As the Michelin Guide — famous for its restaurant ratings expressed in "stars" — hands out its "keys" to Texas' best hotels, San Antonio is doing almost exactly as well as it did last year. That's nothing to scoff at. In San Antonio, Hotel Emma holds onto the city's claim to Michelin fame.

In 2024, the world-renowned Michelin Guide published its first-ever North American "Michelin Key" selection. Then there were 288 total hotels across the United States, Mexico, and Canada; this year, on Wednesday, October 8, Michelin added 37 hotels nationwide to the list, now totaling more than 300. The classifications are awarded based on anonymous stays or visits by the Michelin Guide's inspection team, and previous praise is not taken into consideration.

Hotel Emma retained both keys on its ring, joined by only two other stays in Texas: Fort Worth's Bowie House and Austin's Commodore Perry Estate, both part of the Auberge Resorts Collection. San Antonio's historic showpiece is the only two-key hotel in Texas that is fully Texas-owned (Silver Ventures, Inc.) and operated (Woodbine Development Corporation).

Michelin gushed about Hotel Emma's attention to detail.Hotel Emma/ Facebook

In a lengthy and colorful write-up, Michelin gushed about Hotel Emma's charms.

"Let it never be said that South Texans don't know the meaning of luxury; besides Frette linens, Malin + Goetz bath amenities, and 48-inch HDTVs, a slew of tough-to-replicate touches elevate the experience far beyond the norm," says a portion of the profile. "Dark-wood and aged bronze accents. Freestanding, clawfoot tubs. Seersucker robes by Dos Carolinas. Spanish porcelain. Mesquite-furnished terraces with Redondo tile. If, upon opening the bespoke armoire, you're not charmed by the wealth of upscale eats and signature margarita makings in the 'icebox,' we don't quite know what to tell you."

The second year of Michelin two-key honor couldn't come at a more celebratory time for Hotel Emma. The property is currently marking its 10th anniversary with a full roster of activations and limited-time deals.

"We are incredibly proud to receive the Michelin Two-Key distinction representing the very highest level of global hospitality," said Jon Sakshaug, Chief Executive Officer of the hotel, via a statement. "For the past ten years, we have strived to provide a highly curated and personalized experience rooted in a sense of place and genuine hospitality. The entire Hotel Emma team works tirelessly to uphold our high level of service every single day, and it is an honor to have their efforts recognized."