San Antonio is one of the cities in Texas that you really can’t miss. It celebrated its 300th anniversary in 2018, and it’s a blend of culture, history, and good old Southern charm.
It was here that Texas gained independence from Mexico in 1836, and a visit to the 18th century Alamo Mission where that happened has to be top of any itinerary. For modern culture and nightlife, you’ll want to head to the River Walk area – one of the hottest spots in town!
With so much to do here, it can be tricky picking the right place to stay. Hostels and hotels are great, but if you want something a little more homely and characterful, consider an Airbnb in San Antonio. There’s a lot of choice – including loft apartments, entire historic houses, and charming homestays.
In this guide, I’ll show you the best of the best when it comes to vacation rentals in San Antonio. I’ve scoured through Airbnb so you don’t have to, and put together this extensive list of the best Airbnbs in San Antonio, Texas.
Quick Answer: These are the Top 5 Airbnbs in San Antonio
Historic River Walk Loft
- > $$
- > 2 Guests
- > Kitchenette
- > Private backyard with BBQ
Yellow Door Apartment
- > $
- > 2 Guests
- > Awesome location
- > Private back entrance
Affordable Downtown San Antonio Home
- > $
- > 2 Guests
- > Sofa Bed (additional 2 guests)
- > Fully equipped kitchen
Restored 1920 Residence
- > $$$
- > 6 Guests
- > 3 Bedrooms
- > Big outdoor area
Historic King William Home
- > $$$$
- > 8 Guests
- > Free car parking
- > Stylish and contemporary
Unlock Our GREATEST Travel Secrets!
Sign up for our newsletter and get the best travel tips delivered right to your inbox.
What to Expect from Airbnbs in San Antonio
While San Antonio isn’t the most popular road trip destination in Texas (that honour goes to Houston), it’s still pretty big, and it’s gaining in popularity. It’s no surprise that there’s a huge range of San Antonio vacation rentals, from artsy lofts to full Texan townhouses. You should have no trouble at all finding something that matches your budget and taste.
In downtown San Antonio and the Historic District, you can find all the usual Airbnbs such as lofts, entire apartments and carriage homes, with some unusual properties thrown in too. Think tiny houses and restored historic buildings!
It’s a mix of whether you’ll have a local host or a business during your stay in San Antonio. In homestays and private rooms, you’ll be hosted by a Texan, but in larger and more expensive properties, you’re more likely to be welcomed by a business.
Private Room
A private room is exactly what it says on the tin. You’ll have your own private bedroom in a local’s home, sometimes you might have your own private bathroom and private entrance, but most of the time these are shared facilities. Sometimes you might find an entire guest suite attached to a host’s home, but this is hard to come by.
One of the best things about staying in a private room is getting to know your host. Staying with a local means you’ll be able to get insider tips for exploring San Antonio and hearing about all the best attractions.
Lofts and Apartments
Lofts and apartments are the most common type of accommodation in the city, especially in downtown San Antonio and San Antonio’s Deco District. Lofts tend to be multi-level apartments with one or two rooms, and are generally smaller than apartments, making them an excellent option for backpackers in Texas.
Apartments come in all shapes and sizes. They can have up to three or four bedrooms and have everything you need for a comfortable stay, such as living areas, balconies and fully equipped kitchens. Some apartments come with shared facilities such as fitness centers and swimming pools.
Carriage Houses
A carriage house is one of the more unique types of Airbnb in San Antonio. Also known as coach houses, these are annexes or outbuildings that were originally used for storing horse-drawn carriages. Nowadays, many have been renovated to incredible standards, so they seem more like boutique hotels.
Carriage houses may be smaller than regular houses, but you can still expect loads of mod-cons, such as fully-equipped kitchens and lounges. Carriage houses don’t have their own listing on Airbnb, but you may find them under guest suite, guest house or entire place.
Why Stay in an Airbnb?
I can think of many reasons why you should choose a vacation rental in San Antonio over a hotel or motel in San Antonio, but here are just a few…
- Local Experience: No matter how big your guidebook is, it won’t have the superb local know-how can get from your hosts. Be sure to get their recommendations on things to do in San Antonio!
