San with a Plan: It’s as Fun a Time as Ever to visit San Antonio

San with a Plan: It’s as Fun a Time as Ever to visit San Antonio

The adjoining AC by Marriott and Element by Westin hotels, a block from the River Walk

A VIBRANT DESTINATION any time of the year, San Antonio is especially exciting in October, leading up to weekend-long Dia de Los Muertos celebrations all over town. A river parade and special events in the La Villita Historic Village are among the festivities Oct. 27-29. Walkability is key, as ever — and two new Marriott properties have just opened in the heart of the River Walk, ensuring an easy trip for all.


The adjoining hotels, AC by Marriott and Element by Westin, are located on Soledad at Commerce; each offers a tasty breakfast buffet, and there’s a rooftop bar with bites, brunch and unbeatable skyline views.

The River Walk itself offers plenty of tourist-trappy fun (especially for families), but hop over to Hemisfair for more park and garden spaces, plus trendy eats like Box St. All Day. Farther east, find a more sophisticated take on the city’s mariachi-and-margaritas vibe at still-new Carriqui, with South Texas-inspired fare.

People + Places

The rooftop pool at The Laura

FROM THE MOMENT guests scale the marble staircase to check in at the Laura Hotel, it’s clear that a staycation here is a grand affair. The still-new gem, which was previously the Hotel Alessandra, has everything needed for an end-of-summer escape — from inventive cocktails in the bar to hip vibes at the pool.

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PREFER IT SHAKEN or stirred? The heat is on, so you be the judge. Houston’s best bartenders will gather to compete for the honor of creating the “Official Drink of H-Town” on Wednesday, Sept. 6, from 6-8:30pm at Four Seasons Hotel Houston. Last year’s winning cocktail was the Punch Drunk Love by mixologist Brooke Lightfoot.

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