By Kim P. Alden
Three Star Hotels Near Japanese Tea Gardens (Sunken Gardens) in San Antonio
The Japanese Tea Garden is a delightful find and a refreshing adventure in the midst of downtown
San Antonio, Texas. Enter through the Japanese torii gate and take your time exploring the stone arch bridges, the island and Japanese pagoda. You'll find exotic plants, koi ponds and lush greenery. San Antonio's Japanese Tea Garden is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and is a Registered Texas Historic Landmark as well as a Texas Civil Engineering Landmark. After your exploration, you can rest at one of the three star hotels nearby.
The Menger Hotel
This hotel has a colorful history. Legend has it that Robert E. Lee rode a horse right through the Menger's halls. Ulysses S. Grant stayed at the Menger Hotel, and so did other notable individuals. Renovations and additions were made to the original hotel. It now spans a city block. Each comfortable room is uniquely furnished. Amenities include free high speed Internet access, 24-hour room service and morning coffee in the Victorian lobby. There are many delights to be found in the Menger, such as the sheltered courtyard garden and the player piano in the lobby. Guests can enjoy the fitness center, the outdoor pool or have a delicious meal in the Colonial Room Restaurant. The Menger Bar was added to the hotel in 1887. A replica of the House of Lords Pub in London, this richly appointed setting was where Teddy Roosevelt signed up many of his Rough Riders. The Menger Hotel is smoke-free.
Menger Hotel
204 Alamo Plaza
San Antonio, Texas 78205
(210) 223-4361
mengerhotel.com/
Homewood Suites by Hilton San Antonio-Riverwalk
Each of the accommodations at this hotel is a suite with a fully equipped kitchen, living room, one or two bedrooms and a bathroom. Each suite includes free high speed Internet access, cable television, two phones with voicemail, a newspaper delivered to the room, a work desk and a full sleeper sofa in the living room. Guests can choose a smoking or non-smoking suite. Hotel amenities include a rooftop pool and hot tub, fitness center, business center, meeting rooms and laundry facilities. A complimentary "Suite Start" breakfast is served daily. The Homewood Suites hotel is located in San Antonio's Riverwalk area, and there are a variety of restaurants within easy walking distance.
Homewood Suites by Hilton San Antonio-Riverwalk
432 W. Market St.
San Antonio, Texas 78205
(210) 222-1515
homewoodsuitesriverwalk.com/
Sheraton Gunter Hotel
This is another historic hotel. It opened in 1837 as the Frontier Inn and changed hands several times over the years, becoming the Gunter Hotel in 1909. Sheraton has renovated the Gunter and stayed true to the original. Dark, rich wood and warm colors make it an inviting environment for weary travelers. Guest rooms feature Sheraton "Sweet Sleeper" pillow top beds, high-speed Internet access, voicemail, cable televisions and coffee makers. The Club Guestrooms offer more amenities and access to the private Concierge Lounge. All guests can take advantage of the old-fashioned barbershop, a full-service business center and an outdoor pool. There are several dining opportunities in the Sheraton Gunter: Coffee, tea and pastries are available at Barron's cafe; the Pasta Plus buffet is open for lunch; Chef Armando Lopez commands the kitchen in Barron's Restaurant for evening meals; McLeod's Pub serves cocktails and hors d'oeuvres.
Sheraton Gunter Hotel
205 E. Houston St.
San Antonio, Texas 78205
(888) 999-2089
gunterhotel.com/
Resources
About the Author:
A professional writer and editor for more than 25 years, Kim Alden is also a certified yoga therapist who has lectured in and traveled to many parts of the world. She combines her travel savvy with natural health and yoga expertise to write for various online publications. She earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from Southern Methodist University in Dallas, TX.
Photo Credits:
Photo: Saskia van Veen
