Category: Architecture

The art of buildings and bridges

Architecture, ART, Attractions, DESTINATIONS, Performing Arts, Restaurants & Bars, Road Trips, TRAVEL, United States

The Nutcracker – San Antonio’s Majestic Theater

Jane Sadek

2013 Nutcracker Program, Majestic Theater, San Antonio TX

TRAVEL THERE: SAN ANTONIO’S MAJESTIC THEATER EARNS ITS NAME WITH A GLORIOUS NUTCRACKER

Here’s how I know Bill was bending over backwards to accommodate my wishes on our trip to San Antonio; he agreed to go to a ballet at the Majestic Theater.  He played it really cool until afterwards, but then he made a post to Facebook that revealed the truth.  He hadn’t been looking forward to it at all, but enjoyed it anyway.

Off to a Rough Start

We needed a bite to eat before the show, so we went to The County Line, a BBQ joint on the River, because it was close to our hotel and we were in a hurry.  In our opinion, a BBQ joint is supposed to let you get a BBQ sandwich, but that only happens at lunch at The County Line.  For dinner it’s a meat and two veggies kind of a place.  Bill ordered a sliced brisket plate and I nibbled around the edges, but my mind was not on the brisket.  WHERE WERE THE LUMINARIES?

Remember, I came to San Antonio because I wanted to see the River all dressed up for Christmas.  Well, the weatherman threatened icy rain and sleet, so no luminaries were installed.  The primary thing I came for didn’t happen at all.

And it was cold!  And a stupid sign outside our hotel sent us an entire block out of our way.  And did I mention it was cold.  Bill was smart.  He ignored the occasion and dressed warmly.  By golly, I’d brought a special outfit for the theater and I was going to wear it, even if it killed me.  Well, it didn’t kill me, but there was a danger of frostbite.

Majestic Lobby Warms up the Night

As soon as we hit the lobby, I knew we were someplace special.  I had no idea of how gorgeous the theater itself was going to be, but the lobby was a knock-out.

We were on time.  Our seats were good.  And this had to be the most amazing theater I’d ever walked into.  The pictures don’t begin to do it justice, but they’re all I have.  Bill was wishing for more than his smartphone to capture the theater’s interior.

San Antonio’s Nutcracker

The Nutcracker was marvelous.  I hope San Antonio will forgive me for being a bit of a Dallas snob.  I assumed that a ballet by the San Antonio ballet and symphony might not stack up.  It was charming with great dancers and great music.  The sets and costumes were out of this world – but not quite as far out of this world as the theater.  I’ll leave you with a few more shots.  Hope you enjoy.

 

 

 

Accommodations, Architecture, ART, DESTINATIONS, Road Trips, TRAVEL, United States

Omni’s La Mansion de Rio in San Antonio

Jane Sadek
Borrowed from the Omni website
Borrowed from the Omni website

TRAVEL THERE: OMNI LA MANSION DE RIO

San Antonio Hotel with Historic Significance offers Modern Indulgence on the Riverwalk

I love swanky hotels, but usually I opt for bargains, in order to travel more frequently. Still, there are opulent hotels on my wish list and every once and a while, I get the chance to check them off.  That’s what happened on this trip to San Antonio.

Thank you, Expedia

As I planned a trip to see the Riverwalk’s Christmastime luminaries, just for grins, I checked La Mansion‘s pricing on expedia.  As if Santa were filling my order a little early, there was a deal I couldn’t resist. I rocketed up the stairs to beg Bill’s indulgence, but he was in a good mood, so he told me to book the deal before I even had the chance to kneel.

I’d wished for La Mansion long before it was part of the Omni chain.  Unless I’m completely off, I think it used to be part of the Rosewood chain that has THE Mansion, here in Dallas.  Whatever the case, I’d wander around the Riverwalk wishing that hotel was my vacation address.  This time it would be.

Parking There Was Not Half the Fun

After a visit to the Witte Museum we drove to La Mansion with little to no trouble (thank you GPS), but upon arrival found a $35 hickey for valet parking.  That strained our spartan ways.  The staff told us we could park across the street cheaper, but that begged the whole luggage thing and the lot across the street charged for in-and-out.  So we bit the bullet, ponied up for the parking and even tipped a bellhop.  I think the tip may have actually caused Bill physical pain.

Luxuriating in the Splendor

Once our pocketbook quit bleeding, a look around our room excited us.  La Mansion occupies a building which was a university, a long long time ago.  Wood beams hold up the ceiling and rod iron balconies are just outside the French doors.  Since the hotel is an Omni, the furniture, upholstery and drapes are lush.  As we inspected our accommodations and tried on the luxurious robes provided, we decided we weren’t as upset about the price of parking as we thought we were going to be.

Bill whipped open his laptop to check the market and I started to unpack.  Next to the TV was a lovely bottle of water and I thought, “What a nice gesture,” but thankfully I checked the hang-tag before opening it. Six bucks!  So, I opened the dresser and yes, there it was the minibar and snacks.  So many ways to capture extra income!  At least there was free shampoo. (They didn’t have a safe in the room, though and I thought that was an oversight.)

I’m poking a little fun at the Omni, but we actually enjoyed our stay there completely. The historical building gave everything a very special touch and we did get top notch service.  The bed was beyond comfortable and if the only thing we could see out of our window was the parking lot across the street, that was our fault for not choosing to pay extra for a room with a view.

The True Parking Solution

We also figured out the parking problem.  See, overnight valet parking is $35, but they don’t charge you for each in and out.  The overnight parking across the street is $10, and I assumed it was $10 every time – and that could get expensive quick.  But across the street you aren’t charged the overnight price every time, only when you stay overnight.  You can short term park much cheaper.  Since short term valet parking at the Omni is only $15, that evening we recovered our car and went to dinner.  When we came back, we parked across the street.  The good news is the Omni never charged us the $15.  Thank you Omni!

I’d Do It Again

The next morning we had breakfast in the hotel’s Las Canarias Restaurant, but I’ve already talked too much for today.  The Omni La Mansion De Rio is a lovely hotel and I’m so glad we stayed there.  Since the Polar Express hit while we were there, it was a little cold to traipse across the river for the privilege of working out at the Omni spa property, but we did peek in and decided it would be great if the weather was friendlier.

Do I think you should stay at Omni’s La Mansion de Rio?  I have to say yes.  It was a remarkable experience.  The proximity to everything on the Riverwalk and the downtown area was perfect for sightseeing.  We were blown away by the service.  Just keep your eyes open.  Who knows when expedia will have another deal! (And keep coming back, because I’ll eventually tell you about breakfast!)