Eilan Hotel and Spa An Ascend Resort Collection Member

This upscale resort hotel has an opulent lobby that echoes the grande dame hotels of Europe. Massive marble columns reach up to coffered ceilings and delicate brass chandeliers. Creamy off-white hues are used in the walls and tile floors, which paired with light earth-tone furniture and plenty of natural light, prevents the spacious area from feeling too formal or stuffy. Colorful and contemporary abstract art adds cheerful accents, while a wide stone staircase framed by black wrought-iron railings leads downstairs. The space is generally quiet and serene, though it can get busy when corporate meetings are being hosted. While business travelers make up a large portion of the guests here, leisure travelers who seek more than just a place to sleep frequent this destination resort hotel as well. 

The Eilan Hotel is located in a quiet, upscale suburban setting about 25 minutes north of downtown San Antonio, surrounded by residences and a few businesses. There's not much within walking distance, but there are several restaurants within a few minutes' drive. It’s just off Interstate 10, making connections to other areas of the city convenient. The popular Shops at La Canterra, Six Flags Fiesta amusement park, and a couple of golf courses are about six minutes away, and the Colonnade shopping center is an 11-minute drive. SeaWorld and San Antonio International Airport are approximately 25 minutes away by car.

Rooms are awash in elegant gray, white, and beige hues that -- along with designer-quality furnishings and thoughtful touches -- create a space that's both chic and soothing. The light-gray carpet and drapes have beige circular accents, and gray padded headboards match the finish on the wooden furniture. Suites have lovely hardwood floors, dark-wood furniture, and wrought-iron poster beds. Standard rooms come in King and Double-Queen options and are generously sized, with large desks and armchairs with matching ottomans. Family Suites offer two bedrooms and two bathrooms. Standard amenities include 24-hour room service, 42-inch flat screen TVs, Keurig coffeemakers, safes, and iHome clock radios. Suites add mini-fridges and microwaves. Some units offer balconies with lovely views of the grounds. Bathrooms are upscale, with magnifying mirrors and robes plus marble-topped double vanities and roomy walk-in rainfall showers with polished marble tiling. Some suite bathrooms have soaking tubs and separate walk-in showers.

This beautiful resort hotel places a high priority on wellness. The full-service Spa at Eilan is large and lovely, with a steam room, therapy baths, locker facilities, and a wide range of body treatments and salon services. It also has a large indoor lap pool and whirlpool. The huge fitness center features separate rooms for cardio and weight-lifting equipment, as well as a studio for yoga and other classes. There's also two tennis courts and a golf simulation room, but it lacks an actual golf course. The expansive outdoor pool retains a posh atmosphere with fountains, covered areas, private cabanas, and bar service plus an adjacent outdoor whirlpool. Dining options include Sestenio restaurant, which serves locally sourced American cuisine, including both full and grab-and-go breakfast options, and Mercato Cafe, which offers deli-style sandwiches and Starbucks coffee. The resort also has 20,000 square feet of meeting space across 13 rooms plus a business center. Concierge services include valet dry cleaning and laundry. Self-parking is free, but valet parking comes at an expensive extra fee. Currency exchange and newspapers are available in the lobby. Be aware that there is a hefty daily resort fee that covers basic Wi-Fi plus extras such as a daily pastry and afternoon treats. Premium Wi-Fi is available for an additional fee.