Comfort Doesn’t Have to Mean Expensive
If you’ve ever planned a trip to San Antonio, you know how quickly accommodation costs can add up—especially if you want to stay near the River Walk, The Alamo, or Market Square. I braced myself for paper-thin walls, lumpy mattresses, and the dreaded “continental breakfast” that consisted of a lonely muffin.
But on my most recent San Antonio trip, I was happily proven wrong. The city has a surprising number of hotels that are affordable yet still stylish, comfortable, and centrally located. Some are boutique gems, others are trusted chains with upgraded amenities, and a few have little quirks that make them memorable.
I’ll dive into five budget-friendly hotels in San Antonio. I’ll share my personal stay experience at one property where I spent three nights, and then I’ll recommend four others that are worth checking out based on extensive research, traveler reviews, and firsthand peeks inside.
So if you’re visiting San Antonio for the first time (or the fifth), here are some budget picks that won’t leave you sacrificing comfort for cost.
My Stay: Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott San Antonio Downtown/Alamo Plaza
When I was planning my last San Antonio trip, I knew I wanted to be close to the Alamo and the River Walk, but I didn’t want to spend $300+ per night. After some browsing on Booking.com and the Marriott Bonvoy app, I found the Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott San Antonio Downtown/Alamo Plaza. At just around $129 per night, it seemed like a steal.
And honestly? It turned out to be one of my favorite budget stays in Texas so far.
Location
This hotel is literally a 5-minute walk from The Alamo and just 10 minutes from the River Walk. I didn’t need to Uber once for sightseeing. In fact, I walked to:
• The San Antonio Museum of Art (20 minutes).
• Historic Market Square (15 minutes).
• The Tobin Center for the Performing Arts (about 10 minutes).
Being so central saved me both money and time.
Room & Facilities
I booked a King Suite, which had more space than I expected for a budget hotel. My room had:
• A separate sitting area with a sofa.
• A work desk (super handy since I was writing and editing photos in the evenings).
• A mini-fridge and microwave.
• Free Wi-Fi (strong enough for Zoom calls).
The bed was surprisingly comfortable, with crisp white linens and pillows that didn’t feel overused.
Amenities
• Complimentary breakfast: Eggs, sausages, waffles, oatmeal, fruit, and decent coffee. Not gourmet, but much better than a barebones “continental.”
• Outdoor pool: Small but nice for cooling off in the Texas heat.
• Fitness center: A couple of treadmills, elliptical, and free weights.
• Laundry facilities: A lifesaver since I travel light.
Service
The staff here were wonderful. On my first night, the front desk gave me extra bottled water for free (a small gesture, but appreciated after walking in 95°F heat). They also recommended a local taco spot—Pete’s Tako House—which ended up being one of my favorite casual meals in San Antonio.
Value & Booking
• Average nightly rate: $110–$150 depending on season.
• Booked through: Booking.com (got free cancellation and breakfast included).
• Extra perk: If you’re a Marriott Bonvoy member, you can sometimes snag additional points or discounts.
My Verdict:
If you want a comfortable, central, and reliable hotel without spending a fortune, the Fairfield Inn is a winner. It’s not luxury, but for budget-friendly San Antonio travel, it checks all the boxes: clean, safe, convenient, and friendly.
Recommended: La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham San Antonio Riverwalk
If you want to be right on the River Walk without splurging, this La Quinta is a fantastic choice.
Why It’s Budget-Friendly but Comfortable
• Rates average $125–$160 per night, often cheaper if booked directly through WyndhamHotels.com or Expedia.
• You’re steps away from the Shops at Rivercenter and within walking distance of Hemisfair Park.
Facilities & Services
• Outdoor pool with loungers.
• Complimentary breakfast with Tex-Mex touches (yes, they sometimes have tortillas and salsa alongside eggs).
• Pet-friendly rooms.
Nearby Attractions
• The Alamo (7 minutes).
• Alamodome (15 minutes walk).
• Tower of the Americas (10 minutes).
Tip
This hotel often runs member-only discounts if you sign up for Wyndham Rewards—it can shave off 10–15%.
Recommended: Hotel Gibbs Downtown San Antonio Riverwalk
This boutique-style property is housed in a historic building, right across from the Alamo.
Why It’s Great
• Average nightly rate: $135–$175.
