San Antonio is a destination bursting with history. Having documents that put this settlement as far back as the early days of the USA and Mexico, as well as housing Spanish colonial missions, history buffs will revel in this Texan city and all its stories to tell.
If the unique history doesn’t grab your attention, maybe the diverse and eclectic food scene will. You’ll find everything from Tex-Mex to BBQ, and the iconic riverwalk is the perfect place to sample the cuisine, before heading out to the true Texan bars.
Like any big city, accommodation can be expensive. There are many high-end hotels and historic properties to stay at here, but for those travelers on a budget, you could save a serious buck by staying in one of the best motels in San Antonio.
Motels are comfortable and convenient places to rest your head, and they tend to be located in ideal areas near to attractions and major road links. But finding a motel can be a challenge, so to help you out, I’ve listed 9 of the best motels in San Antonio so you can make planning a little bit easier.
In a Hurry? Here’s Where to Stay in San Antonio for One Night
Comfort Suites Medical Center
Located near the exciting Six Flags Fiesta Texas, this motel features modern rooms with coffee machines, microwaves, and mini-refrigerators. Guests can enjoy breakfast served daily and use the swimming pool and fitness center during their stay.
- Six Flags Fiesta Texas
- Leon Creek Greenway
- Dellview Park
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Staying in a Motel in San Antonio
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As America’s seventh largest city, accommodation can get pricey in San Antonio. While motels offer a comfortable room for a reasonable price, it goes without saying that you can’t expect the same level of service or amenities as a hotel.
Motels typically offer all the basics of a hotel without luxurious extras. For example, few motels offer turn-down services or have on-site restaurants or spas. Most will, however, provide practical necessities like complimentary toiletries, fresh linens and towels, and free onsite parking, which is ideal for those on a USA road trip.
If you’re looking for something between a hotel and a motel, you could find a motel that provides daily breakfast, has housekeeping services, and offers 24-hour reception services.
Not only are motels ideal for budget travelers or backpackers in the USA, but they’re also often conveniently positioned just outside the city center for short visits. If you’re passing through San Antonio on a road trip or visiting for a short stay, many motels in San Antonio are located near major highways.
What to Look for in a Motel in San Antonio
Sometimes referred to as inns or lodges, motels were initially designed for people traveling by car across the country. If you embark on a cross-country road trip, make sure you book a motel with free on-site parking. Luckily, most motels offer this amenity.
If you’re popping past for a quick overnighter, staying in a motel just off a major highway or Interstate would be in your best interest. This way, you won’t have to navigate the city traffic when arriving and leaving on your road trip. However, you can also find motels in the downtown neighborhood of San Antonio if you do intend on staying longer.
I advise those visiting with young kids to pick a motel with a breakfast option or self-catering facilities. Most motels come with a vending machine and that’s all, but there are some with onsite restaurants or kitchen facilities. At the very least, there’s a mini fridge and microwave in the room.
You should also make sure to pick a motel near some of the top places to visit in San Antonio. The city is quite large, so unless you’re just passing through, you should try to stay as close to downtown as possible.
You’ll find a bunch of motels in San Antonio on Booking.com, and you’ll also find some motels that offer rooms on Airbnb as well.
Comfort Suites Medical Center
- > $$
- > Between Castle Hills and Leon Valley in north San Antonio
- > Shared gym, indoor swimming pool, and hot tub
- > Breakfast served daily
Mission Inn
- > $
- > In Southside San Antonio in Mission San Jose neighborhood
- > Free parking on site
- > Comfortable, clean, and well-maintained rooms
Rodeway Inn at Lackland AFB
- > $
- > Near Six Flags in west San Antonio
- > Seasonal swimming pool
- > Complimentary hot breakfast served daily
La Hacienda Inn
- > $
- > One mile from the Riverwalk, The Alamo, and The Towers of America
- > Two full-sized beds, microwave, fridge, and ironing board
- > Daily housekeeping and continental breakfast
Yellow Rose Penthouse – Inn on the Riverwalk
- > $$$$
- > In the heart of the city, on the Riverwalk
- > Private balcony with city views
- > Cozy dining room with breakfast and coffee
Alamo Inn and Suites
- > $$$$
- > Surrounded by restaurants and parks on Nevada Street
- > Dedicated workspace and free parking
- > Pets and long-term stays permitted
SouthTown S.A. Inn
- > $$
- > In the center of the city near The Alamo
- > Airconditioned rooms with flat-screen TVs
- > 24-hour reception and daily housekeeping
The 9 Best Motels in San Antonio
Now that you have a better understanding of what to expect from motels in this Texan city, let’s jump right in and unpack the top motels in San Antonio:
Best Overall Value Motel in San Antonio – Comfort Suites Medical Center
With a complimentary breakfast served each morning, an in-house swimming pool and gym, and 24-hour reception, Comfort Suites Medical Center manages to blend the low cost of a motel with the convenient amenities of a hotel.
