Maybe it's me, but I didn't have San Antonio—or even Texas, for that matter—on my shortlist of places to be this summer. But when I got an invitation to meet with celebrity aesthetician —the Dallas-based pro who works with everyone from Jennifer Aniston to Kim Kardashian—during her pop-up at the city's , I had no choice but to throw some and in a bag and hop on a plane. I stayed for two nights, during which, yes, I got a facial that absolutely lived up to the hype—but also had a chance to explore the city's Pearl District, which feels more like a cute college campus than a neighborhood, and is packed with restaurants, a music venue, and even a huge grocery-slash-food hall.
Hotel Emma is smack-dab in the middle of it all, setting me up for two days of eating, relaxing, and even running on the gorgeous nearby. Keep reading for my full review of the stunning spot, which absolutely deserves to be on your bucket list—skincare-obsessed or not. THE QUICK HITS: HOTEL EMMA EDITION THE FIRST IMPRESSIONS Hotel Emma occupies what used to be a brewery (Pearl Brewing Company, to be exact) and the founder made sure to keep the industrial vibe alive in the lobby with antique brewing equipment decorating the walls, plus lots of exposed brick and dark wood.
It's still surprisingly elegant, with soaring ceilings, comfortable seating areas, and even desks where you can set up to work. Off the lobby is a two-story library that's open to guests only, and it also serves as a quiet spot .