Sheraton Gunter Hotel San Antonio Rating: 4.0 Pearls

Downtown/Riverwalk, San Antonio, Texas

The Sheraton Gunter Hotel dates back to 1909, and has managed to retain its historic charm while benefiting from some modern updates. It's a well-regarded gem among history buffs and those preferring hotels with character.

The lobby oozes old time elegance, with large chandeliers and plenty of room to lounge. An old telephone switchboard and barber shop on the floor below complete the old-time feel.

While more than a century old, the Sheraton Gunter has been well-maintained and still manages to feel relevant, comfortable and clean.

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From the hotel, you can walk to any of a number of area attractions, including the Alamo (four blocks away), La Villita, the Riverwalk, and Tower of the Americas.

Worthy of mention is the fact that the hotel’s street address will not lead you to the main entrance for valet parking and bellhops. That is actually on the other side of the building and you will need to circle around a few blocks to an entrance on its northwest corner.

San Antonio is a cultural city, with Latin communities and outdoor markets in La Villita, the oldest neighborhood in San Antonio. During the summer, festivals are held almost every week and flamenco dancers often perform. To escape the oppressive summer heat, the young and hip cool down with margaritas on River Walk, a winding street lined with restaurants and bars, while families opt to visit theme parks such as Splash Town and Six Flags. San Antonio is particularly kid-friendly, with numerous amusement parks, bike paths, HemisFair Park (park and convention center complete with gardens and playgrounds), and a zoo.

• 13-minute drive to San Antonio International Airport
• 5-minute walk to the Riverwalk
• 10-minute walk to the Alamo
• 10-minute walk to Henry B. Gonzalez Convention Center
• 15-minute walk to Tower of the Americas
• 15-minute walk to La Villita park
• 5-minute drive to the Alamodome
• 6-minute drive to the King William Historical District

The rooms have been upgraded in recent years, and it’s refreshing to see attractive, tan-colored wallpaper in lieu of the peeling paint found in some other historic hotels. They have high ceilings, which makes them feel larger than they are, and most bathrooms have a window that lets in natural light.

One note: The rooms vary greatly in size because of the historic nature of the building.

• Rooms have high ceilings and city views
• Small bathrooms, but with a small window that lets in ambient light
• Flat-screen TVs
• Coffeemaker with free Starbucks coffee and tea
• Mini-fridges available at extra cost
• Fee-based Wi-Fi
• Parlor Suite available

• Small outdoor pool overlooking the city
• Good fitness center with cardio machines, a few weight machines, and some free weights
• Small business center in lobby; but charges a fee for services
• Several meeting spaces, including a banquet hall
• Expensive valet parking
• Old-fashioned barber shop
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• Barron’s is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner and has a popular lunchtime pasta/salad bar.
• McLeod Bar is a Victorian-style pub open in the evenings and serving hot appetizers.
• Gunter Bakery offers a wide selection of treats in addition to Starbucks coffee.
• Room service until late evening
• Several good restaurants are all within walking distance.