When the Pearl Brewing Company closed in 2001, it marked the end of a spirited era in the Alamo City. At its peak, the 23-acre complex a mile north of downtown employed a quarter of San Antonio’s population. But 118 years after its debut, the rush of beer flowing from Texas’ largest brewery was reduced to just the trickle of the adjacent San Antonio River.
While plans quickly took shape to transform the complex into The Pearl, a cultural and economic end cap for the River Walk, that vision wasn’t fully realized until about 2013, seven years after the first commercial tenant moved in. “The first few years almost killed me,” says Marla Ross, who moved her then- 35-year-old “pueblo chic” clothing shop, Adelante Boutique, to Pearl in 2010 because she was enticed by the area’s promise. “It wasn’t until more restaurants started opening that the area’s cool factor finally reached the masses.”
Anchored by the Culinary Institute of America’s third US campus, The Pearl’s restaurant scene exploded. Adventurous concepts, like The Boiler House, and Botika, a Chinese-Peruvian and Japanese-Peruvian lounge/restaurant, married the complex’s historic limestone brickwork with modern tastes. Casual eateries, like heralded taqueria La Gloria, which bookend The Pearl, brought gourmet food at wallet-friendly prices. The foodie buzz pulled in more stores and visitors, who flocked to The Pearl for events, like the twice-weekly farmers’ market.
Today, The Pearl features over two dozen restaurants and bars, 13 locally owned shops, more than 300 apartments, and eight commercial offices. Here are some standouts that give Pearl a distinctly local cultural flavor.
KNOWN FOR
Its history as a brewery and presently as a culinary destination with a strong mix of shopping, residential, and commercial offerings.
DON’T VISIT WITHOUT
Exploring Pearl’s repurposed structures, like the Boiler House, a restaurant whose kitchen is prominently located in two of the original brewery’s boilers.
WITHIN REACH
The heart of the city’s famed River Walk (and Hotel Valencia Riverwalk) is minutes away by water taxi through a museum-lined stretch of the San Antonio River.
Lone Star Court is a neon-and-pastel paean to the 1950s, but nothing evokes swinging, swaggering retro Texas like the hotel’s teal 1954 Buick Roadmaster. The car is 90-percent original, and it’s no stranger to daily gawking and photo ops.
Kick back in its leather bench seats, or run a hand over its sleek dashboard, and it’s like traveling through time to an era when hoop skirts and malted milkshakes reigned supreme.
Austin, TX
Here’s how to live large in the “Live Music Capital of the World”, straight from the people who help make it the funky cultural melting pot that it is.
1. FREDDIE STEADY KRC
Texas Music Hall of Fame inductee, singer – songwriter, and session guitarist and drummer freddiesteadykrc.com
“South Austin Popular Culture Center is the first place I suggest visitors check out. It has quite a large collection of posters, prints, and photographs that go back through the 1960s. It showcases our pop history, revealing how Austin came to be the point of destination it
has become.”southpop.org
2. EVE MONSEES
Co-owner of legendary Antone’s Record Shop antonesrecordshop.com
“Mount Bonnell is one of those places that feels so removed even though you’re in the middle of town. On a pretty day, it’s a wonderful place to escape the traffic and everything.” mountbonnell.com
3. KAREEM BADR
Improvisational actor, co-owner of Hideout Coffee House and Theatre hideouttheatre.com
“Sweet Ritual is a vegan ice cream shop that’s just ridiculous. There are hilarious flavors like Cinnamonkey Elephantastic, and they mess around with savory flavors, like mixing in basil. I usually get Cubano Coffee. I’m a sucker for coffee.” sweetritual.com
4. RACHEL CLEMENS
Chief Marketing Officer, Mighty Citizen creativesuitcase.com
“The place where everyone from hipsters to hippies goes to escape the heat is Barton Springs Pool. You feel like you’ve been transported back to a time when you can dip your toes in a nice cool swimming hole – until thong guy shows up, snaps you back to reality, and reminds you that you’re in Austin.” austintexas.gov
5. VERONICA ROBERTS
Curator of modern and contemporary art at the Blanton Museum of Art blantonmuseum.org
“My new favorite restaurant is Launderette. Divine food, and I love the interior design – simple, not fussy.” launderetteaustin.com
Valencia Hotel Group Continues to Build Its World Class Brand and Lands Among the World’s Best Hotels, Resorts, Countries, Cities, Islands, Spas, Airlines, Airports and Cruises
San Antonio TX – October 5, 2021– Condé Nast Traveler today announced the results of its annual Readers’ Choice Awards. Valencia Hotel Group’s luxury and court hotels were named in the magazine’s 2021 Readers’ Choice Awards list. Hotel Valencia Santana Row was #1 in San Jose and #5 among top 20 hotels in Northern California. Additional hotels in the collection that made the top 20 list for Texas include Hotel Valencia Riverwalk, claiming the #1 spot in San Antonio and #15 in Texas and Lone Star Court, which made its debut as #5 in Austin and #20 in Texas.
