Elevated Meetings in Alamo City
History, food and art await beyond the ballroom
By Refugio Garcia
San Antonio is a destination rich in culture and activities steeped in over 300 years of history as the destination was once the home of the largest concentrations of Spanish colonial missions in North America. This is where luxurious meeting spaces and team building meet a stellar gastronomical scene.
Attendees may be surprised to learn that San Antonio is one of only two cities in the U.S. to be recognized by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) for its cultural sites, including its deep-rooted food scene since 2017. From luxurious hotels and resorts to quaint ranches beneath the stars, San Antonio’s Hill Country makes a lasting impression.
Local Expert Tip
Twelve hotels and nearly 100 restaurants have opened in the past two years. Known as the Culinary Capital of Texas, San Antonio is quickly becoming one of the most celebrated dining destinations in the country. Six San Antonio chefs and restaurants are among the 2023 James Beard Award semifinalists. In all, San Antonio boasts more than 4,000 restaurants throughout the city, including iconic restaurants as well as hidden gems.
— Marc Anderson, president and CEO, Visit San Antonio
5 Reasons Meeting Profs Love San Antonio
A rich historical experience Five frontier mission complexes built by Franciscan missionaries dot a stretch of the San Antonio River basin in southern Texas that dates to the 18th Century. Tour these monolithic sites with an experience that will awe and provide a tremendous opportunity for team building. And don’t forget about the Alamo—the site is the top tourist destination in Texas.
Cutting-edge meeting facilities meet old-world charm The city embodies a mix of vibrant culture with a modern meeting scene. The elaborate 1902 Venue melds the classy charm of a speakeasy, located in San Antonio’s historic St. Paul Square and is known as “The Building of 1,000 Lights” and “The Crown Jewel of San Antonio.”
Read More: Modern Meetings and Ancient History
Something for everyone A wealth of activities from outdoor adventures to arts and culture await. Abundant greenspaces and luscious parks beckon for hikes and bike rides. For a change of pace, schedule tours of the San Antonio Botanical Garden in the heart of the Broadway Cultural Corridor.
A culinary gem Known as the UNESCO city of Gastronomy, attendees will never leave on an empty stomach. Homegrown talent cultivated at the Culinary Institute of America San Antonio treats guests to an amazing dining experience straight from the tap. Cuisine types are nearly endless with much of the influence cast from an eclectic mix of traditions and cultures.
Shop ‘til you drop A plethora of malls, luxury outlets and vintage shops showcase local artists. The Alley on Bitters has provided quaint retail space to locals and visitors alike for over 40 years.
5 Fantastic Places to Meet
Hyatt Regency Hill Country Resort and Spa Rated Texas’ Best golf course by World Golf Awards, Hyatt Hill Country Golf Club provides attendees with ample meeting space and abundant entertainment.
Largest space is 20,000 square-foot Independence Ballroom; 100,000 sq. ft. of flexible meeting space; 500 guest rooms.
Horseshoe Bay Resort Texas Lake and Hill Country Sidled along the shore Lake LBJ, this luxury resort destination meshes resort-style amenities with upscale meeting facilities.
100,000 sq. ft. of indoor and outdoor space; Largest meeting room 25,000 sq. ft.; seven total meeting rooms; 400 guest rooms; Rental homes/condos available.
Thompson Austin With meeting spaces named for infamous Texas outlaws, Kelley, Red River, Singer, Newton, and Bass—the venue’s rebellious nature is evident throughout the venue.
Largest meeting room is 3,890 sq. ft.; 6,300 sq. ft. total event space; 229 guest rooms; maximum banquet capacity 432.
San Antonio Marriott Riverwalk Located directly across from the Henry B. Gonzalez Convention Center and situated along the Riverwalk in Downtown San Antonio, this property creates the perfect blend of business and leisure.
Largest event space 9,800 sq. ft.; 14 event rooms; 17,566 total sq. ft.; 512 guest rooms.
JW Marriott San Antonio Hill Country Resort & Spa Boasting a “marriage of stylish design and comfort,” this resort is nestled in the rugged hills of Central Texas and is suited for both large and small events.
Largest meeting space 40,500 sq. ft.; 267,823 sq. ft. of total meeting space; 40 meeting rooms; 110,000 sq. ft. of exhibition space; three outdoor event venues; 1,002 guest rooms (85 suites).
This article appears in the digital-only May 2023 and June 2023 issue. You can subscribe to the magazine here.
