One of downtown San Antonio’s most storied properties is singing a new tune. The 116-year-old Gunter Hotel has debuted the first phase of its $57 million revamp that pays homage to its landmark history — and one of its most infamous musical guests.
The newly unveiled renovations include a decked-out recording studio, a 900-plus album vinyl library, a restaurant, a cocktail lounge, and 311 guest rooms, including 30 suites. Much of the design pays homage to legendary bluesman Robert Johnson, who recorded some of his first songs at the hotel between 1936 and 1937.
The design takes cues from ’30s Art Deco glamor with bubbly tiered fixtures, deeply veined marble tabletops, arched headboards, and curvy velvet chaise lounges. Each room includes a turntable and a copy of Johnson’s first album. The tunes might be enough to keep the musician from causing mischief. His ghost is purported to roam Gunter’s halls, although he died miles away in Mississippi.
Each room at the Gunter Hotel has a turntable outfitted with a Robert Johnson record. Photo courtesy of The Gunter Hotel
More records can be found in the library, where a vinyl ambassador — arguably San Antonio’s coolest job — is on standby to give recommendations. The period vibe continues to the Keystone Club on the lobby level, where guests can sip on a classic cocktail under a glittering ’30s-era chandelier reflected in mirrored walls.
Jots, the hotel’s flagship restaurant, draws inspiration from the earliest days of The Gunter. Named after Jonathan “Jot” Gunter, a rancher and the hotel’s financier, the spot is outfitted in the leather banquettes and murky blue walls of a writer’s retreat. Hand-drawn sketches and bold abstract upholstery keep the storytelling theme.
The menu pays homage to turn-of-the-century supper clubs with hearty American standards made with local and seasonal ingredients. Entrees include rosemary prime rib, brown butter scallops, and pan-seared Alaskan salmon, finished off with desserts like a grilled citrus pound cake and charred peach cheesecake.
The two concepts will soon be joined by Bar 414, an intimate speakeasy-style bar tucked behind a gallery wall. Paris Baguette, the first San Antonio location of a cult South Korean bakery chain, was previously announced. The former does not yet have an opening date, but a hotel rep says the cafe is aiming for an October opening.
Abstract squiggles nod to Jots’ storytelling theme.The Gunter Hotel San Antonio
Although both Jots and Keystone Club are now operational, they are still in a soft-opening phase. Jots is currently only serving breakfast between 7-11 am, and Keystone is serving a limited menu from 3-11pm.
Overnight guests will also be pleased to know that The Gunter Hotel is part of the Tribute Portfolio, allowing members to earn and redeem points as part of the Marriott Bonvoy program.
“We are incredibly excited to welcome guests to the newly transformed Gunter Hotel and to share the next chapter of this historic icon,” said Owner and Managing Director at Axle Capital Jiwon Choi, via a release. “Our team has worked tirelessly to blend the hotel’s rich legacy with the best in modern luxury and hospitality, so we are confident that The Gunter will offer an unforgettable stay for both locals and travelers from around the world.”