The 99-room Mokara is one of San Antonio’s most stylish hotels, featuring swanky amenities that include a beautiful rooftop pool, a premium spa, and fine dining -- all in a prime location right on the River Walk. The rooms at this luxury boutique are bright and sophisticated, though some have much better views than others and most lack flat-screen TVs.

The 19-story Omni San Antonio Hotel at the Colonnade is an upper-middle-range option located 10 miles from downtown. Though the location isn't central, this 326-room property has both an outdoor and indoor pool, modern fitness center, and is a short drive to Six Flags Fiesta Texas and Sea World. While rooms are spacious -- and there's even a kids'-themed suite -- decor is generic and could use an update.

Housed in a historic neo-Gothic building with a reputation for paranormal activity, this 177-room boutique has a prime downtown location across from the Alamo and within walking distance of the River Walk entertainment district and Henry B. Gonzalez Convention Center. Rooms at this pet-friendly, non-smoking property have recently been renovated and feature leather ottomans and comfortable couches.

A well-located budget alternative to its full-service sister properties, the Marriott Plaza makes a comfortable base for exploring downtown San Antonio and its historic attractions. But it lacks some basic in-room amenities found in its competitors’ rooms. It's a good choice for business travelers, as it boasts 17 meeting spaces -- and a nice pool for unwinding.

This well-maintained, upscale chain is periodically updated, and does a fine job of melding old-time charm with modern comforts. It's a historic property with neutral, pleasant (if chain-like) rooms, in the heart of downtown San Antonio, within walking distance of most major attractions.

Hotel Valencia offers chic sophistication in the heart of downtown, along with comfortable, modern rooms and some nice views of the River Walk -- though you'll have to do without some amenities many would consider vital in sweltering San Antonio, such as a pool. It's also a property best suited for adults with a dining- and night-life-centric agenda, or high-end business travelers -- thanks to its modern meeting rooms, and the fact that the River Walk-side restaurant and bar are among the most popular in the city. For a slight upgrade in price, though, nearby Hotel Contessa offers a sleek rooftop pool, excellent fitness center, and lovely day spa.

Hotel Contessa, located on a quiet stretch of the River Walk, sells itself as San Antonio's "only luxury all-suite hotel," and in many ways it lives up to that claim. The 265 suites range in size from 500 to 800 square feet, and all feature separate living rooms and bedrooms with contemporary, southwestern-inspired decor, two 37-inch flat-screen TVs, and free Wi-Fi -- but microwaves or mini-fridges only upon request, for a fee. The urban chic rooftop pool and Jacuzzi area is a nice perk, but the pool is small and gets crowded quickly. Those looking for some quiet relaxation should head to the adjacent rooftop day spa.

The Marriott Rivercenter is a large, business-oriented hotel that also caters to leisure travelers looking for comfortable accommodations and a solid array of features, including an indoor/outdoor pool and spacious fitness center. The Marriott's other main draw is its excellent location adjacent to the River Walk (though the nearby shopping center dampens the appeal of the area a bit). Decor is what you'd expect of a massive mega-chain -- contemporary but generic (with some particularly busy carpeting in the common spaces). Still, it's a solid four-pearl option in the area.

Directly facing Hemisfair Park, the Marriott Riverwalk is conveniently located next to its eponymous waterway, with convenient access to downtown attractions. Although it doesn't feel as opulent as its more business-oriented counterpart nearby, the Marriott Rivercenter, there are some nice features the leisure traveler will appreciate, including rooms with balconies and a cool lobby bar.

Though noticeably older than its Grand Hyatt counterpart, this 632-room luxury hotel features a prime location right on the River Walk in the heart of Downtown San Antonio. Its 16-story atrium lobby offers striking views of the surrounding city and the rushing water below. Rooms are comfortable and stylishly furnished, but privacy and noise levels vary.