According to forum posts, the Hyatt Regency is highly recommended for its central location on the Riverwalk, making it easy to access nearby attractions. The Omni La Mansion del Rio is also favored for its scenic river views and proximity to various dining and entertainment options.

For those seeking luxury or a boutique experience, the Hotel Emma is consistently praised as one of the best hotels in San Antonio, although it is a bit further from the heart of the Riverwalk. The Hotel Contessa is another popular choice, known for its elegant accommodations and convenient location.

Travelers have called out the Hilton Palacio del Rio for offering good value with pleasant river view balconies. For those looking to maximize their budget, the Embassy Suites on Houston Street provides a slightly quieter location but remains within a short walking distance to the Riverwalk.

According to forum posts, Bohanans is highly recommended for its steak and ambiance, especially for special occasions like birthdays. Mi Tierra is frequently mentioned for its authentic Mexican cuisine and vibrant atmosphere.

Some travelers suggested the Pearl complex for a variety of dining options, highlighting La Gloria for Mexican street food and Cured for its charcuterie. Additionally, the Esquire Tavern and Boudros on the Riverwalk are praised for their cocktails and unique dishes like tableside guacamole.

For those seeking local flavors, La Fonda on Main is repeatedly recommended for its patio and authentic dishes. Rosario’s is also favored for its Tex-Mex offerings and sangria, providing a quintessentially San Antonian dining experience.

According to forum posts, the San Antonio Riverwalk offers a variety of attractions, including boat tours and seasonal events like the Ford Holiday Boat Caroling. Travelers have also recommended the Go Rio boat tour for an enjoyable experience along the river.

Forum posts highlight numerous dining options along the Riverwalk. Restaurants like Boudros, Ostras, and Iron Cactus offer outdoor dining. For local cuisine, places like Mi Tierra and La Margarita at El Mercado are popular for Tex-Mex, while Boudros and Esquire Tavern are favorites directly on the Riverwalk.

Some travelers mentioned that the Riverwalk becomes particularly vibrant during Christmas with special events such as the Ford Holiday Boat Caroling, where viewers can enjoy carols sung from boats along the river.

Fiesta in San Antonio is a large, city-wide festival filled with various events spread throughout the city, particularly concentrated in downtown areas like the Riverwalk. According to forum posts, Fiesta includes parades, art shows, food events, and more, making it a vibrant celebration of San Antonio's culture.

Some travelers mentioned specific events like the Fiesta Arts Fair, Night in Old San Antonio, and the Flambeau Parade. These events are family-friendly, with the exception of Night in Old San Antonio, which involves adult beverages and is more suited for an evening crowd.

Travelers have called out that Fiesta is very crowded, attracting around 2.5 million visitors. Despite the large crowds, the festival is considered more tame and family-oriented compared to events like New Orleans Mardi Gras, focusing on cultural festivities with contained drinking areas and no public street drinking.

According to forum posts, Natural Bridge Caverns offers a variety of attractions including guided cave tours such as the Discovery Tour, which features large rooms and blue underground pools. Some users mentioned the presence of a wildlife safari and a zipline for additional adventure activities.

Travelers have highlighted that apart from the cavern tours, the location also hosts a wildlife ranch where visitors can drive through and feed exotic animals. Moreover, activities like ziplining and ropes courses are available, adding more thrill to the visit.

For many visitors, the caverns are considered a family-friendly destination with educational aspects through narrated tours discussing the caves' history and discovery. The constant cave temperature around 70 degrees with high humidity and the physical nature of the tours, involving many steps, are noted, ensuring visitors are prepared for the conditions.

Some travelers mentioned that San Antonio offers several family-friendly outdoor activities. The Natural Bridge Caverns are popular, with additional attractions like a ropes course, zip-lining, and gem panning. The San Antonio Zoo and the nearby Brackenridge Park, which features a train ride and playscape, are also recommended for families with children.

According to forum posts, The DoSeum, San Antonio's museum for kids, is highly praised and can entertain children for hours. Additionally, the Witte Museum near Broadway offers engaging exhibits that could be interesting for families.

For visits during the holiday season, travelers have called out the Riverwalk for its beautiful Christmas lights display. SeaWorld and Six Flags Fiesta Texas are noted for hosting special holiday-themed events, enhancing the festive experience.

Travelers have suggested interactive experiences like feeding animals at the Natural Bridge Wildlife Ranch and exploring missions along the Mission Trail, which can be both educational and enjoyable for children of various ages.

According to forum posts, many hotels in San Antonio charge for parking, with rates around $40 to $50 per night. Some travelers have expressed concerns over these high costs, noting that parking fees can significantly impact the overall affordability of a stay.

For many users, alternative parking options are a more economical choice. Some travelers recommended using city public garages or nearby lots, which can cost around $10 per night, but typically do not offer in and out privileges. The Houston Street garage was frequently mentioned as a reasonable option.

Some travelers said that hotel valet parking, while more expensive, includes in and out privileges, which can be convenient for guests who need frequent access to their vehicle. This factor makes the higher cost of hotel parking more palatable for some visitors.

One user shared a negative experience with public parking where their vehicle was stolen. This has led some to prefer the security of hotel valet services despite the higher cost.

According to forum posts, popular dining options near the Alamo include Boudros on the Riverwalk, known for its tableside guacamole and prickly pear margaritas. Schilos, a short walk from the Alamo, offers Texas-German cuisine and is noted for its fast service and consistency.

For travelers seeking quicker dining alternatives, Whataburger and Schilos are recommended by some users. Whataburger, located a 5-minute walk from the Alamo, offers fast-food options, while Schilos provides a sit-down experience with relatively quick service.

Mi Tierra, located in El Mercado about a 10-minute walk from the Alamo, is highlighted for its festive decor and live mariachi music, although the food quality is considered average by some travelers. It offers a vibrant atmosphere reflective of Tex-Mex culture.