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.
Nick Simonite, courtesy of Hotel Havana
Nick Simonite, courtesy of Hotel Havana
Nick Simonite, courtesy of Hotel Havana
Nick Simonite, courtesy of Hotel Havana
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Hotel Havana: Charm on the River
We stayed in a queen size bedroom at Hotel Havana for four days while visiting San Antonio. The boutique hotel offers the charm of staying at a grand inn. Built in 1914, the renovated Mediterranean Revival style building is situated on the river in a quiet part of downtown that is convenient to all the sites and a 10-minute stroll to the River Walk loop. I appreciated the room’s New World antique decor, walls lined with tall plantation-shuttered windows, and quirky finishing touches like a pink 50s style fridge, art deco radio and plush terry-cloth robes. The lower level houses Ocho Lounge, a swanky restaurant and bar that serves Pan-Latin influenced fare.
