Back to the Future with The Fairmount Hotel

Dating back to 1906, The Fairmount is a historic San Antonio hotel that represents an era of great prosperity in San Antonio's past.

Historic Move Saves The Fairmount...

In 1984 the fate of The Fairmount was in debate, one option being the demolition of this nearly century old building to make room for new retail and lodging space; however, the city of San Antonio has long had strong ties to the past and therefore opted to move the entire structure to a new home next to La Villita National Historic District.

Six days later on April 4, 1985 at an approx cost of $1 million to complete this monumental task, the 3.2 million pounds of brick and mortar was lifted onto rollers, trussed with bands of steel and moved five blocks to its present location where it settled onto it’s new home ground. The move was national and international news featured in more than 30 foreign countries.

Guiness World Record 1986 Move...

The Guinness Book of World Records noted it as the largest structure ever moved on wheels. The hotel reopened on September 5, 1986 with an addition to the original structure creating the 37 accommodations it has today. It’s recent past includes ownership by B.K. Johnson of King Ranch and management by Patriot American Hospitality and Wyndham Grand Heritage Hotels.

New Life for the Classic San Antonio Luxury Hotel..

It all started with Robert D. Tips, a San Antonio legend in his own right, walking past The Fairmount one day, Tips paused and said to himself "I should buy this hotel and restore the pride and beauty of this extraordinary place." He did just that in June 2004, and as renovations approach completion at the end of 2006, The Fairmount is looking magnificent.

Bringing a Vision of Hotel Luxury to Life

Husband and wife award winning design team, Val and Susan Dunis of San Antonio were charged with bringing Mr. Tip’s vision of the The Fairmount Hotel to life and making it feel like an elegant European style home.

Each of the 37 rooms and suites has been refurbished with unique antique furnishings, all new European fabrics and bedding and all bathrooms renovated. As the renovations proceeded, the restaurant took on an entirely new face offering soft entertainment and classic Italian-style cuisine in an intimate setting, becoming The Sage Ristorante e Bar.

Part of Mr. Tips' image for the hotel includes transforming all the suites into elegant European-style rooms where they are no longer numbers, but names such as Monet, Platinum and Rey Feo. This clearly can be seen in the first fully completed "Luxury Suites"; the Gold Suite and the Monet Suite, each boasting crystal chandeliers, hand-painted tiles and original art evoking the feeling of a Parisian home or Venetian villa.

Public Space Renovations

The Fairmount offers magnificent reception and meeting space a boardroom, a pre function area and an intimate ballroom. The jewel-like courtyard will have an optional tent converting it into a fairytale wedding location.

Renovations Nearing Completion at Close of 2006

Extensive renovation of The Fairmount is nearing completion in late 2006, reflecting Mr. Tips’ vision of the elegance for which it once was renowned. Fitness and Business Center renovation will be completed in January 2007, and new flat-screen TVs will be added to all guest rooms and suites.