Press & News

Hotel Emma at Pearl is excited to be featured by The Independent as one of the top book retreats in the U.S., inspired by the growing trend of literary travel. The article showcases Emma’s private Library, thoughtfully curated by Sherry Kafka Wagner, as well as the daily coffee service and calendar of exclusive events that offer guests an immersive retreat in the heart of Pearl.

We’re incredibly proud to share that Hotel Emma at Pearl has been honored across three categories in this year’s U.S. News & World Report Best Hotels Rankings: #1 in Best Hotels in San Antonio, #2 in Best Hotels in Texas, and #31 in Best Hotels in the USA. Hotel Emma has also been awarded with a celebrated Gold Badge, recognizing our riverfront destination among the top 20% of ranked luxury hotels and resorts.

Hotel Emma at Pearl is featured by Southern Living as “The Ultimate Hotel for Book Lovers,” spotlighting our just-for-guests Library as a destination-worthy retreat for avid readers. The article highlights the Library’s 3,700+ curated titles housed within the original 1894 Brewhouse, along with the property’s relaxed and welcoming hospitality that make Emma an ideal setting for an inspired literary getaway.

We’re honored for Hotel Emma at Pearl to be recognized by the award-winning lifestyle magazine as one of the top 13 honeymoon destinations in the country. The feature celebrates Hotel Emma and the Pearl neighborhood for their romantic sense of place, AAA Five-Diamond and MICHELIN Two-Key hospitality, and vibrant culinary experiences worthy of San Antonio’s distinction as a UNESCO Creative City of Gastronomy.

Hotel Emma at Pearl is proud to once again earn the AAA Five Diamond designation for 2025, placing us among just 131 Five Diamond hotels in the world and one of only two in the state of Texas. We are also honored to receive AAA’s “Inspected Clean” distinction, awarded to Emma and six other Five Diamond properties that meet enhanced cleanliness standards verified through advanced surface testing. Together, these recognitions reflect our ongoing commitment to exceptional hospitality, comfort, and care.

We are thrilled to announce that we have been selected as an American Express Travel® 2025 Card Member Favorite Hotel. From more than 3,100 participating properties, Hotel Emma at Pearl has been recognized for our unwavering commitment to delivering extraordinary service and memorable experiences to our shared American Express guests.

Hotel Emma at Pearl is immensely proud to share that we have once again earned the prestigious Two Key designation from the 2025 MICHELIN Guide, one of just three hotels in the state of Texas to receive this outstanding accolade, and the only hotel of its kind in San Antonio. We thank our dedicated team and our guests and friends from around the globe for making this honor possible for the second year in a row.

Thank you to our cherished guests and visitors! Because of your glowing reviews and ratings, we’ve been listed among the top 1% of Tripadvisor destinations in the 2025 Travelers’ Choice Best of the Best awards. This is our ninth consecutive year being recognized by Tripadvisor as one of the nation’s best hotels: Hotel Emma at Pearl has been ranked as the #2 Luxury Hotel in the U.S. and as the #7 Top Hotel in the U.S.

We’re delighted to be named as the #10 Top US Hotel for Food and Drink in Food & Wine’s 2025 Global Tastemakers awards, voted by over 400 international chefs, travel experts, food and travel writers, and wine professionals to celebrate the best in culinary travel around the world. Hotel Emma at Pearl is praised for all of our “standout” dining options, from Hill Country-inspired breakfast at Supper to South Texas treats at Larder and “premium” cocktails at Sternewirth.