Walking Back In Time At Hotel Emma | San Antonio
With a history dating back to 1894, Hotel Emma feels like it was built in another time. Located in San Antonio’s Pearl District, there was much to be discovered from small shops to gargantuan libraries. We had just finished brunch at Supper when the cozy atmosphere pulled us in. Stepping into Hotel Emma feels like stepping out of a time machine. It’s truly one of the underappreciated gems of San Antonio.
The History
In a surprising twist of fate - Hotel Emma has ties to Chicago! Who knew?! Originally Pearl’s Brewhouse, the hotel was built in 1894 by Chicago architect August Martizen who specialized in breweries creating more than 80 in his career. By 1916, Pearl Brewery was the largest brewery in Texas and the only one in San Antonio to survive prohibition.
The brewery’s CEO, Emma Koehler, who the hotel is named after, came up with creative alternate services for the brewery to keep her entire staff employed. These services included dry cleaning, auto repair, and the production of near beer, ice cream and soda. They kept the brewery in business until prohibition ended allowing beer to become their main product once again. The brewery closed in 2001 before becoming part of a renovation program which turned into today’s Pearl District.
Becoming Hotel Emma
With the establishment of the Pearl District, Hotel Emma has become one of the many community pillars. With 146 rooms and several suites, the hotel features a design that mixes historical elements with a modern touch in a comfortable and unconventional way. What’s most impressive is the 3,700-volume library. Any book worm’s dream, this collection is one-of-a-kind. As if that wasn’t enough, the library allows guests to check out books using a vintage card system. Talk about nostalgia gone wild. Inside Hotel Emma, you’ll find Curio, a boutique gift shop with interesting finds from near and far; Larder Fine Groceries and Prepared Food; Supper, a restaurant where American cuisine meets European bistro; and Sternewirth, a tavern and club room for cocktails and conversation.
The Experience
Walking through Hotel Emma pulls you into a different time. Everything is distressed and everything has character. For those who are always looking for the perfect Instagram photo, Hotel Emma is a treasure chest. From the mismatched furniture that works seamlessly to the bookshelves and the friendly staff, it’s an exceptional experience that is unique. Even if you’re not staying at Hotel Emma while in San Antonio, make a point to stop by and take a walk through their common areas. If you’re looking for a spot to grab a bite, Supper is amazing. See my full review here.
Have you stayed at or visited Hotel Emma in San Antonio? How about Supper? Have you dined at this delightful restaurant? Share in the comments below.
