SPOTLIGHT
The St. Anthony Hotel
Where Service is Supreme!
Their photographs pepper the lobby of The St. Anthony Hotel in downtown San Antonio: Hollywood’s legends and superstars—John Wayne, Judy Garland, Matthew McConaughey—who have graced the threshold of this 105-year-old establishment. The photos are a testament to not only The St. Anthony’s historic past, but its level of service. Sure, not everyone who visits the hotel will have their picture hung in the lobby, but—famous or not—they will be treated like a star.
“Our service is something that sets us apart,” says Sara Wilson, catering sales manager. “We are truly full-service.”
In fact, when discussing wedding receptions in particular, it is easier for Sara to list what the hotel does not provide (the cake, music, and flowers) than fully detail everything it does.
From the linens and candles to the drinks and dance floor, The St. Anthony offers the perfect backdrop for occasions ranging from an intimate affair of just 20 people to an extravagant wedding with 600 guests. The hotel also provides a list of top-notch, reputable local vendors for couples in need of assistance with outside resources.
And while the hotel exudes sophistication and wealth with its French antiques and dazzling chandeliers, Sara insists planning a wedding at The St. Anthony is more affordable than people might imagine. The hotel only requires guests use and pay for its catering services and does not charge any rental fees for the rooms or supplies.
“I think there’s a lot of value in hotels and country clubs because they own their own equipment,” says Sara, noting that when guests start to compare the total cost of using off-site rentals, “They might find there’s more value in what we offer and in our prices.”
But that does not mean guests will be met with limited options.
“Our dinner menu alone is 15 pages long, so there are a lot of choices and ranges,” says Sara. In fact, she recalls past occasions that have run the gamut from a traditional sit-down dinner with a chicken or beef entrée to Mexican-themed fiesta with brightly colored linens and maracas. Just because The St. Anthony is a historic building does not mean couples will face restrictions on such details as a party’s theme or decorations.
“You can go with standards that we provide or go all out,” Sara says.
Of course, the banquet rooms at The St. Anthony hardly need any enhancement with their incredible architecture, vaulted ceilings, tapestries, and delicate chandeliers. Each of the five rooms on the ground level have a small foyer perfect for placing the guestbook or family photos. The spacious hotel lobby is a terrific space for guests to mingle and enjoy hors d’oeuvres before dinner. And the Anacacho Room actually has a built-in stage and a second story balcony that is unique to San Antonio.
The crème de la crème, however, is the Starlight Terrace located on the roof of this 10-story hotel. An open space capable of hosting up to 200 people, the Starlight features Mexican tile, a built-in stage, a bar, and amazing views of the city.
“It’s a blank canvas. You can do anything up here,” says Sara, recalling wedding ceremonies, receptions, and unique parties held on the rooftop oasis, which is particularly beautiful when used at night and decorated with white lights. It’s easy to imagine how it would look and why you’d probably feel like you’re dancing among the stars.
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