Bed and breakfast inns keep opening all over the city, indicating a real demand and keen interest in this type of accommodation, which appeals to visitors who prefer the more intimate surroundings of a private home to the more impersonal lodgings provided by hotels and motels. A number of the most interesting bed and breakfast inns are located in the King William Historic District, the Monte Vista Historic District, and the Government Hill District near Fort Sam Houston.

Most of these inns were huge private mansions at one time, and many of them are over a century old. The King William homes were built by prosperous German merchants and ranchers in the 1870s and 80s. They have been converted to inns, since few families nowadays have need for such large houses. Because of their popularity, I suggest you make your reservations well ahead of your visit; most of them stay booked for weeks in advance.

Prices range from budget to luxury, depending on the inn. Some of these places are fairly modest, but many of them are extremely grand – in sleeping accommodations, public space, and the gourmet breakfasts offered.

A number of these inns are ideal locations for family reunions, small corporate meetings, and seminars, as well as housing for large wedding parties. Many have spacious, beautifully appointed reception rooms and dining facilities that can be leased for special events, such as receptions, retirement parties, and weddings.

There are currently 20 members in the San Antonio Bed and Breakfast Association and numerous inns that are not affiliated with this organization. Some of these are quite acceptable as well.

To reach the referral line for the Bed and Breakfast Association, call 210.212.8422.

You can access a listing of the 20 member inns on the Internet at
http://www.sanantoniobb.orgThe Web site includes rates; amenities; pictures of the rooms; and policies relating to children, pets, and reservations. You can get virtually acquainted with your hosts and even check availability and make reservations for some of the properties online.

SAN ANTONIO BED AND BREAKFAST ASSOCIATION MEMBER INNS

All are licensed, inspected, and approved.

Adams House
231 Adams Street, King William Historic District
210.224.4791, Toll free 800.666.4810
http://www.san-antonio-texas.commailto:adams@san-antonio-texas.com

Historic 100-year-old house with lovely grounds and several tree-shaded verandas. Full breakfast served in the dining room.

Alamo Street Victorian Inn
951 South Alamo Street
210.212.5533, Toll free 800.630.3722
http://www.kwilliam.commailto:clranch@gvtc.com

Elegant 100-year-old Victorian mansion offers private baths with some handicap accessibility. Continental breakfast served on premises and vouchers provided for a full meal at a nearby restaurant.

Arbor House Inn and Suites
109 Arciniega, La Villita District
210.472.2005, Toll free 800.272.6700
http://www.arborhouse.commailto:arborhaus@aol.com

Charming two-story inn, circa 1880. Continental breakfast delivered in picnic baskets to rooms.

Beauregard House
215 Beauregard Street, King William Historic District
210.222.1198, Toll free 888.667.0555
http://www.beauregardhouse.commailto:info@beauregardhouse.com

Three-story mansion, circa 1908. Full gourmet breakfast.

Brackenridge House
230 Madison Street, King William Historic District
210.271.3442, Toll free 800.221.1412
http://www.brackenridgehouse.commailto:info@brackenridgehouse.com

Circa 1900. All amenities of major hotels including microwaves, refrigerators, complimentary beverages, hair dryers, robes, hot tub. Operated by native Texans. Pets accepted. Full breakfast served.

Bullis House Inn
621 Pierce Street, Historic Government Hill District
210.223.9426, Toll free 877.477.4100

Built 1909 for General John Lapham Bullis, famed Indian fighter. Named best Bed and Breakfast Inn in 2002 by San Antonio Hotel-Motel Association. Serves "Continental Plus" Breakfast.

Cash's Cottage
319 Stieren Street, King William Historic District
210.227.5773
E-mail: atcash@texas.net

A one-room accommodation, with private bath, in 1891 Victorian cottage. Continental Breakfast.

Christmas House
2307 McCullough, in Monte Vista Historic District
210.737.2786, Toll free 800.268.4187
http://www.christmashousebnb.commailto:christmashsb@earthlink.net

Circa 1908 mansion, spacious verandas, on city bus line a few minutes from downtown. Wheelchair accessible. Full breakfast served.

Columns on Alamo
1037 South Alamo, King William Historic District
210.737.2786, Toll free 800.233.3364
http://www.columnssanantonio.commailto:artlink@ColumnsSanAntonio.com

Two side-by-side century old Victorian houses, plus one cottage, circa 1892-1901. Elegant, full gourmet breakfast.

Gardenia Inn
307 Beauregard Street, King William Historic District
210.223.5875, Toll free 800.356.1605
http://www.gardenia-inn.commailto:relax@gardenia-inn.com

Two-storied columned mansion, circa 1905. Pets accepted. Full breakfast served.

Inn at Craig Place
117 West Craig Place, Monte Vista Historic District
210.736.1017, Toll free 877.427.2447
http://www.craigplace.commailto:stay@craigplace.com

Circa 1891 mansion. Full three-course gourmet breakfast. Special amenities and flexible arrangements for business travelers.

Inn on the River
129 Woodward Street
210.225.6333, Toll free 800.730.0019
http://www.innonriver.commailto:innkeeper@innonriver.com

Victorian style house, built in 1916. Beautiful patio. Pets accepted. Full breakfast delivered to rooms.

Noble Inns
107 Madison Street, King William Historic District
210.225.4045, Toll free 800.221.4045
http://www.nobleinns.commailto:stay@nobleinns.com

Also referred to as Aaron Pancoast and Jackson House Noble Inns. Two inns, side by side, circa 1894-96. Luxury properties. Full or Continental breakfast offered.

