A Texan ranch, a historic casita and a 1960s Airstream: How San Antonio is home to some of the most unique places to stay in America 

It might not be as well-known as Austin, Houston or Dallas, but the southern city of San Antonio is cementing its place as a firm favorite on the Texan tourist trail.

The reason? The city is home to some of America's most interesting, unique and historical places to stay, each a destination in itself.

From the delightfully-named Dixie Dude Ranch to a former brewery, and even a renovated 1968 Southtown Airstream, San Antonio is home to next-level accommodation. Here, we've selected eight of the most spectacular spots, sure to make your Instagram feed the stuff of envy.

Dixie Dude Ranch

Situated just an hour's drive outside the city, Dixie Dude Ranch offers guests an authentic Western getaway on acres of stunning Texas Hill Country.

Lodging: Accommodation options at Dixie Dude Ranch include cottages, cabins and rooms in the Ranch Headquarters, and all modern comforts are provided 

The sprawling property is a working ranch, raising longhorn cattle, Spanish goats, and pigs, with experienced cowboys and ranch hands working the horses daily and competing in rodeos.

Along with a swimming pool and spacious cabins and cottages, guests can make the most 1,440 acres of rugged ranch country, where they can enjoy horseback riding, catch-and-release fishing and hiking, as well as outdoor activities such as basketball, volleyball, horseshoes, ping-pong and tetherball.

Activities: Guests can make the most 1,440 acres of rugged ranch country, where they can enjoy horseback riding, catch-and-release fishing and hiking

Authentic: The property is a fully working ranch, raising longhorn cattle, Spanish goats, and pigs, with experienced cowboys and ranch hands working the horses daily and competing in rodeos

Southtown Airstream 

They say everything is bigger in Texas but for a quirkier choice of accommodation in the city, visitors to San Antonio can lay their heads in a 1968 vintage Airstream trailer.

The accommodation might be small - although you do get a kitchenette, full-size lavatory, outdoor shower, queen bed and Futon couch - but it is guaranteed to be quite unlike any other Texan vacation.

And at just $70 a night on airbnb, guests can enjoy a unique San Antonio experience in one of the city's most interesting properties without breaking the bank.

Vintage: For just $70 a night visitors to San Antonio can lay their heads in renovated 1968 Airstream trailer 

Unique: The trailer might be small but it makes for a San Antonio vacation with a difference

Compact: The vintage trailer fits a kitchenette, outdoor shower (left), queen bed and Futon couch (right) among other key amenities 

Casa Lejana de Helotes

Set back from the hustle and bustle of the city center, Casa Lejana de Helotes offers a quirky little getaway for visitors to San Antonio. But although this property might not have the grandeur of some of the city's hotels, it makes up for it with rustic charm.

Originally owned by a World War II pilot hero when it was built in the 1930s, the historical casita went from being a swimming pool and a ranch house to a restaurant in the 1960s and 70s, and is now rented out for vacation stays on airbnb. 

For less than $100 a night, guests can make the most of their own swimming pool set within two acres of land, as well as a small gym and a picturesque Spanish-style courtyard. It might not be a luxury stay, but as owners Brett and Jenna say: 'Its imperfections are what make it perfect'.

Southern charm: Set back from the hustle and bustle of the city center, Casa Lejana de Helotes offers a quirky little getaway for visitors to San Antonio

Historical: The casita went from being a swimming pool and a ranch house in the 1930s to a restaurant in the 1960s and 70s, and it is now rented out for vacation stays

Rustic: Casa Lejana de Helotes' owners Brett and Jenna say the property's imperfections 'make it perfect'

Hotel Emma

Housed in a 121-year-old former brewery, Hotel Emma on the northern bank of the San Antonio River is one of the newest offerings to come to the city - and one of the most impressive.

The 142-room boutique hotel has already made a name for itself since opening late last year, thanks to its unconventionally-styled rooms that showcase South Texas grandeur and old-world extravagance. 

The hotel is named in honor of Emma Koehler, the woman who ran the brewery after her husband Otto Koehler died in 1914.

