Hang up your cowboy hat and sit a spell at Hotel Gibbs

Located deep in the heart of Texas, San Antonio has the seventh-largest population in the United States and is still growing. It contains the biggest concentration of Spanish colonial architecture in North America and tourists will be awestruck by this sight upon arrival.

Lodging, shopping and eateries are mostly housed inside historic buildings throughout the city to create a mix of both classic and modern facilities.

A prime example of that is Hotel Gibbs, 105 North Alamo Street, which was built by Colonel C.C. Gibbs in 1909 as San Antonio's first high-rise at the time. The views display that and are spectacular from the higher-up floors with some wraparound views to enjoy depending on the room.

Begin the day with the breakfast buffet which is phenomenal offering a wide range of items to pick from both cold and hot. It's the perfect way to start off your day then march over to the Alamo Plaza across the street, which is on the original grounds of the Alamo compound from 1836.

With animal lovers, for $75 your pet can stay with you. The mosaic tiled and wooden floors are easier to clean than if there were carpets, so this makes the environment safe for everyone while visiting.

Sip and sit at the 1909 Taproom right inside the premises and work off the calories in the fitness room afterward.

The entire staff was friendly at the time of my stay and ready to help in every way. This place is the perfect place to create a weekend getaway from Chicago in a safe and secure establishment. Look for deals on the website HotelGibbs.com.

If you got the money, Honey, Hotel Emma has the time! Located at 136 East Grayson Street,

it was built in 1894, once a 19th-century brewhouse and is named after Emma Koehler, wife of Pearl President Otto Koehler.

There are 146 rooms offered and the 3,700-volume library is open! This award-winning hotel is impressive and nestled into the Pearl District. Book it at TheHotelEmma.com.

San Antonio can meet any traveler's budget when looking for accommodations. For more ideas on where to stay and what to do head over to VisitSanAntonio.com.