Hilton Palacio del Rio

Built in 1968, the Palacio Del Rio is a Hilton outpost with a bit more personality and color than most. The hotel was created in a modular fashion, and each concrete room module was constructed and designed off site and then shipped here. While the once state-of-the-art building methods mean the outside is a bit retro, interiors are modern and bright. Orange, red, and blue decor in the lobby contributes to a Southwestern vibe, and floor-to-ceiling windows let in lots of natural light. Limestone floors, archways, and circular light fixtures are used to call up mission decor, and modern Mexican photography adds bright energy to the hallways. There's a good deal of character throughout the hotel, which is quite large and draws a wide cross section of guests. Most of those staying here are couples and business travelers, which makes sense given its location both right in the heart of touristy San Antonio and adjacent to the Henry B. Gonzalez Convention Center.

This hotel is in the middle of downtown San Antonio, directly on the River Walk. There are lots of restaurants in the immediate area, including well-liked Little Rhein Steakhouse right next door. The tourist friendly dining spots and shops around the Hard Rock Cafe are a five-minute walk from here. There are plenty of other hotels in the area, as well as cultural entertainment. The Briscoe Western Art Museum is just across the river, while the Arneson River Theatre and La VIllita are next door. It's a 10-minute walk to The Alamo and the Tower of the Americas. The hotel draws a large number of business guests, in part because of its location next to the Henry B. Gonzalez Convention Center, also adjacent to the hotel. The Alamodome can be seen from some rooms and is within five minutes by car (or a 15-minute walk). It’s also a five-minute drive to the Spanish Governor's Palace and San Fernando Cathedral -- both of which can be reached in 15 minutes on foot. Expect a 15-minute drive to the San Antonio International Airport; the hotel also offers shuttle transfers for a fee.

While many Hilton properties eschew local flair for bland corporate-friendly decor, the rooms here have a nice bit of personality for the chain. Overall, the look is upscale suburban home. Bright striped carpets keep it all lively, and there are handsome Southwestern touches -- like gorgeous carved wood panels over some of the beds -- plus dashes of bold color in Pop-inspired wall art or local photographs. There are metallic accents in frames and lighting, and furniture is modern, done in warm wood tones with white granite tops. 

All rooms have 37-inch flat-screen TVs with free HBO, mini-fridges, and Cuisinart coffeemakers on desks. Air-conditioning works well, but many opt to leave the balcony doors open when the weather’s nice and take in the river or downtown views. Additional features include safes, hairdryers, and irons. Wi-Fi is free for HHonors members, and it's easy (and free) to sign up. Bathrooms are nicely designed, with long granite counters, vessel sinks, wooden floors, and shower/tub combos or roll-in showers in ADA accessible rooms. Peter Thomas Roth toiletries come standard. We did spot some discolored grout around some of the bathtubs.

For travelers who need more space there are one-bedroom Executive Suites with separate living rooms and guest bathrooms. Imperial Suites have dining rooms. The Presidential Suite also has a dining room, a living room with a wet bar, and an office. It's worth noting that some complaints about noise from the River Walk have been made.

As a large, city-center hotel, there are a number of features on-site, many of which are standard for the Hilton chain. Durty Nelly’s Irish pub attracts both tourists and guests for fish and chips, pints of beer, and live piano music. Starbucks coffee is served in the Coffee Cupboard and nightcaps are in the lobby lounge. Tex Riverwalk Sports Bar streams games and offers margaritas and bar fare. For waterfront dining, the River’s Edge Cafe and Patio has buffet breakfasts and happy hour. 

It's not all food and drink, though, and the hotel has a few wellness amenities that come in handy. There's a hot tub and a small outdoor pool on a fifth-floor deck with views of downtown -- the pool isn't heated. The hotel also has a gym with stationary bikes, stair steppers, and treadmills. 

The hotel's large business clientele is drawn here by a number of business-friendly services. There is a UPS Store on-site for any shipping needs, and the hotel also has lots of meeting and event space -- the largest of the rooms can hold almost 700 people. Weddings and other catered events can also be hosted at the hotel. A shuttle to the airport is available for a fee, but for those with their own cars, both self-serve and valet parking are available, but fees are steep.