Hotel Emma and JW Marriott Hill Country Just Ranked In Travel + Leisure's Top Hotels of 2025

by Tre Serrano

 

Two of San Antonio’s crown jewels just earned major national recognition. In the 2025 Travel + Leisure World’s Best Awards, both Hotel Emma and the JW Marriott San Antonio Hill Country Resort & Spa were ranked among the top hotels and resorts in the United States—yet another reason the Alamo City is turning heads as a premier travel destination.


🌟 National Spotlight on Local Luxury

Each year, Travel + Leisure surveys readers across the globe to rate their favorite hotels, resorts, destinations, and travel experiences. In 2025, more than 180,000 respondents cast over 657,000 votes, making this one of the most comprehensive reader surveys in the travel industry.

San Antonio’s JW Marriott Hill Country earned the No. 3 spot on the “Top Resorts in Texas” list, while Hotel Emma was named one of the Top 15 City Hotels in the U.S., coming in at No. 13. The Alamo City itself also ranked as one of the top 15 U.S. travel destinations this year.

🏞️ JW Marriott San Antonio Hill Country: Texas Resort Royalty

Located in the rolling hills of San Antonio’s Far North Side, the JW Marriott San Antonio Hill Country Resort & Spa is no stranger to praise. Travel + Leisure readers raved about the resort’s family-friendly atmosphere, luxurious amenities, and top-tier service.

“The food was excellent at all of the outlets, the spa was top-notch, and the service was amazing from check-in to check-out,” one reader shared.

The resort is known for its massive on-site water park, complete with thrilling rides, a relaxing lazy river, and splash zones for all ages. Whether you're planning a girls’ weekend, family getaway, or romantic staycation, the JW Marriott continues to deliver a true Hill Country escape—just minutes from San Antonio proper.

Texas Top Resort Rankings:

  1. The Houstonian Hotel, Club & Spa – Houston

  2. Omni PGA Frisco Resort & Spa – Frisco

  3. JW Marriott San Antonio Hill Country Resort & Spa – San Antonio

  4. Omni Barton Creek Resort & Spa – Austin

  5. Gaylord Texan Resort & Convention Center – Grapevine

🏙️ Hotel Emma: A San Antonio Landmark with Timeless Charm

In the heart of Pearl District, Hotel Emma once again proved it’s more than a boutique hotel—it’s a design-forward, historic icon. Named one of America’s 15 Best City Hotels, Hotel Emma blends industrial heritage with luxurious hospitality, offering a stay that’s unlike any other in Texas.

From vintage factory décor to locally inspired gourmet dining, the hotel captures San Antonio’s past and present in every detail. Travel + Leisure editor Mae Hamilton praised the property’s “clever use of vintage factory equipment” and stunning interiors, calling out touches like cast iron pipes and exposed refrigeration compressors.

Hotel Emma is also a 2 Michelin Key property, a rare distinction in the U.S. hotel landscape.

🛬 San Antonio Ranked Among Best U.S. Cities to Visit in 2025

In addition to its standout hotels, San Antonio ranked No. 12 on T+L’s “15 Best Cities in the U.S.” list for 2025. With classic attractions like The Alamo, the River Walk, and a booming culinary scene, it’s no surprise readers continue to vote the city as one of the nation’s favorite places to visit.

“Our readers are seeking depth, character, and a strong sense of place,” said Travel + Leisure editor-in-chief Jacqui Gifford. “We’re thrilled to honor cities like San Antonio that deliver those transformative experiences.”


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Tre Serrano

Tre Serrano

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+1(914) 282-2370

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