SUITE HONORS

San Antonio's luxe Hotel Emma books spot among 10 best hotels in U.S.

Hotel Emma has once again been named one of the best hotels in the United States.

San Antonio's luxe Hotel Emma is once again in the national spotlight — this time as the winner of Tripadvisor's annual Travelers' Choice: Best of the Best Hotel award. The world-renowned property was named the No. 7 top hotel in the United States, the only Texas establishment to make the list.

The travel platform annually rolls out accolades as part of its Travelers' Choice Awards program. The 2025 rankings are determined based on the number of tourist reviews and specific ratings within each category from January to December 2024. Hotel Emma's high placement puts it among the top one percent of 1.6 million hotel listings on the site.

Tripadvisor praised the Pearl hotel's "unique blend of history and luxury," noting that a wealth of dining and shopping options are within steps of the lobby.

"Everything you'd need can be found on-site, though — dine in at their award-winning restaurant or relax at the spa and rooftop terrace," the write-up continued. "The service is also top-notch, with the concierge just a text away for any recs or reservations, and daily turn-down service for that extra touch."

The tony accommodations, the former brewhouse of the Pearl Brewery, has racked up an enviable string of praise since opening in 2015. Most recently, it nabbed one of Food & Wine magazine's prestigious annual Global Tastemaker Awards. In September 2024, it received two keys in the Michelin Guide's first-ever North American "Michelin Key" selection, dedicated to hotels.

The French Quarter Inn in Charleston, North Carolina topped the U.S. list of best hotels, and was the country's only property to make the international list. Secrets Akumal Riviera Maya in Akumal, Mexico was named the premier property in the world.

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CHECKING IN

Luxury San Antonio resort unveils $40 million ranch-chic refresh

La Cantera Resort & Spa new rooms San Antonio

Photo courtesy of La Cantera Resort & Spa.

La Cantera Resort & Spa spent $49 million on the room overhaul.

After more than a quarter century serving luxury travelers, San Antonio’s La Cantera Resort deserves a spa day. The Hill Country property has revealed a $40 million guest room makeover — its first since 2017.

Designers Looney & Associates took inspiration from Texas’ storied King Ranch for the comprehensive revamp, which also includes the resort’s private villas. The calming interiors incorporate natural materials and warm colors, reflecting the legendary estate’s deep history and the Hill Country’s natural beauty.

Richly patterned tile add drama to the bathrooms.Photo courtesy of La Cantera Resort & Spa.

“The city of San Antonio is filled with such a rich history while the King Ranch Estate embodies so much of what Texas culture is,” La Cantera Resort & Spa director of sales and marketing Colleen Cline said in a news release. “[W]e knew that we wanted to combine both while also incorporating the elements of the Texas Hill Country into this refresh.”

Although the contemporary rooms draw inspiration from King Ranch, the decor avoids Southwestern cliches. A contemporary riff on Talevera tile surrounds the showers, reflecting South Texas’ Mexican heritage. Soft furnishings take on sunset hues like ochre, sage, terracotta, and brick. And textured wood panels above the channel-tufted headboards subtly evoke ranch style without roping in kitsch.

The soothing decor of the double rooms reflect the landscape beyond.Photo courtesy of La Cantera Resort & Spa.

The interior renovations took 11 months to complete and include all 496 guest rooms and 34 private villas. Still to come is The Calera, a new 5,600-square-foot weddings and events venue modeled after the King Ranch main house. According to a resort rep, construction is currently slated to finish in the fall.

Those wanting to check on the progress and stretch out in the new rooms should consider making reservations soon. La Cantera Resort & Spa’s Free is More Fun promotion, valid through August 28, gives guests a complimentary third night when booking a two-night stay.

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