Lodging Near University Hospital San Antonio: Patient Housing, Hotels & Extended Stays
University Hospital is a 716-bed Level I trauma center located in the South Texas Medical Center at 4502 Medical Drive, San Antonio. As the primary teaching hospital for UT Health San Antonio and the safety-net hospital for Bexar County, University Hospital draws patients from across South and Central Texas for trauma surgery, organ transplantation, cancer treatment through the NCI-designated Mays Cancer Center, burn care, and high-risk obstetrics.
Finding lodging near University Hospital requires knowing your options. Unlike BAMC's extensive Fisher House network, University Hospital does not have its own hospitality house — but the surrounding South Texas Medical Center corridor has dozens of hotels, extended-stay properties, and affordable options within minutes of the hospital. The Ronald McDonald House serves pediatric families, and the hospital's social work team can connect patients with charitable assistance. This guide covers every patient housing option in the area.
Quick facts — University Hospital
Patient housing resources near University Hospital
Ronald McDonald House of San Antonio
Free / Low CostThe Ronald McDonald House provides free or minimal-donation lodging for families of children (under 21) receiving medical treatment at area hospitals, including University Hospital.
- Address: 4847 Charles Kinn Drive, San Antonio, TX 78229 (approximately 1 mile from University Hospital)
- Cost: Free or minimal donation — no family is turned away for inability to pay.
- Who qualifies: Families of children under 21 receiving treatment at San Antonio hospitals.
- How to apply: Referral through the child's care team or hospital social worker. Contact: (210) 614-2554.
- Amenities: Private bedroom, shared full kitchen, laundry, playrooms, family support services.
University Health Social Work & Case Management
Referral ServiceUniversity Health's social work department helps patients and families access lodging resources, financial assistance, and community support services. They can connect you with charitable organizations, hotel discounts, and transportation assistance.
- How to access: Call (210) 358-4000 and ask for patient services or case management, or ask your care team for a social work referral.
- Services: Lodging referrals, financial counseling, transportation assistance, community resource connections.
Hotels near University Hospital with medical-friendly rates
The South Texas Medical Center corridor along Medical Drive and Fredericksburg Road has numerous hotels within minutes of University Hospital. Always ask for a medical rate or extended-stay discount and mention you're visiting for hospital treatment — many properties offer reduced rates for medical travelers.
| Hotel | Rate | Key Amenities |
|---|---|---|
| Residence Inn San Antonio Medical Center | ~$109–149/night | Full kitchen, free breakfast, 0.5 mi from hospital |
| TownePlace Suites Medical Center | ~$89–119/night | Full kitchen, free parking, pet-friendly |
| Homewood Suites Medical Drive | ~$99–139/night | Full kitchen, free breakfast, evening social |
| Staybridge Suites Medical Center | ~$95–125/night | Full kitchen, free breakfast, free laundry |
| Extended Stay America — Medical Center | ~$65–89/night | Full kitchen, free parking, most affordable |
| Drury Inn & Suites Medical Center | ~$99–129/night | Free hot breakfast, evening "Kickback" with food & drinks |
All rates are approximate and subject to change. Always call the hotel to confirm current pricing and ask about medical or extended-stay discounts. Rates may be higher during Fiesta San Antonio (April) and major events.
Extended-stay lodging for long treatment programs
For treatment programs lasting weeks or months — common for transplant recovery, cancer treatment at Mays Cancer Center, and rehabilitation — extended-stay hotels and furnished apartments offer significant savings over nightly rates. A full kitchen is especially valuable for managing dietary needs during long recoveries.
Stays of 30+ consecutive days at the same property qualify for the Texas hotel tax exemption, saving approximately 16.75% in San Antonio. On a 45-day stay at $100/night, that is roughly $750 in tax savings.
Tax tip: The Texas hotel tax exemption (up to 16.75% savings in San Antonio) applies to stays of 30+ consecutive nights at the same address. Read our full guide to the TX hotel tax exemption →
Hope Lodge San Antonio — Free cancer patient lodging (coming soon)
The American Cancer Society Hope Lodge San Antonio, developed in partnership with Methodist Healthcare Ministries, is currently under construction. When completed, it will provide 40 private suites with free lodging for cancer patients receiving treatment at area hospitals, including the Mays Cancer Center at University Hospital.
- Cost: Free — no charge for eligible cancer patients and one caregiver.
- Eligibility: Cancer patients actively receiving treatment who live 40+ miles from their treatment facility.
- Amenities (planned): Private suite with bathroom, shared kitchen, laundry, communal spaces, and support services.
- Status: Under construction as of March 2026. Check the ACS website for opening timeline.
- Contact: American Cancer Society at 1-800-227-2345 for eligibility and availability updates.
Hope Lodge will be a significant addition to San Antonio's medical lodging options. Until it opens, cancer patients should contact the Mays Cancer Center housing coordinator below.
Mays Cancer Center housing coordinator
The Mays Cancer Center (an NCI-designated cancer center affiliated with UT Health San Antonio and University Hospital) has a dedicated housing and transportation coordinator who arranges discounted hotel rates and lodging assistance specifically for cancer patients.
- Phone: (210) 450-1000 — ask for the housing/transportation coordinator.
- Services: Negotiated hotel discounts, transportation assistance, lodging referrals, and connection to charitable resources.
- Who qualifies: Patients receiving cancer treatment through Mays Cancer Center / UT Health SA MD Anderson.
This resource is separate from the University Health social work department. Cancer patients should contact both for maximum lodging options.