• Stylish interior with exposed brick and industrial-chic rooms (feels more “boutique” than chain).
Facilities
• 24-hour fitness center.
• Complimentary breakfast.
• Evening bar with happy hour specials.
Location Highlights
• Across the street from The Alamo.
• Steps from River Walk dining.
• Near the San Antonio Majestic Theatre.
Extra Perks
They often include two free drinks per night with your booking—a fun budget-friendly perk!
Recommended: Best Western Plus Sunset Suites-Riverwalk
A solid choice if you like Best Western’s reliability.
Why It Works for Budget Travelers
• Rates: Around $110–$140 per night.
• Suites are larger than average, with a separate sitting area.
Facilities
• Complimentary hot breakfast.
• Fitness center.
• Business center for working travelers.
Location
• 10-minute walk to River Walk.
• Close to the Institute of Texan Cultures and Tower of the Americas.
Tip
Best Western Rewards members often score exclusive online discounts and room upgrades.
Recommended: Red Roof PLUS+ San Antonio Downtown – Riverwalk
For travelers who really want to stick to a budget but still want central access, Red Roof PLUS+ delivers.
Why It’s Ultra-Budget-Friendly
• Rates as low as $85–$115 per night.
• Recently renovated rooms with modern furnishings.
Facilities
• Outdoor pool.
• Free Wi-Fi.
• Coffee in the lobby.
Location
• 10-minute walk to the Alamo.
• Close to Market Square and San Antonio Rivercenter.
Tip
Book via Hotels.com or Expedia for bundled discounts (flight + hotel).
Booking Tips for San Antonio Budget Hotels
• Weekdays are cheaper: Avoid weekends if you can—rates can spike $40+ per night.
• Look for package deals: Platforms like Expedia and Priceline often bundle flights + hotels with extra savings.
• Check loyalty programs: Marriott Bonvoy, Wyndham Rewards, and Best Western Rewards all offer discounts and free nights.
• Location saves money: Being close to the River Walk means you can skip Uber and just walk everywhere.
Comfort on a Budget in San Antonio
What I loved most about my budget hotel experience in San Antonio is that I never felt like I was “settling.” The Fairfield Inn gave me comfort, good sleep, and unbeatable location, while the other hotels I researched (and peeked into) clearly deliver great value as well.
Here’s the thing: San Antonio is about exploring—the River Walk, the Alamo, the food markets, the parks. You don’t need to spend $400 per night to have a memorable stay. You just need a clean, comfortable, and well-located hotel that saves you money for tacos, margaritas, and museum tickets.
So, whether you go for a boutique like Hotel Gibbs, a chain like La Quinta, or budget-savvy Red Roof PLUS+, you’ll find that this city really does offer budget-friendly hotels without compromising comfort.
And trust me—when you’re sipping a margarita by the River Walk after a full day of sightseeing, you’ll be glad you saved a few extra dollars on your hotel bill.
A Few More Reasons to Love Budget-Friendly Hotels in San Antonio
• More money for experiences: Every dollar saved on accommodation means more room in your budget for trying iconic eats like puffy tacos, or grabbing tickets for a Spurs game.
• Surprisingly central: Many affordable hotels are within walking distance of the River Walk and The Alamo, which means you’ll spend less on rideshares and more time actually soaking up the city.
• Great service doesn’t cost extra: I was blown away by how genuinely friendly the hotel staff were, even at the more affordable properties. Sometimes warmth and hospitality mean more than luxury amenities.
• You discover hidden gems: When you’re not locked into a fancy resort, you tend to wander more—finding hole-in-the-wall restaurants, tucked-away shops, and little courtyards where locals hang out.
If San Antonio is on your travel radar, don’t stress about finding the “perfect” high-end hotel. Sometimes the best stays are the ones that give you a soft bed, a warm welcome, and easy access to the heart of the city—all without draining your travel budget.
I walked away from this trip feeling energized, inspired, and honestly, a little smug—I had comfort, convenience, and plenty of extra cash left over for adventures.
Next time you’re planning your trip, remember this: budget-friendly doesn’t mean boring or basic—it means smart. And in San Antonio, being smart with your stay only makes the rest of your trip more enjoyable.
So pack light, book smart, and get ready to fall in love with San Antonio—without breaking the bank.
