Traveling Solo in San Antonio

I don’t know why but San Antonio has always called me – for years. It must’ve been the lure of the water and a U.S. city reminiscent of the canals of Venice. Whatever it was, I needed a weekend break and thought my first visit to the Lone Star state would take place at the site of the Alamo.  San Antonio here I come.

It’s a good weekend destination from almost anywhere in the U.S. It’s only just over a four hour flight from New York or Las Vegas and relatively affordable now at about $230 – 250 r/t from the east coast.

Sometimes you make out better with the package rates of Expedia and Orbitz but sometimes, if you’re looking to add points to one of your mileage clubs, it makes sense to surf the net and look for the best rates and deals when finding a hotel. I chose the Omni La Mansion del Rio, a 4 star hotel right along the Riverwalk. Expedia has it listed at $158/nite but you may try putting in a lower bid on Priceline for any of the four-star hotels along the Riverwalk. However, no matter what, do not take a room whose terrace opens onto or faces the River…………big mistake………Friday and Saturday nights are loud and noisy because of the numerous clubs and restaurants which open onto the walk. It is much better to choose an inside room; afterall, you won’t be spending much time in your room anyway.

Christmas on the Riverwalk / Photo courtesy: A.C. Kandler

The one thing I really liked about the Omni Mansion is that its sister hotel, the Mokara, is just a footbridge away, out the back door. It links you to the 4.5 star Mokara Hotel and Spa, where you are free to use the glorious spa (had the best facial of my life) and roof-top pool. Now don’t get me wrong, the Omni has a lovely courtyard pool but the weekend I was there a rock band, who shall remain nameless, was entrenched and I was soooooo over hair bands from the 80s twenty years ago. LOL

The tourism spots are what you would expect, the Alamo, a boat cruise down the river, the old town market, and all are accessible by foot path or boat taxis along the river. It’s a truly beautiful and friendly city. There is also plenty of shopping with the Rivercenter Mall anchoring one end of the Riverwalk.  Also, a short bus ride gets you to the Mexican market where you can find all kinds of crafts, leather and silver goods.

This is a great city to fly solo. There is plenty to do at night and wonderful restaurants. If you are not adventurous enough to go to a dance club by yourself (I wouldn’t either), there are plenty of pubs to pull up a stool at the bar, comedy clubs and a multiplex with Imax inside the Mall.

All-in-all you are looking at about a thousand dollar weekend – but afterall, aren’t you worth it?