HOTEL EMMA SAN ANTONIO
Urban Brewery Conversion
Fabulous work has been done on this 19th Century brewery in San Antonio, Texas, named after Emma Koelher who saved the brewery during the Prohibition years by pivoting the business to non-alcoholic beverages.
The hotel is located approximately 1.5 miles from downtown San Antonio in the redeveloped Pearl district. Prospective guests should therefore be aware that although this property correctly describes itself as being “on the Riverwalk,” the reality is that its a one hour gentle stroll to the famous section of the actual downtown Riverwalk.
Having said that, the regenerated Pearl region is well-equipped with restaurants and boutique non-chain shops, with the San Antonio Museum of Art being nearby.
The hotel is the centre piece of the Pearl area, and features several restaurants. The attractions of the Pearly district mean that many visitors to the area are not guests of the hotel, so its useful to make an advance booking for dinner if you are visiting in peak season.
-
Well appointed bedrooms. Unusually powerful shower.
No coffee maker in room.
Cute gifts with turn down service.
7/10
-
Large beds in the King rooms, although the mattress was on the firm side. Fairly quiet air conditioning, and the room was unusually dark.
8/10
-
Efficient air conditioning, relatively quiet.
8/10
-
There is no spa as such, although there is an outdoor pool.
4/10
-
Averaged sized hotel gym, with an emphasis on cardio over resistance machines. Two sets of free weights. Bottled water (in aluminium bottles) provided.
7/10
-
Breakfast takes place in a lovely bright room overlooking a small garden and the river beyond.
Food very good.
Coffee excellent.
8/10
-
Although there are no coffee machines in the bedrooms, guests can attend the library from 6am to pick up filter (drip) coffee and muffins.
The coffee at breakfast was very good.
8/10
Bedrooms are relatively small for a high-end hotel, although fairly well-appointed. Since the property is not on the main stretch of Riverwalk, it may be prudent to choose a room with a soaking tub as opposed one of the rooms with a terrace (you can’t have both), as the views are somewhat restricted and in any case are not particularly interesting, being towards the back of the hotel.
Bathrooms feature a surprisingly high water pressure shower, and the luxuriousness of the lavender shampoo is to be experienced. The signature soft blue and white robes are produced locally by a company in the Pearl district.
Although there is an outdoor pool (on level 3), its heavily overlooked by neighbouring buildings. There are no spa facilities at the hotel itself, although guests can apparently use a local spa located nearby, and in-room massages and other treatments are available with advance reservation.
We experienced an excellent breakfast in one of the hotel’s restaurants, with very good coffee - there is no skimping on the quality of beans at this establishment.
Personal Note
This is a charming hotel set in a trendy upscale neighbourhood north of downtown San Antonio. Choose this hotel if you value the trendy surroundings of the Pearl district. If your preference is to be located on the famous San Antonio Riverwalk, a 5-star option downtown is the Kimpton (which we have not reviewed).
