Page 102 - Industries_of_San_Antonio

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SAN ANTONIO-HER TRADE,
pronounced than in the hotel system of to-day. A quarter of a century
has even wrought wondrous changes for the better. There is as much
similitude between a Texas hotel of 1850 and one of 1885, as between an
adobe hacienda and a palatial residence. San Antonio, which in all feat-
ures of moment, keeps pace with modern progress, is more than ordinarily
well equipped with hotels, and among them, none hold higher rank than
the Southern; in some features it is the first. Founded in 1877, it has al-
ways occupied a position in the consideration of the traveling public that
ranks it the equal of any cotemporaneous establishment in the South, re-
flecting credit, not only on the ability of its management, but upon the
reputation of the city as well. In 1883, Mr. J. P. Hickman, Jr., assumed
the proprietorship, and he has, by introducing all modern improvements,
methods and conveniences, brought it up to its present excellence. In
everything that conduces to the comfort and convenience of its guests,
this house cannot be surpassed. In the matter of sumptuous, elegant fur-
niture, ventilating arrangements, spacious ordinaries, airy hallways,
prompt and courteous attention, it is all that good judgment, practical and
observant experience and liberal outlay can make it, with undeniably the
best cuisine in this section. This hotel is famous for its commodious and
airy rooms so admirably adapted to this Southern climate, luxurious beds
that invite repose and refreshing slumber without the "wooing on. it," and
a table d'hote replete with all the substantials and delicacies of the season
and market, served in an inviting and unexceptionable manner. Its loca-
tion is most desirable, just sufficiently proximate to business centres as to
be convenient, at the same time free from their bustle, dust and noise.
Street cars run by the house, transferring guests to depots and all sections
of the city. The house fronts on Main Plaza 50 feet, three stories in
height, running back and along Dolorosa street, on which are also two
main entrances and the ladies' entrance, 300 feet to Military Plaza, where
the height is increased to four stories. The office is in the Main Plaza
front. The building is one of the most imposing in the city, being quite
an architectural embellishment. It contains 120 rooms, with spacious and
elegantly furnished parlors, large dining room 50 by 85 feet, with seating
capacity for one hundred guests—this room is splendidly equipped and
appointed; reading room, saloon, barber shop, water closets, in short all
modern desideratums are supplied. The house is lighted by gas. The
house has accommodations for two hundred and fifty guests. There are
thirty attaches employed, well-trained, courteous and attentive in their
demeanor. The house is supplied with the electric system of bells. In
view of the fact that San Antonio possesses features of attraction, many
historic points, and phenomenal salubrity of climate, it would seem to be
a most delightful and beneficial whiter resort for invalids and tourists, and
not the least of the inducements is the Southern Hotel. The Southern is
officered from host down by considerate, genial gentlemen, who never
neglect the comfort of guests, but are always promoting their ease and
enjoyment, solicitous not only for the reputation of the house, but of that
of the city.