From foodies looking for rich culinary experiences to travelers searching for ways to immerse themselves in a city’s culture, Hotel Emma’s welcoming atmosphere makes it the ideal spot for visiting and gathering. The San Antonio, Texas, landmark was built in 1894 and opened as Pearl’s Brewhouse—the only brewery in the city that would survive Prohibition. After closing down in 2001, the property was purchased in 2002 and extensively renovated to ensure the building’s historic elements were preserved and adapted to fit the new facility—Hotel Emma.

Located in the Pearl neighborhood and named in honor of the brewery’s CEO, Emma Koehler, the hotel is nestled in a bustling area that includes restaurants, retailers, and resident businesses. The thriving community prides itself on its rich history and reputation for being a place to share meals, learn, work, and live. Hotel Emma resides on the banks of the Museum Reach of the San Antonio River, offering guests a scenic setting where they can take respite among plenty of trees and flora, fountains, shady pavilions, and access to the neighborhood’s twice-weekly farmers’ market.

A focus on world-class culinary experiences and unmatched service is the heart and soul of the hotel. Locally sourced and infused with the flavors of the city’s dynamic culture, guests can choose from dining at one of the hotel’s three restaurants—Supper, Larder, and Sternewirth. Part farm table, part bistro table, Supper takes its cues from what’s in season and what feels good to be shared with a group of friends, while Larder offers fine provisions, baked goods, flowers, and house-butchered meats. It’s also tucked away in the old brewery fermenting cellars. For those seeking small plates, classic cocktails, and plenty of comfortable seating that welcomes conversation, Sternewirth satisfies an appetite for flavor and substance.

The stunningly unique hotel is also complete with 146 guest rooms, seven top-floor suites, a bar and club room, and plenty of public spaces reminiscent of fine old hotels. The unconventional ambiance boasts Southern hospitality, luxury, and a beautiful balance of past and future.

PHOTOGRAPHY BY NICOLE FRANZEN, JULIA KEIM, JASON RISNER ■