This St. Anthony Hotel San Antonio review comes to you from my unexpectedly elegant Superior King room, booked last-minute after weather delays rerouted my travel plans. I used our preferred Marriott STARS rate, which added meaningful value to what could’ve been just a functional stopover.

As San Antonio’s first luxury hotel, The St. Anthony opened in 1909 and remains a historic landmark. But beyond its storied past, I found a hotel that delivers genuine comfort, smart design, and one of the most memorable meals I’ve had in Texas.

I’ll share what to expect from the rooms, dining, location, service, and who this hotel is best suited for, to help you decide if it’s the right fit for your San Antonio stay. Also, the price was not much more than the budget Hyatt Place I was at for a volleyball tournament. Seriously.

The St. Anthony Hotel’s Location

The St. Anthony sits directly across from Travis Park, offering a pleasant view from many rooms and the hotel’s breakfast restaurant.

Its central downtown location puts you within easy walking distance of the River Walk, The Alamo, the Tobin Center for the Performing Arts, and numerous restaurants and museums. La Panadería, a beloved local bakery and breakfast café, is just steps from the front door.

The hotel is also well-positioned for business travelers, with the convention center and central offices a short drive or 10–15 minute walk away. Despite being in the heart of the city, it feels removed from the loudest nightlife zones, especially on higher floors.

Historic Features Worth Noticing

Opened in 1909, The St. Anthony was San Antonio’s first luxury hotel and a pioneer in hospitality technology. It was the first in the world to feature fully automatic doors and central air conditioning.

Today, it still showcases elegant neoclassical architecture and original features like:

• The grand Peacock Alley lobby with its opulent chandeliers
• An operational mail chute running from the guest floors to the main lobby
• Ornate plasterwork, Corinthian columns, and historic photos throughout
• The restored St. Anthony Club — once a private social club and now a cocktail bar

This careful preservation of historic details gives the hotel its unique sense of place.

Rooms & Suites: What to Know Before You Book

The St. Anthony offers a wide variety of rooms and suites, and as with many historic hotels, layouts and sizes can vary significantly.

The overall décor is classic and elegant, with thoughtful design touches throughout. I especially liked the custom furniture, including a TV console with a bold green lacquered interior, an unexpected pop of style that elevates the space.

During check-in, the front desk agent mentioned she didn’t love the room originally assigned to me and proactively moved me to what she felt was a better layout. That kind of personal attention speaks to a team that knows the property well and wants STARS guests to have the best possible stay.

Inside My Superior King Room

My room felt spacious and thoughtfully designed, with a layout that added both elegance and privacy. You enter through a hardwood-floored hallway that separates the sleeping area on the left from the bathroom on the right—a rare but welcome feature that I wish I had taken a photo of.

This configuration creates excellent acoustics: you don’t hear much from the bathroom when you’re in the bedroom, and the hallway feature also buffers sound from the hallway outside. The marble-clad bathroom has double sinks and full-size toiletries.

On the left side of the hall was the closet and minibar area, with a small selection of snacks and drinks.

The bedroom itself was quiet and serene, with a supremely comfortable king bed and four soft pillows. A standout detail was the bold green lacquered interior of the custom TV console and closet which was a cool touch of unexpected flair.

Electrical outlets were conveniently placed on both sides of the bed, and one nightstand featured a master control panel for lighting, temperature, and privacy. The air conditioning was powerful and whisper-quiet, and despite the hotel being near capacity, I didn’t hear a sound from neighboring rooms or the corridor.

Dining & Room Service at The St. Anthony Hotel

Dining & Nightlife From a bright brunch to an inventive dinner to a classic cocktail, the hotel provides guests a nice culinary journey.

The Gallery on the Park

My inclusive Marriott STARS breakfast was served at The Gallery on the Park, a beautiful, light-filled restaurant overlooking Travis Park.

As it was a Sunday, the menu offered a mix of breakfast and brunch items. On my server’s recommendation, I tried the avocado toast. It was an interesting Texan take, though next time I would likely opt for one of the more traditional egg dishes that I saw other guests enjoying. However, it came out quickly and the service was excellent.

