Kimpton Santo Review: Inside San Antonio’s Chicest New Boutique Hotel

By Kelsey Kennedy | April 29, 2025

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San Antonio's hotel scene is getting hot, hot, HOTTER and I've been having fun checking out as many of the new hotels in San Antonio as possible. I recently had the pleasure of staying at the NEW Kimpton Santo Hotel in San Antonio, and...wow. This might be at the top of my list of best San Antonio hotels. Here's my Kimpton Santo review to explain why.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Kelsey Kennedy is a local Texas author, photographer, blogger, and native Texan who is fully obsessed with all things local San Antonio. She has written on her travel sites for more than 12 million readers across 38 countries who are looking for cool things to do in the hottest cities in Texas.

First Impressions: A Stylish San Antonio Hotel

Located in the heart of downtown San Antonio, the Kimpton Santo Hotel is a modern gem. It's a brand new build on the border of Hemisfair and Southtown, but you can easily walk to the Riverwalk or the Alamo.

This is the first Kimpton in San Antonio that blends a classic, sleek design with southern hospitality. The only weird thing? It's a bit confusing to find the check in desk! From the valet stand you kind of have to weave through the hotel. But the hotel staff greeted me and helped me find the way to the check in counter to get my key.

Btw the lobby? Wow! Its chic decor and warm ambiance set the tone for the rest of the hotel.

The luxurious guest rooms are exactly what you might expect from a Kimpton hotel: decorated beautifully, and so comfy! I love how Kimpton hotels draw inspiration from the city they're in, and the modern Spanish design at this San Antonio hotel was no exception.

I slept wonderfully on the luxurious bedding and loved the Atelier bath products in the modern bathroom. Oh, and take a moment and appreciate the gorgeous green tile in the shower. Swoon!

Fitness Goals: The 10th Floor Gym

As someone who enjoys staying active, I was absolutely thrilled to discover the hotel's fitness center on the 10th floor.

With floor-to-ceiling windows offering panoramic views of the city, it was the perfect spot to get my sweat on. They had multiple Peloton bikes, plenty of treadmills and elipticles, and all of the weight equipment you might need for a great lift.

The gym was well-equipped, clean, and never overcrowded—definitely a highlight of my stay.

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Rooftop Vibes: Poolside Perfection

Though the January chill kept me from taking a dip, the rooftop pool area was still a sight to behold. The heated pool, surrounded by comfortable lounge chairs and cabanas, promised a relaxing oasis. I can't wait to stay again in the summer months and enjoy a lazy afternoon lounging by the pool with a view of the San Antonio skyline.

On-Site Eats At Kimpton Santo

🍽️ Dean's Steak & Seafood: This upscale restaurant serves delectable dishes in a cozy yet elegant setting. I had the pleasure of enjoying a delicious dinner here, and the service was impeccable.

🍸 Tenfold Rooftop Lounge: For a more casual vibe, this rooftop bar offers creative cocktails and small bites. The ambiance was lively, and the views of the city skyline were stunning. This is the tallest luxury open-air rooftop lounge in this part of San Antonio!

🛋️ The Study: An intimate cocktail bar and lounge perfect for unwinding with craft drinks. The setting made it a great spot to relax after a day of exploring.

By the way - don't forget that all Kimpton hotels offer a welcome cocktail upon check-in and a complimentary happy hour beverage every day. Just a fun little perk of this hotel chain that I always look forward to!

Valet Parking - Check!

Parking in downtown San Antonio can be a hassle, but the Kimpton Santo Hotel made it easy with its valet service. I appreciated the convenience, especially after a long day of travel.

Pet-Friendly Perks

Traveling with pets? Like all Kimpton hotels, the Kimpton Santo Hotel is pet-friendly.

It offers amenities to make your furry friend feel at home.

I didn't have any pets with me, but it's great to know that the hotel welcomes pets with open arms.

Bonus: A Touch of Star Power🏀

During my stay, I noticed an NBA team was also lodging at the hotel while in town to play the Spurs. It was a fun surprise - and the hotel did a great job of handling all the extra security - and it definitely gave me confirmation that I had picked a luxurious, top-notch hotel for my overnight in San Antonio.

Final Thoughts On My Kimpton Santo Review

Overall, my stay at the Kimpton Santo Hotel was nothing short of wonderful. It was such a special treat to have a front row seat of this luxury hotel's launch in San Antonio.

Whether you're visiting San Antonio for business or leisure, I 10/10 recommend booking this hotel for your stay!