The Condé Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice Awards are the longest-running and most prestigious recognition of excellence in the travel industry and are commonly known as “the best of the best of travel.” The full list of winners can be found here.
“We are honored to see our hotels recognized by discerning travelers for their remarkable service and memorable guest experiences,” said Doyle A. Graham, Jr., President and CEO. “During another challenging year in the hospitality industry, these awards reaffirm our highest commitment to providing some of the best accommodations in the business. We are extremely proud to add our Lone Star Court hotel in Austin to this prestigious list for 2021.”
Graham is the visionary and thought leader behind building the Valencia Hotel Group collection and attributes much of the company’s success to its unique management approach and efficient cost structure; these have made the Valencia Hotel Group a leading market performer with consistent customer satisfaction ratings above the 90th percentile.
The 2021 Readers’ Choice Awards are published on Condé Nast Traveler‘s website, www.cntravelerom/rca and celebrated in the November issue of Condé Nast Traveler US and UK print editions.
About Valencia Hotel Group
Houston-based Valencia Hotel Group is a fully integrated hospitality company that provides management, development, branding and repositioning services for independent, full-service hotels owned by the company, in addition to third parties. Exceptional service, style and location have become brand trademarks. Earning both national and international recognition for their distinctive designs, amenities and settings, Valencia Hotel Group properties are destinations and gathering places within their respective communities, some further benefitting from and enriching their space within the cultural heart of a city. The company continues to forge a niche with hotels that anchor and add value to urban, mixed-use environments, which further support or enhance the guest experience with superior residential, restaurant, retail and office components. The Valencia Hotel Group portfolio currently includes Hotel Valencia Santana Row in San Jose, CA, Hotel Valencia Riverwalk in San Antonio, TX, and The George™ in College Station, TX. The Court concept brands include Lone Star Court in Austin, TX, Cavalry Court in College Station, TX, Texican Court in Irving, TX and Cotton Court in Lubbock, TX. For more information, please visit www.valenciahotelgroup.com
About Condé Nast Traveler
Condé Nast Traveler is the world’s most distinguished travel title providing inspiration and advice for discerning travelers. Authoritative and influential, Condé Nast Traveler is a multi-platform, transatlantic brand. Publishing US and UK print editions under Editor-in-Chief Melinda Stevens, Condé Nast Traveler offers award-winning expertise in luxury travel from around the world. For more, visit www.cntraveler.com.
For press inquiries, please contact: awards@condenasttraveler.com
SAN ANTONIO, TX – October 7, 2021 – During the summer, Valencia Hotel Group’s annual signature promotion of Poptails was back again with a purpose. Each of the hotels at Valencia Hotel Group put a different spin on this initiative and partnered with local not for profits in each of their cities. The annual offering took a percentage of sales from Poptail beverages sold and donated back to their communities.
As summer began, the hotels at Valencia Hotel Group started to see weekend and leisure travel bookings increase as local and regional guests were eager to experience staycation or nearcations getaways. Several of those reservations booked the unique “Poptails with a Purpose” package, allowing the hotels to make these donations.
With over $4,500 raised over the course of the summer, the money raised will be donated to each non-profit in each city over the next few weeks. Poptails with a Purpose beneficiaries for 2021 were the Baylor Scott and White Irving Foundation in Irving, Scotty’s House in Bryan/College Station, Second Harvest Food Bank of Silicon Valley, Partnerships for Children in Austin, CASA of the South Plains in Lubbock and the San Antonio Food Bank.
