Capturing the Soul of the St. Anthony Hotel
Photo Courtesy: Joy Hallock
An Interview with Resident Photographer Ryan Salinas
In the heart of San Antonio, the St. Anthony Hotel stands as a beacon of timeless elegance, its walls echoing with stories of decades past. Few know this iconic building as intimately as Ryan Salinas, the hotel's resident photographer. With a lens that captures not just the physical beauty but the very essence of the St. Anthony, Ryan's work offers a glimpse into a place that is as much a part of his life as the city itself.
When asked about the seven photos he selected as his favorites, Ryan's response was filled with a deep sense of connection. "Each of these images has a special part of my heart," he shares. "My favorite parts of the building are in these photos. For example, the first photo of the elevator bank. The vaulted ceilings are such an unnoticed feature, yet it's the heart of the hotel." It’s clear that for Ryan, every shot he takes is more than just a picture; it’s a personal journey through the history and spirit of the St. Anthony.
One of the most memorable photos in this collection is a candid shot of a pigeon perched gracefully on a sofa in the lobby. "The image with the pigeon was such an incredible moment," Ryan recalls. "We were shooting images and filming something, I don't even remember, and there was this pigeon that was flying around the lobby. At some point, she landed on one of the sofas and actually posed for me, waited for me to take her photo, and then flew off. It was such a magical moment." This serendipitous encounter speaks to the living, breathing nature of the St. Anthony, where even the unplanned becomes part of its rich tapestry.
For Ryan, the St. Anthony is more than just a building; it’s a cornerstone of his life. "My entire life, the St. Anthony has been such a huge constant. It was where I shot one of my first weddings, almost 20 years ago. It's where my family gathered for many Mother's Days and Thanksgivings. It's where we celebrated my grandfather's 80th birthday on the rooftop." These personal connections are what drive Ryan’s passion for photographing the hotel. One of the photos he selected, a close-up of a mimosa, is a nod to a particularly powerful memory. "That photo is a very powerful memory I share with my mother, of her and I celebrating Mother’s Day, just us two."
When it comes to favorite features of the building, Ryan is drawn to the less obvious, yet profoundly beautiful aspects. "I love the back of the building on the rooftop," he says. "Again, it's a vantage point not many people notice. You see the gorgeous Tower Life building. It's such a festive place to be, especially in the summers." The rooftop, with its unique perspective, serves as a reminder that the St. Anthony offers more than just historical grandeur; it offers experiences that are both intimate and expansive.
One of the most fascinating tales from the St. Anthony Hotel's storied history is the creation of Southwest Airlines. In the famed St. Anthony Club, founder Herb Kelleher sketched out the concept for a regional airline that would connect San Antonio, Dallas, and Houston—right on a hotel napkin. Ryan Salinas, fiercely loyal to Southwest Airlines, finds a special connection to this piece of history. Today, guests can order the Texas Triangle cocktail at the St. Anthony, served with a replica of that iconic napkin, celebrating the innovative spirit that was born within these very walls.
Capturing the essence of a place as storied as the St. Anthony requires more than technical skill—it requires a deep, almost symbiotic relationship with the subject. "I like the building to speak to me," Ryan explains. "It's such a San Antonio icon. She's reinvented herself so many times; it's like she'll always be here. Each time she's been renovated, more and more beautiful details show themselves." One of those details, which Ryan finds particularly charming, is the historic mailbox chute system. "I love how the mailbox chute system has been maintained over the years. It's still functioning to this very day. While it's such a gorgeous permanent fixture, I probably wouldn't put my light bill in there. But it's wonderful to send a postcard or two!"
Describing the St. Anthony in just three words, Ryan chooses "Iconic, Grand, Elegant," each word carefully selected to reflect the hotel's enduring presence and timeless appeal. As the resident photographer, Ryan sees his role as not just documenting the hotel, but inviting others to experience its magic. "I hope that guests of the hotel see my work online and want to travel to come see us at the hotel. It's such a wonderful place to be and get to experience. There aren't many hotels like the St. Anthony left in the world, and it's lovely that we have such a precious gem right in our own backyard."
For photographers new to the St. Anthony, Ryan offers this piece of advice: "The magic is in the details. Every corner you turn, you will see a beautiful mirror, a gorgeous chandelier, an intricate furnishing. Explore the building and find out all of the magical things she will introduce you to." This attention to detail is what makes Ryan’s photography so compelling, as he uncovers the hidden wonders of a place that has stood the test of time.
"The St. Anthony was here yesterday, and it'll be here tomorrow," Ryan concludes. "It has stood the test of time and will always be here to invite you to rest and unwind whenever you need her." It’s a sentiment that perfectly encapsulates the enduring allure of the St. Anthony Hotel—a place where history and modernity blend seamlessly, where every photograph tells a story, and where memories are made and cherished for a lifetime.
