The 116-year-old Gunter Hotel in San Antonio has officially reopened as Gunter Hotel, a Tribute Portfolio Hotel, following the first phase of a $57 million renovation.
Originally opened in 1909, the Gunter now joins Marriott Bonvoy’s Tribute Portfolio, a global collection of more than 160 independent hotels. The Gunter’s redesign was led by DLR Group and the first phase of the reopening includes guestrooms and select public spaces, as well as two of the hotel’s four new dining concepts—Jots and The Keystone Club. The remainder of the Texas hotel—including the recording studio and additional venues—will open later this year.
“We are incredibly excited to welcome guests to the newly transformed Gunter Hotel and to share the next chapter of this historic icon,” Jiwon Choi, owner and managing director at Axle Capital, said in a statement. “Our team has worked tirelessly to blend the hotel’s rich legacy with the best in modern luxury and hospitality, so we are confident that The Gunter will offer an unforgettable stay for both locals and travelers from around the world.”
The reimagined property has 311 guestrooms—including 30 suites and 14 ADA rooms—and new amenities such as a rooftop pool, a 24-hour fitness center and more than 20,000 square feet of meeting and event space. Among the hotel’s most notable additions are a recording studio and a 900-plus album vinyl library, both of which acknowledge the property’s deep musical roots and the blues legend Robert Johnson, who recorded at the Gunter in 1936.
DLR Group looked to infuse the property’s Beaux-Arts architecture with a modern sensibility. The refreshed interiors aim to juxtapose classical symmetry with contemporary art, dramatic lighting and textured materials, according to the company. Guestrooms have updated layouts, midcentury-inspired furnishings and a refined palette, which are complemented by in-room record players and copies of Robert Johnson’s debut album.
The hotel introduces four new dining and beverage outlets that pay homage to San Antonio’s cultural and creative spirit. The culinary program is helmed by Director of Outlets Nicholle Purnell, Director of Culinary Development Sarah Myles and Chef de Cuisine Hayley Unruh.