How many places in the world can you sleep in a former brewery? Visitors to San Antonio, Texas can do just that at the Hotel Emma, a new boutique property named for the matriarch of the Pearl Brewery.
The entire grounds have become a mixed-use development for shops, restaurants and bars, as well as an outpost of the Culinary Institute of America, but the hotel is the crown jewel, open less than three weeks earlier than my visit last month. I don’t usually write about hotels at all, but this one was special.
I said yes to a press trip to San Antonio almost completely for this hotel. After the initial itinerary listed it, I did some research and fell in love with its features, especially how they’ve incorporated items from the old brewery into the chic design.
This includes massive tanks that are now private seating in the bar, bottling lines turned into chandeliers and other large-scale equipment repurposed into something you won’t find anywhere else. I think even Emma, the wife of the owner of the Pearl Brewery (who had an affair with another woman named Emma!), would approve.
Exit the elevators and follow the floral carpet to your door. Inside, you’ll find simple decor that has Spanish Mission influences like leather chairs and the same floral motif on the bedding. Designed by the firm Roman and Williams, the folks behind Ace Hotels, it’s easy to fall in love with your room.
The hotel has over 146 rooms, including 11 suites in the Brewhouse tower. The bathroom uses brass fixtures and has tile from walls to floors and features Malin and Goetz toiletries. The minibar includes artisan chocolates, liquors and, of course, Topo Chico mineral water.
On the table you’ll find a custom made Wildsam Field Guide created for the hotel guests. Everything is as thoughtfully chosen as the next, from the designer seersucker bathrobes from Dos Carolinas to the flip flop slippers to the Frette linens.
Start your morning with the complimentary pour-over from Local Coffee and Merit. The hotel also has a few of its own bars and restaurants. Larder is a store selling sandwiches and light bites as well as essential provisions like beer and snacks.
Sternewirth is the bar, pictured above, with tasty margaritas popular with locals. Supper serves much more than just its namesake meal. Be sure to go for breakfast for the scotch eggs.
Among the hotel’s unique amenities are a rooftop pool, gym, bicycles for guest use and a library that features over 3000 volumes. There’s also a B Cycle docking station at Hotel Emma with easy access to the Riverwalk trails. It’s less than 2 miles to the attractions like The Alamo.
But perhaps Hotel Emma’s most important feature is the Pearl complex itself. They host weekly farmers markets and events and have dozens of dining options. Grab breakfast and pastries from Bakery Lorraine or a vegetarian lunch at Green. Get a boost at Local Coffee and dinner and beers at Southerleigh. Stop by Blue Box for a nightcap. You can also purchase your favorite hotel amenities from the stores like Curio and Dos Carolinas.
Where’s the most beautiful hotel you’ve ever stayed in?
My stay at Hotel Emma was hosted by Visit San Antonio and Geiger Public Relations.
Those scotch eggs look delectable! Thanks for such detailed info on Hotel Emma