You’re staring at a map of downtown San Antonio and it’s a mess. Hotels everywhere. Some cost a fortune because they have "Riverwalk" in the name, even if you have to hike three blocks to actually see water. Then there’s the La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham San Antonio Riverwalk. It’s a mouthful. Honestly, most locals just call it the "Old Sears Building" La Quinta because of its weirdly cool history. If you've been burned by budget hotels that smell like stale cigarettes and broken dreams, you might be skeptical.
But here is the thing about this specific spot at 303 Blum. It isn't your typical cookie-cutter roadside stop.
The building is a massive, historic brick structure that used to be a department store. That matters. It means the ceilings are high. The walls are thick. It doesn't feel like a flimsy drywall box. Staying at the La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham San Antonio Riverwalk puts you right in the middle of the chaos, but in a way that actually feels manageable. You’re basically sharing a backyard with the Henry B. González Convention Center and the Shops at Rivercenter.
The Reality of the Location
Location is everything. People say that. It’s a cliché for a reason. If you stay here, you are literally steps from the Alamo. Not "a short drive." Not "a brisk fifteen-minute walk." You can walk out the doors, grab a coffee, and be looking at the shrine of Texas liberty before your latte gets cold.
The Riverwalk access is just as close. However, let’s be real for a second. The Riverwalk is a tourist trap. It’s a beautiful, winding, historic tourist trap. Being able to dip in for a margarita at Casa Rio and then retreat to a quiet room without paying $400 a night is the real win here. The La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham San Antonio Riverwalk bridges that gap between "I want to be where the action is" and "I don't want to go bankrupt for a bed."
Parking is usually the first thing that ticks people off in downtown San Antonio. It’s expensive. At this property, you’re looking at valet or nearby garages. It’s cramped. If you’re driving a massive dually truck, maybe rethink your life choices or just prepare to pay a premium. Most guests find that once they park, they don’t touch the car again until they leave. You can take the river taxi or just use your legs.
Inside the Rooms: What to Actually Expect
Don’t expect gold-plated faucets. This is a Wyndham property, not a Ritz. But because of the building's bones—remember that Sears history?—the layout of the rooms is often more interesting than a standard Marriott. Some rooms have these enormous windows that look out over the city skyline or the courtyard.
The beds are usually the bright spot. La Quinta has a reputation for decent mattresses, and these usually hold up. You get the standard stuff: a microwave, a mini-fridge (crucial for leftover Tex-Mex), and a desk.
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- The suites are where the value is. If you’re traveling with kids, getting that extra living space makes a massive difference.
- Maintenance can be hit or miss in historic buildings. You might find a creaky floorboard or a bathroom vent that’s seen better days.
- Noise can be an issue if you’re on a lower floor near the street. San Antonio is a loud city. Parades, tourists, sirens—it’s all part of the vibe.
If you’re a light sleeper, ask for a room on a higher floor or something facing the interior. Honestly, bring a white noise machine. It’s downtown. It’s gonna be noisy. That’s just the trade-off for being able to stumble home from a Spurs watch party at a nearby bar.
The Breakfast Situation and Amenities
Breakfast is free. In 2026, "free" usually means a sad granola bar and a bruised apple. Here, it’s a bit better. You’ve got the waffle makers. Everyone loves the waffle makers. There’s usually some form of eggs and sausage, cereal, and juice. It’s fuel. It’s not a brunch at a five-star bistro, but it saves you twenty bucks per person every morning.
The pool is an outdoor situation. It’s Texas. It’s hot. The pool is basically a requirement for survival from May through October. It’s located in a courtyard area that feels somewhat secluded, which is nice when you realize there are thousands of people swarming the streets just a few yards away.
There is also a bar on-site. The 501 Lounge. It’s a solid place for a drink before you head out for dinner. It has that dark, wood-heavy, historic feel that makes you feel like a 1940s detective. Sorta.
Why Business Travelers Dig It
If you are in town for a conference, this is arguably one of the most strategic places to stay. The Convention Center is right there. You can avoid the shuttle bus nightmare entirely. The Wi-Fi is generally reliable enough for Zoom calls, though like any hotel, it can get sluggish when everyone gets back from the convention and starts streaming Netflix at 6:00 PM.
