The St. Anthony Hotel was designed with total luxury in mind. The 10 story – 20th century extravagant hotel was built in 1909. It has been a destination for many of the world’s most elite.
The San Anthony hotel not only represents luxury at its finest, but includes a personal experience that brought back past memories. I once lived in this city during the latter part of the 1950’s.
When walking up the polished marble steps toward the brass doors and having a ‘Doorman’ welcome you is invigorating.
Once you step inside, the entryway which is nothing less than spectacular, leads you to the front desk – as seen in the brief video below.
The St. Anthony Hotel was heads above its competition. At that time it offered such amenities like mahogany trim, private phones and suites that had private baths. In those days, this was considered extreme luxury.
Such dignitaries like Presidents Franklin D. Roosevelt, Dwight D. Eisenhower and Lyndon B. Johnson stayed at the St. Anthony. Other famous guests who complimented the list included General Douglas MacArthur and the showman Will Rogers.
Like its older counterpart the Menger Hotel which is a few blocks away, the St. Anthony’s furnishings reflect its period of time. The handcrafted piano is a masterful piece that adds to the ambience.
In some parts of the hotel’s social and lounging areas, the beginning of the Art Decco era started to take hold in the United States. The lavish décor and flamboyant colors graced many of the higher end hotels around the country. However, all things become a part of history.
In those days there were certain areas that accommodated small groups of people or individuals who sought more privacy. Many important decisions were discussed and decided on in places like the St. Anthony’s lobby.
In this famous lobby a 2 year old child had his first brush with fame. He was waiting quietly for his mother who was working the front desk. She was due to get off very soon.
Two tall and seemingly monstrous men approached this small child who was wearing cowboy boots, cowboy hat, and toy six-shooters strapped around his waist. The two stout men asked him his name and if he wanted to have a shootout. He eagerly stood up, drew his ‘toy’ six-shooters and both men fell to the ground. These two western stars just happened to be John Wayne and Richard Widmark, and the small child was yours truly.
The St. Anthony offers a second floor mezzanine that looks over the entire lobby. It also has a lounge – bar area, which offers entertainment throughout the day and evening. I wouldn’t be surprised to see a celebrity or two casually walking around admiring the classic style of times gone past.
Hotels like the St. Anthony and the Menger can no longer be replicated. Those days past will never be repeated, but their memories will live on forever. Nostalgic Style was embraced by people who welcomed eccentricness. In todays society, casual luxury is in and extravagance is far gone. My how times have changed.
Author: Anthony Scopel
Photography: Anthony Scopel
Videography: Anthony Scopel & Crew
Article Formatting: Anthony Scopel
Video Production: Anthony Scopel & Matt Kemper
Associate Editor: Maureen Scopel
Technical Mastering & Web Support: Matt Kemper
Publisher: You, Me and The Dock
