Haunted Gunter Hotel in San Antonio
The Gunter Hotel, a stately edifice gracing the heart of San Antonio, Texas, stands as a testament to both opulent hospitality and chilling mystery. Its history, intertwined with the city’s own evolution, stretches back to the earliest days of the Republic of Texas, offering a rich tapestry of glamorous guests, tragic events, and persistent paranormal lore. From its grand opening in 1909 to its modern-day incarnation as a Sheraton property, the Haunted Gunter Hotel in San Antonio has captivated visitors with its elegant charm, even as whispers of a dark past echo through its corridors.
The story begins much earlier than the hotel’s official dedication. In 1837, on the very corner of what were then known as El Rincon and El Paseo Streets, stood the Frontier Hotel. This humble establishment served as a vital lodging for travelers in a nascent San Antonio. As the city blossomed, these dusty streets transformed into the bustling thoroughfares of St. Mary’s Street and Houston Avenue, solidifying the intersection as a prime location within the city’s growing business district. It was on this very spot that the vision for a grander establishment began to take shape.
At the dawn of the 20th century, Jot Gunter, a local businessman, recognized the burgeoning demand for upscale accommodations in San Antonio. Envisioning a luxurious hotel that would rival the finest in the state, Gunter assembled a group of investors. Together, they commissioned a renowned architectural firm, the same one responsible for the iconic Hotel Adolphus in Dallas and the Galvez in Galveston, to design their ambitious project. The result was the Gunter Hotel, a magnificent structure that, upon its completion, reigned as the largest building in San Antonio. The Haunted Gunter Hotel in San Antonio quickly earned a reputation for excellence, drawing both business and leisure travelers from across the nation.
The hotel’s prime location, across from the opulent Majestic Theatre, further enhanced its allure. The Haunted Gunter Hotel in San Antonio soon became a magnet for Hollywood celebrities and luminaries of the silver screen. Stars such as Mae West, the epitome of glamour, graced its halls, as did cowboy heroes like Tom Mix, Roy Rogers, John Wayne, and Gene Autry. Beyond the realm of entertainment, the Gunter Hotel also played host to prominent political figures, including Presidents Franklin Roosevelt and Harry Truman, solidifying its place as a landmark of San Antonio society.
However, the Gunter Hotel’s history is not solely defined by its elegance and celebrity clientele. A darker chapter, etched in blood and mystery, has cemented its reputation as one of Texas’s most haunted locations. In 1965, a horrific crime unfolded within its walls, forever tainting the hotel’s legacy and giving rise to the tales of a restless spirit. The Haunted Gunter Hotel in San Antonio holds more than just a fascinating history.
The infamous incident began on February 2, 1965, when a man described as blonde and in his late 20s checked into room 636. Registering under the alias Albert Knox, he initially appeared to be traveling alone. However, over the next few days, he was observed in the company of a tall, sophisticated woman. Their presence seemed unremarkable, blending into the transient atmosphere of a bustling hotel.
The tranquility shattered on February 8th when a maid, preparing to service the rooms on her assigned floor, approached room 636. Noticing a "Do Not Disturb" sign on the door, she assumed it was an oversight and used her passkey to unlock the door. What she encountered upon entering was a scene of unimaginable horror. "Mr. Knox" stood beside a bed drenched in blood. Frozen in terror, the maid let out a scream. In response, the man simply raised his index finger to his lips, silently commanding her to be quiet. He then grabbed a blood-soaked bundle and fled the room, leaving the horrified maid in his wake. The legacy of the Haunted Gunter Hotel in San Antonio was being written in blood.
The maid, understandably shaken, recounted her experience to another member of the housekeeping staff, who in turn informed a bellhop. Precious time was lost as the information slowly made its way through the hotel’s hierarchy until, finally, some forty minutes later, the manager was notified and the police were called. Upon their arrival, detectives were confronted with a gruesome tableau. The room was saturated with blood, coating the carpet, the bathroom floor, the walls, and the bed. The very air hung heavy with the metallic scent of the woman’s lifeblood. Small pieces of flesh were discovered in the bathroom, leading investigators to theorize that the woman’s body had been dismembered within the confines of the room, with some remains disposed of down the toilet.
The ensuing investigation led police to a suspect who had checked into the St. Anthony Hotel, located just a few blocks away. As they knocked on the door of his room, a single gunshot rang out from within. Forcing their way inside, they discovered the suspect, later identified as Walter Emerick, had taken his own life.
Despite an exhaustive search, the woman’s body was never found. The police theorized that Emerick may have disposed of the remains in the still-wet cement at one of the numerous construction sites that dotted San Antonio’s downtown area at the time. The mystery surrounding the woman’s identity and the ultimate fate of her body remains unsolved, adding another layer of intrigue to the Haunted Gunter Hotel in San Antonio.
Since that tragic event, staff and guests alike have reported a series of strange occurrences, particularly in the vicinity of room 636. The restless spirit of the murdered woman is said to roam the halls, often appearing with her arms outstretched, as if pleading for help or seeking retribution. Unexplained hammering sounds have been heard emanating from the seemingly empty room. Some guests have even reported capturing the image of a blonde woman in photographs taken within the hotel, despite no such person being present. The housekeeping staff has also reported that new employees often quit after being assigned to clean room 636, overwhelmed by an unsettling feeling of unease and dread.
Adding to the spectral tapestry, other reports suggest the presence of an elderly woman who also lurks within the hotel’s confines. Whether connected to the 1965 murder or a separate entity altogether, her presence further contributes to the Gunter Hotel’s reputation as a hub of paranormal activity.
In recent years, the Gunter Hotel has undergone significant renovations. When it became part of the Sheraton Hotel Group, an eight-million-dollar investment transformed the property. Today, the historic hotel boasts 322 guest rooms and suites, elegantly furnished in a style reminiscent of old Texas cattlemen’s club rooms. While embracing its historical charm, the hotel also offers all the modern amenities expected of a full-service establishment, including the renowned Sheraton Gunter Bakery, a restaurant, a lounge, meeting facilities, and more.
Despite these modern updates, the echoes of the past linger, particularly in the hushed whispers about room 636. The Haunted Gunter Hotel in San Antonio is a place where history and mystery collide.
Understandably, the hotel staff is often hesitant to discuss the grisly murder or the alleged haunting, preferring to focus on the Gunter Hotel’s rich history and modern amenities. Nevertheless, the legends persist, drawing paranormal enthusiasts and curious travelers from around the world, all eager to experience a glimpse of the hotel’s spectral side.
Whether you seek a luxurious stay in a historic landmark or a potential encounter with the supernatural, the Gunter Hotel offers a unique and unforgettable experience. But be warned: some guests check out, but others never truly leave.
Contact Information:
Sheraton Gunter Hotel
205 E. Houston Street
San Antonio, Texas 78205
210-227-3241 or 800-222-4276