"Journal Entry from O'Casey's — I fumbled at the keypad built onto the flesh of a century-old home - the 4th house ever to be built in this district. O'Caseys Boutique Inn is where we'd be staying tonight. It is near the heart of San Antonio, but far enough to find elegance and peace. (I laugh, and write this as the maintenance crew takes down trees with loud chainsaws and blows leaves around louder than a tornado outside my window). The charm abundantly outweighs and noise (in fact I love that they invest in upkeeping the property and please note we checked in way earlier than we were supposed to so I'm guessing the yard work was meant for before checkin). I replay entering the threshold astounded by the detail of the place - Each piece of furniture purposefully placed, chunky wooden antiques garnishing the entryways and walls, and the ornate rugs majestically rolled out on original hardwood flooring. In the living area, a stone fireplace climbs up between two tall windows and a Christmas tree adorns the back corner, splendidly tucked up against gray/green walls. Beside it, a large china cabinet cups flickering candles and poinsettias. The couches are friendly, soft and worn from an older day. They are antiques as well, welcoming piles of pillows like a child cozied up in a mother's lap. A guest book with a flowery pen sits neatly on a writers desk. Books are stacked in a glass case behind it. In one room to the left is an office, straight ahead the fireplace room, then beyond that and to the left, a large dining room - the 12 foot long table and carefully crafted chairs are the centerpiece. Here was the room Dwight D Eisenhower used to eat when he was stationed at Fort Sam Houston, before he became President and Supreme commander of Allied Forces in Europe during WW2! A Bexar county judge owned this house at the time. Meanwhile, this neighborhood became established by wealthy cattle barons, politicians and oil tycoons in the late 1800's and early 1900's. Somehow, I can still feel Mr. Eisenhower's footsteps on mine as I circle the table slowly, and speechlessly envisioning him right here with me - and everyone else who used to gather with him. Being here I sit in awe, completely immersed in history.
Later the next morning we awoke with fresh hot prewrapped burritos - several kinds to choose from - warming for us in the dining area. Note: There are always all kinds of little snacks and fruit to choose from, hot tea, Keurig coffee, a microwave and a fridge there too. I took a hot shower (it's an old home and the water temperature goes in and out), made myself a fresh cup of breakfast roast and cozied up in front of the couch in front of the Christmas tree, the morning sun pouring in on my face. Note the details on the windows and the patterns the sun makes on the floor as it beams through. In that moment I was feeling more at home here than at my own home and couldn't be more thankful for booking this place. DETAILS: We stayed in the Dublin room. The hairdryer is in the dresser drawer. The bed is a little creaky and pillows a little stiff for my taste but we ended up sleeping really sound. There are two electric heaters in the room but I turned mine off because I like it chilly at night (note the picture of the fireplace in the listing is not actually a working fireplace and can't be touched). The ceiling fan works but it makes a funny noise (again these are not downfalls just things to note as it's an older house). The WiFi worked great (I needed to work while I was there) and the couch in the bedroom was a comfy spot for reading or working. This room is also on the first floor in the back of the house which I actually loved because it felt like we had our own kitchen and living room (this might be different if you have guests coming in and out - for us it was really quiet.) The host was great. She let us check in much earlier than expected so I could work while my husband was away and the minute she found out our lightbulb burnt out in the room she had her handyman fix it promptly. Overall, this place felt like home to me, the host was very accommodating, and the house was peaceful and quiet despite the thin walls. It was almost as if we had the place to ourselves (maybe we did haha)! I will definitely recommend this stay and hope to be back one day." - Dana
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Great location within a short drive to colleges, Japanese Tea garden, local restaurants, and the Pearl. The house was as advertised and expected; it's an old home with wooden floors that squeak and the walls are thin. There were two TVs, both functioning. The bedrooms had large beds with pillows and blankets, closets and side tables. The bathroom was small but served it's purpose. I think this was a great stay for couples or small families of 2-4. Only one bathroom limits the space. The kitchen was very clean, modern and had all supplies for cooking/ baking. Would definitely stay here again or even another unit. Parking in back is easily accessible and the neighborhood felt safe.- Chanel
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