DEL.ICIO.USWEEKEND IN SAN ANTONIO, TEXAS
Three price points: See San Antonio your way
For the Journal-Constitution
Sunday, November 09, 2008
BUDGET
Getting there
McClatchy / Tribune
Tourists are drawn by River Walk’s shade, boat rides, margaritas and open-air dining.
Watermark Hotel and Spa
Rooms at the Watermark Hotel and Spa have private balconies that overlook the River Walk.
Nonstop AirTran or Delta flights are $84 one-way on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Saturdays through Feb. 11. A two-week advance purchase is required.
Stay
Double-room rates start at $89 at O’Casey’s Bed and Breakfast and include a hot breakfast of waffles, French toast, eggs Benedict and more. Located in the historic Monte Vista neighborhood, the inn features large guest rooms with private baths and is just 2 miles north of downtown attractions. 225 W. Craig Place, 210-738-1378, ocaseybnb.com
Eat
For breakfast, lunch (daily specials) or dinner, try downtown’s Pico de Gallo. Locals seek out its parrilladas (assorted charbroiled meats). A live house mariachi band plays every evening. 111 S. Leona St., 210-225-6060, picodegallo.com
Experience
From the Friday after Thanksgiving through mid-December, catch two special events: Caroling musical groups boating along the River Walk, a 2.5-mile route through downtown (listen from one of the many bridges). On Friday through Sunday, Fiesta de las Luminarias is a display of more than 2,500 small, sand-weighted, candlelit sacks that line the stone-paved paths at La Villita — a colonial village predating the Alamo. Today its stone houses are converted into shops, cafes, restaurants and galleries. lavillita.com. Pay $52.99 once and visit SeaWorld San Antonio twice. Online purchase only, seaworld.com/sanantonio.
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MODERATE
Getting there
Two-week advance rates are $134 daily on AirTran or Delta; $204 with an advance notice of seven days or more.
Stay
From Nov. 28-Dec. 30, the River Walk will be illuminated with more than 120,000 lights forming a romantic canopy over the water. Hotel Valencia Riverwalk’s “Light up the Night” package, $189 double, includes classic-yet-hip accommodations, holiday turndown service of gingerbread men; two drinks each evening from Vbar (they light up in your hand) and a full American breakfast in-room or in the restaurant Citrus. Refer to promo code PKGRIVER, 150 E. Houston St., 210-227-9700, hotelvalencia.com
Eat
Adjacent to Hotel Valencia is Acenar, which is known for its popular and creative Tex-Mex dishes, $12-$30. No reservations. 146 E. Houston St., 210-222-2362, acenar.com
Experience
A recently reopened city gem is the Japanese Tea Garden inside Brackenridge Park. Reflection and beauty are free, 3853 N. St. Mary’s St., 210-735-0663. The eight-hour city Grand Tour covers more than a dozen top attractions, a boat cruise and hotel pick-up. Wear comfy shoes. Adults $61.72; $33.33 children ages 3-11, 216 Alamo Plaza, historicsanantonio.com
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SPLURGE
Getting there
Walk-up, no-advance-notice Business Class rates are $368, AirTran or Delta.
Stay
The Mobil four-star Watermark Hotel and Spa features a 17,000-square-foot Euro spa and rooms with private balconies overlooking the River Walk and all-marble baths with Jacuzzi tubs. Weekend rates from $459; Sunday from $409. 212 W. Crockett, 210-396-5800, watermarkhotel.com
Eat
The Fig Tree, a fine-dining restaurant on the River Walk, is known for its elegant decor and classic French cuisine right down to flaming desserts prepared tableside. It is a recipient of Wine Spectator’s Award of Excellence. 515 Villita, 210-224-1976, figtreerestaurant.com
Experience
The magnificent Majestic Theater, built in 1929, is a national historic landmark of Spanish-Moorish design. Enjoy the setting while taking in a concert by B.B. King, Duran Duran or the San Antonio Symphony, or the classic Broadway blockbuster “Cats.” $112-$424. 224 E. Houston St., 210-226-5700, majesticempire.com
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