Getting to University Hospital: airport, parking & transit
From San Antonio Airport (SAT): University Hospital is approximately 8 miles (15-20 minutes by car) from San Antonio International Airport. Uber/Lyft typically costs $15-25. VIA Metropolitan Transit connects the airport area to the Medical Center, though service is limited. Hotels along the US-281/Medical Drive corridor are conveniently located between the airport and hospital.
Visitor parking: University Hospital offers a Visitor Parking Garage with a $10 pass good for 10 exits — purchase at the Cashier's Office in Rio Tower. Standard visitor parking is available in the main garage. Electric vehicle charging is available on Level 3 of the Visitor Garage. The UH Go mobile app can help locate available parking spots.
Public transit: VIA Primo Route 100 provides frequent bus service connecting the South Texas Medical Center to downtown San Antonio. The Medical Center Transit Center is a short walk from University Hospital. Service frequency is approximately every 10-12 minutes during peak hours.
Tips for finding lodging near University Hospital
Contact the hospital social work department early. Call (210) 358-4000 and ask for patient services as soon as you know you'll need lodging. Social workers know every available resource and can expedite referrals.
Always ask hotels for a "medical rate." Many properties near the Medical Center offer discounted rates for patients and families — but you usually have to ask. Mention you're visiting for hospital treatment.
Choose a property with a kitchen for long stays. Extended-stay hotels with full kitchens save significantly on food costs during multi-week stays and help families manage dietary restrictions during treatment.
If staying 30+ days, claim the Texas hotel tax exemption. In San Antonio, this saves approximately 16.75% on your total bill. Learn more →
For pediatric patients, contact Ronald McDonald House. Located just 1 mile from University Hospital, the Ronald McDonald House offers free lodging for families of children under 21 receiving treatment. Call (210) 614-2554 or ask your child's care team.
Related pages
San Antonio Medical Lodging Hub
All hospitals, lodging options, and resources in San Antonio.
BAMC & Fisher House
Free Fisher House lodging for military families at Brooke Army Medical Center.
Texas Hotel Tax Exemption Guide
Save up to 16.75% on stays of 30+ consecutive nights.
All Medical Lodging
Patient housing guides for hospitals across Texas.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does University Hospital have patient housing or a hospitality house?
University Hospital does not operate its own hospitality house like Fisher House at BAMC. However, the hospital's social work and case management department can help connect patients and families with lodging resources, including referrals to the Ronald McDonald House (for pediatric patients), charitable assistance programs, and hotels with medical rates. Contact the University Health social work department at (210) 358-4000 and ask for patient services or case management.
Is there a Ronald McDonald House near University Hospital?
Yes. The Ronald McDonald House of San Antonio is located at 4847 Charles Kinn Drive, San Antonio, TX 78229 — approximately 1 mile from University Hospital. It serves families of children (under 21) receiving treatment at area hospitals. Stays are free or minimal donation-based. Families get a private bedroom, shared kitchen, laundry, and communal areas. Referral typically comes through the child's care team or hospital social worker. Contact: (210) 614-2554.
What is the Texas hotel tax exemption for medical stays?
Texas exempts stays of 30 or more consecutive days at the same property from state and local hotel occupancy taxes — which in San Antonio total approximately 16.75%. On a $100/night room, that saves roughly $500 over a 30-day stay. This applies to hotels, extended-stay properties, and furnished apartments. You must stay 30+ consecutive nights at the same address. This is particularly relevant for families managing long treatment programs at University Hospital.
What specialties is University Hospital known for?
University Hospital is a Level I trauma center and the primary teaching hospital for UT Health San Antonio. Key specialties include trauma surgery, transplant services (kidney, liver, pancreas), burn care, cancer treatment through the Mays Cancer Center (an NCI-designated cancer center), neurosciences, and high-risk obstetrics. The hospital is part of the University Health system and serves as the safety-net hospital for Bexar County.
How far is University Hospital from the airport?
University Hospital is approximately 8 miles (15-20 minutes by car) from San Antonio International Airport (SAT). Rideshare services (Uber/Lyft) typically cost $15-25 for this trip. VIA Metropolitan Transit Route 64 connects the airport area to the Medical Center, though service is limited. If you're flying in for treatment, hotels along the US-281/Medical Drive corridor are conveniently located between the airport and the hospital.
Is there a Hope Lodge in San Antonio?
The American Cancer Society Hope Lodge San Antonio is currently under construction as of March 2026. When complete, it will offer 40 private suites with free lodging for cancer patients receiving treatment at area hospitals, including University Hospital's Mays Cancer Center. Eligible patients must live 40+ miles from their treatment facility. Contact the American Cancer Society at 1-800-227-2345 for status updates and eligibility information.
Is there free parking at University Hospital San Antonio?
University Hospital does not offer free visitor parking, but parking is affordable. The Visitor Parking Garage offers a $10 pass good for 10 exits, which you can purchase at the Cashier's Office in Rio Tower. Standard hourly parking is also available in the main garage. Electric vehicle charging stations are located on Level 3 of the Visitor Garage. The UH Go mobile app can help you find available parking spots.
Does the Mays Cancer Center have a housing coordinator?
Yes. The Mays Cancer Center (NCI-designated, affiliated with UT Health San Antonio) has a dedicated housing and transportation coordinator who arranges discounted hotel rates and lodging assistance for cancer patients. Call (210) 450-1000 and ask for the housing/transportation coordinator. This is a separate resource from the University Health social work department — cancer patients should contact both for maximum lodging options.
Reviewed by RelocateMeTX Editorial Team
Content verified March 2026. Relocation information on this page has been reviewed for accuracy against primary sources — see how we verify our data. This guide is for informational purposes only and does not constitute professional financial, legal, or medical advice.