Business Travel in San Antonio, Texas

San Antonio is one of my favorite vacation spots in the southern US. I love the festive atmosphere and the genuinely nice people. San Antonio is in the southern part of Texas and has Spanish and Mexican influences throughout the city. The city has the Riverwalk or the Paseo Del Rio which is 3 miles of lush vegetation along side a river lined restaurants and shops. You can take the river taxi for a quick and fun way to get to your favorite eating spot. Along the Riverwalk, you can take is an IMAX movie or see the Alamo. The Alamo is the most famous site in Texas. It was first the missions of the area built in 1718 and was the site of the battle of General Santa Anna in 1836. It now houses a museum and grounds that are a wonder to see.

San Antonio is full of Mexican influences. It can be see in the Mexican Market (El Mercado) or at La Villita, these shopping areas hold a multitude of jewelry shops, art shows and a stained glass shop that I have to visit each time I visit the city. You will see the "fiesta" attitude everywhere to walk along the Riverwalk. You can see it in the colorful umbrella, lanterns, and in the music you hear in every area.

You can also find Sea World, Mission Row, a wonderful zoo and the Tower of Americans. San Antonio is a city with a small town attitude.

Quick Tips:

If money is tight, you might want to opt to stay away from the Riverwalk. A hotel on the Riverwalk can be pretty costly but a smaller hotel on the outer aspect of the Riverwalk might be just a good of a choice. You may find a longer walk, but the savings may be as much as half. I stayed at one of these smaller hotels about 3 years ago and had a wonderful experience. I was able to save enough money to see many more sites and eat at better restaurants along the popular areas.

You will be walking everywhere so don't forget to pack your most comfortable shoes. And if you are planning on a trip in the summer months, be prepared in having 90-100 degree days and high humidity. Spring and fall are the best seasons, but February this year brought flowers and pleasant temps.

Best Way To Get Around:

To get around the Riverwalk areas you will fare better to walk and ride the water taxi. You should also check out the trolley system. It takes you to each stop in the area and can be very inexpensive if you buy a daily pass. You can also take the tour buses to learn about the history. For a longer trip, such as Sea World, hire the special bus that takes you there. Ask the hotel and they can set it up.

The Westin Riverwalk is located on the Riverwalk hidden away from the busy streets by hanging gardens, shops, and sidewalk cafés. The hotel is at the higher end of the price spectrum but was well work the money. The atmosphere is relaxing and comforting dressed in rich browns, greens, and reds. There are plush sofas and chairs for lounging or meeting with friends. The location is perfect. Not too close to the noise but in walking distance to all the shops and restaurants. I felt right at home the minute I walked in.

I was greeted by an array of bellboys and lobby attendants. My luggage was taken care of and brought to my room. There was delicious dark chocolate imported from Venezuela available upon check-in. Very delicious! My room was beautiful with the white bedding and tan carpet and furniture. It was decorated in a style reminiscent of historic Texas. The bed was so comfortable. The Westin has a signature Heavenly Bed, and it defiantly lives up to the name. I slept very well. The room was very spacious in spite of the queen bed, entertainment center, desk, table and arm chair. The room was spotless and well kept.

The marble bathroom was luscious, with a soaking tub and large mirrors. The lighting was dim but there was vanity mirror for applying make-up. The soaps and lotions were very nice. They were high end and have been some of my favorite of all my recent stays.

The hotel also has daily "La Merienda", a latin version of High Tea from 3:30-5:30 offering Mexican coffees, hot Cocoas, aguas frescas and Mexican cookies. A Spanish classical guitarist plus beautiful music every Friday and Saturday.

The hotel also has three cafés, including a tapas bar and a Starbucks. I did eat in the downstairs restaurant and found the prices to be high but the food and service were wonderful.

I would highly recommend this hotel to anyone.
I can not think of anything that was not up to par.

Casa Rio is my favorite restaurant in San Antonio. I eat there every time I am in town. My favorite dish is the green chili enchalidas. It is a chicken enchilada, but instead of the typical red sauce or sour cream sauce, it is a green chili and tomatillo sauce served with sour cream. Wonderful! I have made it at home but  it never is as good as Casa Rio's. They also have delicious margaritas. You can get them frozen too if you like that. They first serve you salsa and chips, and I also order the queso. If you are visiting in the peak times, be prepared to wait for at least 15-20 minutes. It is worth it. The prices range from $7to $20 and the portions are generous.

Boudro's is a Texas bistro located on the Riverwalk with a menu focused on the area Southwest specialties. The menu ranges from seafood to Mexican to prime rib.

While reservations are preferred, they really didn't mean that much that night. We waited over an hour outside while they prepared our table. They at least could have offered a free appetizer or something. Once we were seated, the restaurant was loud and busy. It was difficult hearing what the person sitting next to you was saying. The decor was pleasing, a mixture of woods and deep colors. We were seated near the large window in the front of the dining room which was very nice. I love to people watch so the window was a nice plus.

Our group decided to start with a few appetizers. We chose the Guacomole, the smoked chicken quesadillas, and the seacakes. I enjoyed the quesadillas and the seacakes but the guacomole was not the typical guacomole. It is made with roasted tomatoes and basil. Don't get me wrong it was good, but a disappointment to someone who loves Mexican food. Most of our group chose the Prickly Pear Margarita, it is supposed to be the best drink there. I have to admit, it was fabulous. I didn't know what to think about a drink made from catus, but it was sweet with a touch of sour. Wonderful.

For our dinner, I chose the Seafood Platter. It was a sampler of lobster, shrimp and fish in different sauces. I am not someone who likes spicy food so the entree not entirely to my liking. I did however enjoy the salmon spring roll and the lobster tail. My husband had the Prime Rib. He stated that he felt for the price we were paying, the Prime Rib was definitely not worth it. We did not get dessert.

Overall, I felt Boudro's was overpriced and overstated. I will say that the service was wonderful. I'm not sure that we will visit this restaurant again.

This is a highlight of the San Antonio visit. It is a 35-40 minute river cruise along the RiverWalk. You get the history of the town and little tidbits of unknown. You will be amazed at the vastness of the RiverWalk, around each corner there is another small shop or restuarant filled with happy people laughing and drinking and enjoying life.

The cruise costs $7.50 and is a fun time for each member of the family.