Ghostly Stays: Exploring San Antonio’s Haunted Hotel Scene
By Iliana Yanez
The St. Anthony Hotel (photo courtesy of Alamo City Ghost Tours)
As the holiday season approaches, many dream of bright lights, joyful celebrations, and warm gatherings filled with food, family, and friends. Yet for those who crave something a little different, a bit darker, and even a touch spine-tingling, San Antonio offers a unique way to embrace the season: its haunted hotels. Rich with ghostly legends, unexplained phenomena, and centuries of history, these storied accommodations offer guests an unforgettable holiday experience that combines the warmth of Christmas with a brush of the supernatural.
San Antonio is known for its blend of cultures, historical landmarks, and vibrant community spirit, but beneath this festive exterior lies a haunted past. For the adventurous traveler, staying at one of San Antonio’s haunted hotels during the holiday season can be a chilling, yet captivating experience—one that provides a fresh perspective on both the holidays and the city’s history. From tragic ghosts to mysterious murders, these hotels carry stories that linger just below the surface, offering a unique glimpse into the city’s past.
A City with a Haunting Past
Rich and multifaceted, San Antonio’s history evokes the Spanish colonial era. Its storied past, including battles, settlers, and a unique blend of cultures, sets the stage for ghostly lore. The city is home to one of the most famous historical landmarks in the United States: the Alamo. However, while many people are familiar with this historic battle site, fewer may know that San Antonio is considered one of the most haunted cities in the country.
For those adventurous enough to incorporate the paranormal into their holiday plans, staying at one of San Antonio's haunted hotels offers a different kind of seasonal magic. These buildings are more than mere resting spots; they’re living museums where the veil between past and present thins, providing visitors with an opportunity to explore history in a way that blends the supernatural with architectural beauty.
The Menger Hotel: A Haunted Legacy
The Menger Hotel, located adjacent to the Alamo, is often regarded as San Antonio’s most haunted hotel. Built in 1859, it stands as one of the oldest continuously operating hotels west of the Mississippi River. While it has served as a luxurious retreat for historical figures like President Theodore Roosevelt and General Robert E. Lee, the Menger is perhaps best known for the numerous spirits said to roam its halls; some estimates suggest as many as 32 different spirits linger in the hotel, drawing visitors seeking ghostly encounters.
One of the most famous phantasms is Sallie White, a former chambermaid who was tragically murdered by her husband while working at the hotel. Sallie’s ghost is often seen continuing her duties, dressed in a long skirt and white blouse, tidying rooms or walking through the corridors. Some guests have even reported waking up to the unsettling sight of Sallie standing at the foot of their bed, only to watch her vanish into the night. Sallie’s story has become one of the most well-known tales associated with the Menger, and her spirit is one of the most frequently encountered by visitors.
Teddy Roosevelt at the haunted Menger Hotel
Eva Pohler, who visited the Menger Hotel, described the heavy presence of history that hangs in the air. She noted the hotel has seen its share of death and tragedy, which may explain the abundance of spectral sightings reported by guests. Pohler shared that in addition to Sallie White, other spirits make their presence known, including a Confederate soldier frequently spotted in the lobby near the front desk, waiting as though he has unfinished business. Children's spirits have also been sighted, with one playful apparition often seen running through the halls or playing near the grand staircase.
One of the Menger’s most iconic ghostly residents is President Teddy Roosevelt himself. Roosevelt famously recruited his Rough Riders at the Menger Bar in 1898 for the Spanish-American War. Today, guests and staff report sightings of his spirit, particularly near the bar area, where some claim to hear his booming voice or see him enjoying a whiskey as though still recruiting soldiers, adding to the eerie allure that has made the Menger Hotel a favorite destination for those fascinated by the paranormal.
The Menger’s ghostly activity is not limited to well-known figures. Many visitors have reported sudden chills, strange noises, and objects moving on their own. Guests at the Menger have observed cold spots in various rooms, creating a sense of unease as they stay in the hotel’s haunted quarters. Despite these eerie encounters, the Menger remains a grand, historic location, combining luxury with the supernatural for an unforgettable experience.