“One of our core values at Valencia Hotel Group is connecting our hotels to the communities where we are built. Our hotels have a proven ability to give back through creative connections through special events and promotions like “Poptails with a Purpose,” said Amy Trench, Corporate Director of Brand Marketing and PR.
About Valencia Hotel Group
Houston-based Valencia Hotel Group is a fully integrated hospitality company that provides management, development, branding and repositioning services for independent, full-service hotels owned by the company, in addition to third parties. Exceptional service, style and location have become brand trademarks. Earning both national and international recognition for their distinctive designs, amenities and settings, Valencia Hotel Group properties are destinations and gathering places within their respective communities, some further benefitting from and enriching their space within the cultural heart of a city. The company continues to forge a niche with hotels that anchor and add value to urban, mixed-use environments, which further support or enhance the guest experience with superior residential, restaurant, retail and office components. The Valencia Hotel Group portfolio currently includes : Hotel Valencia Santana Row in San Jose, CA, Hotel Valencia Riverwalk in San Antonio, TX, and The George™ in College Station, TX. The Court concept brands include Lone Star Court in Austin, TX, Cavalry Court in College Station, TX, Texican Court in Irving, TX and Cotton Court in Lubbock, TX. For more information, please visit www.valenciahotelgroup.com
LONE STAR COURT APPOINTS JAMES WILSON AS EXECUTIVE CHEF
Lone Star Court, a Valencia Hotel Group property in Austin, Texas, is excited to announce James Wilson as executive chef of the retro-inspired boutique hotel and on-site bar and restaurant, The Water Trough.
“We are thrilled to welcome James to the Lone Star Court team,” said William Barba, general manager of the hotel. “Aside from his impressive background, he leads by example and offers a deep understanding of the hospitality and service we aim to provide to our guests.”
A SEASONED PROFESSIONAL
Originally from North Carolina, Wilson started cooking in a professional kitchen when he was just 13 years old. After discovering a passion for creating recipes with local and sustainable ingredients, Wilson fine-tuned his craft at Le Cordon Bleu College of Culinary Arts in Austin. His career has taken him across the country to dining establishments including the Sheraton Austin Hotel at the Capitol, Morrison Management Specialists and ATX FIT CHEF.
Wilson comes to Lone Star Court from the University of Texas Southwestern where he served as executive chef. During his time there, Wilson oversaw all kitchen functions, managed a team of more than 250 people and elevated the banquet and catering functions across the brand.
ON THE HORIZON
As the new executive chef at Lone Star Court, Wilson will oversee all of the property’s culinary programs including group catering, room service and full-service eatery, The Water Trough.
“I’m overjoyed to be joining the Lone Star Court team,” said Wilson. “The property showcases true Southern hospitality and I look forward to engraining that thoughtfulness into each dish we serve.”
A high-res headshot of Chef Wilson can be downloaded here. For more information about Lone Star Court, please visit lonestarcourt.comor call 512.814.2625.
MEDIA CONTACT:
bread & Butter – lsc@wearebreadandbutter.com
MEDIA CONTACT
bread & Butter
Join us at our College Station Bar every Wednesday from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. as we feature alternating weeks of wine or whiskey and live music.
Everyone is invited! From hotel guests to area locals and 100 Park Residents receive a 10% discount.
With Love from Valencia Hotel Group
Our Texas hotels were such a beautiful and picturesque sight, all covered up in snow and one that we don’t commonly get to see and experience. While the snow was beautiful, with it came many hardships, and we hope that you our guests are safe and well.
There’s one thing that stayed warm in the recent snowy days in Texas, your hearts! We just love the big hearts of Texans and seeing neighbor helping neighbor in our communities.
We understand that the timing of many Texans losing power and water coupled with terrible road conditions interrupted your travel plans, including Valentine’s Day. At Valencia Hotel Group, we are extending our Valentine’s packages as a “Valentine Do-Over” through April.
We hope to see you again soon.
