Lodging Near University Hospital San Antonio: Patient Housing, Hotels & Extended Stays

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.

Yes. The Ronald McDonald House of San Antonio — the Charles Katz House — is at 4847 Charles Katz Drive, San Antonio, TX 78229, roughly a mile from University Hospital. It serves families of children up to age 21 receiving treatment at area hospitals, provided the family lives at least 20 miles away. Stays are free to guests; donations are welcome but never required. Families get a private bedroom, shared kitchen, laundry, and communal areas. A medical referral from authorized hospital staff is required. Contact: (210) 580-9000.

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%. With written notice at check-in, a 30-night stay at $100 saves about $503; without notice you pay the tax on all 30 nights. 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.

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.

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.

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.

The Visitor Parking Garage, next to the Women's & Children's Hospital, is free for the first 30 minutes, then $1 an hour up to $6 for 5 to 24 hours (University Health, checked October 2026). Ask the hospital about multi-day options for long stays. The UH Go mobile app can help you find available parking spots.

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.