The only hotel in San Antonio that can boast a location on the hallowed grounds of the original Alamo mission, this still fairly new hotel sits cater-corner to the historic Alamo itself. The property occupies the century-old Gibbs Building, with its fab Art Deco touches, marble wainscoting and oversized picture windows with views of the city. Walls are three-ft. thick, so noise isn't a problem, and most rooms have 14-ft. ceilings. Spacious interiors with modern touches, free Wi-Fi, and the hotel's low rates make for a good value for the budget traveler. The 1909 Bar & Bistro on the first floor has good sandwiches and spicy fish tacos, though unfortunately for guests it's not open for lunch. My favorite rooms? I like 714 for its great views of the Alamo, and 711 has lots of space and light. Suites run only $20–$30 extra and are well worth it. The hotel also has a 24-hour fitness center. In 2013, the front desk introduced an IMD Monitor (In-Monitor Display), which is like an oversized iPad that serves as a virtual concierge, helping guests get acquainted with not only the hotel property but also the community and all that the area offers. For décor, I've never quite understood the Indigo hotel chain's fascination with colorful wall-sized photographs used for artistic touches, but others enjoy that feature. I like everything else about this little hotel, however—especially its location. The River Walk is less than a block away, and great restaurants, bars, museums, and even the Majestic Theatre are all nearby.