- Unique Properties: As well as standard apartments and private rooms, this list alone includes boats, an Italian style palazzo, and even a windmill!
- Privacy: Another great filter – choose an entire place to ensure you won’t be disturbed during your trip.
- Affordability: Airbnbs are considerably cheaper than an equivalent hotel – and you won’t have any hidden charges from the minibar either! Airbnbs are possibly the best option for backpackers in USA that need to keep the costs low.
- Airbnb Experiences: Airbnb isn’t just about great places to stay; it also offers incredible local experiences.
The Top 15 Airbnbs in San Antonio
Before you start looking at these homes, make your you know where you want to stay in San Antonio. There are many neighborhoods with different vibes and attractions.
While each of the is awesome and unique in its own way, a bit of research goes a long way when looking for a place to stay.
Overall Best Value Airbnb in San Antonio | Historic River Walk Loft
- $$
- Kitchenette
- 2 Guests
- Private backyard with BBQ
Let’s kick off with the best value Airbnb in San Antonio. Even though the décor is cool and modern, it’s located in a 19th-century carriage house. So, it’s certainly got a lot of character!
It’s a hop, skip, and jump from the iconic San Antonio Riverwalk, so you’re in a great position to get out and explore the historic district. Not to mention the awesome nightlife, bars, and restaurants… Or the museums and galleries during the day. If you’d prefer to stay in on an evening, enjoy a backyard BBQ under the stars!
Best Budget Airbnb in San Antonio | The Elvis Room
- $
- Breakfast included
- 2 Guests
- Laundry room on request
It may be a little further out of the city center than some of the other apartments on this list, but that’s not a bad thing. The Elvis room is one of the budget Airbnbs in San Antonio and it’s still just a short drive to the Alamo and the River Walk on public transport.
Although you don’t have to splash out too much here, you still get a comfortable double bed and access to the house’s common areas. These include a front porch, a back deck, and a sky deck where you can chill out and relax!
Budget Tip: Dorms in San Antonio start from $10USD per bed. They’re the cheapest accommodation in the city. Search for hostels in the area!
Perfect Short Term Rental for Digital Nomads | Industrial Contemporary Loft
- $$
- Private Balcony
- 2 Guests
- Rooftop Patio
Located in Southtown, this is one of the best vacation rentals for when you need to get some work done on your laptop. The loft is incredibly bright, thanks to the massive window front and offers many workspaces, such as a great living room table, a comfy sofa and even a balcony.
The loft has a very minimalistic and industrial vibe to it, however, it’s still super homely and welcoming thanks to the light-flooded rooms and charming design.
The spacious kitchen, lofted bed, and beautiful walk-in shower gives this loft a luxurious feel. With solid concrete floors and soaring 16-foot concrete ceilings, this is a one-of-a-kind location that books out very fast.
We’ve tested countless packs over the years, and now we’ve found our absolute favourite: the nomad-approved Nomatic Travel Bag.
Want more deetz on why we love it so damn much? Then read our comprehensive review for the inside scoop!
Learn More Now!Perfect Airbnb for Solo Travellers | Guesthouse w/ Private Entrance
- $
- Memory-foam topped queen bed
- 2 Guests
- Super kind host
Sometimes solo travellers just need a break. While hostels are great, a bit of extra privacy without being totally isolated from other people goes a long way. So, a private room is a good idea, right? Certainly, one this nice and this reasonably priced.
There’s a private bathroom and entrance, so you’ll get all the peace, quiet, and me-time you need. However, you’ve got a friendly host on-site should you need to ask anything or get any recommendations for San Antonio.
Best Airbnb in San Antonio for Nightlife | Chic and Modern Downtown Apartment
- $$
- Balcony w/ city views
- 3 Guests
- Modern design
There’s nowhere better in town for nightlife than the awesome San Antonio Riverwalk. For one of the best San Antonio Airbnbs nearby, check out this place.
