Activities & Events

Discover your new self-care ritual at Hotel Contessa with spa experiences designed to refresh, recharge, and reset your week.

• Gentleman’s Barbershop Saturdays | 9 AM–5 PM | Lobby
Look sharp with a 25-minute beard or hair trim for only $20 (a $48 value). Perfect for stepping into the weekend with confidence.
  
  
• Sunday Mini Facials | 9 AM–2 PM | Lobby
Treat yourself to a 10-minute glow-up with Eminence Skincare products. Just $20, with exclusive discounts on products and treatments.

Make wellness part of your weekly routine—because at The Spa, every moment is designed to help you glow, refresh, and reset.

Raise a glass to Bourbon Heritage Month with handcrafted cocktails featuring the smooth, refined taste of Basil Hayden. Sip, savor, and celebrate all month long at Ambler.

Celebrate Mexican Independence Day with festive cocktail specials and the vibrant flavors of Ambler’s bar program. A spirited toast to tradition on the River Walk!

Starting Sept 20, Ambler’s patio transforms into a Texas-style cookout on the River Walk — with cocktails, mesquite-smoked feasts, and live country vibes.

Launch Night (Sept 20 Only):

• 6:00 PM | Cocktail Hour
• 7:00 PM | Country Dance Lessons
• 6:00 - 9:00 PM | Communal Live Fire Dinner (reserve on OpenTable)

Join us for a week-long celebration of the timeless Negroni. Ambler will be shaking up specialty variations featuring bold Campari flavors you won’t want to miss.

Celebrate the launch of our exclusive Spa Membership with an evening of wellness, intention, and rooftop relaxation.

• Rooftop Pool and Spa Access
• Poolside Eye Masks
• Light Bites and Refreshments
• Complimentary City View Sound Bath Meditation at 8pm
• Wellness Activities (DIY Scrub Bar, Plant Your Own Intention Station, and more.)

Spa Pop-ups and Demos: Chair Massages, Japanese Head Spa, Hand Treatments, Mini Facials, Cold Plunge Sessions, Infrared Sauna Sessions

Cheers to National Drink a Beer Day with Ambler’s Beer + Burger combo or a curated Beer Flight. The perfect way to wind down your weekend on the River Walk.


Fuel your Monday with a buzz—celebrate National Coffee Day at Ambler with rich espresso cocktails crafted with Ketel One. Bold, smooth, and the perfect pick-me-up.

Join us at Hotel Contessa on for the grand reveal of our new community art exhibit, Gathered Light. This fall/winter showcase celebrates creativity, memory, and connection with works from local and regional artists, featured throughout our most-loved guest rooms.

At the same time, explore our Monthly Sunday Art Fair, where artists will have booths set up in the hotel for you to meet them, shop original works, and experience San Antonio’s vibrant art community firsthand.

Experience the nation’s largest Day of the Dead Parade from the best seats on the River Walk at Hotel Contessa. Enjoy live mariachis, a DJ, tastings, sugar skull art, and more before the floats arrive.
5:30 PM – Check-In Opens
6:00 PM – Pre-Watch Party with music, tastings & activities
7:00 PM – Parade Officially Begins
7:25–7:45 PM – Parade passes Hotel Contessa (expected time)

Celebrate the nation’s largest Day of the Dead Parade with a VIP dinner on Ambler’s River Walk patio. Enjoy a 3-course meal, cocktails, valet, and reserved parade seating for an unforgettable night.

Table of Four $600 2. Individual tickets. $175


Kids 12 & under can celebrate Día de los Muertos with a hands-on altar workshop at Hotel Contessa led by local artist, Mary Carmen Sessions. Create marigolds, papel picado & mini pan de muerto, plus enjoy snacks & drinks.

Celebrate Día de los Muertos at Hotel Contessa with Spirits & Sips, an adults-only altar workshop. Enjoy a signature cocktail while crafting your own mini altar, marigolds, and papel picado in a festive River Walk happy hour setting.

Make this Thanksgiving unforgettable on the River Walk with Ambler’s Harvest Feast. For $85 per person, indulge in a festive three-course prix fixe with seasonal starters, spice-rubbed turkey, Texas Akaushi prime rib, glazed ham, salmon, and classic sides. Finish with decadent pies or apple strudel. Limited seating—reserve now for the most flavorful holiday in San Antonio.


Celebrate the Annual Ford Holiday River Parade & Lighting Ceremony at Hotel Contessa! Enjoy the best River Walk views plus a pre-party with mariachis, carolers, Santa photos, hot cocoa & mulled wine tastings, crafts, and local vendors before the parade lights up the night.

Ticket sales will go live Oct 1^st.

Make this Christmas unforgettable at Ambler Texas Kitchen + Cocktails on the River Walk. Indulge in a festive holiday menu with prime rib, roasted turkey, seared salmon, and decadent desserts. Served Christmas Eve & Christmas Day, 5–8 PM. Limited seating—reserve your table now.