The best cheap hotels in San Antonio

If you’re looking to live like a local during your San Antonio stay, the Arbor House Suites is the place for you. This adorable bed and breakfast was built by a Swiss cabinet maker in 1903, who lived there with his family. Each cottage has a kitchenette, giving your wallet the added cushion of not having to eat out all the time. Though if you do want to check out the restaurants at the River Walk, they are only one block away. Planning a reunion or travelling with a huge group? Book the whole house, starting at $360 per night.

The grand entrance invites guests into this cozy and clean hotel, which was originally opened in 1914 by a grocer named Edward Franz Melcher. Built in the Mediterranean Revival style, the 27-bedroom hotel has quite a fun history, which includes but is not limited to FBI stings. Pop into their onsite bar, Ocho, for their Paloma Verde Cocktails, or take a 10-minute stroll to the River Walk. Book an advance purchase (60 days ahead) on their studio room for rates starting at $108.

The Hotel Indigo chain of hotels manages to balance affordable prices with the reliability of standard hotels. Though they come from a hotel line, each Hotel Indigo has its own personality, with this Alamo location being locating in the historic Gibbs Building. Make sure to wake up early and snag their Texas-shaped waffles for breakfast! Prices per night go as low as $150, and don’t miss their discount deals, like AAA or senior discount.

This family owned bed and breakfast is located downtown in a gorgeous 1905 Greek Revival mansion. The hotel is named after the matriarch of the family, Eva Mae Green Williams, whose family tradition of southern hospitality is now carried on by Deborah. Each themed room has its own name and the romantic architecture of the building makes it a great wedding venue. The Lily Room and the Magnolia Room are the more affordable choices. Prices fluctuate, so call to see when the low season is.

When you hear the name, ‘San Antonio,” Davey Crockett instantly springs to mind, which is why this independently-run historic hotel chose the frontiersman for its namesake. The hotel finds its beginnings over 100 years ago, and since then has hosted guests in its 138 rooms and alluring rock grotto pool. A night’s stay includes breakfast, once again with those fun, Texas-shaped waffles! Check out their hotel specials to score some deals.

This historical and aesthetic hotel opened in 1883 as a retail business under the direction of the Dullnig Brothers. Guests love its natural-tone decor and exceptional hospitality. Rates famously start at $139.

History lovers like to stay in this 3-story hotel, which holds the title of being the "oldest continuously operating hotel west of the Mississippi." Opening in 1859, the hotel offers old-world, Victorian, charm with modern comforts. Grab a drink at the Menger Bar, where Teddy Roosevelt convened with his Rough Riders before going off to war. Prices are a little steeper here, but for the location and services, it gives you a good bang for your buck.

The Drury Plaza Hotel at the San Antonio River Walk offers a happy hour that makes guests gleeful. Included in the price of the hotel stay, guests can enjoy buffet food and a choice of three comp’d drinks (cocktails, wine, beer) from 5:30-7:00pm. The hotel is located in what was once the Old Alamo National Bank Building, and guests love to take photos of the ornate old letterbox next to the elevator. The hotel's flexible rate search makes it easy to find their best offers.

For those coming to watch a game at the Alamodome, book a room at the Fairfield Inn & Suites. This affordable Marriott chain offers travellers sleek hotel setting and a homey ambiance. Try going mid-week if you can swing it to get rates in the low $100-range.

Comfort Suites might be a chain, but their San Antonio location is housed in a quaint building inspired by the Spanish Colonial style, giving it added details and personality. Rates can go as low as $129.

Chill at the Holiday Inn Riverwalk, where guests enjoy a great location, friendly staff and renovated rooms. Prices start at $150 a night, depending on the season, day of the week and time of booking.

Another great option for those with large groups looking for shared spaces, the Home 2 Suites series makes guests feel right at home with spacious rooms and apartment-style lodgings. This environmentally friendly hotel has a contemporary, minimalist style and loves pets. Prices start at $107, and make sure to click “flexible dates” when searching.

For those traveling with a big family, the Residence Inn in the center of town is a great spot. The affordable suites offer large, home-style living spaces, with a full kitchen for those who like to cook instead of going out every night. Prices can dip under $100, but make sure to book in advance and check out their promotional codes.

For those looking for a home base in a great location without the bells and whistles, La Villita Inn is the place to be. Located a stone’s throw away from all the tourist attractions and with rates as low as $70, this is perhaps the best price to be found in downtown San Antonio.

Sleeping near the airport has its benefits; you get to stretch your dollar and you don’t have to worry about traffic potentially making you miss your flight. With its comfortable rooms, rustic decor and unbeatable price (somewhere around $69 per night), the Travelodge Inn & Suites offers just that.