With San Antonio’s recent uptick in luxury hotels comes a parallel boom in fancy bars at those properties, many of which are located downtown.

These creatively designed drinking spots can make locals feel like they’re on vacation or provide a convenient meeting place when getting together with friends in town on business or a sightseeing visit.

The best part? You don’t even need to reserve a room to enjoy the impeccable service in these swanky hotel bars, any of which could be a posh way to pass time on a long holiday weekend.

Here are 21 essential hotel-based drinkeries for staycation-worthy sipping. No reservations required.

Ambler at Hotel Contessa 306 W Market St, (210) 298-8040, thehotelcontessa.com This spot marries rustic Texas charm with elevated cocktails and eats. The signature cocktails boast interesting ingredients — tea-infused vodka, anyone? — making this hotel bar one that’s not just pretty to look at. Credit: Photo via Instagram / amblersatx
El Colegio at Omni La Mansion Del Rio 112 College St, (210) 518-1000, omnihotels.com Paying tribute to the St. Mary’s School of Law that first inhabited the space in 1934, El Colegio highlights cocktails popular in the ‘30s. That’s not to say this is a speakeasy, however. Either way, the Prohibition-era decor is the cherry on top to a drinking spot that focuses on local and regional spirits. Credit: Photo by design_dudes via Instagram / omnilamansiondelrio
Ocho at Hotel Havana 1015 Navarro St, (210) 222-2008, havanasanantonio.com With Pan-Latin fare, mojitos and a chic aesthetic at the forefront, Ocho is a favorite for a reason. Tourists may flock to the beautiful Hotel Havana, but locals will feel more than welcome to enjoy the scenery brought to you by this glass-enclosed riverside spot. With the cocktail menu highlighting San Antonio’s Mexican roots (we’re talking about tequila) and the prevalence of rum in Havana’s culture, guests will be drinking well here. Credit: Courtesy Photo / Nick Simonite for Hotel Havana
Havana Bar at Hotel Havana 1015 Navarro St, (210) 222-2008, havanasanantonio.com Can a bar be sexy? The answer is yes, and that bar is none other than Havana Bar. This dimly candlelit basement drinkery offers cozy vibes that pair beautifully with craft cocktails. Havana Bar is definitely the spot for folks looking to imbibe — with a shot of intimacy. Credit: Photo courtesy of Nick Simonite for Hotel Havana
Haunt at The St. Anthony 300 E Travis St, (210) 352-3171, marriott.com Arguably one of the most posh hotel bars in San Antonio, Haunt is sleek and sexy for a reason. This bar may look contemporary, but it actually pays homage to the spooky spirits that call The St. Anthony home. Spooky season may only come in October, but Haunt’s creative cocktails and spirits (of all varieties) are enjoyable all year round. Credit: Photo via Instagram / hauntlounge
Sternewirth at Hotel Emma 136 E Graysaon St, (210) 223-7375, thehotelemma.com Every facet of Hotel Emma delivers on elevated experience, and Sternewirth is no exception. Serving as the hotel’s tavern and club room, you’ll feel nice and cozy on the sofas that sit underneath 25-foot vaulted ceilings. Credit: Photo via Instagram / thehotelemma
Paseo Bar & Lounge at Estancia Del Norte 37 NE Interstate 410 Loop, hilton.com Located at the Estancia Del Norte just off Loop 410, Paseo Bar offers handcrafted cocktails, bar food inspired by the flavors of South Texas and the occasional night of live music for hotel guests and locals alike to enjoy. They also offer monthly themed cocktails for folks looking to shake things up. Credit: Photo via Instagram / paseo_bar
Crooked Branch at JW Marriott San Antonio Hill Country Resort and Spa 23808 Resort Pkwy, (210) 276-2500, marriott.com Situated on the outskirts of SA, this luxury hotel doesn’t stop at the swanky rooms. Accommodations include this drinkery that doles out elevated eats as well as unique cocktails. Credit: Photo via Instagram / jwsanantonio
Q Bar at the Hyatt Regency 123 Losoya St, hyatt.com While one can grab a bite to eat at the Q Kitchen Bar, the sole Q Bar is all about getting boozy. Situated around a 55-foot granite bar, the open concept lets guests relax and unwind. The hotel is located on the River Walk, making Q Bar the ideal spot to stop and unwind for a few minutes after a lively walk by the river. Credit: Photo via Instagram / hyattregencysa
