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    Stunning Suites

    Inside the most exclusive and stunning hotel suites in San Antonio

    Molly McManus
    Apr 20, 2016 | 12:00 pm

    San Antonio is a hot travel destination, brimming with historic hotels and trendy new getaways. As the city frequently ranks as one of the best vacation spots, CultureMap decided to take a look inside the city’s most stunning suites. These luxurious rooms will make you want to stay awhile.

    Presidential Suites at JW Marriott San Antonio Hill Country Resort and Spa
    Ranging from 1,834 to 2,300 square feet, the presidential suites at JW Marriott San Antonio Hill Country Resort and Spa are inspired by Texas ranches. Each features a grand entry hall with living rooms that overlook the Hill Country. Multiple TVs, fireplace, library room, and a second bedroom option are also included, and the suites are decorated with custom-designed fabrics and furniture. Celebrities and large corporate groups are the presidential suite’s most frequent visitors.
    Starting rate: $5,000/night

    Maritzen Suite at Hotel Emma
    Recently named a best new hotel by Travel + Leisure, Hotel Emma is the Pearl Brewery’s premier destination, offering fantastic dining options in a beautiful setting. The 1,439-square-foot Maritzen Suite is two stories and located at the highest point of the original brewery. The first floor features a wet bar, dining room, and living area. The second floor boasts impressive views of the river and a terrace with fireplace. The bedroom is also on the second level with a four-story windowed cupola, walk-in closet, and clawfoot tub.
    Starting rate: $3,000/night

    Presidential Suite at Hotel Valencia
    The modern downtown San Antonio boutique hotel is a contemporary and stylish escape in the middle of the city. The 1,100-square-foot Presidential Suite includes a custom-made Hotel Valencia bed complete with seven layers of designer Egyptian linens. There is an 18-foot solid ebony wood desk and leather down-wrapped club chair in the living area. The full Italian-style bathroom has a bathtub, shower, and stainless steel sink.
    Starting rate: $2,500/night

    Mokara Suite at Mokara Hotel and Spa
    With more than 400 square feet of space to relax, the Mokara Suite is the hotel’s most stunning room. Also located along the River Walk, this guest room is “as big as Texas,” with panoramic views of the river, a large living area, and an adjoining bedroom and spacious bath. Once you’ve had a great night’s sleep, head to the spa for some needed rejuvenation.
    Starting rate: $839/night

    Presidential Suite at Omni La Mansión del Rio
    Located off the River Walk in the heart of San Antonio, Omni La Mansión del Rio is ripe with history. The Presidential Suite is a 1,900-square-foot space on the hotel’s top floor. The master bedroom includes a comfortable king bed, as well as a dry sauna and soaking tub. There is an additional bedroom that contains two double beds. The stunning dining room has seating for six, and the spacious living room opens to two balconies overlooking the river and downtown skyline.
    Starting rate: $1,999/night

    Contessa Suite at Hotel Contessa
    The swanky Hotel Contessa is frequently ranked among the best in San Antonio. The 1,000-square-foot suite features modern furnishings and a large bedroom with a king-sized bed. The bathroom boasts a double vanity with garden tub and walk-in closet. The suite also has a comfortable living area with a dining table and second powder room. Relax in front of one of two TVs while you enjoy a drink from the bar.
    Starting rate: $700/night

    Superior Suites at The St. Anthony Hotel
    For a less expensive option that’s still just as breathtaking, take a look at the superior suites at The St. Anthony Hotel. Recently presented with a “Preservation’s Best” award, The St. Anthony is a 107-year-old hotel bursting with renewed charm. The superior suites overlook Travis Park and have a separate living room with minibar, dining table, and desks. The bathroom offers Frette towels as well as soft robes and slippers. Glass showers and bathtubs are available, as well as king-size pillow top mattress with luxurious linens.
    Average rate: $439/night

    Celebrities are frequent visitors of the Presidential Suite at JW Marriott San Antonio Hill Country Resort and Spa.

    Presidential suite at JW Marriott San Antonio Hill Country
    Photo courtesy of JW Marriott San Antonio Hill Country Resort & Spa
    Celebrities are frequent visitors of the Presidential Suite at JW Marriott San Antonio Hill Country Resort and Spa.
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    New Parks

    54,000-acre Hill Country ranch to become Texas' 2nd largest state park

    Natalie Grigson
    May 28, 2026 | 1:00 pm
    Silver Lake Ranch
    Photo from property listing by Icon Global
    Silver Lake Ranch adds 54,000 acres to Texas' public lands.

    Texans will soon have a massive new state park to explore, second only to Big Bend Ranch State Park in size. Silver Lake Ranch, the 54,000-acre plot of land spanning Edwards and Kinney counties, was owned by the Moody Foundation, and now, largely thanks to a major philanthropic gift, it's headed into public hands.

    The Moody Foundation gifted its 87.5 percent ownership interest in the ranch to the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD), with TPWD purchasing the remaining interest for $11.85 million. The funds come from the Centennial Parks Conservation Fund and Sporting Goods Sales Tax — both approved by Texas voters.

    “The Moody Foundation is proud to help preserve this remarkable stretch of Texas Hill Country and make it accessible for generations to come,” said Ross Moody in a press release. “Silver Lake Ranch represents the natural beauty, history, and spirit of our state, and we are honored to make this gift to Texas Parks and Wildlife to ensure it remains protected and enjoyed by all Texans for years ahead.”

    The property will officially become Silver Lake State Park, named for the spring-fed 30-acre lake at its heart. Sitting roughly 350 miles west of Houston, nestled between Rocksprings and Uvalde, the land is home to some beautiful hill country wildlife and nature at a Texas manageable drive of about two hours from San Antonio.

    Currently the park is in its most rugged and undeveloped form: steep limestone canyons drop into rolling hills lined with live oaks and juniper trees, with miles of river frontage tracing the West Nueces River. Several creeks wind through the property, including Sycamore Creek, Lost Creek, and North Spring Creek, along with Blue Waterhole and Dutch Waterhole.

    Caves and other landmarks dot the landscape, and wildlife includes white-tailed deer, turkey, javelina, and dove. Portions of the property have even been identified as a potential habitat for the endangered golden-cheeked warbler.

    According to the press release, this land, previously used for sheep and cattle ranching, will be developed in phases over the next several years, also using the Centennial Parks Conservation Fund. Initially, access to the park might look like guided tours and limited day-use opportunities while planning and infrastructure are underway. Later, trails and basic visitor facilities will be added, and ultimately, the park will include expanded recreational amenities like camping and paddling access.

    Now that the acquisition is complete, TPWD staff and private contractors plan to gather feedback from the public and surrounding communities to help map out recreational opportunities. This may take "many months to complete," says the press release. TPWD will communicate any upcoming milestones, including a potential opening date, at TexasStateParks.org

    "This is an exciting addition to our state park system, and we are grateful to our partners at the Moody Foundation for their philanthropy and for bringing this slice of the hill country to the people of Texas," TPWD Executive Director David Yoskowitz says in the press release.

    And as folks are pointing out on TPDW's reel announcing the new park: it's "Better than any subdivision."



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