Hotel Emma

It is not usual for Woodbine projects to have a story—but Hotel Emma’s is unique in that it was “brewing” for a long, long time. The Pearl Brewery (originally “City Brewery”) opened near downtown San Antonio in 1883. Over the century that followed, the brewhouse and the surrounding neighborhood, The Pearl District, saw many ups and downs—among them unprecedented growth, prohibition, a name change, a buy-out and a shut-down. In 2001, revitalization returned to the area through the vision of Kit Goldsbury and Silver Ventures. As part of that, Woodbine managed the conversion of The Pearl into a 146-room boutique hotel.

Opened in 2015, Hotel Emma exhibits a historical elegance that is striking, inviting, comfortable and unconventional—giving breath to its own brand of South Texas luxury and hospitality. Its features include an upscale restaurant and handsome bar and clubroom that delight guests and residents with cocktails, bites and a blend of farm-to-table and bistro fare. In addition, the neighborhood surrounding of the “once upon a time brewery” offers walkable access to retail shops, restaurants and cafes, businesses and a twice weekly Farmers Market.