San Antonio hotels cater to a wide variety of tastes and budgets -- from historic luxury hotels to family-friendly resorts, extravagant décor to quaint, budget-friendly rooms.

The larger historic hotels are generally located downtown. Though hotels in this area are slightly pricier, they are great for tourists who wish to be within walking distance of the city's top attractions. If you're looking for a quainter hotel experience, there are numerous bed and breakfasts found in some of the historic mansions of King William and Monte Vista's districts. Many offer complimentary breakfasts and all the necessary amenities for a lower rate than downtown hotels. However, if you're traveling as a family, some of the accommodations in these areas do not allow children under the age of 12.

San Antonio is also home to two full-service resorts, the Hyatt Regency Hill Country Resort and Spa and the Westin La Cantera Resort, which are both located northwest of the city and are highly recommended by travelers. Chock full of amenities (golf courses, on-site water parks and restaurants, to name a few), these resorts especially cater to families, but are approximately 20 minutes from the major tourist sites.

No matter when you plan on visiting San Antonio, travel writers recommend making reservations well in advance, especially if you plan to visit during Fiesta week in April. Because San Antonio is a popular convention city, hotels are often booked to capacity, especially during the fall and spring months. Also, if you're looking for bargain rates, experts recommend visiting over the weekend when there aren't as many business travelers.

• San Antonio has the greatest number of historic hotels of any city in Texas. Those who enjoy staying in hotels that capture the feel of yesterday will have a lot to choose from. Even low-end hotel chains are reclaiming old buildings -- many examples are covered in this section -- so don't judge a place only by its affiliation." -- Frommer's
• San Antonio is a major convention destination, so it's feast or famine for hotel rooms; peak seasons are generally spring and late fall. At the right time you can get some great deals for top-quality accommodations, but during special events (Fiesta week, the NCAA Final Four tournament, during major conventions) expect to pay top dollar and make reservations months in advance." -- Fodor's
• For those looking to save a few bucks, there are myriad affordable chain options about 20 minutes outside of downtown on Loop 410, especially on the north side of the city near the airport." -- Moon Travel Guides
• Visit mid-week or book well ahead for Saturday-Sunday escapes to the city -- it's the most popular weekend getaway spot for Texans so accommodations fill up fast." -- Sherman's Travel