The Alamo, (full name; Mission San Antonio de Valero), is only one of five San Antonio Missions but it holds reverential status in the US.
It is forever remembered for the historic battle that took place there between Texans and Mexicans in 1836. Just 200 Texans held out against Mexican forces thought to be nearer 2,000 and the battle has taken on legendary status.
The Alamo is undergoing a massive restoration and sensitive expansion program in order to better accommodate more exhibitions and collections.
A new Exhibition Hall and Collections Building will open early in 2023. The building will temporarily accommodate an incomparable collection of artifacts from the Alamo’s history. Valued at over $10 million, the collection has been acquired over many decades by British rock star Phil Collins.
He has been fascinated and inspired by the stories of the Alamo from childhood. He has donated the entire collection to the Alamo. The Phil Collins Collection will move to a purpose built museum which will open later in 2023 at the Alamo, alongside a new visitor center.
San Antonio was awarded UNSECO Creative City of Gastronomy Status in 2017 for its concentration of diverse cuisine. It was only the second city in the United States to achieve the status, awarded for its local culinary heritage and culture.
This status has turbo charged the city’s creative young chefs and hospitality investment has flooded into San Antonio as a recognised focus for food tourists. Even Covid could not slow progress. A new wave of restaurants has opened with the 100th post-Covid opening expected in early 2023.
An existing downtown complex will reopen in spring 2023 as San Antonio’s first Autograph Collection property. Renamed The Otis Hotel, the boutique property will see a total renovation of the exterior as well as the pool, lobby, meetings and all guest rooms. The property will also include a full-service destination spa, restaurant and bar.