Staring at a plot of land with nothing but a background of cattle, two successful cattlemen desired to create one of the greatest hotels in San Antonio history. Unbeknownst to them, their financial partner and expert guide, F.M Swearingen, would not only accomplish this, but he would create the foundation for one of the most legendary accommodations in the Nation's history.

Only a few days into the christening of 1909, The St. Anthony Hotel opened its doors to droves of anticipative patrons. Positioned as one of the most modern hotels ever created, visitors marveled at illuminated closets, bedroom lights that turned off when the door was locked from the outside, and the use of their very own private bath and toilet. These amenities, although small by today's standards, set the stage for a series of hotel innovations that made The St. Anthony a leader on the technology curve.

Following their grand opening, the hotel recorded a blistering year in revenue, allowing the financial backbone to create another tower before the year was through. Doubling capacity to a monstrous 430 beautifully furnished rooms, The St. Anthony was now being mentioned by the elite classes in the same breath as the Waldorf-Astoria Hotel in New York. By 1915, rates began at $1.50 and the history of the St. Anthony had only begun.

Since first opening its doors, the historic St. Anthony has played host to royalty and presidents and to celebrities from the worlds of music, theater and film. First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt visited Peacock Alley, as did President Eisenhower, and General Douglas McArthur. Prince Ranier and Princess Grace of Monaco were honored with a reception in their honor in Peacock Alley during their visit to San Antonio in 1968. In 1999, their son, Prince Albert of Monaco, graced the Anacacho Ballroom by hosting a private reception for the World Pentathlon Organization.

Many guests from Hollywood's "Golden Era" enjoyed the style and luxury offered at The St. Anthony: Judy Garland, Mickey Rooney, Lucille Ball, Fred Astaire, Betty Hutton, and Greer Garson. Lyndon Johnson, John Wayne, Gregory Peck, and Rock Hudson dined many an evening in the prestigious St. Anthony Club, which today host weddings for San Antonio brides as does the Georgian Room.

The Peraux Room hosted Hollywood current royalty such as: Arnold Schwartzenegger and Maria Shriver, Patrick Swayze, George Clooney, Demi Moore, Bruce Willis and Matthew McConaughey during the opening of San Antonio's Planet Hollywood. 

Then and Now