It’s an eyesore. It’s a landmark. Depending on who you ask in downtown San Antonio, El Tropicano San Antonio is either a mid-century masterpiece waiting for its comeback or a concrete ghost haunting the northern reach of the River Walk.
You’ve probably seen it. That massive, 1960s-era block sitting at 110 Lexington Ave. It looks tired. Actually, it looks abandoned, because, for the last few years, it basically has been. But if you think this is just another failing hotel story, you’re wrong. The saga of "El Trop" is a messy cocktail of lawsuits, high-end real estate dreams, and a desperate attempt to save the soul of San Antonio’s most famous tourist district.
The Glitzy History Nobody Remembers
When El Tropicano opened in 1962, it wasn't just another place to sleep. It was the first hotel on the River Walk. Think about that for a second. Before the Grand Hyatt or the massive Marriott towers existed, El Tropicano was the pioneer. It brought a "Palm Springs meets Acapulco" vibe to South Texas.
The place was a magnet for the elite. We're talking about a time when Lyndon B. Johnson’s staff would roam the halls and celebrities like Rock Hudson or Julie Andrews might be spotted by the pool. It had this specific, "Mad Men" era coolness—tiki drinks, lush greenery, and a sense that the River Walk was going to be something special.
Then, things got quiet.
Decades of wear and tear took their toll. The "Tropical" vibe started feeling less like a luxury resort and more like a kitschy relic that hadn't seen a paintbrush since the Reagan administration. By the time the 2010s rolled around, it was struggling.
Why is it closed? The Messy Reality
If you walk by today, the doors are locked. The pool is empty. It’s eerie.
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Most people think it just went out of business because of the pandemic. That’s part of it, sure. But the real story is a tangled web of ownership changes and financial drama. Around 2018 and 2019, there were massive plans. We’re talking about a $50 million renovation that was supposed to turn it into a high-end boutique hotel.
Then everything stalled.
Internal disputes between investment groups—specifically involving Trestle Studio and various local partners—turned into a legal slog. Foreclosure notices started flying around like confetti. In 2023, the property was narrowly saved from a foreclosure sale at the last minute. Honestly, it’s been a rollercoaster for the local business community.
Why should you care? Because El Tropicano San Antonio sits on prime real estate. The "Museum Reach" of the River Walk is booming. With the Pearl District just a short walk away and new luxury apartments popping up everywhere, having a massive, shuttered hotel in the middle of it all is a huge problem for the city's tax revenue and aesthetic.
Can the Mid-Century Charm Be Saved?
There is a very real debate happening among San Antonio preservationists. Some people want to tear the whole thing down. They see a dated, inefficient building that doesn't meet modern standards for luxury or environmental impact.
But architects see something else. They see "Texas Modernism."
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The building has bones you just don't find anymore. Those wide balconies? The specific way the courtyard interacts with the river? You can't replicate that in a modern Hilton Garden Inn. If the current owners—now led by a group including B.P. Agrawal—can actually pull off the renovation, it could be the coolest spot in the city.
Imagine:
- A restored 1960s lobby with authentic terrazzo floors.
- A rooftop bar overlooking the San Antonio skyline.
- A revitalized pool deck that feels like a vintage postcard.
But it’s a gamble. A massive one.
The Local Perspective: Is It a Neighborhood Nuisance?
Ask anyone living in the nearby apartments, and they’ll tell you the same thing: "Just do something with it."
An empty building of that size attracts issues. It’s a dead zone on the river. When El Tropicano was open, it brought foot traffic to the northern end of the River Walk. Now, that stretch feels a bit isolated once the sun goes down. Local businesses need those 300+ rooms filled with tourists who spend money on margaritas and souvenirs.
There’s also the "River Walk North" factor. This part of the river is quieter, more residential, and filled with public art. It doesn’t have the neon-soaked chaos of the downtown loop near the Alamo. El Tropicano is the anchor for this entire section. If it stays dark, the Museum Reach feels incomplete.
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What’s Next for El Tropicano?
The latest word? New owners have promised a "rebirth." They’ve been working on clearing out the interior and securing the site. But we've heard this before. In 2021, there were mock-up rooms. In 2022, there were "coming soon" signs.
The reality of San Antonio real estate is that construction costs and interest rates have skyrocketed. Renovating a 60-year-old hotel is significantly more expensive than building a new one from scratch. You run into asbestos, outdated plumbing, and electrical systems that look like they were wired by a mad scientist.
What Travelers Need to Know Right Now
If you're planning a trip to San Antonio, do not try to book a room here. I know some third-party booking sites still have old listings that pop up in search results. Don't fall for it. The hotel is 100% non-operational. If you want that same "Museum Reach" vibe, you’re better off looking at:
- Hotel Emma: The gold standard for the area, though it’s much pricier.
- The Thompson: Sleek, modern, and very close to the El Trop site.
- Wyndham Garden: A more budget-friendly option nearby.
Actionable Steps for the Curious
If you’re a fan of history or just a nosy local, here is how you can keep tabs on the situation without getting lost in the rumor mill.
- Check the Bexar County Property Records: If you want to know who actually owns it today, the public records are your best friend. Look for "110 Lexington" to see the latest deed transfers.
- Walk the Museum Reach: Instead of looking at the building from the street, take the river level path. You can see the scale of the property and the original 1960s concrete work that made it famous. It gives you a better sense of why preservationists are fighting for it.
- Follow San Antonio Heron or the Express-News: These local outlets have been the "boots on the ground" for every foreclosure hearing and permit filing. They catch the details that national travel blogs miss.
The story of El Tropicano San Antonio isn't over. It’s just in a very long, very expensive intermission. Whether it becomes a glittering boutique destination or eventually meets the wrecking ball depends entirely on how much capital the new owners can actually put on the table. For now, it remains a silent monument to the city's first foray into riverfront tourism—a concrete reminder that in the world of hospitality, you either evolve or you become a ghost.