Visiting San Antonio

I would like to see the River Walk in San Antonio, Texas. Is there a special, inexpensive place to stay that is close by? Also, are there other things recommended to see while there? What would be a good choice of (reasonable) rental cars in that area?

–Irene, Elk River, Minn.

There are many hotels located near the River Walk for reasonable nightly rates. Naturally, the farther you stay from the popular River Walk, the lower the rates. Two hotels that are reasonable in price and location are the Riverwalk Plaza Hotel and the San Antonio-Riverwalk Holiday Inn. The Riverwalk Plaza starts around $114 per night, while rooms at the Holiday Inn start around $150 per night. The Riverwalk Plaza is a few blocks from the main part of the Riverwalk, while the Riverwalk Holiday Inn essentially overlooks the Riverwalk.

To get the most for your money, rent your car outside the airport. Enterprise has a location in downtown San Antonio, as do other rental companies, and rates are sure to be lower there, as they generally are in non-airport locations. The SA Trans Airport Express runs from the airport to downtown from $32 round trip or $18 one way. This shuttle makes it pretty easy to get close to your hotel.

In addition to sightseeing at the famous historic Alamo and the River Walk, San Antonio offers many different activities that might interest you. If you're hungry and looking for an exciting place to explore, visit El Mercado, the market square. This market focuses on Mexican heritage and features fresh produce, street vendors, mariachis, leather goods, pottery, and more. It's open from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. during the summer months  of June-August and 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. during the winter months of September-May. For art lovers, the McNay Art Museum is reopening its doors during the summer of 2008. This museum is only six miles outside downtown and features a collection of American and European art including such artists as Picasso, Gauguin, and Hopper.