Summary:
Firebird is a clean, modern space, create in a historic red brick workspace/garage in the heart of San Antonio. Across the street from the world-famous Riverwalk and within walking distance from great shopping, restaurants, and bars. Only a 10 min walk from the World Heritage Alamo and a 1/2 mile from the Blue Star Arts Complex. It's perfect for friends, couples, solo adventurers, and business travelers... Modern fun in a historic setting!!
The Space:
Once your booking is confirmed, we send you a SECURE link to our pre-arrival portal where you'll verify ID and occupancy (like at a hotel) without all the handing of ID back and forth. (see details below)
Next, we send directions and your unique keyless access code so you can let yourself in.
We take the extra step of curating a full list of things for you to experience during your stay (many FREE). These are found mobile guidebook app - we'll send you the link after you complete the pre-arrival portal.
Staying at Firebird Suite is an experience with the comforts of home, even though you're right in the heart of a city full of things to do and see! This unique guesthouse is located on the estate of the Gustav Giesecke House in the King William Historic District of San Antonio and is a perfect romantic getaway or experience - something other than your traditional boring hotel room. There are no elevators (although there is a flight of stairs to experience the loft) and it is a bit of a cross the yard hike to the property so you may choose to reconsider wearing heals. Its modern charm is more akin to a stay in a downtown condo than a renovated workshop in the middle of the city, yet its fully appointed with linens, terry, soaps and shampoos - all the amenities you'd expect from a hotel stay.
The primary bedroom, and loft 'bedroom' space, house comfortable queen-sized beds with pillow top mattresses. If you have more in your party, the sofa converts into an additional bed. Polished concrete floors downstairs, wood plank in the loft.
When you'd like to freshen up, the bathroom has a nice shower and is stocked with thick, fluffy, super soft, oversized towels, soaps, and shampoos/conditioner.
This suite is on the property that housed a Victorian frame home and wash house build here in 1889 by Gustav Giesecke and his bride, Anna Francisca Groos Their original frame home was demolished in 1915 when the couple expanded the property and built the large, brick, two-story, Arts-and-Crafts house which now stands as the main home on the estate and workspace the suite occupies. The Victorian wash house was converted into a guest cottage in 1950 with the addition of the sitting room and kitchen area and renovated in 2010. From the suite it is across the garden and can be seen out the large loft window overlooking the garden.
You'll find this snug, yet a comfortable space to get away and relax. Our open floor plan combines living room / dining room / and kitchen with a 32" flat panel TV with free Netflix. If you travel with your own entertainment, the TV fully supports connecting a Firestick or other devices via HDMI and USB.
Your kitchen is small but still completely appointed with refrigerator, range/oven, microwave... and all the necessary cooking and dining utensils, Keurig coffee maker (w/starter K-cups), plates, glasses, etc. to enjoy your own home-cooked meals, if you choose to cook. However, the entrance to the Riverwalk is right across the street and restaurants serving all varieties of cuisine can be found a short walk away. Parking is free, but only available on the street and is time limited by the city. We’ll help you stay in compliance so it remains free.
Since 1889, only two families have owned the home and grounds. You'll see magnificent pecan and cypress trees on the property, these are believed to be centuries old. Native plants fill the lush garden. These plants provide a haven for wild birds so you'll likely see many varieties during your stay. Your suite is a small, yet warm and comfortable retreat (1200 sq. ft.) for you, or you and a loved one, or a small close group of family / friends.
If Lavanderie is available on dates you're looking at, grab that booking fast! Open dates do not last long.
This is a very safe neighborhood and within walking distance to food, fun, everything really!
Unfortunately, and possibly because you have made us so popular with guests arriving to San Antonio, we have noticed a dramatic increase in fraudulent bookings. While we do not like doing anything that might be an extra burden on you when you are coming to visit us and relax, we put some additional safety procedures in place to ensure your safety, the safety of our home, and the safety of everyone during your stay. When you book, you understand that you will be required to provide your identifying documents through a secure 3rd party platform before we provide access to your space. These documents include (and may not be limited to) a government issued photo ID in your name (or the booking party) and an valid credit card issued in your name. This is the same process hotels use to provide for your safety. We pay for the same secure system used by hotels to validate guest age and ID on check in. You will pay no additional costs for this check, and your credit card *will not* be charged outside of the Terms and Conditions specified by the booking channel, we have made sure of this. A small authorization to 'Alamo City Stays' will be attempted by the 3rd party service -only- to determine the validity of the credit card information provided. Please note: An authorization is not a charge, no funds are transferred in an authorization. If you do not pass the initial ID verification, additional checks may be required. In the extremely rare circumstance that you are notified that you did not pass, -or- if you opt out of completing this check for the safety of all concerned. By reserving, and taking control of our space, you agree to cancel your active reservation within 24 hours of notification -and- release control of our space. Those releasing control of our space within 24 hours of such notification -WILL- be provided a full refund with our regrets. Those not releasing control of our space within 24 hours of such notification will be charged in accordance with the booking channel cancellation policy in effect at the time of the cancellation.
Guest Access:
If you reserve this listing, you will have the entire suite to yourself and full use of it 24 hours a day. Garden and grounds outside are shared with guests and visitors. You can come and go as you like. There's an electronic lock, so there are no keys for you to keep up with or worry about losing, but there is a combination lock on the privacy gate for added security - we'll provide you with the code to that. We recommend leaving the lock on the gate at all times just so you don't have to worry about losing it.
The Neighborhood:
Your retreat space sits to the rear right side of the Gustav Giesecke estate in the elegant King William Historic District. The neighborhood is listed on the National Register of Historic Places as one of San Antonio's oldest and most architecturally significant areas. The grand houses of this neighborhood were built by successful German immigrants on the land bordering the San Antonio River and formerly farmed by the Spanish missions. Right across the street you'll arrive at the start of the world-famous San Antonio Riverwalk (on the San Antonio River) which offers shopping, dining and entertainment for all tastes. Feel free to stroll the area. Welcome to your perfect romantic escape.
Getting Around:
If you want to ride, taxis are available anytime and start around $15 to get anywhere else in town. I prefer Uber, which is a private driver service. You'll find information when you arrive for $20 off your first few rides! But once you're here, everything you're likely to want to do is within a short walk on the Riverwalk. Enjoy your stay!
Interaction with Guests:
It's likely you won't see me during your stay, which allows you more privacy and convenience. However, I'm here anytime you need to reach out. If you need anything or have questions, just send me a message and I'll be quick to respond.
