Upon arrival at the elegantly rustic Hotel Emma at Pearl, you get the sense that the former brewing halls are lying dormant, ready to burst into action at any moment. Original brick walls, a sleek steel mezzanine, and pillars of the 19th-century brew house frame exquisitely curated Steampunk design and furniture in the lavish hotel named for heroic Prohibition businesswoman Emma Koehler. After a genuine Southern welcome, relax in your exquisite guestroom where historic elements meet contemporary luxury, before diving into San Antonio’s vibrant foodie scene in the charming Pearl neighborhood.
In Pearl, the welcoming and energetic cultural hot spot of San Antonio, modern breweries and gourmet restaurants sit beside independent shops selling artisanal goods. The Hiatus Spa & Retreat, Culinary Institute of America, and Amphitheater at Pearl are just a few steps from the hotel.
Hotel Emma at Pearl boasts 147 luxurious guestrooms, including seven top-floor suites, each possessing its own distinctive character. Designed by Roman and Williams, a firm renowned for its blending of historical elements with contemporary touches, the hotel’s charming rooms perfectly balance the past with the present, using exposed walls and steel beams, leather, and heavy wood furniture. The suites feature separate sitting rooms and work areas, and the two extraordinary Presidential Suites — named Otto and Emma after the couple who once ran the brewery — have towering ceilings and vast warehouse windows to fill the two-story spaces with natural lighting.
Intoxicating gastronomic and cultural hidden gems are par for the course at Hotel Emma at Pearl, so begin your day with an aromatic cup of locally roasted coffee from Merit Roasting Co. Explore the 3,700-volume library, cruise Pearl on a complimentary Electra bike, or roll through San Antonio’s hip streets in a house car. The hotel’s vast event space is ideal if you are organizing a corporate event and want it to be unforgettable.
Coordinated by its Culinary Director, Chef John Brand, Hotel Emma at Pearl’s dining experiences complement San Antonio’s rich foodie culture. Explore the flavors of south Texas at Supper, the hotel’s flagship restaurant, or book a table at Larder, deep in the old fermenting cellar where you can select fine groceries and freshly prepared foods to eat in or take out.
Within Hotel Emma at Pearl, you will find a fitness center furnished with cutting-edge facilities and a rooftop terrace pool surrounded by sun loungers. Steps from the hotel sits the Hiatus Spa & Retreat, where, in 13 treatment rooms, you can indulge in massages, nail therapy, and pampering galore. If you prefer, the spa can come to you, delivering any of its treatments in the comfort of your own room.
Explore the hip Pearl neighborhood to stumble across independent shops and live-music events, fine dining establishments, and popular breweries. Rent a bicycle and ride the River Walk, where you will pass colorful murals and beautiful green spaces, or venture a little further to visit the site of the 1836 Battle of the Alamo — a seven-minute drive from the hotel.
In the historic Pearl neighborhood on the northern edge of downtown San Antonio, Hotel Emma is the rising star of a thriving cultural hub. The hotel overlooks the San Antonio River and is within easy walking distance of the district’s artisanal stores, restaurants, bars, and breweries. It is also well-placed for exploring the historic monuments of San Antonio including the site of the Battle of the Alamo.
Address
136 East Grayson, San Antonio, TX, United States
Transportation
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Wed Aug 13 2025 12:13:34 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time) by Anneskates
Above and beyond service. From 1st footstep out of car, we knew this was going to be a very memorable stay. The Bellman whisked away our bags. Ninette greeted us at check-in with a Very smooth introduction to Hotel Emma and then pleasantly surprised us by an upgrade. Room was tastefully decorated and amenities wonderful. Service throughout the hotel impeccable.. Paul and Mercedes in the Supper restaurant made breakfast a lot of fun.. didn’t miss a beat, their professional skills were tip top whilst not being intrusive. Michelle you are the perfect concierge.. The hotel car and driver were a nice touch with very importantly, careful driving skills. All the behind the scenes staff that we didn’t get to see … a huge Bravo for making Hotel Emma so outstanding .
Tue Aug 12 2025 11:00:37 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time) by EmmaLouise937
Hotel Emma has honestly been the best hotel stay I've had in some time. The hotel offers a true luxury experience but without the fuss and bother that can sometimes feel performative amongst luxury brands. You feel welcomed home to a place you've never been, but will never want to leave. The condition of the hotel is immaculate. The design of marrying the original structure and charm with modern amenities through a timeless and classic design is breathtaking. I love how the hotel's history is celebrated throughout, and would definitely recommend taking the historic tour of the hotel for context - it will take your appreciation of the hotel to a whole new level! The service is beyond anticipatory. Every team member I spoke to during my time on property seemed so genuinely happy and proud to work there. Special shoutout to Mercedes at Supper for being so fabulous and attentive while I balanced enjoying a delicious lunch while trying to catch up on work emails. Bravo, best of the best, will recommend to absolutely everyone and honestly have been since I left!! Hotel Emma is truly a cut above the rest and something that must be experienced to understand.
Mon Aug 11 2025 12:22:12 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time) by Richie S
Emma is a cut above the rest. We try to go here every year for our Anniversary and, after Christmas, it's my favorite time of the year.
Mon Aug 11 2025 11:01:28 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time) by Bonnie R
The love the Hotel Emma for its unique character, lively location in The Pearl and fantastic service! It’s everything you hope a hotel will be. And more!!
Fri Aug 08 2025 14:49:44 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time) by Bryson T
Amazing experience, we would recommend Hotel Emma to everyone! Every detail is thought of before you arrive! From arrival to departure an extraordinary stay!!