After opening in 2015, Hotel Emma quickly developed a reputation among San Antonians for being the best. Now it seems the rest of the world is taking note.
This week, the crown jewel of the redeveloped Pearl Brewery received the Grand Award by Andrew Harper editors. Hotel Emma was one of only 20 hotels in the world to receive the prestigious honor.
Andrew Harper, a travel company that pens an exclusive, members-only newsletter called The Hideaway Report, has provided anonymous reviews and travel recommendations since 1979. (Andrew Harper, who is not actually named Andrew Harper, prides himself on traveling anonymously and paying full rates as to ascertain a fair review.)
"The central public spaces are astonishingly dramatic, and in the lobby the brewery’s cast-iron tanks and machinery remain in place," said Andrew Harper. "Hotel Emma is further distinguished by its restaurant, Supper, where chef John Brand offers a seasonal menu of New American cuisine in an attractive bistro setting."
Of this year's 20 Grand Awards, 11 were concentrated in France and Western Europe, four in South and Central America, one in the Middle East, and four in the U.S. The other American hotels lauded as best in the world are The Whitby Hotel in New York City; The Inn at Newport Ranch in Fort Bragg, California; and SingleThread Farm in Healdsburg, California.
