Tall twin palm trees wrapped in glittering white lights center a soaring atrium in the grand lobby of this welcoming River Walk hotel, set along a quiet bend in the river but just steps from the jazzy active areas. Because the hotel was originally supposed to be an Embassy Suites (before being sold mid-build), all rooms have a large sitting area and separate bedrooms with king-size bed or two double beds, making them ideal for business travelers and families alike. Done in saucy red, black, and earth hues, with exposed brick walls and lots of bright Picasso-esque art, all rooms offer either a river or city view. The best river views are those on lower levels overlooking the cypress tree–lined pathways, while the prime city views are from higher floors—including those from the chic rooftop pool. Other pluses: a stylish lobby bar; the full-service Ramblas restaurant, with dining indoors and outdoors on a quiet spot of the River Walk; a small on-site spa (a rarity in downtown San Antonio hotels); a well-equipped fitness room; and an off-street porte-cochere that gives car services a convenient place to wait for you (and vice versa).