HOTEL SUMMARY
Where San Antonio's brewing heritage meets contemporary luxury, Hotel Emma transforms the historic 1894 Pearl Brewhouse into the city's most distinctive boutique hotel, honoring the legacy of Emma Koehler—the pioneering female CEO who kept Pearl Brewery alive through Prohibition—while establishing itself as the cultural heart of the vibrant Pearl District.
Designed by acclaimed New York firm Roman and Williams, masters of adaptive reuse, this 146-room luxury hotel showcases a masterful blend of industrial preservation and refined hospitality. The architects preserved original elements including vintage concrete floor tiles, exposed masonry, and an early 20th-century ammonia-driven engine, creating a "rough luxe" aesthetic that celebrates the building's storied past. Since opening, Hotel Emma has garnered recognition as a Leading Hotels of the World member, establishing its position among San Antonio's premier luxury accommodations.
Guest rooms and suites feature soaring ceilings, black-lacquered beds, and locally sourced artwork, while Brewhouse Tower accommodations reveal dramatic exposed brick walls and vintage factory fixtures. The crown jewel Emma Koehler Suite spans 2,361 square feet with a grand piano, dual fireplaces, and an expansive terrace overlooking the San Antonio River. Bathrooms showcase watery blue tile and custom seersucker robes, reflecting the hotel's commitment to local craftsmanship and comfort.
Culinary excellence defines the Hotel Emma experience through three distinctive venues. Supper, helmed by Chef Ned Elliott, presents elevated American cuisine in a bistro-meets-farmhouse setting, featuring roasted chicken with market vegetables and smoked duck chowder. Sternewirth, the intimate clubroom bar, serves craft cocktails alongside venison meatballs and beef tartare. The Library welcomes guests with the signature La Babia Margarita—a perfectly balanced blend of tequila, fresh lime, and Cointreau that embodies the hotel's unpretentious sophistication. Additional amenities include Larder gourmet market, a rooftop pool, and seamless access to Pearl's year-round Farmer's Market and outdoor amphitheater.
For discerning travelers seeking authentic San Antonio luxury, Hotel Emma offers an unparalleled blend of historic significance and contemporary comfort. Book a Brewhouse Tower room for maximum character, or splurge on the Emma Koehler Suite for entertaining. The hotel's River Walk location provides easy access to downtown attractions while maintaining the intimate Pearl District atmosphere that makes every stay memorable.