Skip to content Skip to menu

Balcones Heights About Us

FAQ

Where exactly is Balcones Heights?

Located at the intersection of Interstate 10 and Loop 410, Balcones Heights is literally SAN ANTONIO CENTRAL. Balcones Heights is 9 miles from downtown San Antonio, the River Walk and Alamo; 2 miles from the South Texas Medical Center; 12 miles from Sea World; and 9 miles from Six Flags Fiesta Texas.

Back to Top

Is Balcones Heights just a specific neighborhood in San Antonio?

Balcones Heights is actually an independent, incorporated city within San Antonio. Balcones Heights has its own police and fire departments (staffed, not volunteer) and its own mayor and city council. Unlike other "cities" within the City of San Antonio, Balcones Heights is 80 percent commercial property and 20 percent residential – for hotel guests and meeting attendees that translates into many more options for convenient dining, shopping for essentials, and a wide array services.

Back to Top

How big is Balcones Heights?

Small does not necessarily mean less. Balcones Heights encompasses just less than one square mile, 80 percent of which is commercial property, including Wonderland of the Americas Mall, Springhill Suites by Marriott, Howard Johnson Inn, TexSan Heart Hospital, Norris Conference Centers, and Dave & Buster's.

Back to Top

Where can I eat in Balcones Heights?

In less than one square mile you will find a number of dining options for every taste and every budget. Among your choices: Garibaldi's Mexican Restaurant, Jack in the Box, Wendy's, Whataburger, Taco Cabana, Denny's, Luby's Cafeteria, Norma's Mexican Restaurant, Babe's Old Fashioned Burgers, Queen's Cottage, Dave & Buster's, Schlotzky's, Pizza Hut and more.

Back to Top

How far is TexSan Heart Hospital from Springhill Suites by Marriott and Howard Johnson Inn?

Howard Johnson Inn is approximately ½ mile away. Springhill Suites is approximately ¾ mile away.

Back to Top

What major shopping is close to Balcones Heights?

North Star Mall (famous for its giant cowboy boots and home to Saks Fifth Avenue, Macy's, JC Penny, and more) is only 4.5 miles directly across Loop 410 from Balcones Heights. Again, immediate highway access and only one traffic light once you exit Loop 410 puts you in the center of this shopping mecca in a matter of minutes.

The Shops at La Cantera (Nordstrom's, Neiman Marcus, Tiffany, Apple, and more) is only 9 miles away, directly north on Interstate 10. Immediate highway access, and only one traffic light when you exit on La Cantera Parkway, makes shopping San Antonio's answer to Rodeo Drive easy and convenient.

Also located at Interstate 10 and La Cantera Parkway, minutes from Balcones Heights, is the Rim Shopping Center. With Bass Pro Shops at its center, the Rim also offers Bed, Bath & Beyond, TJ Maxx, and a host of other retailers, large and small.

In Balcones Heights proper you will find a Super Target, Stein Mart, Hobby Lobby, Learning Zone, and Burlington Coat Factory within walking distance of the hotels.

Back to Top

What is the hotel occupancy tax rate in Balcones Heights?

Balcones Heights' hotel occupancy tax is 14.75 percent. San Antonio's hotel occupancy rate is 16.75 percent.

Back to Top

What does parking cost at Springhill Suites by Marriott, Howard Johnson Inn, and Norris Conference Centers?

Nothing. Parking at each of these facilities is absolutely free.

Back to Top

What is Dave & Buster's?

The only place with a restaurant serving everything from wings to New York Strips, a bar with the best happy hour and a Million Dollar Midway filled with the latest interactive and video games. That's Dave & Buster's the only place with a restaurant serving everything from wings to New York Strips, a bar with the best happy hour and a Million Dollar Midway filled with the latest interactive and video games. That's Dave & Buster's.

Back to Top

How far is the South Texas Medical Center from Balcones Heights?

The South Texas Medical Center is less than 2 miles from Balcones Heights and several of our hotels offer special medical discounts and shuttle services to the Medical Center.

Back to Top

How far is the RiverWalk from Balcones Heights?

The San Antonio Riverwalk is located just 8 miles from Balcones Heights.

Back to Top

How far is SeaWorld from Balcones Heights?

SeaWorld is only 12 miles west of Balcones Heights.

Back to Top

How far is Six Flags from Balcones Heights?

Convenient highway access makes Balcones Heights the perfect jumping off place for an adventure at Six Flags Fiesta Texas, a short 9 miles from Balcones Heights.

Back to Top

How far is Balcones Heights from San Antonio International Airport?

With immediate highway access from Howard Johnson Inn, Springhill Suites by Marriott, and Norris Conference Centers, the airport is only 6 miles way, directly east on Loop 410, with only one traffic light once you exit Loop 410. Both hotels offer free shuttle service to and from the airport.

Back to Top

Is public transportation available to area attractions?

VIA Metropolitan Transit has numerous bus routes at your service. Whatever your needs, VIA has a bus route to match it. You can travel uptown to Six Flags Fiesta Texas or downtown, where you can connect with a downtown streetcar or take a river taxi.  The VIA Park and Ride is located between the Howard Johnson and the SpringHill Suites hotels. Both hotels are within easy walking distance of the Crossroads VIA Park and Ride.  In addition, SpringHill Suites offers shuttle service to the Park & Ride.  There is an express bus to Fiesta Texas from the Crossroads Park & Ride on weekends, so you can save money on parking (a savings of $17 a day). More info at VIA Metropolitan Transit.  

Back to Top