Haunted Menger Hotel in San Antonio
The Haunted Menger Hotel in San Antonio, a venerable institution steeped in history and whispered tales, stands proudly as the Grande Dame of Alamo Plaza. Constructed just 23 years after the legendary fall of the Alamo, this iconic hotel has been a cornerstone of San Antonio society since its inception in 1859. More than just a place to rest one’s head, the Haunted Menger Hotel has played host to a dazzling array of celebrated figures, from presidents and military commanders to pioneering empire builders and robust cattle barons.
Today, the Haunted Menger Hotel, located directly across from the Alamo, continues to operate as one of San Antonio’s premier hotels. This magnificent five-story structure boasts 320 meticulously appointed rooms and suites, each echoing the grandeur of a bygone era. Recognized for its historical significance, the hotel is rightfully listed on the National Register of Historic Places, solidifying its status as one of Texas’s oldest and most esteemed hotels. While the Haunted Menger Hotel continues to welcome travelers from around the globe, it is also reputed to be a haven for a rather unique kind of resident: ghosts.
The story of the Menger Hotel begins with William Menger, a German immigrant who arrived in San Antonio in the early 1840s. He initially partnered with Charles Phillip Degen to establish a brewery on the site, catering to the burgeoning population of the growing city. In 1857, recognizing the need for lodging to accommodate the brewery’s many patrons, Menger conceived the idea of building a hotel. He enlisted the expertise of local architect John M. Fries, who designed a refined two-story building constructed from cut stone, adorned with abundant classical detailing.
The hotel was an immediate triumph, exceeding Menger’s initial expectations. Fueled by this success, he swiftly initiated plans to expand, constructing a forty-room annex between the hotel and his brewery. Completed the following year, this expansion further solidified the Menger’s reputation as a luxurious and well-appointed establishment. A unique feature of the hotel was a tunnel leading from the basement to the adjacent brewery, through which Menger personally guided select guests on exclusive tours. Tragically, William Menger passed away at the hotel in March 1871. His widow and son assumed responsibility for managing the establishment, ensuring its continued success.
Following the tumultuous years of the Civil War and Reconstruction, the Menger Hotel experienced a resurgence in popularity, particularly after the arrival of the railroad in 1877. It quickly became renowned as the preeminent hotel in the Southwest, celebrated for the exceptional cuisine served in its Colonial Dining Room. The menu featured an array of delicacies, including locally sourced wild game, refreshing mango ice cream, and the acclaimed snapper soup, crafted from turtles harvested from the San Antonio River.
Further expansion occurred in December 1881 with the addition of an east wing. In 1887, Hermann Kampmann assumed the role of manager and oversaw the installation of a spectacular new bar, meticulously replicating the taproom of the House of Lords Club in London. This bar, crafted from solid cherry wood, featured a cherry-paneled ceiling, opulent French mirrors, and gleaming gold-plated spittoons, becoming a marvel of San Antonio. The bar served chilled beer, cooled by the Alamo Madre ditch that flowed through the hotel courtyard, and was also known for mint juleps served in solid silver tumblers, and hot rum toddies. Theodore Roosevelt’s first encounter with the Menger occurred in 1892 during a javelina hunt. He returned in 1898 to recruit his famed Rough Riders and again in 1905 for a celebratory banquet.
In 1909, the hotel underwent another significant enlargement with the addition of a south side. Architect Alfred Giles redesigned the main façade, incorporating Renaissance Revival details using stuccoed brick, pressed metal, and cast iron. He also designed an interior rotunda, providing natural light and serving as a central circulation point. Throughout its history, the hotel has remained a focal point for San Antonio’s social events and a favored meeting place for visiting dignitaries and celebrities. While the Great Depression brought a period of decline, the hotel was revitalized in the mid-1940s, with its celebrated dining rooms meticulously restored. By 1951, a new wing had been added, and the entire building had been modernized. In 1976, the Menger Hotel was formally recognized for its historical significance and added to the National Register of Historic Places as part of the Alamo Plaza Historic District. A further renovation took place in the 1980s, ensuring the hotel’s continued preservation.
