One of Texas’ most charming cities has been boosted by the opening of Thompson San Antonio, a 162-key riverfront scheme with a sophisticated design aesthetic.

Located just north of the heart of the city, in the trendy North River Walk neighbourhood, the 20-storey Thompson San Antonio is an urban oasis, a short walk from a bevy of restaurants and bars, plus iconic institutions like the San Antonio Museum of Art.

“We are thrilled to offer our guests a timelessly original experience in San Antonio that marries the energy of the Thompson Hotels brand with the allure of this charismatic Texas destination,” said general manager Ted Knighton.

A residential design

For the scheme, Mariana Valero, of interior design firm Amass & G, took her cues from contemporary San Antonio, creating a residential vibe through natural handcrafted materials from rustic parota wood to handstitched leather and standout custom furniture. In the lobby, there are homey touches such as a bookcase that surrounds a fireplace, while understated details like abstract-patterned rugs, black granite and Corten steel contrast with natural timber wall panels in a chevron pattern and a notable floating staircase with vertical handrails.

The 161 guest rooms – which include 33 suites – feature floor-to-ceiling windows that frame urban views and, beyond that, the rolling Texas Hill Country. Ranging from 350 to 2,400 sq ft, the accommodation’s earthy colour palette is revealed through elegant furnishings and sleek equestrian touches, such as brown leather and buckle pillow-back headboards in some rooms.

Other notable in-room offerings include entertainment centres; wet bars in suites; luxury bathrooms with freestanding bathtubs; DS & Durga bath products; an espresso and coffee bar; and a snack bar filled with the produce of regional specialists like Dallas-based Ranch Water and craft-distilled Saint Liberty Bertie’s Bourbon Whiskey from Austin.

A standout art collection

Everything is brought together by a stellar art collection, which can be found throughout the hotel. Particular highlights include original sculptures by Jeff Koons and Koray Akay, photography by Lynne Douglas, and works by artists of the calibre of Lucio Carvalho and San Eric Breish.

Elsewhere, the sprawling 5,000 sq ft spa features regionally inspired treatments, such as the Texas Orange Blossom and Cedar Wood manicure and pedicure. There’s also a 24-hour fitness centre and a series of nine flexible meeting and events spaces, complete with the latest technological innovations and impressive downtown views.

On the 4th floor is an expansive pool deck – open only to guests and residents of the adjacent The Arts Residences – featuring a 2,000 sq ft swimming pool, inviting lounge areas and a buzzing al fresco pool bar. Meanwhile, the 200-seat riverfront Landrace, where San Antonio chef Steve McHugh – whose venue Cure helped put San Antonio on the culinary map – serves seasonal wood-fired dishes that celebrate regional Texas ingredients from quail eggs and cabrito to black garlic, edible flowers and Bloody Butcher corn.

Crowning the hotel is The Moon’s Daughters, a restaurant and bar helmed by San Antonio native and executive chef Robert Cantu, whose Mediterranean-inspired menu is filled with high-quality ingredients, not least charred and preserved lemon, local honey, roasted pistachio, fried mint and Marcona almond.

Inspired by San Antonio’s history and culture

Knighton added: “A modern-day interpretation of the River City, Thompson San Antonio offers sophisticated experiences inspired by the rich history and culture of the area. We are delighted to introduce guests and the local community to a new style of hotel in San Antonio, with elevated culinary offerings, exceptional service, a sought-after social scene and jaw-dropping views of the city skyline.”

The Thompson San Antonio and The Arts Residences development is led by the Houston-based developer DC Partners and San Antonio’s Universal Services Group. The property’s architect is Powers Brown Architecture of Houston, working in collaboration with Amass & G from Mexico.

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