The Menger Hotel’s elegance creates a welcoming atmosphere. However, the presence of spirits adds an element of intrigue. For those interested in a unique experience, staying at the Menger offers a blend of history, luxury, and the possibility of encountering apparitions from the past. The contrast between the hotel’s grandeur and its haunted reputation makes it a compelling choice for exploring the supernatural side of San Antonio.
The Emily Morgan Hotel: Ghostly Glamour
Lobotomy performed at the haunted Emily Morgan Hotel
The Emily Morgan Hotel, now part of the DoubleTree by Hilton family, is another iconic haunted location in San Antonio. Known as the "Third Most Haunted Hotel in the World" by USA Today, the Emily Morgan is situated just across Houston street from the Alamo. Its neo-Gothic architecture and rich history only add to its haunting allure.
Before becoming a luxury hotel, the building served as a medical facility in the early 20th century. Some sections were used as a hospital, a psychiatric ward, and even a morgue, making it fertile ground for paranormal activity. Today, guests often report strange occurrences, particularly on the 7th, 9th, and 14th floors, where the most notorious ghost sightings have been documented.
One of the most common reports is of ghostly figures dressed in hospital gowns or era-appropriate clothing, seemingly going about their business as if still tied to the world they once knew. Others have described feeling an overwhelming sense of unease while hearing unexplained sounds like footsteps or witnessing flickering lights.
What makes the Emily Morgan Hotel stand out is its unique juxtaposition of glamour and the macabre. The hotel exudes elegance, offering guests a refined and welcoming atmosphere. Yet, the specter of its eerie past lingers, adding an element of intrigue for those who seek an encounter with the supernatural amid their stay.
The Menger Hotel (photo courtesy of Alamo City Ghost Tours)
The St. Anthony Hotel: Elegance Meets Eeriness
The St. Anthony Hotel, opened in 1909, is a luxurious property that has hosted celebrities, dignitaries, and royalty. It is often referred to as the "Queen of San Antonio," due to its opulent interior and grand history. However, it also has a reputation for ghostly encounters that make it one of the most talked-about haunted hotels in the city.
Guests and staff alike have reported sightings of a woman in a long black dress wandering the hotel’s halls. Some believe she’s the spirit of a guest who met a tragic fate, though her exact story remains a mystery. Others have experienced strange cold spots in certain areas of the hotel, sudden shifts in temperature that have no logical explanation.
The St. Anthony’s allure lies in its blend of classic, old-world charm with a touch of the supernatural. The grand hotel’s elegant ambiance is complemented by the eerie presence of spirits from the past, creating a unique atmosphere where guests may encounter ghostly visitors from beyond the grave.
The Gunter Hotel: A Tale of Music and Manifestations
While the Menger, Emily Morgan, and St. Anthony Hotels are often at the forefront of haunted hotel discussions in San Antonio, the Gunter Hotel deserves its place among the city’s most supernatural and mysterious. Established in 1909, it stands as a grand symbol of early 20th-century elegance, but also harbors an uncanny and spooky history.
Located in the heart of downtown San Antonio, the Gunter Hotel is best known for its connection to legendary blues musician Robert Johnson, and the spirit of a lingering little boy who just wants someone to play with, providing visitors to the Gunter a uniquely haunting experience.
The Ghost of Robert Johnson
The Gunter Hotel also holds a significant place in music history. It was there, in room 414, that blues musician Robert Johnson, famous for allegedly making a deal with the devil at the crossroads, recorded a number of his songs in 1936. Johnson’s music is filled with themes of heartbreak, loss, and eerie folklore, and many fans believe his spirit may still be tied to the hotel. Both staff and guests have reported hearing faint strains of music coming from the empty room, as if Johnson himself is still playing his haunted tunes late into the night.
The Ghostly Boy of the 12th Floor
Among the many eerie encounters at the Gunter Hotel, one of the most spine-tingling experiences comes from Lisa York, the hotel’s Director of Business Development. In February 2009, Lisa was called to the 12th floor to assist a client in the Starwood Club Lounge. As she exited the elevator, she noticed a small boy crouched behind a coffee table at the entrance. Concerned for his well being, she asked the child where his parents were, to which he giggled and ran down the hallway.
After helping her client, Lisa walked down the hall in search of the boy, assuming he belonged to a family staying on the 12th floor. She stopped a housekeeper to ask if she had seen the boy, only to be told that no families with children were checked into that floor.
