I slept in the Presidential Suite on Inaugural Night by Madelyn Miller, the TravelLady I don't know where Barack Obama slept (if he slept at all) but I had a glorious evening in the Presidential suite at the St. Anthony Hotel in San Antonio. While he had his historic moment, I stayed in a hotel steeped in history and nearly as centrally located and elegant as the White House. I actually went to San Antonio to test drive some new Lexus, but decided to arrive a few days early and explore the city since I had not spent any time there since my daughter was born there over 35 years ago. My old friends Sybil and Doug picked me up at the airport and did an extensive tour of all that was new and different and interesting. They took me to a wonderful Italian restaurant, which I put on my must try again on next trip (hopefully I won't wait that long this time) We looked at albums and video of their daughter Amanda's wedding --she had recently married in the presidential suite at the San Francisco Fairmont. I oohed and ahhed over the fabulous setting and views. After a delightful day of reminiscing, they dropped me of at the St. Anthony. It was late, and so I told them I would just have a bellman help me get my bag to my room.  As the bellman led me down the hall to the end of the corridor, I had a hunch it might be a special room. It was way more than that. I had an elaborate dining room, wet bar, large bedroom, two flat screen TVs a large living room and desk area plus more closets than I could even count.
Seemed a shame to have all that room to myself. So I called Doug and Sybil and told them to come back and share some wine and cheese and fruit. I have never been in a hotel where I thought I could actually entertain friends. But spending Inaugural night there was really the frosting on the cake. Or the flag on the top. Or whatever phrase means it was over-the-top wonderful. Although most people will never forget how they spent Inaugural night, I know mine was especially unique. HISTORY AND HERITAGE   Built in 1909; for almost a century, the St. Anthony has welcomed guests with timeless elegance and first-rate service.
Beautifully restored—lavish carpets, bronzes, and works of art from around the world recall a bygone age. Stroll among priceless French Empire antiques in the Peacock Alley promenade, where you can almost hear strains of music from a black-tie ball. With high-speed Internet access and a business center, work can be accomplished easily so your exciting San Antonio vacation can begin.   
 
Ready to explore? Stroll to the Riverwalk, the Alamo, and Hemisphere Plaza and don't miss the Witte Museum, McNay Art Museum and San Antonio Zoo nearby. After a busy day, relax in your San Antonio "home" surrounded by thoughtful touches and modern conveniences. Come to the St. Anthony, a luxury San Antonio hotel, to begin your own tradition of elegant travel The St. Anthony - A Wyndham Historic Hotel www.wyndham.com
300 E Travis St
San Antonio, TX 78205
(210) 227-4392 Madelyn Miller is a travel and food writer who hopes to get back to San Antonio soon. Read her stories on www.travellady.com, www.carladynews.com, www.yogayaya.com, www.chocolateatlas.com, www.cocktailatlas.com, www.coffeeatlas.com, www.teaAtlas.com | 