We recently had the opportunity to stay at Hotel Emma in San Antonio. The city has much to offer in terms of history and Hotel Emma is no exception. Read on to learn why this hotel should be at the top of your list when you visit San Antonio — and how LBL Travel can help make it extra special.
1. Location
Today’s “Pearl District” was originally the Pearl brewery from 1883 to 2001. The brewery complex is now a vibrant neighborhood of shops, restaurants, and bars. Much as the original brewhouse was the center of the brewery, it is fitting that the brewhouse was converted into Hotel Emma which is now the jewel of the Pearl District. Other buildings have also been re-purposed, such as the bottling plant that is now a foodhall. There many independent shops to explore, like the Twig Book Shop or Vintage Bouquet Bar. Additionally, you can take a stroll or boat ride along the 1.33-mile extension of the River Walk that runs right by Hotel Emma.
2. Unique Property
The hotel itself combines historic elements with a contemporary style while having a welcoming atmosphere. When the brewery shut down, the workers literally put down their tools and locked the doors. So when the owners of Hotel Emma opened the door, they found everything exactly where it was left, with coffee cups on desks and notes tacked on the bulletin boards. The owners have incorporated many of these artifacts into the design of the hotel. For example, a vintage 20th century compressor machine sits in the lobby, the large chandelier in the bar was a bottle labeler, the clips on the doors are from clipboards found in the offices, and you can sit and enjoy a drink inside a brew tank!
No two rooms are the same as the interior structure has dictated the room sizes and shape. We stayed in a terrace room in the original brewhouse tower. The rooms have a industrial South Texas style and I love the blue color of the tiles in the bathroom. Our terrace overlooked the River Walk and had a fireplace which was perfect for a cool February evening.
Hotel Emma also has a heated rooftop pool, fitness center, gift shop (Curio), and a library. After you check in you are shown into the library where you can enjoy a complimentary margarita.
3. Restaurants & Bars
There are many restaurants and bars in the Pearl District. Hotel Emma has a restaurant (Supper), a bar (Sternewirth), and a small grocery (Larder). We had dinner one night at Supper. The menu changes seasonally based on what the Chef (John Brand) can source locally. The food served is traditional american food. We enjoyed duck confit and sirloin steak. The food was delicious!
4. Activities
On Saturdays and Sundays there is a farmers market in the plaza. The vendors are local farmers selling fruit, vegetables, honey, eggs, baked goods, cheese, etc. Also, there are walking tours of Hotel Emma and Pearl. A River Walk tour or shuttle boat can be conveniently boarded within steps of the Hotel Emma.
5. Virtuoso
Hotel Emma is a Virtuoso property which means if you book through LBL Travel you will get the following amenities:
- Upgrade on arrival, subject to availability
- Complimentary breakfast for two daily (for the duration of the stay)
- A complimentary lunch or dinner for up to two people per room, excluding alcohol, taxes and gratuities (once during stay)
- Early check-in and late check-out, subject to availability
What are you waiting for? Contact us today to arrange your stay in San Antonio. Or, book on-line right now to lock-in your exclusive Virtuoso benefits.