The motel is located in northwest San Antonio, just a short drive from Six Flags Fiesta Texas. The rooms have been renovated with modern furniture and comfortable beds. If you’re visiting for a business meeting, the property has a boardroom available for 20 people, as well as photocopying and printing services.
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Best Budget Motel in San Antonio – Mission Inn
If you’re on a tight budget, the Mission Inn motel in San Antonio will give you the best bang for your buck. Situated in the southside district of San Antonio, just a short drive from the iconic Alamo, this motel is ideally located near all the best things to do in San Antonio.
Although it’s an older motel, the property has been well-maintained and features comfortable bedding. Each room comes with a private bathroom. Guests can make use of complimentary parking as well as a speedy Wi-Fi connection throughout the property.
Best Motel in San Antonio for Couples – Rodeway Inn at Lackland AFB
Airbnb motels might not have the most romantic reputation; however, this doesn’t mean they aren’t an excellent option for couples on a budget. The Rodeway Inn at Lackland AFB offers comfortable accommodation for couples, featuring warm rooms furnished with contemporary interiors.
The rooms are stocked with coffee and tea-making facilities, and the motel provides a complimentary breakfast each morning of your stay. Guests can also lap up the Texan sunshine by the outdoor swimming pool.
Best Motel in San Antonio for a Group of Friends – La Hacienda Inn
Located in the heart of downtown, near to the Riverwalk and other attractions such as the legendary Alamo, La Hacienda Inn is one of the top motels in San Antonio for a group of friends.
If you’re willing to share rooms, the motel has double bedrooms suitable for four guests. Alternatively, this spot is affordable enough to rent multiple rooms for a bit more privacy.
Each room is decorated with bright Spanish-inspired interiors and is equipped with a fridge, microwave, and work desk. Free parking is available at the motel, which is a super convenient benefit in the city center.
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View on Osprey View on REIOver-The-Top Luxury Motel in San Antonio – Yellow Rose Penthouse – Inn on the Riverwalk
Set in a historic building on the Riverwalk, this inn/motel could even be considered a guest house. The Yellow Rose Penthouse is the most luxurious room in the inn, occupying the entire third floor of the main building.
The suite has a king-sized bed, a bathroom with a Jacuzzi tub, and a private balcony overlooking the city. The inn offers a traditional breakfast served every morning and includes free parking.
This spot is also one of the best located on the list, situated in the heart of the city, within walking distance to most major attractions.
Best Motel for Families in San Antonio – Alamo Inn and Suites
Traveling with kids doesn’t have to be as expensive as you think. So, why not book a double room in this convenient motel in San Antonio and save your cash for entrance into Six Flags Fiesta Texas?
Alamo Inn and Suites is situated in a quiet neighborhood just outside the city center. If you arrive by car, you can enjoy private parking on site. The rooms are basic yet practical, equipped with a microwave and mini-fridge. It’s the perfect spot for a short or extended stay with your family.
Best Motel in San Antonio for Backpackers – SouthTown S.A. Inn
One of the best things about motels is that their price is in line with hostels, making them a more private option for backpackers on a budget. The SouthTown S.A. Inn is located near San Antonio’s Convention Center and SouthTown Commons and offers air-conditioned rooms with a contemporary flair.
Each room features a microwave and a private bathroom with a bathtub. There is a Wi-Fi connection throughout the motel, and staff is available 24 hours a day at the front desk.
Best Motel in San Antonio near the Interstate – Days Inn Hotel
Situated on the I-410 just west of the city of San Antonio, Days Inn Hotel offers super affordable accommodation with options for weekly discounts. This motel in San Antonio provides a daily hot breakfast, as well as a lobby space where guests can socialize and help themselves to fresh coffee throughout their stay.
Make yourself home in your private room, fitted with two queen beds, a microwave and fridge, and a flat-screen TV. If you visit with a car, you’ll be able to park right on the property.
Motel in San Antonio with a Pool – Econo Inn Lackland AFB
Temperatures can soar in San Antonio, and if you’re visiting during the warmer months, I highly recommend finding a property with a swimming pool. Econo Inn offers basic yet comfortable and convenient accommodation just fifteen minutes outside the center of the city.
Enjoy an afternoon by the outdoor pool before retreating to your private en-suite room. Each room is equipped with a microwave, fridge, and TV. Guests can choose from king rooms to double queen rooms to single rooms with disability access.
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Final Thoughts on Motels in San Antonio
Motels are an authentic American accommodation that has long been popular with road trippers on cross-country adventures. With Texas being a hotspot destination for these types of journeys, it’s no surprise that there are some epic motels in San Antonio.
Whether you’re visiting for an overnight stay or arriving with nothing but a map and a backpack, there are plenty of options when it comes to staying in one of the best motels in San Antonio.
Before you go, don’t forget to organize decent travel insurance for your trip, especially if you’re visiting from overseas. It might be alright to skimp on accommodation, but it’s never a good idea to cut costs on insurance.
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