The Monarch is a 17-story property, owned and operated by Zachry Hospitality, that recently opened in San Antonio’s Hemisfair District. The $185 million project’s debut was a decade in the making and offers San Antonio visitors refined, sophisticated accommodations in the heart of downtown.
“We’re proud to introduce The Monarch as a hotel that reflects the Zachry family’s longstanding connection to San Antonio and their belief in its future,” said Rick Slutter, managing director, Zachry Hospitality. “This site carries deep significance for the family, and we approached it with a sense of responsibility to honor what has stood here before while contributing something lasting to the city’s next chapter. The Monarch is an investment in downtown’s continued evolution and a place designed for how people want to gather, stay and experience San Antonio today.”
“As we near 200 hotels worldwide, Curio Collection is continuing to expand its footprint and offering guests the one-of-a-kind stays they crave in destinations worth exploring,” said Brooke Thomas, brand leader, Curio Collection by Hilton. “The Monarch builds upon that momentum with its unforgettable design ethos, world-class dining and elevated offerings that are a core part of the Curio Collection experience.”
Design Influenced By Nature
The lifecycle of the monarch butterflies that migrate through the region inspired the hotel’s design. San Antonio-based Overland Partners conceptualized the property, with interiors created by The Gettys Group and KBAA. 200 guest rooms, including 28 suites, are available at The Monarch. Each has been designed to inspire comfort, featuring natural light, earth-toned color palettes and thoughtfully curated amenities. Furnishings embrace regionally sourced art, textiles and ceramics that echo the movement of nature.
Each floor represents a stage in the butterfly’s journey from chrysalis to flight, utilizing sculptural forms and open-air spaces to capture the metamorphosis. A sense of motion rises throughout the hotel, created by layered textures, bright waterfall lighting and vertical wood accents that reach toward the high ceilings. A floating staircase adds yet another whimsical touch to the breathtaking design.
Throughout The Monarch, lounge-like nooks and larger social areas invite guests to gather. 15,000 square feet of versatile event space is available, including eight venues and the 5,000 square foot Meridian Ballroom. All event spaces include natural light and state-of-the-art technology, to provide service flexibility for business meetings, corporate events or large celebrations.
A full-service spa offers guests massages, facials, hydrothermal experiences and couples’ treatments. Therein, guests can also enjoy infrared sauna sessions, cold plunges and IV vitamin drips. At the adjacent fitness studio, Reaxing Neuroactive Training Equipment provides mindful movement, strength training and cairo. On the third-floor pool deck, the serene water and cabanas create an oasis in the bustle of downtown.
The building’s curved architecture beautifully integrates with the nearby park, which features La Mariposa, a $2 million public art installation created with a three-winged stained glass pavilion and over three miles of LED lighting.
Culinary Program
Executive Chef Jae H. Lee leads the culinary program at The Monarch. Chef Lee’s expertise focuses on technique-led preparation, market-driven sourcing, and premium meats and seafood. The hotel includes three distinct restaurant options that embody thoughtful execution and elevated hospitality.
The Nectarie Café serves as a serene retreat for guests seeking breakfast and lunch options that are focused on freshness and ease. This French-influenced bistro offers La Colombe coffee and Rare Tea Co. single-origin, loose-leaf teas. The pastry program delivers beautiful French laminated doughs with a German and Texas twist. The full-service menu can be enjoyed by hotel guests as well as park visitors and locals via the convenient takeout window.
Also located near the lobby is Oak & Amber, The Monarch’s signature restaurant. Herein, chefs prepare food at a mesquite-and-oak hearth fueled by Texas post oak and pecan wood. Texas ranchers, Gulf waters and regional orchards inspired the menu, resulting in a hearty seafood and steak program. The dinner-focused highlights include:
- A Prime Rib Trolley, featuring a 28-day dry-aged Texas beef ribeye carved tableside
- An extensive raw bar of East Coast selections and formal caviar service
Oak & Amber also has a wine program of over 300 labels. To book a reservation, visit OpenTable.
At the top of the property is Aleteo, which means “flutter” in Spanish. This rooftop restaurant and bar features a menu inspired by Yucatán cuisine. Vibrant flavors, bold preparations and mezcal-infused cocktails are the focus. Aleteo offers:
- A dedicated “Raw and Cured” section comprising aguachiles, ceviches and tartares
- Over a dozen house-made salsas showcasing the restaurant’s deep understanding of balance and heat
- An in-house tortilla program, resulting in made fresh to order corn tortillas prepared on volcanic stone
Aleteo includes both indoor and outdoor seating options, allowing its guests to take in the best views of the city. To book a reservation, visit OpenTable.
Booking
The Monarch San Antonio offers room rates starting at $398 per night. The property is a part of Hilton Honors, which provides members with the option for a flexible payment slider combining Points and money to book stays, an exclusive member discount, free standard Wi-Fi and the Hilton Honors mobile app. To reserve a stay, visit TheMonarchSA.com.