For a sweet summer escape, The Westin Riverwalk, San Antonio is the destination for it all! Whether looking for a kid-friendly retreat, romantic weekend, party place, or solo traveler seeking a serene self-care getaway, there’s a little something for everybody here.

We all know and love the famed San Antonio Riverwalk. Just like the water keeps flowing in the San Antonio River, so does its rich history. Its incomparable lively atmosphere attracts people from all over the world. It’s understandable why this upscale hotel is perfectly positioned at the desired destination. 

The Westin Riverwalk, San Antonio strives for ideal service and impeccable amenities. After all, their Six Pillars of Well-Being are: Sleep Well, Eat Well, Move Well, Feel Well, Work Well and Play Well.

The hotel’s architecture and interior design are elegant and sophisticated, yet approachable and homey. The lobby is welcoming with flexible seating options to accommodate both individuals wanting to just hang out or for groups in a more formal setting. 

It’s dog-friendly, so you can bring your furry friends along for your summer escapade. Guests are welcome to bring any canine friend weighing up to 40 pounds. Your doggo will feel extra spoiled with their Westin Heavenly Dog Bed, pet welcome kit, and food bowls with mat. 

Sleep Well

The hotel offers 473 renovated guest rooms, all decorated to emphasize the historic Texas surroundings. Every room is inspired by Spanish Colonial décor, so picture rust-red colors, dark wood, and iron accents. The arches on the doors and decor patterns give it a modern-feel with an old-style to it. 

Wake up feeling refreshed in one of the modern suites. We stayed in a suite equipped with a King bed, sofa bed, riverside view, and a double balcony. The marble bathroom is super spacious with a shower/bathtub combo. (Ladies, you’ll appreciate the lighted makeup mirror). 

The two balconies were my favorite feature. One balcony leads out from the bedroom so you can roll right out of bed and enjoy a fresh cup of coffee or tea brewed (from your room) while overlooking the riverwalk. The other balcony is connected directly from the living room area.

You’ll have an amazing view of the Tower Life Building – built in 1929. (You can see gargoyles and lion heads on the side if you look closely). Enjoy a glass of Prosecco on the balcony while overlooking the river, colorful lights, and city nightlife. Take in the city’s energy straight from your private balcony!

The Terrace room is perfect for big families, as it has 1 King and an additional Guest room. Connecting rooms are available as well (for some rooms). It would also be great for getting work done comfortably on a business trip.  

Work Well

Speaking of business trips, the hotel boasts over 26,000 square feet of flexible event space, so it provides the perfect setting for a corporate conference, business meeting or special event. Plan a gala event in the 5,900 square Navarro Ballroom or the 3,100 square foot Hidalgo Ballroom for a larger event. Whether an intimate reception or gathering, small or large meetings, these flexible venues can accommodate up to 784 guests. 

Eat Well

After a busy day exploring the city, you’ll need to refuel your energy with delectable selections and dishes. Grab a quick pastry, salad, or sandwich at the cozy Cafecito before you head out on your next adventure. 

The on-site restaurant and bar Zocca Cuisine D’Italia serves up your soon-to-be-favorite Italian-inspired dishes with a Texas twist. The new bar provides an indoor-outdoor integration as well as a walk up component for guests of the Riverwalk. 

Zocca’s eye-catching art pieces and colorful modern decor create a fun, warm and inviting space. The cozy walled-in booths and cushioned banquette seating areas allows for a private experience- whether a date night or a business lunch. 

There’s a Weekend Brunch on Sundays which features Salsa Macha Dry-Rubbed Wings, Heart of Texas Pizza, and Texas Steak & Eggs Benedict, as well as a Build Your Own Bloody Mary brunch cocktail. 

Lunch offers Spicy Scarpariello Wings and Shrimp and Polenta, while breakfast includes two omelet choices, an Egg White Burrito and Orange Ricotta Pancakes. 

For dinner, order the Antipasti to share with the table (basically a charcuterie board). It’s a must to get the Artisanal Bread Basket with whipped honey butter. Dare to be different? Try the Fried Octopus or Chicken Liver Bruschetta. We highly recommend the Loaded Margherita Pizza. The special-tasting bread along with the cheese and sweet, juicy tomatoes make it an impeccable combination. 

The Bone-in Smoked Beef Short Rib was so tender it fell off the bone (just how I like it). Scoop up the delicious short rib in the mashed potatoes and kale for a heavenly bite. The fried onions on top add a nice crunch and flavor to it. Prepare to clean the plate and not leave any leftovers. 

Pasta lovers can choose from five different pastas -from seafood to chicken to beef short rib. For those looking for gluten-free, the Giardiniera Pasta is your answer; it contains corn, edamame, baby tomatoes, butternut squash, roasted olive pesto, and lemon ricotta. 

Wash that deliciousness down with a Pomm45 – which consists of Hendrick’s Gin, Pomegranate-Chai Syrup, lemon, and Prosecco. It’s a super popular drink, and I can see why, as it was sweet and refreshing. 

(You can catch live music on Thursday evenings between 6:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m while you scarf everything down!)

Move Well

Burn off those calories and get your heart-rate pumping with a variety of fitness equipment and machines at the state-of-the-art WestinWORKOUT® Fitness Studio. For those early risers, there’s a group run led by the Run Concierge on Tuesday and Thursday at 6 a.m. (weather permitting). If you’re not able to join the guided run, you can still stay active with the three- and five-mile RunWESTIN™ running routes, designed in partnership with New Balance®. Printed maps are available at the front desk as well as the fitness studio. Runners of all levels are welcomed with a fresh towel and bottled water. 

Biking is another great way to stay active, explore the city’s surroundings and see its beautiful architecture close-up. Bike to Mission San Jose, or one of the other four Spanish colonial missions within San Antonio. The city offers a hike-and-bike system, so you’ll get exercise while also learning about the rich history within the San Antonio Missions National Park. (Check out TLM’s tips on exploring the rich history of Mission San Jose!)

Feel Well

For the solo traveler seeking a self-care day, prepare for pampering at The Woodhouse Day Spa. Or take a dip in the Westin’s outdoor heated pool where you’ll take in the views of the Riverwalk and nearby Tower of the Americas. The garden-style pool area feels like a secluded sanctuary you’ve been yearning for. After taking a dip, stop by the Pool Bar’s sunlit patio and sit comfortably on the bar stools for bar bites and handcrafted cocktails. 

Play Well

The hotel is situated on the Riverwalk’s quiet end, and is a short walking distance from the lively Pearl District, so you’ll have access to downtown restaurants, bars, shopping, and plenty of entertainment. For the kiddos, The Alamo is just a short walk away. Six Flags Fiesta Texas and the San Antonio Zoo are also around the corner for more summer fun. 

Not only will you have the best Riverwalk views, you’ll have easy access to it, so take advantage. Explore the city by boat with GO RIO Cruises’ 35-minute narrated tour along the river. Party goers can pop in for a drink and listen to live music, or just stroll casually with a drink in hand taking in the city’s nightlife.

Cover photo courtesy Westin Riverwalk, San Antonio

Leean Vargas is the Highlight Reel newsletter editor at Texas Lifestyle Magazine and an honors graduate of Texas State University with a bachelor’s degree in Public Relations. She is a concert enthusiast who loves traveling, photography, good food, and discovering new hangout spots in her beloved city, Austin, Texas.