The Gunter Hotel in San Antonio, part of Marriott Tribute Portfolio, has reopened following the first phase of a $57-million renovation.
Originally opened in 1909, the reworked 311-room Gunter Hotel now includes a state-of-the-art recording studio, a vinyl library with over 900 albums, a rooftop pool, a 24/7 fitness center and 20,000 square feet of meeting space. Four dining and bar concepts are part of the culinary offering.
“We are incredibly excited to welcome guests to the newly transformed Gunter Hotel and to share the next chapter of this historic icon,” said Jiwon Choi, managing director at Axle Capital, which owns the property. “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. It’s an honor to lead such a talented team, and we look forward to serving our guests with the highest standards of excellence.”
Guestrooms and select public spaces are now open, including Jots, the signature restaurant, and The Keystone Club, with the full hotel scheduled to open later this year.
DLR Group led the redesign, blending the Gunter’s Beaux-Arts architecture with contemporary touches. Interiors combine classical symmetry with unexpected artwork, dramatic lighting and rich textures. Guest rooms feature modern layouts, mid-century-inspired fixtures and a moody color palette. Each room honors blues legend Robert Johnson, who recorded at the hotel in 1936, with a record player and a copy of his first album. Guests can access the 900-plus album vinyl library in the lobby, with a Vinyl Ambassador available to provide recommendations.
Public spaces include The Studio with jewel tones and secret passageways, The Keystone Club with fluted brass accents, and Jots, designed like a writer’s retreat with leather banquettes and hand-drawn sketches that celebrate storytelling.
The Gunter Hotel features four food-and-beverage venues: Jots, The Keystone Club, Bar 414 and Paris Baguette. Jots and Keystone Club are open with limited menus, while Bar 414 and Paris Baguette will open later in the year. Jots, named after local rancher and hotel financier Jonathan “Jot” Gunter, serves classic American cuisine with retro flair using seasonal ingredients. The menu includes Rosemary Prime Rib, Brown Butter Scallops, Pan Seared Alaskan Salmon and desserts such as Grilled Citrus Pound Cake and Charred Peach Cheesecake. The Keystone Club offers cocktails, beer and wine in an Art Deco-inspired setting. Bar 414, a speakeasy behind a gallery wall, celebrates the hotel’s musical heritage and Robert Johnson’s recording history. Paris Baguette will introduce artisanal pastries, breads and coffee in its first San Antonio location.
A recording studio, accessible via a hidden staircase above Bar 414, pays tribute to the hotel’s musical past. The lounge features jewel-toned interiors, brass accents and Art Deco touches, offering an intimate creative space. The Gunter Hotel will continue its phased reopening through 2025.