Beyond its historical significance, the Menger Hotel boasts unparalleled amenities, including the renowned Colonial Room Restaurant and the Menger Bar, alongside its 316 guest rooms and suites. Many of the rooms offer captivating views of the Alamo, the hotel’s inviting pool, or the bustling Alamo Plaza. The rooms retain the furniture, art, and accessories reminiscent of the hotel’s earlier days, including four-poster beds, Victorian sofas and chairs upholstered in plush velvet, marble-topped tables, and period-appropriate wall coverings, all adding to the authentic historical ambience.
However, the Haunted Menger Hotel‘s allure extends beyond its history and luxurious amenities. It is the hotel’s reputation as a paranormal hotspot that truly captivates many. It is said to be home, or at least a regular haunt, for an estimated 32 different entities. These spectral residents seemingly coexist peacefully with the living, going about their ethereal business without causing undue alarm.
Perhaps the most famous ghostly resident of the Haunted Menger Hotel is former President Teddy Roosevelt. Legend has it that Roosevelt frequented the Menger Bar, where he recruited cowboys fresh off the Chisholm Trail to join his detachment of Rough Riders. Roosevelt would reportedly sit at the bar, offering free drinks to unsuspecting cowboys as he skillfully employed his recruiting strategies. Many awoke the next morning to find themselves en route to basic military training at Fort Sam Houston, ready to serve in the Spanish-American War. Over the years, Roosevelt has been sighted enjoying a drink in the dimly lit barroom adjacent to the main lobby.
Another frequently encountered spirit is Sallie White, a former chambermaid who worked at the hotel. Tragically, Sallie was attacked by her husband within the hotel on March 28, 1876, following a domestic dispute. Despite being severely injured, she survived for two days before succumbing to her wounds. The hotel’s ledgers indicate that it paid $32.00 for her funeral. Today, Sallie is said to continue her duties within the Victorian wing of the hotel, often seen wearing a long gray skirt and a bandana, the typical uniform of chambermaids during her time. She is most frequently observed at night, walking along the hotel hallways carrying a stack of clean towels.
The apparition of Captain Richard King, the former owner of the vast King Ranch, is also frequently reported. A regular guest at the Menger Hotel, King maintained a personal suite there. Upon learning of his impending death, he spent his final months at the hotel, writing his will and bidding farewell to his friends. His funeral was held in the Menger’s parlor on April 15, 1885. The room where he resided is now known as the "King Ranch Room." He is often observed entering his old room, passing directly through the wall where the door once stood before a remodeling project.
Another ghostly presence often spotted in the original lobby is that of a woman wearing an old-fashioned blue dress, small wire-framed glasses, and a tasseled beret. She sits quietly knitting. On one occasion, a staff member approached her, asking, "Are you comfortable? May I get you something?" The woman responded with an unfriendly "No" before vanishing.
Another guest recounted emerging from the shower to find an apparition dressed in a buckskin jacket and grey pants engaged in a heated conversation with an unseen entity. The entity demanded to know, "Are you gonna stay or are you gonna go?" three times before disappearing.
Other entities have been known to "help" in the kitchen area, with utensils seemingly floating through the air, moving from one area to another without human intervention.
Due to its proximity to the Alamo, some of the Haunted Menger Hotel‘s ghostly visitors are attributed to those who perished during the Battle of the Alamo. Reports of heavy footsteps and the sound of kicking are common, and guests and staff have reported glimpses of old military boots.
The Haunted Menger Hotel, with its rich history and numerous spectral residents, continues to intrigue and captivate visitors. While the number of entities said to reside within the hotel is substantial, they are generally considered harmless, doing little more than startling guests or employees. The hotel is a popular destination for ghost hunters, seeking to experience its unique paranormal atmosphere. The Haunted Menger Hotel‘s ghostly allure is undeniable.