SAN ANTONTIO, TX. – February 3, 2021 –Valencia Hotel Group is proud to announce that three of their hotel properties, including Hotel Valencia Santana Row, Hotel Valencia Riverwalk, and Cavalry Court were recognized as a silver badge winner by U.S. News & World Report’s Best Hotels in the USA 2021 lists as top luxury hotel offerings in their respective cities. The annual U.S. News & World Report travel rankings are based on an analysis of expert and user opinions taking into account reputation among professional travel experts, guest reviews and hotel class ratings.
Hotel Valencia Santana Row was named the #1 hotel in San Jose, California and recipient of the silver badge. U.S. News and World Report says, “Travelers describe this boutique hotel as cozy and romantic, and couples enjoyed bedding down in the trendy guest rooms, which are dressed in leather furnishings, custom beds and 50-inch flat-screen TVs. The free Wi-Fi access and business center make it easy to stay connected. When you’re not out exploring the area or craving some alone time, visitors suggest indulging in drinks at the swanky Vbar or a meal at the on-site Cielo rooftop bar, open seasonally.”
Hotel Valencia Riverwalk. This silver badge recipient in San Antonio, Texas, as described by U.S. News and World Report says, “This trendy see-and-be-seen enclave on San Antonio’s River Walk attracts the hippest and wealthiest lodgers. Dorrego’s restaurant set the chic tone of the property, as stylish guests and locals sip impressive cocktails. The guest rooms are just as elegant: The European-style accommodations center around a cozy bed and feature deluxe amenities like flat-screen TVs, complimentary Wi-Fi, Egyptian cotton linens and private bars.”
Cavalry Court was rated the #2 in College Station, Texas as the silver badge winner, According to U.S. News and World Report, “Across the street from Texas A&M University’s campus, the Cavalry Court sits near the center of the action in College Station, Texas. There are numerous restaurants, shops and attractions within walking distance of this boutique hotel, and both Kyle Field (home to the Texas A&M Aggies football team) and The Golf Club at Texas A&M are less than 2 miles away. Cavalry Court also boasts an array of additional amenities, including a courtyard with ping-pong tables and an outdoor pool with cabanas.”
In addition to these silver badge winners, The George Hotel in College Station, TX, Lone Star Court in Austin, TX and Texican Court in Irving, TX were all also named to this prestigious 2021 Best Hotels in the USA List, an annual ranking of luxury hotels.
Roy Kretschmer, VP Of Operations for Valencia Hotel Group said, “Valencia Hotel Group specifically focuses on providing our guests with a sense of place with unique amenities and attentive service. We also strive for exceptional locations providing an experience with the best that our cities have to offer that includes destinations providing an array of restaurant, retail and entertainment offerings.”
About Valencia Hotel Group
Houston-based Valencia Hotel Group is a fully integrated hospitality company that provides management, development, branding and repositioning services for independent, full-service hotels owned by the company, in addition to third parties. Exceptional service, style and location have become brand trademarks. Earning both national and international recognition for their distinctive designs, amenities and settings, Valencia Hotel Group properties are destinations and gathering places within their respective communities, some further benefitting from and enriching their space within the cultural heart of a city. The company continues to forge a niche with hotels that anchor and add value to urban, mixed-use environments, which further support or enhance the guest experience with superior residential, restaurant, retail and office components. The Valencia Hotel Group portfolio currently includes : Hotel Valencia Santana Row in San Jose, CA, Hotel Valencia Riverwalk in San Antonio, TX, and The George™ in College Station, TX. The Court concept brands include Lone Star Court in Austin, TX, Cavalry Court in College Station, TX, Texican Court in Irving, TX and Cotton Court in Lubbock, TX. For more information, please visit www.valenciahotelgroup.com
February is a month of love at Valencia Hotel Group. Plan an romantic escape with the one you love to a Valencia Hotel Group property. Our award-winning hotels are known for their impeccable service and ambiance.
The Hotel Valencia luxury brand is stylish and sophisticated, with locations on Santana Row in San Jose, CA, and the famed River Walk in San Antonio, TX.
The Court brand hotels offer a relaxed form of travel with spacious outdoor courtyards, fire-pits, and live music on the weekends. The Court Hotels are located throughout Texas in Austin, Irving, College Station, and Lubbock.
Valencia Hotel Group promises the Romance of Great Spaces in Great Places®.