Planning a wedding in San Antonio means juggling countless details, and guest accommodations are often one of the most overlooked yet most impactful parts of the experience. With the Alamo City’s booming wedding scene and popular event weekends like Fiesta & Final Four, securing hotel room blocks becomes even more crucial for your out-of-town guests. From understanding the types of blocks to navigating San Antonio’s diverse hotel landscape, this guide shares everything you need to know about securing accommodations for your wedding guests in the River City.
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What is a hotel room block?
A hotel room block is a set of rooms reserved at a hotel specifically for your wedding guests, streamlining travel and accommodations for everyone. Given San Antonio’s popularity as a destination wedding city, room blocks also help secure availability during busy periods and often provide discounted rates compared to individual bookings.
There are two main types of room blocks to consider in the San Antonio market. A courtesy block typically includes 10–15 rooms held on a first-come, first-served basis without financial commitment from the couple. This low-risk option works well for smaller weddings, though availability isn’t guaranteed once the block fills up. A guarantee block offers deeper discounts and more flexibility, especially valuable during high-demand periods like Fiesta season or major conventions. However, it requires an upfront commitment, with couples typically responsible for meeting a minimum percentage of their room block. If you’re opting for a guarantee block, you’ll want to carefully think about your guests traveling in from out of town & confirm their travel plans as early as possible.
Why have a hotel room block for your wedding?
San Antonio’s thriving tourism industry means hotels can fill up quickly, especially during peak wedding season (October through May) and major events. Securing a hotel room block ensures your guests have guaranteed accommodations at discounted rates, particularly important when competing with tourists visiting the Riverwalk, Pearl District, or attending events at the Alamodome.
A room block also helps guests unfamiliar with San Antonio’s layout stay in convenient locations near your venue, whether you’re celebrating in the Historic District, Southtown, or the Hill Country outskirts. This thoughtful planning keeps everyone together and makes navigating the city easier for out-of-town visitors. You can even set up a shuttle or other private transportation from your selected hotel to your wedding venue to make the guest experience seamless (and to avoid risky late night driving!).
How to secure a hotel room block for your wedding?
When booking your San Antonio hotel block, timing and location strategy are essential. Ideally, reach out to hotels eight to twelve months before your wedding, even earlier if you’re planning during Fiesta (April), holiday weekends, or major convention periods. San Antonio’s hotel landscape offers diverse options, from boutique properties in Southtown to luxury resorts in the Texas Hill Country just outside the city.
Many San Antonio couples opt for two blocks at different price points, perhaps one at a high end hotel the Kimpton Santo San Antonio Riverwalk or a boutique hotel like Hotel Emma and another at a reliable chain hotel at a bit lower price point. A good rule of thumb is reserving rooms for about half of your out-of-town guests, accounting for San Antonio’s appeal as a mini-vacation destination where some guests may extend their stay.
Start conservatively to avoid overcommitting financially, knowing you can usually add more later if needed. Once your block is in place, share the booking link early on your wedding website and remind guests ahead of the cutoff date. This thoughtful step makes planning easier for them and gives you one less detail to manage as the celebration approaches.
San Antonio Hotel Block Pro Tips
When negotiating your hotel block in San Antonio, leverage the city’s competitive hospitality market to ask for valuable perks. Request complimentary shuttle service to popular areas like the Riverwalk or Pearl District, especially if your hotel is slightly outside the downtown core. Other worthwhile perks include free breakfast (perfect for guests recovering from your Riverwalk reception!), late checkout for Sunday departures, or discounted valet parking—a premium amenity in downtown San Antonio.
If you’re hosting wedding events at the hotel, negotiate package deals that might include discounted rates for Friday welcome parties or Sunday brunches. Many San Antonio hotels are experienced with destination weddings and may offer additional concierge services to help your guests make the most of their visit to the Alamo City.
Finding the Perfect San Antonio Hotel Block
Ready to start your San Antonio hotel block search? Consider the unique character of different neighborhood – from the historic charm of downtown hotels near the Majestic Theatre to modern properties in the Pearl District or family-friendly options with pools for Hill Country venues.
Browse our curated list of recommended San Antonio wedding accommodations, complete with insights about each property’s wedding perks and proximity to popular venues. Your guests will appreciate the thoughtful planning, and you’ll have one less detail to worry about as your San Antonio celebration approaches.
Here’s to stress-free wedding planning in the Alamo City!
