San Antonio's crown jewel

Pearl's posh Hotel Emma books spot on prestigious best hotels in U.S. list

Hotel Emma is one of the best in the U.S.

The new year has just begun, but the posh Hotel Emma has already racked up another major accolade.

On February 2, U.S. News & World Report released its 50 Best Hotels in the USA 2021, and the Pearl hotel is one of only two Texas hotels to make the prestigious list.

Coming in at No. 23 in the nation, the Hotel Emma scores major points for its “eccentric details” in the report. (Last year, as CultureMap reported, the Emma was the only Texas hotel to land on the U.S. News & World Report list.)

Guests are greeted with a house-made margarita before being whisked away to rooms adorned with dark-wood and leather furniture, plus throw pillows with vivid patterns. In-room amenities range from flat-screen TVs to seersucker bathrobes to in-room pantries stocked with locally made products, the report notes.

Dining comes courtesy of Supper, the heralded onsite restaurant, or Larder, the in-house boutique grocery store. But it's the service, says U.S. News, that brings patrons back.

"Service consistently wows lodgers, as does the hotel's location just 2 miles north of downtown," says the report.

Appearing at No. 13 is Houston's The Post Oak Hotel, owned by billionaire Tilman Fertitta.

A “sprawling lobby complete with crystal chandeliers,” gets a favorable mention in the listing, as does the Post Oak’s “grand” accommodations including the smart TVs, marble bathrooms, and personal gym areas. Fertitta’s wine cellar featuring 30,000 bottles of world-class vintages dating back the 1800s, is also a highlight of the listing. The hotel’s six restaurants, which range from chic casual to upscale steakhouse (Mastro’s) also net a favorable mention.

Since it opened, the Post Oak has remained Texas’s only Forbes Double Five-Star rated hotel. The 10-acre property in the heart of Post Oak boasts 38-stories, a presidential suite, 250 guestrooms and suites; 20 executive residences; and an elegant 35,000-square-foot conference facility, including the largest ballroom in Uptown Houston.

“When I built this hotel, I really wanted it to be unlike anything else,” said Fertitta in a statement. “This recognition shows that we are among the best in the country and I am proud to bring such an iconic destination to Houston.”

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Airline News

San Antonio gets nonstop flights to this Washington, DC airport

Photo courtesy of American Airlines

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American Airlines will soon introduce long-awaited nonstop flights between San Antonio (SAT) and Washington, D.C. (DCA). One flight will be scheduled daily, starting in March.

Tickets for the new service will be available on sale starting December 23 through aa.com or American’s mobile app.

The route was tentatively announced in October, but the U.S. Department of Transportation has now formally approved the application by American Airlines.

“This new service will offer convenient nonstop access to our nation’s capital for San Antonians, while helping further connect customers to our comprehensive global network," said Brian Znotins, American’s Senior Vice President of Network and Schedule Planning, in a press release. "American thanks the many elected officials and citizens who supported our application, and we look forward to welcoming customers onboard this new service soon.”

Flight 1718, reflecting the year San Antonio was founded, will depart SAT at 6:35 am and arrive in DCA at 10:41 am. Flight 1947, reflecting the year the U.S. Air Force was established, will depart DCA at 7:45 pm and arrive in SAT at 10:43 pm.

“This long-awaited connection to our nation’s capital is a game changer for our community, opening doors to countless opportunities for travel and economic development,” said San Antonio Mayor Ron Nirenberg. “I’m grateful to those who have championed this effort and for the bipartisan support of our representatives in the Senate and House, whose advocacy was instrumental in making these flights a reality. We look forward to the positive impact this nonstop service will have for years to come."

San Antonio City Manager Erik Walsh echoed the sentiments about economic development and pointed out some growth already happening in San Antonio. The release also notes that San Antonio is the largest city in Texas lacking nonstop service to DCA and the largest city in the U.S. with a majority Hispanic population without nonstop service to DCA.

“Serving the fastest-growing city in the country, SAT has achieved record-breaking passenger numbers throughout 2024. This nonstop service to and from DCA addresses a need for our military, business, educational and research communities, among others. It also promotes competition and offers more travel options for passengers flying to and from San Antonio, enhancing connectivity as we continue making progress on the airport Terminal Development Program.”

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