From the Grand Galvez to the Driskill, there are several haunted hotels in Texas that are known for their ghostly residents as much as for their opulence. The Menger Hotel in San Antonio, one of the oldest hotels in the state, is another one to add to the list. It opened in 1859 and sits right next to the Alamo, one of the most fascinating San Antonio historic landmarks — need I say more? The hotel’s own long and storied past, combined with the volatile history of the adjacent landmark, is a recipe for a haunting, and that’s exactly what you’ll find when you stay at the Menger, one of the most haunted and historic hotels in San Antonio.
Located directly on Alamo Plaza, the Menger Hotel is the oldest continuously operating hotel west of the Mississippi. William and Mary Menger opened it in 1859 to house guests of their brewery. The hotel originally had just 50 rooms, and today, there are over 300.
As soon as you step into the opulent Victorian lobby, you’ll know you’re someplace special. From antique furnishings to beautiful marble floors, the hotel manages to retain its historic charm and old-world elegance while also providing a slew of modern amenities.
Perhaps even more well-known than the hotel itself is its bar. The Menger Bar was built in 1887 as an exact replica of the House of Lords Pub in London, and it’s the place where Teddy Roosevelt recruited his Rough Riders. The space is full of old photographs and prized relics, and having a drink here is truly akin to stepping back in time.
If you’re wondering what makes the Menger Hotel haunted, I’m getting there. Firstly, its sheer proximity to the Alamo means there are probably quite a few restless spirits in the area, especially since the hotel was built just over two decades after the bloody battle that paved the way for Texas’s independence, which isn’t very long in the grand scheme.
The most famous ghost sighting at the Menger happened in 1959 when an apparition nicknamed “The Tall Bandit” was seen in the lobby. He carried a blue steel revolver and was spotted by several guests. William Menger also makes his presence known on a regular basis — I like to think he’s just checking up on his legacy! Other notable phenomena include a grand piano that plays by itself, a spectral soldier clad in a Texas Revolution-era uniform, and a ghostly housekeeper in Room 217 who still picks up after guests.
I would like to add that while the Menger Hotel might be one of the most haunted hotels in Texas, it’s absolutely worth staying in. From the rich history and regal architecture to the top-notch amenities and beautiful courtyard, everything about it is memorable. Plus, it’s just minutes from the San Antonio River Walk, one of the country’s top tourism destinations.
Have you ever had a paranormal encounter at the haunted Menger Hotel? How about the Grand Galvez in Galveston or the Driskill in Austin? If so, we’d love to hear about it and any other haunted place you’ve visited. Please send us a message through our nomination page…