Gunter Hotel Opens Cutting-Edge Recording Studio

Gunter Hotel, a Tribute Portfolio Hotel recently announced its highly anticipated Gunter Studio is now open. Inspired by legendary blues musician Robert Johnson’s historic first recording in room 414 in 1936 and generations of live music, big band leaders and live music broadcasts at the property, the hotel now steps back into its role as a gathering place for music and music lovers.

© Skylar Maras

“From the very start of this renovation, we felt that we had a duty to honor the music that has filled these halls for over a century,” said Jiwon Choi, owner and managing director, Axle Capital. “We hope that the Gunter Studio will create more legendary musical moments that people will be talking about for years to come.”

Designed by producer and musician Michael Ramos and acoustician Steve Durr, Gunter Studio will function as a professional resource for musicians throughout Texas and visiting artists. It will also be a resource for the next generation of musicians and producers in San Antonio and available to students and nonprofits as a resource. On the hotel’s second floor, Gunter Studio’s state-of-the-art recording facility boasts a Neve Genesys Black 48-channel hybrid mixing console; and a curated selection of outboard gear from Universal Audio, Neve, Manley and Pultec, monitored through Focal Trio studio monitors.

A dedicated sound engineer is included with every booking, and the studio comfortably holds six to eight people. Guests can even record in Room 414 of the hotel and have it piped down to the recording studio.

© Brittany Sudwischer

Adjacent, Gunter Studio Lounge offers a retreat with jewel-toned interiors, polished brass accents and Art Deco details.

The studio is the newest addition to the hotel’s music program, which also includes a record player and a copy of “King of the Delta Blues Singers” in every room to connect guests directly to the moment that made Room 414 famous; a vinyl lending library of nearly 1,000 records, curated by on-site Vinyl Ambassadors, DJs and music aficionados; and live music weekly at Bar 414. Additionally, Gunter Hotel formed a special musical council to advise on programming, the recording experience and more.