Some of the property's most stunning features include a rooftop pool and deck, a 1,500-square-foot courtyard, an elegant bar and clubroom, and a fine dining restaurant. 

For the ultimate San Antonio stay, book into the Emma Koehler suite - the most extravagant of the hotel's ten luxury rooms. The two-floor suite is decked out with a fireplace, grand piano, double-height floor-to-ceiling windows that open onto sweeping river views, and a dressing room with walk-in closet, as well as a grand private terrace.

Boutique: The lobby of Hotel Emma reflects the hotel's history as a former 19th-century brewery 

Rooftop: The pool at the Hotel Emma is just one of the stand-out features that makes the property one of the most impressive in San Antonio

Unconventional: The 142-room boutique hotel has made a name for itself thanks to its distinctly-styled rooms

La Casa Elegante 

La Casa Elegante in the leafy suburb of Alamo Heights is described as 'an entertainer's dream'. The spacious property, which has enough space to accommodate 12 guests, boasts extensive outdoor living space, including a large private pool with bar area.

This is in addition to a steam room, a jacuzzi, and a fully decked-out entertainment room, complete with a bar and theater television.

Swimming: The 40ft by 20ft pool is perfect for relaxing and cooling off in the Texan heat

Alfresco living: Guests can make the most of the extensive outdoor areas at La Casa Elegante 

Spacious: La Casa Elegante in the leafy suburb of Alamo Heights has enough space to accomodate 12 guests

The St Anthony Hotel

Overlooking Travis Park in downtown San Antonio, the luxurious St Anthony Hotel has been a proud city landmark since it first opened its doors in 1909.

The hotel was founded by two wealthy Texas cattlemen who envisioned it as the finest expression of southern hospitality. And it hasn't let them down.

Boasting presidents and Hollywood royalty among its past guests, the St Anthony is steeped in San Antonio history and tradition, but has been refurbished to include the modern luxuries you would expect from a world-class hotel.

The sixth-floor outdoor pool and tenth-floor rooftop lounge offer impressive views of the city, while an upscale restaurant, opulent cocktail lounge and elegant sunroom – which features a 1927 Steinway piano, chandeliers and modern artwork - help to retain the grandeur and grace the hotel is so proud of.

Elegance: St Anthony's Peacock Alley, the historic hotel bar and clubroom, boasts a 1927 Steinway piano

Classic style: Guests can relax in Loggia, the terrace restaurant that sits just off Peacock Alley

Historical: Overlooking Travis Park in downtown San Antonio, the luxurious hotel has been a proud city landmark since it first opened its doors in 1909

Hotel Havana

Paying homage to the city's rich history, Hotel Havana in the heart of San Antonio was designed to combine Mediterranean Revival architecture, Spanish Colonial influences and a calm Caribbean feel.

Each uniquely decorated guest room in the property, which sits on a quiet stretch of San Antonio's River Walk, features antique furniture, Turkish rugs, and vintage Cuban artwork.

The hotel prides itself on its glass-enclosed restaurant Ocho, a second-floor courtyard patio and a basement cocktail den Havana Bar designed to evoke the feel of a hidden speakeasy.

Distinct: Each guest room in Hotel Havana features antique furniture, Turkish rugs, and Cuban artwork

Dog friendly: Guests at Hotel Havana are welcome to bring their canine companions for a stay in San Antonio

Dining: The hotel prides itself on its glass-enclosed restaurant Ocho situated along the River Walk

La Cantera Hill Country Resort

Exclusive pool cabañas, sweeping vistas, tree house spas - when it comes to luxury, La Cantera Country Resort has it all.

Perched on a hill overlooking rolling Texas Hill Country, the resort is dedicated to offering a memorable San Antonio experience in one of the most stunning properties in the area.

For the ultimate stay, opt for a luxury suite or book one of the secluded cottages, each of which boasts its own private pool, hot tub and courtyard. 

Vistas: La Cantera Hill Country Resort boasts incredible views across stunning southern Texas hills

Secluded: Perched on a hill overlooking Texas Hill Country, the resort offers an oasis in the city

Tranquil: The hotel features an infinity pool (pictured), while the cottages boast their own private pools, hot tubs and courtyards