The St. Anthony, a Luxury Collection Hotel, San Antonio

Opened in 1909, the St. Anthony was the first luxury hotel in San Antonio, and it was also the first air-conditioned hotel in the world. The hotel underwent extensive renovations and joined Starwood's Luxury Collection in 2015, discovering and restoring many of its original elements in the process -- including Venetian tile mosaics, sculptures, tapestries, and murals. The lobby is known as Peacock Alley and features enormous chandeliers and oil paintings by famous artists such as Remington. Free coffee can be enjoyed by the fireplace or perched on an elegant high-backed velvet sofa by the 1927 Steinway grand piano. Everywhere the eye lands there is something quirky and interesting, from antique chairs with brass swans to vintage books to splashes of acid green velvet that pairs well with the cream and silver hues that elicit Old World glamour. Each room has a book detailing the hotel's history and most famous guests -- including President Eisenhower, Lucille Ball, and Princess Grace. 

The St. Anthony Club -- once a members-only establishment -- retains an air of the 1920s and features a weekly jazz happy hour. Restaurant ReBelle is more modern, with Lucite chairs and fantasy paintings adorning the walls. The bar Haunt evokes some of the rumored ghosts that have supposedly stuck around the building over the years. There is a beautiful rooftop pool surrounded by double sunbeds, chic sofas, and fire pits, although not much of a view to speak of. The hotel doesn't quite hit its advertised five-star status, but guests are nonetheless part of an experience -- ghosts (or specialty cocktails named after them) included.

The St. Anthony is located in central San Antonio, near many of the city's most popular attractions, including the Alamo and the River Walk, both three blocks away. The hotel overlooks Travis Park, which has a bit of a seedy edge to it and may not be safe to wander after dark. There are plenty of restaurants, bars, and shops around. The nearest bus stop is a minutes' walk from the hotel and serves several lines. The Alamodome is a seven-minute drive from here, while the AT&T Center is a 12-minute drive. The Henry B. Gonzalez Convention Center is about a five-minute drive and San Antonio's King William Historical District is eight minutes away by car. San Antonio International Airport is about a 15-minute drive away or 45 minutes by public transportation.

Renovated in 2015, rooms pack in the charm, with stylish decor that mixes modern furnishings with vintage elegance. Sophisticated neutral gray tones are enlivened by pops of acid green, courtesy of velvet accent pillows on chic loveseats or velvet benches. Beds have leather headboards with studded trim that compliment the stylish patterned wallpaper and carpet. Bedside control panels adjust the temperature and all of the lights. Other amenities include 42-inch flat-screen TVs with cable channels, minibars, laptop safes, writing desks, and bathrobes. 

Suites offer more space with separate living rooms furnished with sofas and armchairs, while Superior Suites also have dining areas. Bathrooms are also sleek and modern, consisting of walk-in showers or shower/tub combos, double vanities, lighted magnifying mirrors, and Gilchrest and Soames toiletries, plus suites have TVs inset in mirrors. Note that rooms may get noise from surrounding bars into the night.

Though the St. Anthony lacks a spa, it has a wide range of other upscale features. The hotel's beautiful heated rooftop pool is surrounded by cushioned sunbeds, private cabanas, couches, and cozy fire pits -- though the views here are of old buildings. There's also a bright fitness center with cardio machines and weight equipment. The St. Anthony has 15 meeting rooms and wedding facilities, including an outdoor ballroom, the Starlight Terrace. Wi-Fi is free for SPG members, the hotel's loyalty club, but otherwise incurs a fee. There's also a pricey fee for parking.

Dining-wise, The Loggia serves breakfast (for an extra fee) and lunch in a pretty streetside sunroom and a corner of the elegant lobby. The menu is varied and sumptuous, ranging from huevos rancheros to duck crepes; service is rumored to be slow. ReBelle, the hotel's fine-dining restaurant, serves a menu featuring coastal seafood flown in fresh daily, plus Texas meat and produce. There are two hotel bars: Haunt has black walls and atmospheric lighting, and a cocktail menu with drinks named after some of the property's more well-known ghosts; the St. Anthony Club, once members-only, has retained its bygone-era feel through live jazz nights and wood-paneled walls with gilded frames.