Texas travel

Stylish new luxury hotel adds sparkling appeal to San Antonio's River Walk

Update: On February 25, the Thompson San Antonio announced it is officially open. Read more about the swanky hotel below and learn about its recently announced restaurant and bar concepts, including a new eatery from famed San Antonio chef Steve McHugh.

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A stylish new hotel is coming to one of Texas' most popular tourist destinations. Thompson San Antonio is preparing for its opening next spring within The Arts Residences luxury condominiums building, along the northern banks of the San Antonio River.

As early as March 1, 2021, guests will be able to check into this new lifestyle hotel, where locals and world travelers will intersect.

Guests are welcomed as “a resident rather than traveler,” says its website, and the Thompson's River Walk location aims to capture the style and feel of The Beekman, the company’s newly opened hotel in Lower Manhattan.

Nestled near the heart of downtown at 101 Lexington Ave., the 20-story hotel is already a sparkling addition to the city’s skyline, and just walking distance from the San Antonio Museum of Art and other famous landmarks.

Thompson San Antonio’s interior design is in the same style as the condominiums inside The Arts Residences, which offer heart-of-the-city living to residents. The hotel's creators say they hope that their hotel guests enjoy a likened experience to that of the long-term tenants.

The hotel has 162 guest rooms, 33 suites, and a penthouse designed for Gatsby-like entertaining. Without question, one of the many highlights of the hotel will be its sweeping, floor-to-ceiling views of the nation’s seventh largest city.

Design firm Amass & G crafted the interiors using sleek, mix-matched furnishings, which feature natural parota wood and hand-stitched leather. In the gathering spaces, it creates a warm, elegant ambience where travelers, locals, and neighbors will be able to connect with ample space for social distancing.

Indeed, it's the property’s public spaces that could be the biggest attraction for locals. Details about a signature restaurant are still being crafted, but the venue will likely be headed up by a San Antonio-based celebrity chef, teases a press release.

The hotel's rooftop bar is likely be a can't-miss hub in San Antonio's nightlife scene. Inspired by Selene, the Greek goddess of the moon, the dynamic setting includes a sizable pool deck and cabanas with VIP service.

Ted Knighton, general manager of Thompson San Antonio, describes the new property as a first-of-its-kind and a “fresh take on contemporary, tailored hospitality.”

“As we prepare to open our doors in 2021, we are excited to welcome guests, World of Hyatt members, customers and the San Antonio community to discover Thompson San Antonio’s southern hospitality, world-class service, groundbreaking design and in-the-know social scene,” he said in a press release.

In addition to San Antonio, Thompson Dallas opened on November 11. Thompson-brand hotels will also open in Savannah, Los Angeles, and Austin in 2021.

Nightly rates at the Thompson San Antonio will start at $349. More info can be found at thompsonsanantoniohotel.com or by calling 210-876-1234.

The Thompson Suite.

Image courtesy of Thompson San Antonio

The Thompson Suite.

openings hotels

Exploring Texas

Texas' new Palo Pinto State Park opens just a 2-hour drive from Dallas

Photo courtesy of Texas Parks and Wildlife Department

Palo Pinto Mountains State Park opens March 1

Texans will be able to hike, fish, camp, and explore a brand-new state park — the first new Texas state park in 25 years — starting on Sunday, March 1.

Palo Pinto Mountains State Park, located at 100 Park Road 77 in Strawn, spans 4,871 acres of former ranchland between Abilene and the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex (about a two-hour drive west from downtown Dallas).

According to a press release, the land was originally purchased by the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) in 2011 and the park was expected to open three years ago, but construction delays impeded the opening. Funding for the park was provided by the Texas Parks and Wildlife Foundation (TPWF), the Texas Legislature, the Sporting Goods Sales Tax, the federal government, and $10 million was raised by TPWF through private donations.

The park offers more than 16 miles of trails for hikers, bikers, and horseback riding, and the park's website states 1.25 miles are ADA compliant, and all-terrain wheelchairs are available for some non-accessible trails. Campers and overnight guests also have three campsites to choose from, including RV sites, walk-in tent spots, and primitive camping areas.

Visitors are also welcome to swim, fish, and boat (note: motorboats are not allowed) in the 68-acre Tucker Lake using the park's accessible kayak/canoe launch, fishing pier, and fish cleaning station. Visitors don't need a license to fish at Palo Pinto Mountains State Park, and the park will loan fishing gear upon request.

Tucker Lake at Palo Pinto Mountains State Park Visitors are welcome to kayak and canoe at Tucker Lake, but motorboats are not allowed.Photo courtesy of Texas Parks and Wildlife Department

Birding enthusiasts might spot golden-cheeked warblers during their visit, as the endangered species take residence in the park's oak and Ashe juniper trees in the spring and summer months. Many other migratory birds can be seen at the park throughout the year.

Palo Pinto Mountains State Park is anticipating high visitation in March with the spring season's temperate weather and Texas schools' spring breaks. TPWD strongly encouraged visitors to reserve day passes in advance to avoid being turned away if the park has reached its capacity limit.

"This is a tremendous moment for Texas State Parks and the state of Texas," Texas State Parks director Rodney Franklin in the release. "Opening Palo Pinto Mountains State Park represents the culmination of collaborative efforts that includes our Texas Parks and Wildlife Foundation as well as private donors. I am proud of the dedication of our TPWD team but also the unwavering support of the Texas Legislature and the voters of Texas that have brought us to this moment. State park staff stand ready to welcome families far and wide to begin making memories at Texas’ newest state park."

Day passes are available up to one month in advance, are non-transferrable to another person or park, and are valid all-day until 10 pm unless the park closes earlier. Day passes can be reserved online or by calling TPWD's Customer Service Center during regular business hours at (512) 389-8900. Entrance fees are $7 daily for adults and children aged 13 and older, and admission is free for children 12-years-old and younger.

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