Painted Lady Inn
620 Broadway, on main bus route, close to downtown
210.220.1092
http://www.thepaintedladyinn.commailto:info@thepaintedladyinn.com

Built in 1920 as the home for the brew master at Pearl Brewery. Named for the many colors employed in decorating the exterior. Pets accepted. Full breakfast delivered to rooms.

Riverwalk Inn
329 Old Guilbeau, on San Antonio River Walk
210.212.8300, Toll free 800.254.4440
http://www.riverwalkinn.commailto:innkeeper@riverwalkinn.com

Rustic structure built from log cabins transported from Tennessee and joined and reconstructed in Texas! Delightful long porch overlooks San Antonio River. Extended Continental breakfast.

Riverwalk Vista
Commerce at Losoya, just steps from San Antonio River Walk
210.223.3200, Toll free 866.898.4781
http://www.riverwalkvista.commailto:info@riverwalkvista.com

Occupies second and third floors of 1880s business house, where the first public ballroom was located! Across Alamo Street from Dillards, the inn is located above McDonald's. Continental breakfast.

Ruckman Haus
629 West French, Monte Vista Historic District
210.736.1468, Toll free 866.736.1468
http://www.ruckmanhaus.commailto:theruckmans@earthlink.net

Circa 1914 Texas colonial style stucco on shady street. Pets accepted. Full breakfast served.

Terrell Castle
950 East Grayson, Government Hill District
210.271.9145, Toll free 800.481.9732
http://www.terrellcastle.netmailto:info@terrellcastle.net

Four-story limestone mansion, the only castle in San Antonio! Built in 1894, designed by English architect Alfred Giles for former Belgium Ambassador Edwin Holland Terrell. Full breakfast.

Villa Carlita
802 Kentucky Avenue
210.734.5218, Toll free 800.899.3051 Access 00
http://www.villacarlita.netmailto:blessyoung@aol.com

A three-story building that has served as an orphanage, a mission home for priests, and an efficiency-apartment building during the last century. Full breakfast served in two dining areas.

Yellow Rose
229 Madison, King William Historic District
210.229.9903, Toll free 800.950.9903
http://www.ayellowrose.commailto:yellowrose@ddc.net

A former 1865 "Sunday House," extended in 1878. Charming cottage accommodations. Three breakfast plans: full, Continental or none!

OTHER BED AND BREAKFAST INNS

The following inns not affiliated with the San Antonio Bed and Breakfast Association. Some may be affiliated with other associations, and they may be rated by other accrediting organizations.

A Beckman Inn and Carriage House
222 East Guenther, King William Historic District
210.229.1449, Toll free 800.945.1449
http://www.bnblist.com/tx/beckman/beckmann.htmmailto:beckinn@swbell.net

Built in 1886 for Guenther family. Located across street from the flour mill the family owned. Full breakfast served on fine china, crystal, and silver.

Bonner Garden
125 East Agarita Street, Monte Vista Historic District
210.733.4222, Toll free 800.396.4222
http://www.bonnergarden.commailto:info@bonnergarden.com

Italianate turn-of-the-century mansion with roof top patio and swimming pool. Ask about the permanent guest – the resident ghost! Full gourmet breakfast.

Classic Charms
302 King William Street, King William Historic District
210.271.7171, Toll free 800.209.7171
http://www.1902classiccharms.com

Queen Anne Victorian circa 1902. Corner house with wrap-around porches. Relaxed atmosphere. Children permitted. German spoken. Full breakfast.

Grey Stone Manor
20058 Scenic Loop Road, north of Helotes off Bandera Hwy
210.695.4500, Toll free 888.666.6798
http://www.flash.net/~greyston/index.htmmailto:greyston@flash.net

Beautiful 1930 era stone house in country setting in a community where the "rich and famous" used to spend their summer vacations! Swimming pool. Continental breakfast.

Joske House
241 King William Street. King William Historic District
210.271.0706

Built in 1880 for founder of the department store, Joske's of Texas. Additions made in 1900. Full breakfast.

O'Casey's
225 West Craig, Monte Vista Historic District
210.738.1378, Toll free 800.738.1378
http://www.ocaseybnb.commailto:info@ocaseybnb.com

Turn-of-the-century house, built 1904. Full breakfast.

Oge House Inn
209 Washington Street, King William Historic District
210.223.2353, Toll free 800.242.2770
http://www.ogeinn.commailto:ogeinn@swbell.net

Elegant antebellum three-story raised cottage plantation house on banks of San Antonio River, built 1857. The house is filled with fabulous antiques and great charm. Historic building once owned by a legendary Texas Ranger. Full gourmet breakfast.

Victorian Lady Inn
421 Howard Street, Monte Vista Historic District
210.224.2524, Toll free 800.879.7116
http://www.viclady.commailto:info@viclady.com

Charming, elegant century-old (1898) Negley Mansion. Full gourmet breakfast.

You can enjoy the luxury of a bygone era, the intimacy of a family home, and a special unique charm by staying in one of these bed and breakfast inns during your San Antonio visit.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Docia Williams, with family roots deep in Texas history, has been a tour guide in San Antonio for nearly four decades. She has written several books on San Antonio and Texas.

© 2003 Our Mail Network, LLC

The City of San Antonio does not warrant or guarantee the quality or condition of any of the businesses in this unique advertising format. The recommendations are based on writers' experiences and do not indicate an endorsement on the part of the city.

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