The Cattlemen's Hotel, the Sheraton Gunter
Written: Oct 18 '01 (Updated Jan 28 '02)
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Product Rating:
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Pros: Historic character, large rooms, great location
Cons: Dining needs work
The Bottom Line: Traditionally more of a business hotel, the Gunter has been restored well and is a good choice in this interesting city.
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| tombarnes's Full Review: Sheraton Gunter Hotel San Antonio |
Built in 1909, the Sheraton Gunter is a big, solid hotel where cattlemen used to fill the lobby with cigar smoke as they dealt their business. San Antonio society flocked to the nearby St, Anthony, but the Gunter was always where people went to make money.
Lobby
The impressive lobby is no longer redolent with cigar smoke; the stains on its delicate Adamesque plaster ceiling have been cleaned and the lobby shines once again. While not quite as old or historic as the Menger, the Gunter occupies a central place in San Antonio's history. Restored in the 1980's, it has been through a succession of owners and has become a Sheraton again. The walls of the lobby and the lower floors are lined with pictures of its past. You really know you are in Texas at the Gunter!!
Rooms
One August morning, after arriving by train at an absurdly early hour, I fully expected to wait until the afternoon to be given a room. Instead, the desk agent informed me that the Governor's Suite would be available at no extra cost. Would I care to see it?? With me, this is always a foolish question.
The Governor's Suite is on a rear corner of the tenth floor. This may have since been re-named the Presidential Suite. A very large drawing room opens into a big bedroom. The feeling here is definitely masculine, with large leather couches and furniture as solid as granite. I thought twice about the bed after hearing that Bill Clinton had taken this suite while campaigning. To my surprise, the bed was actually firm!! They must have replaced the mattress after he left...The bath was very large, but had fairly standard amenities. I rather liked the louvered shutters on the windows--a nice alternative to shades or sheer curtains. Everything worked well, and there was ample light--especially as the room was on a corner.
Dining
Dining here is good enough, but is not this hotel's strong suit. Barron's Restaurant has a decent breakfast, but the lunch and dinner menus were not tempting enough to make me stay here to try anything beyond breakfast. The Gunter Bakery has some nice pastries and good coffee, but is just that--a bakery. Boudro's on the Riverwalk is a good choice for creative local cooking. The Houston Street Bistro is a very good restaurant just across the street from the Gunter.
Pool and Fitness
There is a small outdoor pool with a roof deck on the third floor. A fitness room is located just downstairs from the pool. The pool was most welcome in the sweltering August heat.
General
With an outstanding downtown location on East Houston Street, the Gunter is very convenient to the Riverwalk, Hemisfair Plaza, La Villita, or any of San Antonio's major tourist attractions.
Service
The service here is very friendly and, for the most part, efficient. Stay on the Club Floor. The lounge is an inviting room with more Texas-sized leather couches to sink into.
Recommended:
Yes
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Epinions.com ID:
tombarnes
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 - Top 200 |
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Member: Thomas Barnes
Location: Fort Lauderdale & Washington, DC
Reviews written: 688
Trusted by: 444 members
About Me:
With Barbara in Miami, 2004
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