Sometimes we don't have the budget for a full-blown vacation, but the wanderlust persists anyway. The remedy? A hotel happy hour — crystalline cocktails, chic lounge hideaways, and solid discounts for the nights when you need an escape without a bagful of traveler’s checks.

1 Watson
This rooftop stunner has some of the best views of San Antonio, with a stunning happy hour to match. Indulge in a selection of half-priced wine bottles, plus discounts on cocktails, and beers. If you start to get peckish, order the “girl dinner” deal, a side salad and loaded potato wedges for only $12. If you’re too macho for the name, call it “dude dinner” or chow down on the discounted wings.

1 Watson boasts sweeping views of the city.1 Watson Rooftop/ Facebook

Anacacho Coffee and Cantina
The signature bar in downtown’s St. Anthony Hotel offers a rarity — bar bites from a James Beard Award-nominated chef. From 3-6 pm, Sunday through Thursday, the stylish spot offers $9 cocktails, $8 wines, and $7 beers. But the biggest draw may be Leo Davila’s bar bites, including a bao flight, sesame vinaigrette cucumbers, and famous Big Red and barbacoa tacos.

Drury Plaza Hotel San Antonio Riverwalk
Although sometimes overshadowed, this River Walk staple has a standout amenity that can't be beat: three (yes — three) free drinks a night for all hotel guests. Dubbed the “kickback,” the killer happy hour also features a rotating menu of free hot meals with comfort fare like hot dogs, meatballs, and penne Alfredo. Take that, continental breakfast.

The Emily Morgan Hotel
This downtown staple proudly calls itself the most haunted hotel in the U.S., but the drink prices are no jump scare. At Oro, the property’s signature restaurant, guests can enjoy $9 margs, Bloody Mary's, mimosas, and Moscow Mules daily from 5-7pm.. The eatery also has $8 wells, $6 draft beers, and $9 house wines. Savory bites like wings and fried Brussels sprouts are sure to keep everyone in good spirits.

It's difficult to resist Ostra's $1.50 oysters.Ostra/ Facebook

Ostra
Not to disparage Maria von Trapp’s bright copper kettles and warm woolen mittens, but oysters and margaritas are a few of our favorite things. The signature restaurant of the Mokara Hotel & Spa manages the best of both worlds with $8 fiesta margs and chef's choice oysters at only $1.50 a pop. The daily, 2-5 pm social also discounts a small selection of wine, beer, and select cocktails, served with crunchy seafood snacks like fish and chips and calamari.

Signia by La Cantera Resort & Spa
Think of it as a resort within a resort. SEVEN, the adults-only floor at this Hill Country gem, offers a quiet escape from the buzz of the rest of the property. One of the perks? A complimentary happy hour in the lounge, available daily from 5-7 pm. If you booked a room with your kids, head to Primero Cantina for rotating deals on margaritas and Tex-Mex bites.