Hotel Emma

Cute place. The mix drinks was good. The only thing is we couldn’t find seats after we order on Saturday night. But overall the ambients is nice, good place to hangout with friends

This hotel is gorgeous. Every inch of it.
I heard of this place through twitter, and when I found out I was going to be in San Antonio for work, I decided this was a YOLO moment and had to splurge and treat myself to a stay here. I was not disappointed. I have a feeling that in a year or so its going to be pretty much impossible to book a room here once the word gets out, and I am glad I was able to be one of the first to experience this place.
Highlights:
–The design of this hotel stands on its own, but as a beer lover, its even more exciting. I got to drink cocktails inside an old beer vat, and much of the décor is used from recycled materials from the old Pearl Brewery. The staircase in the library is mostly built from scrap metal, and I love the industrial look throughout.
–The Pearl District is a hip little part of down under redevelopment, right off the northern branch of the River Walk, and I loved exploring all the shops right next to the hotel. There was even a vegetarian restaurant which was perfect for this California girl who needed a detox meal after 5 days of Texas BBQ and texmex.
–My room was gorgeous. The minibar or «icebox» as they call it was filled with fancy goodies I didnt touch, but I still enjoyed looking at. How often can you have so much fun window shopping your minibar?
–Hands down my favorite part of the hotel is the library. Its reserved for hotel guests only, so it was nice and peaceful in there. The books (over 3700+ of them) are all from a local woman’s personal collection, and the variety is amazing and fun. Being a beer lover, I was thrilled to find archives of ‘Modern Brewery Age’ magazine from the 40s and 50s. I had such a fun time looking at all the old articles, ads, and photo collages of men and women drinking beer in the post prohibition era in such a beautiful setting. Oh and when I checked in they were actually serving complementary margaritas in there! Needless to say, I didnt want to leave.
–Turn down service includes macaroons, yum!
–There were a ton of fluffy pillows on the bed (I love pillows) and I love the robes they give you to wear to the pool or to relax in your room.
As much as I would love to give this place 5 stars, there are two negatives that I think are important for potential guest to be aware of:
–When I checked in, the room was filled with VERY STRONG fragrance. It wasnt a bad smell, but it was overwhelming, and there was no real way to air out the room. Eventually I got used to it, but if you are sensitive to smells, let them know the day before you check in so they can try to accommodate you.
–The industrial design and concrete floors in my room were beautiful, but it doesnt insulate sound very well. Between the pipes and air conditioner and the icebox, it was a little disruptive when I was trying to sleep. I even woke up around 2 am and could hear the faint echo of a woman singing. I assumed it was someone singing in the shower echoing through the pipes, but for a moment I thought perhaps I was being haunted! Anyway, I put in some ear plugs and was out like a light on the spacious comfortable bed filled with fuffy pillows.
Even if you are not going to book a room here, this hotel is worth visiting for the design alone. I loved my entire time in San Antonio, and a night at The Hotel Emma was the perfect finale!

Spent an hour or so at Sternewirth for a friend’s birthday and the service, ambiance and drinks were all fantastic. I had the Three Emmas and a margarita — both were delicious. I would definitely go again.

What a SEXY & MAGICAL hotel!!! You will be swept of your feet with this gem!!! Every thing has been done so beautiful. Down to the very small and finest detail!!! Gorgeous hotel! Me and my friend stayed there on Saturday, January 30^th and had breakfast in bed it was just lovely!!!
As soon as you check in you, you are welcomed with an out of this world Margarita in the hotels library
We had the room in the older part of the hotel — the brewery. It was a two queen bedroom and the bathroom was huge!
The only disappointing thing was that there were no shampoos and the bath tub was getting clogged oh and the pressure was so high … I was blasted with water
Besides this, the hotels service was fantastic! Friendly and warm staff! Very very nice! Oh and when your bed gets turned down for the night, you get French macarons as a gift!!!

def 5 stars for San Antonio, gorgeous neo-​industrialized design, the library downstairs open only to guests which is great. rooms a little on pricey side but may come down w higher guest volumes for San Anton this is w great addition

Almost perfect in every way!!! Fabulous restoration of the Pearl Brewery!!! The rooms and Frette bedding, outstanding. There is nothing like this place. An architectural gem!!!

Had not checked in yet so was not an «official guest» and therefore was denied entry to the lobby!!! What hotel does that??? After such an unpleasant first impression was not going to stay. They need to understand the meaning of HOSPITALITY!!!

My boyfriend and I were told that we needed to check out this hotel before we left town and we are so glad we did! The décor was right up our alley with its industrial delight. We headed to the bar to get some cocktails and relax on the couch and even though we had to wait a few minutes to order, we met a wonderful man who ended up guiding us to additional bars that didn’t disappoint that evening.
We were highly impressed that they offered my boyfriend’s all time favorite drink even though they didn’t have blood-​orange juice, the classic Blood & Sand. I indulged in their Maple Leaf due to my love for bourbon and it was delicious. Relaxing on the couch in front of the candle lit fire enjoying one another’s company was a perfect start to the evening.

My wife and I stayed here on our wedding night and were absolutely blown away by the hotel, its décor, staff, amenities, and food! If you are in need of a perfectly located hotel near bars, entertainment, culture, and nightlife, be sure to stay at Hotel Emma! We were greeted with complimentary margaritas, valet service for our car, and a free upgrade!

Wow! This hotel and every detail about it, is just WOW! I went to college at UTSA and because of that fact, The Alamo City holds a very special place in my heart but with the addition of this hotel and the entire Pearl area… it’s not just the memories and nostalgia that will bring me back to this city forever, it’s the fact that this area will bring ANYONE from any background and keep them coming back for more and more! From the staff, to the rooms, to the restaurants; man, you guys just got it down!!! Special shout outs to the valets, who were all wonderful and endearing! I honestly cannot wait to come back and spread the word about this wonderful gem!

