Saint Anthony Hotel
historic place
The Saint Anthony Hotel, a historic place in San Antonio, Bexar County, was erected in 1909. It was founded by cattlemen B. L. Naylor and Augustus H. Jones, who aimed to establish a luxury destination in San Antonio. Designed by architect James Flood Walker, it opened as the city's first luxury hotel. Upon its opening, the Saint Anthony was considered one of the world's most modern hotels. It featured advanced amenities for its time, including automatic doors, in-room telephones, and electric lights that turned off when guests locked their doors. Guests also had access to circulating ice water. In 1935, after Ralph W. Morrison purchased the hotel, it underwent significant renovations. During this period, it became the world's first fully air-conditioned hotel. Throughout its history, the Saint Anthony Hotel has hosted numerous notable guests, including film stars, royalty, and presidents. It was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1986. This site highlights San Antonio's early 20th-century innovation and hospitality.