Review: Canopy by Hilton San Antonio Riverwalk

Why book? It’s a happening home away from home.

Set the scene Couples in athleisure wear line up to check out helmets and orange cruisers, while off-duty young professionals waffle between lounging in the leather butterfly chairs or playing a chic game of foosball.

The backstory Local architects combined the old and the new. A centuries-old limestone wall and masonry cistern were found during construction and given a second lease on life via the lobby and restaurant patio. Modern building techniques made cantilevered terraces possible, creating a treehouse-like vibe for guests perched above the lush downtown streets.

The rooms Creature comforts abound with Nespresso machines, Apivita bath products, and a chaise lounge in every room. A wooden canopy above the bed pays homage to the hotel name, while gel memory foam mattresses are designed to keep even the warmest sleepers cool.

Food and drink Otro, a colorful bar suspended several stories above the River Walk, draws visitors and locals alike with “Asana and Agave” yoga classes and everchanging specials. Down below, Domingo introduces diners to the flavors of South Texas through wagyu taquitos, churro waffles, and a much-talked-about tuna tostada. Be sure to try one of six tequila flights, too.

The neighborhood/area It’s a 10-minute walk to the convention center and an even shorter trek to the San Fernando Cathedral, where the free light show, “San Antonio | The Saga,” is a must-see.

The service The hotel has a text system for guests to quickly communicate with the front desk and valet, but offers friendly, in-person service, too. 

For families Although the target audience may not appear to be families, staff go out of their way to make kids feel welcome. One review mentioned a particularly creative server who jazzed up waters with “fairy flowers” a.k.a. edible flowers. 

Eco effort No plastic bottles or straws here. Instead, there are glass carafes in every room and refillable water stations on every floor.

Accessibility A lengthy list of the hotel’s accessible features can be found on their website.

Anything left to mention? The Paw Perks Program makes traveling with a pup easy. With the $75 pet fee comes a BarkBox, local treats, doggie bags, water and food bowls, a perfectly sized dog bed, and even a canine city guide.