Merriman Anderson Architects (MAA) recently completed renovations at the Hyatt Regency Hill Country Resort & Spa in San Antonio, which included refreshing its 500 guestrooms and suites, as well as updates to the lobby and the property’s dining outlets.
For the redesign, MAA developed a unique concept called “Tying the Knot,” which took into account the history of the hotel located in the Texas Hill Country.
“To honor the history of the property, the Tying the Knot concept was used to connect the hotel and the historical factors of the location where the property stands,” said Amanda Berkes, interior design project manager, Merriman Anderson Architects. “In the process of design, our team learned about the intriguing history of the Hyatt Regency Hill Country Resort & Spa land, with stories dating back to the 1800s. It was notably owned by the Rogers-Wiseman family, which kept the land in their family for generations.”
She continued, “As the land was settled, a collective style developed that was most heavily influenced by German architecture, as well as local materials such as limestone, fieldstone, live oak, cypress and mesquite, which are seen throughout the property. Many interior design elements are used in the renovation to honor the legacy of the Weismann family and the property’s past, which are woven into the artwork, vintage-style Texas furniture, rugged metal and leather accents and antique rugs reminiscent of a Texas ranch house.”
The guestrooms were completely revamped and feature new custom furniture, casegoods and finishes.
“The overall furniture style is reminiscent of a traditional Texas ranch house, with thoughtful touches that evoke a sense of warmth, comfort and home-like familiarity, all inspired by the Weismann family’s ranching heritage,” said Berkes, who noted that the color palette for the redesign features deep reds, rich browns, creams, dusty blues and warm greens.
A standout feature of the design, she said, is the accent shiplap headboard wall, and the bathrooms have undergone a stunning transformation, while bathrooms feature new accent shower wall tile, rustic refined vanities and backlit mirrors.
“The furniture in the guestroom is designed to offer flexibility, accommodating both families and corporate guests,” she added. “It caters to diverse needs, providing comfort and functionality for different types of stays.”
In the lobby, a new indoor-outdoor bar was added. Design elements include antique mirrored back shelving, a copper ceiling and decorative lights that draw inspiration from western bracelets.
“The existing architecture of the property is filled with limestone walls, flagstone floors and rustic wood ceilings that serve as a beautiful backdrop to intimate furniture groupings, providing flexible spots for guests and families to gather,” said Berkes. “Cozy lounge seating arrangements feature rich colors and textures, reflecting the Texas Hill Country aesthetic and evoking the warm nostalgia of a family ranch house. Outside the coffee shop is a new banquette nook, complete with curated Texas Hill Country accessories on the shelves to further enhance the local, cozy ambiance.”
All the restaurants, including Antlers Lodge, Charlie’s Long Bar and Cactus Oak Tavern, have been refreshed with design concepts tailored to their unique cuisine and dining themes.
“Each space features new custom furniture and finishes, including embossed leather booth seating, wooden tables and upholstered chairs with nailhead trim,” said Berkes. “The interiors were further enhanced with herringbone wood paneling, dark green accents, plaid-patterned carpet and curated artwork suited to the space. Together, these elements create an inviting atmosphere in each venue that complements the individual character of the dining experience.”
New curated artwork throughout the property, she noted, “includes photos of the Weisman family, showcasing their history on the ranch where the hotel is located, as well as San Antonio landmarks and colorful hill country landscape works from local artists, creating a rich connection to the area’s heritage and community.”
