San Antonio’s Hemisfair is about to get a serious glow-up. The Monarch San Antonio, the long-awaited $185 million luxury hotel in the heart of Alamo City, will open March 3, 2026, at 222 S. Alamo St.
The posh hotel took design cues from an unexpected source — the monarch butterflies’ annual migration through the region. The design details blend natural materials, limestone textures, sculptural architecture, and contemporary art to reflect San Antonio’s heritage and landscape.
The centerpiece of the hotel will be La Mariposa, a sculptural stained glass pavilion designed in collaboration with local artists and architects. The three-winged structure will act as a beacon, reflecting its surroundings during the day and glowing softly after dusk.
The Monarch is integrated with Hemisfair Park.Rendering courtesy of The Monarch San Antonio
“The Monarch was designed with uncompromising attention to detail, from its sculptural architecture to the sensory rhythm of each space,” said Rick Slutter, managing director of Zachry Hospitality, in a release. “At nearly $1 million per key, the investment reflects the care behind every finish, texture, and experience. It stands as an elevated expression of San Antonio’s creativity and hospitality, shaped by a third-generation Texas family carrying its heritage forward.”
The three dining options each have their own flight path. Oak & Amber focuses on live fire cooking, spotlighting ingredients from Texas ranches, local orchards, and the Gulf. The Nectarie Café will serve French bistro-inspired fare during the day, transitioning into a wine and cheese bar at night. Finally, Alateo (“flutter” in Spanish) will land on the rooftop, dishing out Yucatán dishes like cochinita pibil and mezcal cocktails such as a guava and lime paloma.
A beautiful focal point at Alateo.Rendering courtesy of The Monarch San Antonio.
The landmark 17-story hotel will also feature 200 guest rooms, including 28 suites, and a grand 5,000-square-foot ballroom. Wellness amenities include an open-air fitness studio, a snazzy third-floor pool deck overlooking Hemisfair park, and a spa focusing on earth-based therapies and botanical treatments.
The site has personal significance for David Zachry, the president and CEO of developers Zachry Corporation. The Monarch stands on the same site where his grandfather, H.B. Zachry, helped shape the 1968 World’s Fair.
“In 1968, my grandfather built a hotel across the street from our site,” he explained in an earlier release. “With planning and creativity, the Palacio del Rio hotel was built in just 202 working days. With our new project, the same attention to the details has been at the forefront of what our team is about to begin constructing.”
Monarch reservations are currently available for mid-April stays, with earlier dates expected to open as the property nears completion. To learn more and book a stay, visit TheMonarchSA.com.