A lot of River Walk apartments are quite small but this one can fit up to 3 guests without feeling too cramped in! If you end up with a hangover the next day, you can use the stunning fully equipped kitchen to prepare something greasy to soak up all the alcohol or jump in the property’s refreshing swimming pool.
Then, settle down in front of the Smart TV for your favourite series or film on Netflix.
Best Airbnb for Couples | Affordable Downtown San Antonio Home
- $
- Sofa Bed (additional 2 guests)
- 2 Guests
- Fully equipped kitchen
A queen bed, lots of light, and a big comfy living room. All something that sets this awesome San Antonio vacation rental out from the rest. And when you’re travelling as a couple, you’ll want somewhere that’s just that cut above.
It’s just two miles away from all the great places to visit in San Antonio, epic bars, and the nightlife of the River Walk. The Buckhorn Saloon and Guinness World Records Museum are just a hop, skip, and a jump away too. Not that you need to leave the apartment for a good time – you can just as easily curl up on the sofa in front of a movie!
Best Home Stay in San Antonio | Yellow Door Apartment
- $
- Awesome location
- 2 Guests
- Private back entrance
When a listing starts off with “I’d love to host you as you enjoy my awesome city”, you know it’s not your average rental. No, it’s the best homestay in San Antonio!
You and a travel buddy can share your own private room and bathroom, while your hosts are still on hand to help you with any concerns or questions you may have.
If you’re a long-term solo traveller and you’ve been missing your furry friends back home, the good news is there are some dogs here! They’ll say hello but won’t invade your privacy.
Runner up Home Stay in San Antonio | Dog-Friendly Private Room
- $
- Bring your pet!
- 2 Guests
- Proper workdesk
There are so many awesome homestays in San Antonio that I couldn’t just leave it at one. This great place is a private room where you can bring your four-legged friend!
The Wi-Fi is super quick and there’s a space to work (it’s an actual work desk). Add in the coffee machine and mini-fridge and this is another awesome San Antonio short-term rental for a digital nomad!
Another great thing about this property is the location – super close to attractions but in a quiet neighborhood so you can get some proper sleep. And the little touches are seriously cool and make this room feel like an actual home.
Amazing Luxury Airbnb in San Antonio | Upscale Historic Home
- $$$$
- Wrap-around terrace
- 10-14 Guests
- Tasteful interior design
This restored 100-year-old home blends classic architecture with contemporary fixtures and designer finishes for a comfortable and stylish stay. If your budget allows it and you’re looking for a bit of affordable luxury, this should be your go-to Airbnb.
Located north of Downtown, you’ll be close to many attractions and points of interest. However, with such a stunning home, you won’t even need to step outside the door to have a great trip.
The house itself accommodates 10 people, but you can opt to rent another guesthouse in the backyard for an additional 4 guests.
Over the Top Luxury Airbnb in San Antonio | Historic King William Home
- $$$
- Free car parking
- 8 Guests
- Stylish and contemporary
If you’re happy to really splash the cash, then look no further than this Historic King William House. It really is a home away from home – in fact, for a lot of people it would be something like their dream home!
The open plan kitchen has lots of indoor brickwork, exposed wood, and plants which will put you in a zen-like state of mind. You can fit up to 8 people in this awesome home, so although it’s an over-the-top luxury San Antonio Airbnb, you might be pleasantly surprised with the overall bill!
Best Airbnb in San Antonio for Families | Restored 1920 Residence
- $$$
- 3 Bedrooms
- 6 Guests
- Big outdoor area
This 3 bedroom Airbnb Plus home can comfortably sleep 6 guests, which makes it ideal for families that want to explore San Antonio together.
Equipped with all necessary amenities, such as a laundry room, a massive kitchen and a super comfy living area, your stay will feel just like a real home away from home.
Should the kids get bored, there’s a massive front yard to play on or a Smart TV to relax and watch some Netflix. With close to 5 stars and over 150 reviews, you can be sure that this home is a real treat!
Best Airbnb for a Group of Friends | Most Popular San Antonio Airbnb!
- $
- Great location
- 5 Guests
- Vibrant and colourful
Airbnb itself has named this the most popular short-term rental in San Antonio in the past. So, you know it’s good! This 1930s home is colourful, vibrant, and can fit up to 5 guests.
