Hotel Havana

"The opening of a new Bunkhouse hotel, by the Austin-based hotelier Liz Lambert, is news everywhere — there are people, to be frank, for whom San Antonio has just become an option, now that the Hotel Havana is open." - The MICHELIN Guide

"The opening of a new Bunkhouse hotel, by the Austin-based hotelier Liz Lambert, is news everywhere — there are people, to be frank, for whom San Antonio has just become an option, now that the Hotel Havana is open." - The MICHELIN Guide

"The roots of this Mediterranean Revival-style boutique hotel go back to 1914, when a local grocer created the tropically inspired property to house his visiting vendors. Nearly a century later in 2010, hotelier and style guru Liz Lambert added the place to her mini-empire, reviving the grounds that still feature magnolia, palm, and cypress trees planted by the original owner. Set on a quiet section of the River Walk near the museum corridor, the restored building (which is on the National Register of Historic Places) houses 27 guest rooms decorated in a designer-meets-flea market aesthetic, with bright pops of color and plenty of personality. All are pet-friendly, and feature stocked SMEG fridges, Red Flower bath amenities, custom serape bathrobes, and complimentary coffee and Wi-Fi; suites have sitting areas, terraces, or other perks. Room service comes from the in-house Ocho restaurant, but it’s better to head down and eat there in person to take in the cheery setting, river views, pan-Latin menus, and cocktails that highlight rum (as a nod to Havana) and tequila (an homage to San Antonio’s Mexican roots). A regular calendar of happy hours, musical performances, and cultural events round out life at this vibrant hotel."

"The roots of this Mediterranean Revival-style boutique hotel go back to 1914, when a local grocer created the tropically inspired property to house his visiting vendors. Nearly a century later in 2010, hotelier and style guru Liz Lambert added the place to her mini-empire, reviving the grounds that still feature magnolia, palm, and cypress trees planted by the original owner. Set on a quiet section of the River Walk near the museum corridor, the restored building (which is on the National Register of Historic Places) houses 27 guest rooms decorated in a designer-meets-flea market aesthetic, with bright pops of color and plenty of personality. All are pet-friendly, and feature stocked SMEG fridges, Red Flower bath amenities, custom serape bathrobes, and complimentary coffee and Wi-Fi; suites have sitting areas, terraces, or other perks. Room service comes from the in-house Ocho restaurant, but it’s better to head down and eat there in person to take in the cheery setting, river views, pan-Latin menus, and cocktails that highlight rum (as a nod to Havana) and tequila (an homage to San Antonio’s Mexican roots). A regular calendar of happy hours, musical performances, and cultural events round out life at this vibrant hotel."

"Why book? It’s a bohemian, Cuba-inspired oasis along a quieter stretch of the River Walk. Set the scene The lobby is a blur of color with creative types in jumpsuits and custom jean jackets alongside gussied-up concertgoers destined for the Tobin Center for the Performing Arts across the street. It’s also a favorite among couples and staycationers. The backstory An enterprising grocer built the hotel in 1914 to house visiting vendors and spared no expense. When the Bunkhouse Group—the team behind Marfa’s El Cosmico and Austin’s Hotel San José—brought it back to life in 2010, they restored many original features and introduced their hipster aesthetic with kimono robes and vintage art. The rooms None of the 27 rooms are the same, but they all share an airy vibe, high ceilings, and custom white linens. Turkish rugs and antique headboards ground the space while pastel Smeg fridges, stocked with Topo Chico and artisanal teas, provide an element of whimsy. If you need room to work remotely, spring for the Hemingway Suite. Food and drink For guests on the go, there’s complimentary La Colombe coffee and pastries, but be sure to make time for a leisurely brunch at Ocho. Housed in the hotel’s former conservatory, the restaurant is one of the most Instagrammable spots in the city, serving up specials like sweet plantain griddle cakes topped with carnitas, cotija cheese, and rum piloncillo maple syrup. Reservations are a must, but if you’re the spontaneous type (or a late sleeper), the underground Havana Bar delights in the evening. The neighborhood/area Aside from the aforementioned performing arts center, the hotel is the main draw. But it’s only a 10-minute walk through office high rises to dozens of restaurants, bars, and the iconic Alamo. The service The front desk staff double as the concierge team and are as enthusiastic about recommending the best taco joint as they are about accommodating one-off requests like extra towels. Anything left to mention? Where there are 100-year-old hardwoods, there’s creaking. If you’re a light sleeper, ask for a room on a top floor." - Tommie Ethington