mysanantonio.com for more info.

January in Texas is very unpredictable. You could be wearing t-shirts, or you could need your winter coat. I advise checking the weather on the web for a couple of weeks before you go to know how to pack.

If you will be there on a Sunday, try the brunch buffet at the Hotel St. Anthony. Pricey but delicious, and well worth the splurge.

Another vote for the brunch buffet at St. Anthony's. When I think of San Antonio I think of that buffet.

Any other suggestions for lunch and dinner?

Karen,

How did you like the Trolly? Can you get on and off at different stops? Does it cover most of the places of interest?

Thanks

Food options abound! Budro's is terrific but do get a reservation. The usual steakhouse chain places (Morton's, Ruth Chris, The Palm, Gallagher's) are here if that suits our fancy. More unique to San Antonio would be Paloma Blanca, La Fonda on Main, Aldaco's. Grey Moss Inn is a bit of a drive but well worth it for a romantic dinner in the country. La Reve or Biga on the Banks are upscale and great. Most places on the Riverwalk are OK, except maybe Casa Rio (bad food, tourist trap!) with Paseano's and Presidio outstanding.

I enjoyed the trolley. There are several companies that run the hop on hop off tours. I think it cost us about $8. It definately hit all the hot spots and was great when we were there in May, since it was airconditioned (and it was 93 deg.). The hop on hop off spots I remember were at the Market, Riverwalk in several places, La Villita (sp?), the Tower, Several of the Missions, etc. etc.

You can also take the "regular" trollies. Pay once ($1.50?) and if you get a transfer before you get off, you can get on another line for free if you transfer within a certain time limit (2 hours, I think). Talk to the locals once your there they can give you the exacts. If you plan it right, you can see the entire city this way, very cheaply.

Oh yea, if you are going to go to the Alamo, I recommend seeing the IMAX Alamo movie first. It kinda makes the whole Alamo experience more interesting.