Its location near the River Walk means that you’re never far from an awesome night out or a cool activity to do together. If you want to stay in, pick something from Apple TV or pull out a DVD to watch on the 47 inch TV!
The decor is very chic and cool so it’s a great pad for you and your buddies to hang out in.
Best Airbnb in River Walk | Architect-Designed Suite
- $$
- Cute Porch
- 2 Guests
- Stunning minimalistic design
I know you’ve seen a lot around the River Walk already, but in such a great area you can never have enough choice.
This one-bedroom suite would be an awesome base for a couple or a business traveller! It’s within walking distance of the Alamo, San Antonio Museum, and other great central attractions.
There’s a smart TV, strong Wi-Fi, a super nice porch which gets hit by the afternoon sun and a little kitchenette. It’s definitely a cozy place so don’t expect loads of space, but if you plan on eating out most of the time, it’s the ideal home to explore San Antonio.
Best Unique Airbnb in San Antonio | Quirky Townhouse near Fort Sam Houston
- $$$
- Private rooftop patio
- 6 Guests
- Free parking
If you’re looking for a unique and stylish home, then you’ll love this quirky three-storey townhouse in San Antonio. Built in 2021, the home features state-of-the-art amenities and has been gorgeously decorated using modern, plush furnishings.
My favourite part of this home is the third-floor roof deck, offering a little secluded hideaway with incredible views. If you’re travelling by car, you can sleep easy knowing it’s been tucked away in a private covered parking space.
If you’re looking for a secluded vacation rental outside the city centre, but still within easy reach, this home would be the ultimate choice.
Best Airbnb near San Antonio Airport | Bright and Sunny Bungalow
- $$
- Private patio surrounded by garden
- 3 Guests
- Fast wifi – 691 Mbps
Another popular area of San Antonio that may seem a million miles from the River Walk is Alamo Heights – the perfect place to stay near the Airport for those on a flying visit. With its one bedroom and spacious living area with a sofa bed, this bungalow has space to comfortably accommodate 3 guests.
It’s the best San Antonio Airbnb outside of the immediate downtown, and it offers a Smart TV, a fully equipped kitchen, and free parking on the premises – ideal if you’re travelling by car.
With only 10 min to downtown and an incredibly affordable price, you can be sure to get a lot of bang for your buck!
FAQs About San Antonio Airbnbs
Here’s what people usually ask me about vacation rentals in San Antonio…
Don’t Forget Your San Antonio Travel Insurance
World Nomads’ mission is to support and encourage travellers to explore their boundaries. They offer simple & flexible travel insurance, and safety advice to help you travel confidently.
They’ve been doing it since 2002 – protecting, connecting, and inspiring independent travellers just like you.
Get a quote below or read our in-depth review!
World Nomads provides travel insurance for travelers in over 100 countries. As an affiliate, we receive a fee when you get a quote from World Nomads using this link. We do not represent World Nomads. This is information only and not a recommendation to buy travel insurance.
Final Thoughts on San Antonio Airbnbs
So, that concludes my list of the best San Antonio Airbnbs. As you can see, there’s a lot to choose from and I hope there’s something on my extensive list that matches your budget, travel style, and personality. Not to mention the size of your group!
Whether homestays, entire houses, or chic loft apartments are your bag, you won’t struggle to find any of these in Texas’ second-biggest city!
I know some people can be indecisive and because there are so many great San Antonio apartments here, you might feel a little overwhelmed. If that’s the case, just go for my best value Airbnb in San Antonio – Historic River Walk Loft Apartment. I love it because it’s in a great location, and it effortlessly combines style, cost, and awesomeness!
Now, all that’s left for us is to wish you an incredible vacation in San Antonio!
And for transparency’s sake, please know that some of the links in our content are affiliate links. That means that if you book your accommodation, buy your gear, or sort your insurance through our link, we earn a small commission (at no extra cost to you). That said, we only link to the gear we trust and never recommend services we don’t believe are up to scratch. Again, thank you!