Anacacho

This restaurant and bar is a true gem, helmed by Chef Alex Branch, whose Chinese and Mexican heritage inspires the menu. After my flight cancelation I sat at the bar with a glass of wine and my computer.

I overheard the bartender (and my server there the next day) discussing the menu with other guests, and a theme emerged. The Big Red and Barbacoa Tacos are the most popular and an undeniable crowd-pleaser. I was told they’re ranked something like the 8th best taco in Texas.

However, the staff’s true passion seems to lie with the Signature Pork Belly Tacos. My advice? If you’re with someone, order both. I also ordered the Smacked Cucumbers with sesame vinaigrette and house kimchi, which were incredibly refreshing and a perfect complement to the rich tacos. The Big Red and Barbacoa Tacos are, no joke, some of the best tacos I’ve ever had (and I’m from San Diego where tacos rule).

Everything I saw pass by, including the burger, looked exceptionally good. Whether you’re staying at the hotel or not, I recommend coming here if you’re in the area.

The St. Anthony Club

For a pre- or post-dinner drink, The St. Anthony Club is a must. It feels like stepping back in time, with rich wood paneling, plush seating, and a quiet, dignified atmosphere. It’s the perfect counterpoint to the lively main lobby and an ideal setting to enjoy a well-made Old Fashioned or Manhattan.

Room Service

While I didn’t have an opportunity to order room service during my spontaneous stay, the hotel offers an in-room dining menu available for breakfast, lunch and dinner. It features many of the excellent dishes from its on-site restaurants.

What’s Coming Next

It’s also worth noting that the hotel is currently working to launch a new concept in its largest signature restaurant space. This space, formerly home to the acclaimed restaurant Rebelle, is poised to become another exciting dining destination for guests and locals in the near future.

Hotel Amenities

The St. Anthony features a compact but well-curated set of amenities designed to help guests relax and recharge.

The rooftop pool deck on the sixth floor becomes a true urban oasis on hot Texas afternoons. The pool itself is a generous size, flanked by private cabanas and serviced by an attendant with towels.

That said, this is a popular hangout spot for both hotel guests and event attendees, and on weekends, lounge chairs can be in short supply. Arriving early is advised if you plan to linger. You can order food from a seasonal Cabana Pool Bar.

The fitness center is located just off the pool area and offers a clean, modern space for workouts. It’s not massive, but it’s functional and convenient, especially if you like to pair exercise with a swim.

There is no on-site spa, which may be a consideration for wellness-focused travelers.

Is the Hotel Good for Families?

Yes, The St. Anthony is family-friendly. During my stay, I watched several families with children of all ages check in, including several with the San Antonio Zoo on their itineraries. While The St. Anthony has a sophisticated feel, it’s not stuffy or off-limits to younger guests.

Rooms are spacious which helps families spread out comfortably. Travis Park across the street is a great place to let kids burn off energy. And while the restaurants lean upscale, service is warm and welcoming which is ideal for adventurous eaters or a relaxed parents’ night out.

Families with very young kids should be aware that the lobby can get lively during large events, and the pool deck fills up quickly on warm weekends. But overall, the hotel offers a solid blend of historic charm, comfort, and convenience that works well for families of all ages.

Final Verdict: Who Is This Hotel Perfect For?

The St. Anthony is ideal for travelers who appreciate Gilded Age glamour, thoughtful service, and a culinary program that punches above its weight. It’s an excellent fit for:

• History buffs who want a true sense of place
• Couples on a romantic city break
• Solo travelers or friends looking for a central, walkable location
• Business travelers who prefer timeless style over trend-driven stays
• Food lovers eager to explore one of the most inventive restaurants in San Antonio

It’s not the right pick if you’re seeking a sprawling resort or full-service spa experience. If you want character, location, and serious culinary chops, The St. Anthony delivers at a usually reasonable price point for a luxury hotel like this.

Make Reservations with VIP Amenities

As a luxury travel advisor, I can book your stay at The St. Anthony through the Marriott STARS program. This ensures you receive the best value and a host of complimentary VIP amenities at no extra cost, including: