The Fairmount

I came to stay at the Fairmount for a few days in October with family. My sister was in town for the child psychiatry convention, which was right across the street.
The location is great and the building is quite charming. If you do a search online, you’ll find a video of the hotel, which was moved from another location in San Antonio! It’s in the Guinness Book of World Records as the «Heaviest Building Ever Moved on Wheels.» It’s fairly fascinating. The hotel is a stone’s throw from La Villita, a shopping/​arts village, The Alamo, The Riverwalk, shops, and restaurants.
The building is over a hundred years old, and you can tell that it’s been a while since they decorated. The fixtures are a little dated (brass bathroom fixtures and doorknobs, actual keys for the room door, very few outlets, internet modem in the room). I mean, things were clean, but everything could use a refresh. I think if they did that, they could charge a little more for the rooms.
It’s a charming little place, however, if you want to get away from the beaten path of chain hotels. They accept pets, and even have a storied past with Luke, a labrador who was their canine mascot. You could request him to stay in your room with you, and even take him for walks! Sadly, he passed away in 2012.
In the evening, they stock chocolate chip cookies on the coffee bar, and all day you can fix yourself some coffee/​tea/​hot chocolate. In the morning, they have fresh fruit. The service is great, but just be warned – everyone is a «concierge» type employee, so the guy who valets your car may also be the bellhop and the person who checks you in/​out. A little weird, but I guess that works for them.
I think if they added a breakfast option (the courtyard in the middle would be great for it), they could really add value to their place. Also, a little refresh in décor and fixtures would help as well.

Great location! just steps away from the Riverfront and Alamo. Pet friendly, however $ 75 per stay fee!!! Friendly, helpful staff. Construction across the street, which was supposed to be a lovely park… A little pricey for the room, but location, location, location! Convenient balcony for smokers.

I was completely confused by the star rating I saw when I came to make this review! Its an old hotel people. Its all the imperfections that give this place character. When I say imperfections I mean interesting design features that come with a building built in 1908.
Upon opening our door (with an actual older style key — no swipe style keys here) I fell in love with room #346. A front patio overlooking courtyard at entry, wood floors, a cute sitting area and two queen beds for $ 99? I found my new favorite hotel in SA (we visit from Austin about 3 times a year). Bathroom and sheets –VERY CLEAN! I actually slept the entire night with no fear of leaving with bed friends. They use bath and body works for toiletries — Huge plus for me!
Go to this boutique hotel with an open mind. Just remember that it is a historical building and preservation is important to keep that title. I can’t wait to go back and see what the other rooms look like! Thanks Fairmont and staff!