Summary:
Your 19th-century Cottage, “Lavanderie”, rests in a private gated garden in the heart of San Antonio. You will find the experience more of a peaceful escape in the deep woods than what this gem is -a unique retreat adjacent to your world-famous Riverwalk and easy stroll from all the City offers. You are a 10 min walk from the Alamo and a 1/2 mile from the Blue Star Arts Complex or Convention Center. You will find it a romantic retreat or solo adventure. Modern fun in a historic setting!!
The Space:
Your stay at Lavanderie is unlike any experience you will find in San Antonio. You will be right in the heart of the city and you will find no shortage of things to do, see, and experience - from historic and the earliest days of the San Antonio to sleek and modern. Your rustic and private cottage, is located on the estate grounds of the Gustav Giesecke House in the King William Historic District of San Antonio. Perfect for your romantic getaway and something other than your traditional boring hotel room. You will experience no elevators or flights of stairs, although come prepared for a bit of a cross the yard hike to your cabin. You may be wise to come in comfortable shoe and with a light handy to navigate the yard after dark to get back to your home away from home. You will find your cottage has a rustic charm and your stay is more akin to a stay in a log cabin in the forest than a stay in a century-old guest house in the middle of the city. At the same time, we strive to make it as comfortable as possible and keep it fully appointed with all the linens, towels, soaps and shampoos and other amenities you would expect from a hotel stay while keeping your experience entirely unique!
Once your booking is confirmed, we send you a SECURE link to our pre-arrival portal where you will verify ID and occupancy (like at a hotel) without all the handing of ID back and forth. (see details below)
Your bedroom fills the majority of the original 'wash house' structure. You will enjoy your nightly repose on a queen-sized bed with an extra soft pillow top mattress. You will notice the original pine wood floors still run throughout the space which includes the bathroom and walk-in closet. To modernize the space a little, you will find the original claw foot tub has a wrap around shower curtain enclosure to allow you the option of a shower, in addition to possibility of an 'old western'-style long soak in the claw foot tub. Oversized towels and standard bath amenities are provided for your stay.
Your cottage, “the wash house”, is what remains of the 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 you will become familiar with as the 'main house' and still stands on the estate. The original Victorian wash house was converted into your guest cottage with the addition of your sitting room and kitchen area in 1950, and then renovated again in 2010.
You will find this addition snug, yet enjoyable space relax with coffee in the morning or with a glass of your favorite beverage in the evening after a day exploring San Antonio. Your living / dining space includes a small but 'mighty' kitchen, well enough appointed to cook up a reasonable meal if you are so inclined and a 32" flat panel TV with free streaming services. 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 and complete with refrigerator, range/oven, microwave... and all the necessary cooking and dining utensils, Keurig (for your morning / evening warm beverage convenience), plates, glasses, etc. to enjoy your own home-cooked meals - if you choose to cook. You will be staying directly across the street from the entrance to the world renowned 'Riverwalk' and with restaurants serving all varieties of cuisine just a short walk away you can go an entire visit without using the stove once. Your parking is free, however, you will want to be aware that you can only park on the street and your parking time between 7 am and 6 pm, Monday through Friday, is restricted by the city and the King William Historic District. Overnight is generally not a problem, unless you are late to bed and are not up by 9 am to move your car before the city makes their 1st check. We will help you stay in compliance so your parking remains free.
Since 1889, only two families have owned the home and grounds for your stay. You will see magnificent pecan and cypress trees as you walk the grounds, these are believed to be centuries old. Native plants fill the lush garden surrounding Lavanderie where you will be staying. These plants provide a haven for wild birds so you will likely see many varieties during your stay. Your cottage is a small, only 500 sq. ft, rustic retreat for you, or you and a loved one.
If Lavanderie is available on dates you are looking at, grab that booking fast! Our guests come back often and are staying for longer periods each time, you will find the same when you experience a stay in the cottage. Open dates do not last long.
You will be staying in a very safe and historically significant neighborhood, feel free to walk the streets and admire the various historic homes. You are within easy 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:
You will have the entire cottage 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 cottage sits in a private, gated garden, in one corner 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 will arrive at one entrance to your 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 to Uber. Once you are here, you are likely to find anything you 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.