The Moon’s Daughters at Thompson San Antonio 115 Lexington Ave, (210) 942-6032, themoonsdaughters.com This Insta-worthy rooftop bar overlooks the SA skyline from a twenty-story perch. Guests can indulge in its sophisticated cocktails and Mediterranean bites while appreciating the spectacular views. Credit: Photo via Instagram / themoonsdaughters
Otro Bar at Canopy by Hilton San Antonio Riverwalk 123 North Saint Mary’s St, (210) 404-7516, domingorestaurant.com/otro-bar The Otro terrace bar at the Canopy San Antonio Riverwalk hotel hangs over the San Antonio River, surrounded by canopies of mature cypress trees. Its perch is just removed enough from the hustle and bustle of the Paseo del Rio. Credit: Photo via Instagram / otrosatx
Bar 414 in Sheraton Gunter 205 E Houston St, (210) 585-9999, marriott.com Jam-packed with history, this Sheraton Gunter hotel bar pays tribute to the recording studio that used to be in the hotel – specifically room 414. And unlike some hotel bars, there’s happy hour so guests can play tourist without the upcharge. Credit: Photo via Instagram / dirtyriverjazzband
1 Watson at AC by Marriott 11 Soledad St., (210) 222-8300, 1watsonrooftop.com Opening in December 2022 at new downtown hotel Element by Westin, this rooftop bar aims to recapture the history and energy of the location, celebrating the building’s old western roots. Credit: Photo courtesy of Winston Hotels
Naranja Bar at Hotel Valencia 150 E Houston St, (210) 227-9700, hotelvalencia-riverwalk.com With marble countertops and muted orange bar chairs, this downtown tequila and mezcal haven has plenty of reasons for you to stop by and soak in the vibe. And let’s be honest, the specialty cocktails, tapas and tequila flights do wonders here. Credit: Photo via Instagram / hotelvalenciarw
Sire Bar at La Cantera Resort & Spa 16641 La Cantera Pkwy, (210) 558-6500, lacanteraresort.com While the resort has come to have its own reputation, Sire Bar offers hand-crafted cocktails made from a wide range of spirits. Consider this the spot to start the night at before heading to other nearby watering holes like The Rustic and George’s Keep. Credit: Photo via Instagram / lacanteraresort
Ostra at Mokara 212 W Crockett St, (210) 396-5817, omnihotels.com Though Ostra is technically a restaurant, the Mokara hotel spot includes a beautiful bar that attracts both locals and tourists alike. Sure, their dinner service itself is worth a stop, but to get the full experience, guests should also pay the bar a visit and try one of the specialty cocktails. Perhaps the Mexican Martini? Credit: Photo via Instagram / mokarahotelandspa
Oro Restaurant and Bar at The Emily Morgan Hotel 705 E Houston St, (210) 244-0146, emilymorganhotel.com The Oro Restaurant and Bar bar at the historic Emily Morgan Hotel offers upscale southwestern-inspired eats and handcrafted cocktails with a view of the Alamo. Credit: Photo via Instagram / emilymorganhotel
Sustenio at Eilan Hotel & Spa 18603 La Cantera Terrace, (210) 598-2900, eilanhotel.com/sustenio-restaurant This weekend spot offers small plates, entrees and brick oven pizza in a swanky rust and wood-toned interior. Those who enjoy the fresh air can opt to sit outside on the spacious, romantic patio. Credit: Photo via Instagram / sustenio
Fairmont Rooftop Oyster Bar 401 S Alamo St, (210) 224-8800, fairmountsa.com For fans of the SA landmarks such as the Tower of the Americas, the view from this seafood-doling rooftop bar is tough to beat. Guests can stay into the evening for a spectacular sunset view of the 54-year-old structure. Credit: Photo via Instagram / ​​fairmount_rooftop_oysterbar
Nonna Osteria at The Fairmount Hotel 401 S Alamo St, (210) 224-8800, nonnasa.com Nonna Osteria specializes in rustic Northern Italian cuisine as well as wine, and the modern decor here offers a great ambiance for guests to down a glass of vino with friends. Credit: Photo via Instagram / nonnaosteria
Charlie’s Long Bar at Hyatt Regency Hill Country Resort and Spa 202 Lamar St, (210) 872-5589, hyatt.com This rustic spot is perfect for tourists who think all Texans ride horses to work. On the other hand, locals who want a taste of the heartland can get it here, as this bar serves it up nicely, replete with cowhide-topped barstools and an impressive selection of whiskeys. Credit: Photo via Instagram / ​​alamobeerco