Finding a place to stay in North San Antonio usually goes one of two ways. You either end up in a cramped room downtown wishing you had a car, or you're stuck in a generic highway motel where the "breakfast" is a stale muffin. Honestly, that's why the Residence Inn at the Rim San Antonio TX hits a little differently. It’s tucked away in that massive shopping and entertainment complex known as The Rim, and if you’ve ever tried to navigate San Antonio traffic on a Saturday, you know being able to walk to a movie or dinner is a huge win.
Most people think of this place just as a spot for Six Flags visitors. Sure, Fiesta Texas is basically in the backyard. But there is a lot more to the vibe here. It’s that weirdly comfortable middle ground between a fancy resort and a standard business hotel. It feels like an apartment. A really clean, well-serviced apartment where someone else makes the eggs in the morning.
What's the Real Deal with the Rooms?
If you’re expecting a tiny box, you’ll be surprised. Every single room here is a suite. That’s the Residence Inn brand's whole "thing," but at this specific location, they actually keep them up well.
You’ve got full kitchens. Not just a "kitchenette" with a half-size fridge that barely fits a bottle of water. We’re talking a full-sized refrigerator, a stovetop, a microwave, and a dishwasher. They even provide the dish soap. It’s perfect for those of us who get tired of eating $25 burgers every night and just want to heat up some leftovers or make a grilled cheese.
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Studio vs. One-Bedroom
The King Studio is about 398 square feet. It’s spacious enough that you don’t feel like you’re tripping over your suitcase. But if you're traveling with kids or a colleague, the One-Bedroom Suite is the way to go. It’s roughly 463 square feet and has a literal door between the living area and the bedroom. Privacy is a luxury in hotels. Having that door is the difference between a good night's sleep and being woken up by your partner watching Netflix at midnight.
The Location: More Than Just Six Flags
Let’s be real—The Rim is huge. Staying at the Residence Inn at the Rim San Antonio TX means you are within walking distance of things like the Santikos Palladium, which is arguably the best movie theater in the city. You also have Topgolf right there.
- Bass Pro Shops: Even if you don’t fish, the giant aquarium is cool to look at for ten minutes.
- The Shops at La Cantera: This is right across the highway. It’s an upscale, open-air mall. Very pretty, very walkable, and very dangerous for your credit card.
- Dining: You have everything from Bob’s Steak & Chop House for a fancy dinner to Hopdoddy for a burger. There’s a Maggiano’s nearby too if you want to fall into a pasta coma.
One thing that kinda catches people off guard is the parking. It’s $10 a day. In the grand scheme of San Antonio hotel fees, that’s actually pretty cheap compared to the $40+ you'll pay downtown, but it’s still worth noting so you aren't annoyed when you see the bill.
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The Morning Routine and Perks
The breakfast here isn’t just a granola bar. They do a full hot buffet. Think scrambled eggs, sausage or bacon, and those waffle makers that everyone loves. They also do a "manager’s reception" on certain evenings, which basically means free snacks and sometimes drinks. It’s a great way to meet other travelers or just save a few bucks on a light dinner.
If you’re traveling with a dog, you’re in luck. This is a pet-friendly spot. They allow up to two pets (dogs only, usually) for a $100 non-refundable fee per stay. They even have a designated pet relief area. Just keep in mind the weight limit is around 75–80 lbs, so your Great Dane might have to stay home.
The Fitness and Pool Situation
There is an outdoor pool. It’s nice, but it’s San Antonio, so in the summer, it feels like swimming in a lukewarm soup. Still, kids love it. The fitness center is open 24/7, which is great because sometimes you need to run off that Lupe Tortilla dinner at 2:00 AM. They also have a basketball court on-site if you want to pretend you're a Spur for thirty minutes.
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Is It Worth It?
Honestly, if you need to be in the Northwest part of town, it’s hard to beat. You’re near UTSA, USAA, and Camp Bullis.
One minor gripe travelers sometimes have is the noise from the nearby highway, IH-10. It’s a major artery. However, the hotel uses double-paned windows, so it’s mostly a low hum. If you’re a light sleeper, just ask for a room on the side of the building facing away from the highway. The staff is usually pretty chill about accommodating that if they aren't fully booked.
The Residence Inn at the Rim San Antonio TX fills a specific niche. It's for the person who wants the convenience of a hotel with the "stuff" of a home. Whether you're here for a week-long business project or a weekend of riding roller coasters, it just works. It’s not the most "historic" San Antonio experience—you aren't staying in a 100-year-old building with ghosts—but you get a dishwasher and a comfortable bed. Sometimes, that's exactly what you need.
Actionable Next Steps
- Book Early for Weekends: Since it's near Six Flags, Friday and Saturday nights fill up fast, especially during Fright Fest or the summer months.
- Request a Higher Floor: For the best views and the least amount of "mall noise," ask for a room on the 4th floor or higher.
- Grocery Shop Nearby: Don't forget there's a Target and a Whole Foods right in the area. Use that full kitchen to save $50 a day on food.
- Check the Pet Policy: If you're bringing a dog, call ahead. The $100 fee is per stay, not per night, which makes it a great deal for long stays but a bit pricey for just one night.
The hotel is located at 5707 Rim Pass Drive. If you're driving in, the exit can be a bit tricky with the recent construction around the 1604/I-10 interchange, so keep your GPS updated.