Great place. So many awesome aspects. Smellls like shit though. They bought a ton of candles and they’re everywhere. They didn’t trim the wicks so the candles burn way to brightly with wax offgassing hardcore. We had to blow ours out and then a security guard came over. Would be an easy five star place if it didn’t stink like a potpourri apocalypse’. Decent drinks tho. Also, tons of honkies. Except for the guy checking ids who is black of course.

I have yet been an overnight guest, however when in San Antonio, I stop in for a cocktail in the evening or coffee and pastry in the morning. The interior and exterior is beautiful. You will find lots of places to gather to have your cocktail or coffee with lots of interesting repurposed artifacts from the original brewery. You will find a cozy outside fireplace to welcome you at the front door.

We splurged to stay here over Christmas 2015 and I’m glad we did. From arrival to check out the team was very professional and prompt.
Currently, there are two sides of the hotel — river side and brew house. I took a look at two rooms on the brewery side and felt more comfortable going for the more «modern» rooms (river side) because they are bigger and floored with carpet. Both have the original details so you really can’t tell what was created and what was reused.
Complimentary margaritas are provided upon arrival and I believe they offered a lemonade drink to my 4 year old. Once we got up to the room we had macaroons and champagne waiting.
Additionally, I enjoyed the presence of SAPD, since there are so many people coming in and out for the attached restaurant and interior bar.
My only constructive thought is that I’d like for the housekeeping team to circle back through the rooms and perhaps provide a last call. We left for dinner and I requested a clean up since we were on DND for the day. When we got back to the hotel after dinner, it appeared that our bed was remade with the same linens.
Valet is $ 10 per overnight. For two nights, 1 room service meal and two cars in valet, our checkout bill was north of $ 850.

I am so proud to witness this beautiful space. Hotel Emma at the Pearl is our finest hour. Thank you Kip… Game Changer…

Wife surprised me with a night at Hotel Emma. This is the coolest hotel in town. What an amazing getaway. Service was amazing. The whole property was over the top. Right on the river walk in the newly renovated Pearl Brewery area. Amazing restaurants and shops. From the old library to the huge bar, all the great wood, steampunk industrial and brewery-​chic spaces… unreal.

You have to check this place out. We did not stay at the hotel because we live in San Antonio but went to the bar and had some fancy cocktails. #1 they were delicious! #2 the architecture, design and furnishings of this place are a real site to see. One of the coolest places I have seen and for it to be in San Antonio is even better. The Pearl is really becoming something special and Hotel Emma is a great addition.

I recently stayed here and it was phenomenal!
Pros:
Excellent staff. As i drove up, the valet immediately greeted me, got my info, parked my vehicle, and took my baggage to the front desk.
The front desk staff were very courteous and checked me in.
The lobby is amazing. So rustic!!! My room was quaint and cozy. You get a icebox key and have access to treats in the room fridge. This comes at a price of course.
My view of the river was great and there was no noise at all. My bed was comfortable and I had access to many cable stations. The following day i noticed I had complimentary macaroons and artisanal water waiting on my room table.
There was complimentary coffee and banana foster muffins for guests from Larder. A nice little treat where you can by coffee, barbacoa kolaches, muffins, and turn overs.
The bar was great (in the day). I would suggest the PIMMS cup. Plenty of seating in the day.
As a guest you also have access to the LIBRARY, where you get complimentary margaritas from (as of this writing) 3pm-​9pm. You will need to utilize your room key to get in. There are over 3700 books to choose from or you can just read a paper.
Supper had superb food. The portion sizes were just right. This left room for dessert. See my pics for more info. I would suggest making a reservation.
The bar at night is packed (maybe from walkins?) I had was not able to get a drink, due to the amount of people at the bar. I also noticed there was a line of people trying to get in as well.
Cons:
Maybe due to walkins or individuals not staying at the Hotel, I was often asked if I was a guest of the Hotel. When i tried to get into the bar at night, I was stopped ajnd asked if i was a guest. Also when entering the Library, I was asked if I was a guest.
I did not get asked that at Supper due to my reservation.
The bar at night was extremely packed. Again, this might be due the popularity. I could not find a seat or get a drink.
I had key card issues a few hours before checkout. I could not get back into my room to retrieve my luggage. The front desk did rectify the issue.
I would suggest this place to others and stay again in the future. It is beautiful and the fact that it is at the Pearl, you get plenty of options and sights all within walking distance of the hotel.
See my pics for more info

Disclosure: I haven’t not actually stayed in Hotel Emma, but did spend an evening exploring the bars, eateries, lobby, and library of the hotel. This review is for that experience, which was great.
I was traveling through San Antonio one day and my hosts invited me to go with them to meet their friends at the newly opened Hotel Emma. «It’s the hottest thing in San Antonio right now» I was told. I was a bit skeptical… how great can a hotel be? But I went, and I was impressed.
Hotel Emma is really great, by any standard. It is comparable to other boutique hotels in larger metros like LA or NYC. The ambiance is something out of the industrial revolution, with exposed piping and a Victorian sensibility.
The highlights for me are this spectacular two-​story library they have, with adjoining reading/​conference room that is in the lobby area. It’s a book-lover’s dream. I could spend all day there with a pipe pretending I am Sherlock Holmes.
The other very cool thing is the bar, which is sort of like a speakeasy. The décor is very cool. Especially cool is the fact that they put chairs inside three empty vats to create secluded «rooms» for you to drink in relative privacy.
I can only imagine how nice the rooms are. But even if you can’t stay here, this place is worth checking out. Dinner and drinks and some meandering around should make for an entertaining evening here. Highly recommended.