San Antonio: A Prime Location for Your Next Event, Despite Hotel Headwinds
July 2, 2025
By Sheldon Smith, Lone Star Corporate Travel
San Antonio, a city renowned for its rich history, vibrant culture, and warm hospitality, is currently navigating a challenging period within its downtown hotel industry. However, for businesses and event planners seeking an exceptional location for their next corporate gathering, conference, or special event, these very challenges present unique and compelling opportunities.
The Current Landscape: Navigating Stagnation
According to recent data from industry consultant Source Strategies, downtown San Antonio hotels are experiencing a significant downturn. In the first quarter of 2025, room nights sold declined by 4.2% compared to the previous year and a substantial 15.4% from pre-pandemic levels in Q1 2019. Occupancy rates have also fallen, and revenue per available room (REVPAR) is down, even as the room supply has increased.
This "period of stagnation," as noted by the American Hotel & Lodging Association, is attributed to a combination of factors: lingering slow demand post-pandemic, broader economic and political uncertainties, and a concerning cutback in convention and group travel. Concerns also persist regarding the impact of discouraging tourism from key international markets like Mexico.
While these statistics paint a challenging picture for hotel operators, they also create a favorable environment for those looking to book events.
Opportunities for Businesses and Event Planners
For organizations seeking to host a memorable and impactful event, San Antonio's current hotel climate offers distinct advantages:
Your Next Event in San Antonio
Despite the headwinds facing its hotel industry, San Antonio remains a world-class destination for business and events. The current market conditions present a unique window of opportunity for organizations to host exceptional gatherings, offering competitive pricing, ample availability, and the chance to immerse attendees in the city's distinctive charm.
Consider San Antonio, my city of birth, for your next corporate meeting, conference, or special event. You might find that the city's challenges are precisely what make it the perfect, value-driven choice for your organization.
By Sheldon Smith, Lone Star Corporate Travel
San Antonio, a city renowned for its rich history, vibrant culture, and warm hospitality, is currently navigating a challenging period within its downtown hotel industry. However, for businesses and event planners seeking an exceptional location for their next corporate gathering, conference, or special event, these very challenges present unique and compelling opportunities.
The Current Landscape: Navigating Stagnation
According to recent data from industry consultant Source Strategies, downtown San Antonio hotels are experiencing a significant downturn. In the first quarter of 2025, room nights sold declined by 4.2% compared to the previous year and a substantial 15.4% from pre-pandemic levels in Q1 2019. Occupancy rates have also fallen, and revenue per available room (REVPAR) is down, even as the room supply has increased.
This "period of stagnation," as noted by the American Hotel & Lodging Association, is attributed to a combination of factors: lingering slow demand post-pandemic, broader economic and political uncertainties, and a concerning cutback in convention and group travel. Concerns also persist regarding the impact of discouraging tourism from key international markets like Mexico.
While these statistics paint a challenging picture for hotel operators, they also create a favorable environment for those looking to book events.
Opportunities for Businesses and Event Planners
For organizations seeking to host a memorable and impactful event, San Antonio's current hotel climate offers distinct advantages:
- Cost-Effectiveness: With hotel revenues declining, San Antonio becomes an even more attractive and potentially more affordable destination for business travel and events. This could mean more competitive rates and greater value for your event budget.
- Abundant Availability: The decline in occupancy means more flexibility and availability for booking hotel blocks and event spaces, even for larger groups or last-minute planning.
- Prime Convention Facilities: The Henry B. González Convention Center remains a top-tier venue, capable of hosting events of all sizes. Event planners can leverage the current market to secure excellent terms and access to its state-of-the-art facilities.
- Unique Local Experiences: Beyond the meeting rooms, San Antonio offers an unparalleled backdrop for corporate events. Imagine networking receptions along the historic River Walk, team-building activities at the Alamo, or dinners in charming historic districts. The city's unique cultural attractions, diverse culinary scene, and vibrant atmosphere provide an enriching experience for attendees, enhancing the overall value of your event.
- Strategic Location: San Antonio's position in the heart of Texas makes it an accessible hub for businesses across the state and beyond. Efforts to improve local transportation and accessibility further streamline the experience for business visitors.
- Partnerships and Incentives: Hotels and local businesses are eager to attract new bookings. This creates an environment ripe for negotiating comprehensive packages that can include not just accommodation and meeting space, but also catering, local tours, and unique entertainment options.
Your Next Event in San Antonio
Despite the headwinds facing its hotel industry, San Antonio remains a world-class destination for business and events. The current market conditions present a unique window of opportunity for organizations to host exceptional gatherings, offering competitive pricing, ample availability, and the chance to immerse attendees in the city's distinctive charm.
Consider San Antonio, my city of birth, for your next corporate meeting, conference, or special event. You might find that the city's challenges are precisely what make it the perfect, value-driven choice for your organization.