When Lisa later described the boy to a hotel admin—no older than six, with a bowl haircut and suspenders—their eyes widened. The admin informed Lisa that she had just described the "little boy ghost."
The boy was said to have died in the 1920s after a tragic accident. During a party in the hotel's Crystal Ballroom, the boy had been playing with a rubber ball, kicking it around. In a heartbreaking turn of events, he kicked the ball down a flight of stairs and ran after it, but tripped and broke his neck.
The boy's spirit has reportedly been seen by both staff and guests over the years, particularly on the 1st, 2nd, and 12th floors. Known for his mischievous nature, the ghost has even been spotted sitting on top of chandeliers in the lobby, swaying gently as he looks down at guests. Lisa later came across a photo taken by a guest in 2005, showing what appeared to be the ghostly figure of a young boy. The image of the boy–no older than six, with a bowl haircut and suspenders–sent chills down her spine, as it matched exactly the boy she had encountered.
Boy Ghost, 2005, taken at the Gunter Hotel (photo courtesy of Lisa York - Gunter Hotel
The combination of such personal experiences, alongside the hotel’s rich history, makes the Gunter Hotel a must-visit for both music lovers and those curious about the paranormal. Whether it's the echoes of Robert Johnson's music or the lingering presence of a playful ghost child, the Gunter Hotel offers an experience that is truly unforgettable.
A stay at the Gunter offers more than just a glimpse into history—it’s a connection to the rich stories and legends that have shaped its legacy. For music lovers, the chance to walk the same halls where Robert Johnson once played adds an extra layer of intrigue. Whether you're drawn by the hotel's musical ties or its haunted reputation, the Gunter Hotel invites guests to experience a unique blend of history and mystery, where the echoes of the past and the eerie presence of spirits still linger in the shadows.
The Impact on San Antonio’s Community
The haunted hotels of San Antonio have become a vital part of the city’s identity. Beyond their historical significance, these locations are major tourist attractions, drawing visitors from all over the world who are eager to experience the paranormal. For the local community, these hotels
represent a unique confluence of past and present, where the city’s rich history is kept alive not just through textbooks, but through the lingering spirits of those who came before.
During the holiday season, the community embraces the haunted lore of these hotels, offering ghost tours, themed events, and storytelling sessions that allow locals and visitors alike to experience San Antonio’s spooky side. This aspect of the city’s identity is a local point of pride, offering an alternative holiday experience that you won’t find in many other cities.
Moreover, these haunted hotels contribute significantly to the local economy. Tourism spikes during the holiday season, and San Antonio’s reputation as a haunted city only adds to the appeal. The hotels employ locals, and the surrounding businesses, such as restaurants, bars, and shops, all benefit from the influx of visitors looking for a unique way to celebrate the holidays.
A Hauntingly Beautiful Holiday Awaits
Whether you’re a believer in the paranormal or simply seeking an adventure that’s a bit out-of-the-ordinary, San Antonio’s haunted hotels offer a captivating blend of history, mystery, and intrigue. The city’s storied past comes alive in these iconic buildings, where chilling tales and unexplained phenomena add an extra layer of excitement to your stay.
To deepen your apparition adventure, San Antonio offers several engaging ghost tours that explore the haunted history surrounding these hotels:
Sisters Grimm Ghost Tours & Oddities features the Ghost Bus Tour, a distinctive journey that combines theater and history. This tour takes guests on a spine-tingling ride through San Antonio’s haunted locations, including the Menger Hotel, with live performances and interactive storytelling enhancing the experience.
Alamo City Ghost Tours offers an immersive exploration of the city’s haunted past. Their tours cover several haunted sites, including detailed accounts of ghostly encounters and historical events that make the city’s supernatural heritage come alive.
RJA Ghost Tours presents an engaging exploration of San Antonio’s haunted history with their San Antonio Ghost Tour. This tour includes visits to the city's most infamous haunted locales, featuring in-depth stories and ghostly encounters that’ll add an extra thrill to your visit.
In San Antonio, a stay at a haunted hotel paired with a ghost tour is more than just a visit: it’s an immersive journey into the city’s rich, sometimes spooky, history. Embrace the blend of luxury and the supernatural, and uncover the intriguing stories that await in San Antonio’s haunted corners. ■