Surprising Facts About 303 Blum
Most people don’t realize that this building is on the National Register of Historic Places. It was built in the early 20th century. When you walk through the lobby, look up. Look at the masonry. There is a soul to this place that the newer, glass-and-steel hotels just lack.
There's a weird bit of trivia too—the hotel sits right near the site of the old San Antonio brewery scene. The history of water rights and the river itself is baked into the foundation. It’s not just a hotel; it’s a piece of the city's urban evolution from a mercantile hub to a tourism juggernaut.
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Comparing the Costs
Is it the cheapest? No. You can find a Motel 6 on the outskirts of town for sixty bucks. Is it the most luxurious? Absolutely not. The Emily Morgan or the Hotel Emma take that crown.
But for the "middle-of-the-road" traveler, the La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham San Antonio Riverwalk is the sweet spot. You get the Wyndham Rewards points if you’re into that. You get the proximity. You get a breakfast that doesn't suck.
Navigation and Local Tips
If you stay here, do not eat every meal on the Riverwalk. Please. It’s a rookie mistake. Walk a few blocks over to South Alamo Street. Go to Rosario’s for actual good enchiladas. Or hit up Schilo’s—it’s the oldest restaurant in the city and they have incredible root beer and split pea soup. It’s right around the corner.
Also, the "Riverwalk" is actually two different things. There’s the tourist loop (the part with the neon lights and the loud music) and then there’s the Museum Reach and the Mission Reach. If you have time, take a Uber or a long walk up towards the Pearl District. It’s the more "local" version of the river experience.
A Note on Accessibility
Being an older building, they’ve done a lot to make it ADA-compliant, but some of the hallways are long and winding. If you have mobility issues, make sure you mention that when booking. You don't want to end up at the very end of a long corridor if walking is a struggle.
What Most People Get Wrong
People often book this thinking it’s a "resort." It isn't. It’s a high-functioning, historic, mid-scale hotel. If you go in expecting a spa and a personal butler, you’re going to be annoyed. If you go in expecting a clean bed, a cool atmosphere, and the ability to walk to the Alamo in your flip-flops, you’re going to love it.
The biggest misconception is that all La Quintas are the same. This one is the "flagship" style. It’s managed differently because of its size and its location. It’s a high-volume operation. The staff here deals with thousands of people a week, from tired parents to stressed-out corporate execs. They’re usually pretty efficient, but a little patience goes a long way.
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Actionable Steps for Your Stay
Book at least three months out. Because of the convention center, this hotel fills up fast. If a major medical association is in town, you won't find a room. Check the convention center calendar before you pick your dates.
Join the Wyndham Rewards program. Even if you don't stay at Wyndhams often, the "Member Rate" usually knocks 10% off the price immediately. It takes two minutes to sign up and it’s free.
Request a room away from the elevators. With a building this size, the elevator lobby can become a gathering spot for loud groups. A room halfway down the hall is the "Goldilocks" zone—close enough to walk, far enough to sleep.
Use the baggage hold. If your flight arrives at 10:00 AM and check-in isn't until 3:00 PM, let them take your bags. Head straight to the Alamo or the Rivercenter mall. Don't waste your first day sitting in the lobby.
Verify your parking options. If the valet is full or too pricey, check the "Rivercenter Parking Garage" right next door. Sometimes it’s cheaper for overnight stays, but read the signs carefully regarding "no in-and-out privileges."
The La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham San Antonio Riverwalk isn't trying to be the fanciest place in Texas. It's trying to be the most convenient. For 90% of people visiting San Antonio, that’s exactly what they need. It’s a solid, dependable basecamp for exploring one of the most culturally rich cities in the United States.
Pack comfortable walking shoes. You’re going to need them. The pavement in San Antonio is old, uneven, and everywhere. But that’s the charm. You’re staying in a place where history actually happened, and you’re doing it without blowing your entire travel budget on a room you’re only going to use for sleeping anyway.
Check the local weather forecast about 48 hours before you arrive. San Antonio weather is unpredictable. It can be 80 degrees in the morning and 40 by nightfall. If you’re prepared for that and you’ve got your room at the La Quinta, you’re basically set for a perfect South Texas trip.