San Antonio International Airport (SAT): Approximate driving time is 18 minutes and distance is 13 miles.

Driving directions from SAT: Follow signs to Rte 281 south and continue on I-37 south. Take Exit 141A (Commerce St/Downtown) and bear right to get on Commerce St westbound. Turn right on Navarro St and left on E Houston St.

Getting there: The best option for solo travelers is the SA Trans Airport Shuttle ($5–$15). Groups of two or more may find a taxi ($16–$25) more economical. (Fees subject to change without notice.)

Getting around: There are several attractions within an easy walk of the hotel. For other destinations, the VIA Streetcars (less than $5; fees subject to change without notice) stop near the hotel and offer convenient transport around downtown, and express service to Sea World and Fiesta Six Flags.

VBar - Guests enter Vbar through a floor-to-ceiling chrome bathtub chain curtain and head for a sleek black bar with comfortable leather stools. Vbar has complimentary wireless Internet access so guests can check e-mail while sipping their favorite libation. Small private seating areas offer hideaways, while the grand stone terrace furnished with teak furniture and large canvas umbrellas provides spectacular views of the Riverwalk and giant cypress trees. At night, large outdoor sconces are lit on the terrace to create a sense of romance. Besides cocktails, Vbar offers signature New American/Spanish small plate tapas and red or white sangria. Open from early afternoon until very late.

Amenity highlights: The hotel's restaurant, Citrus, overlooks the Riverwalk and serves contemporary, Spanish-influenced dishes, while Vbar serves drinks and tapas. Complimentary wireless Internet access is available in all public areas of the hotel. Curbside check-in via wireless hand-held computers lets guests avoid front desk lines. The hotel has a health club and 2,500 square feet of meeting and event space.

Insider tip: The hotel’s courtyard provides a quiet spot after a day of shopping. A Dodd-Mitchell-designed fountain splashes into a reflecting pond set amid Valencia orange trees. In the evening, the fountain is dramatically backlit by a line of rhythmic flames and the courtyard becomes a favored gathering place for conversation.