San Antonio's Riverwalk's Hotel History Has Two Significant Gems Cookies & Privacy Policy| After William Menger opened the Menger Brewery in 1855, he married Mary and the success of the Brewery operation led to the construction of the Menger Hotel. More than a dozen U.S. presidents have visited the Menger from Ulysses S. Grant to Bill Clinton, who was so enamored with the hotels famous mango ice cream that he had 40 gallons of it shipped to Washington, D.C., for his 1993 inaugural celebration. Hotels have come to play an important part in the states economy: In 2019, before the onset of the COVID pandemic, hotels contributed $7.8 billion to the Texas tax base and a total of $169.8 billion to the Texas economy. Located right on the banks of the river, the Hotel Palacio del Rio is one of the starting points for a river boat tour. Rushmore. Mary arrived in San Antonio in 1846 and when her husband died soon after her arrival, she opened a boarding house. Hotels also came to influence culture. A tunnel connected the hotel and the brewery, and Menger led groups of VIPs on special tours of the brewery. 254: Hotel History: St. Regis Hotel, Nobody Asked Me, But No. Each is within walking distance to many of San Antonios attractions including the La Villita Historic Arts Village and the Alamo, the UNESCO World Heritage site and former Spanish Mission where the Battle of the Alamo took place in 1836 during the Texas Revolution. Torrance would go on to build 20 other motor courts throughout the state. Theodore Roosevelt first stayed at the Menger Hotel during a javelina hunt in 1892. Read More. Continuing to cater to travelers today, the hotel is also said to be home to several resident ghosts. Hotel San Jos, originally built in 1936, was transformed by Lake|Flato Architects and Liz Lambert in the late 1990s and acted as a catalyst for the explosive development of the South Congress area. Discover special accommodations for pets and these companions can relax in style. Whether one is walking along the pathways and over the stone bridges that cross the river at various points, or on a tour boat that leisurely travels along this stretch of the river, heres where the city hums with vibrancy and the hotel scene is part of the mix. The Menger Hotel | Historic Hotel San Antonio | Hotel SA 150 Years How the Menger Hotel came to be San Antonio's most 'haunted' hotel J.M. Are you ready to upgrade your business? The interior of Degen's Brewery is shown in this 1904 photograph. The hotel also features an impressive collection of historical artifacts and paintings from the 19th century. Turn-of-the-century travelers also sought lodging for health or leisure near the states unique natural elements. The San Antonio Herald on January 18, 1859, reported on the hotel project: The Menger Hotel is rapidly drawing towards completion. The Mengers also sent out a wagon with benches that would drive around downtown San Antonio picking up businessmen in order to take them to the hotel to dine on the delicious fare. - image via University of North Texas Libraries, The Portal to Texas History, courtesy McFaddin-Ward House Museum, Twenty Alamo Plaza Hotel Courts would be built in Texas as part of the first motel chain, including this one in Beaumont. Receive for Free - Discover & Explore eNewsletter monthly with advance notice of special offers, packages, and insider savings from 10% - 30% off Best Available Rates at selected hotels. Employees and guests have reported dozens of ghost sightings at the Architect Alfred Giles altered the main faade, adding Renaissance Revival details in stuccoed brick, pressed metal, and cast iron; he also designed an interior rotunda that provided light and served as a circulation hub. These historic hotels offer an abundance of thrilling outdoor activities to enjoy. Mary had long been preparing meals for her guests at her boarding house and she felt doing so at the Menger Hotel would strengthen its appeal. Texas Luxury Found at The Inn at Dos Brisas, Beautiful Riverwalk Views at the San Antonio Omni La Mansion, Timeless Luxury On The San Antonio Riverwalk: Hotel Valencia. Watch our German Texan Culture video to learn more about German Texan cultural heritage in Texas. The Mengers most famous spiritual guest is former President Teddy Roosevelt. The Menger Hotel is not only a very appealing place for the enjoyment of the living, but has long been a favorite place for a variety of spirits and ghosts. Sign up today for industry news delivered to your inbox. Other spiritual guests are said to have been some of the many who have stayed there over the years, as well as those who were recruited into the Rough Riders. Mary made up the menu for her guests, which included a selection of soups, beef, pasta, veal, and a variety of tasty desserts. Mary arrived in San Antonio in 1846 and when her husband died soon after her arrival, she opened a boarding house. A debutante ball was held at the Menger Hotel Feb. 1, 1940, the week before the local premiere of "Gone With the Wind." After a little over a decade of running the Menger Hotel, William Menger passes away. Blue," a woman clad in blue World War II-era dress knitting. The Menger shipped 40 gallons of the mango ice cream to Washington, D.C. for Clintons inaugural celebrations. This ice cream was served at both of President Clintons inaugurations. Explore the immense variety of activities these historic destination resorts. The Menger Hotel in San Antonio has enchanting history In 1877, newly-built railroad service to San Antonio contributed to the growing success of the Menger. Site Map, Copyright 2023 Historic Hotels of America As to its resident ghosts, the historic Menger Hotel is said to be called home or regularly visited by some 32 different entities. Hotel History: Menger Hotel - eTurboNews - image via University of North Texas Libraries, The Portal to Texas History, courtesy Dallas Heritage Village, Located in Mineral Wells, the Baker Hotel was built to cater to tourists visiting to take the cure in the towns eponymous mineral wells. A German immigrant named William A. Menger established San Antonio's first brewery with Charles Degen in 1855. The mixing of travelers helps transform social customs and integrates local communities into an expansive network. This photo shows the original 1859 lobby. Make your reservation at the hotel website or through an OTA like Travelocity. They served beer to travelers in a tavern next to the Alamo Chapel. Hotels are typically located near transportation systems, and of course, the favored mode of transportation has changed over time. eTurboNews Travel Industry News Hotel News Hotel History: Menger Hotel. The property featured a cellar with 3-foot-thick limestone walls that were ideal for chilling beer, and a tunnel led from there to the brewery. In this picture, the Alamo Plaza is seen in 1882. The Mengers illustrious guest lists have included at least 13 U.S. presidents, Oscar Wilde, cattle baron Captain Richard King of the King Ranch, Roy Rogers and Babe Ruth. 259: Hotel History: The Greenbrier, White Sulphur Springs, West Virginia. Eleven years after the Battle of the Alamo in 1836, 20-year-old German immigrant William Menger arrived in the little community of San Antonio. hotel. The entities described above and others not mentioned make The Menger Hotel their home. Valet parking $42. An east wing was added in December 1881. When the Civil War and Reconstruction were over, especially after the railroad arrived in 1877, the Menger became the best-known hotel in the Southwest. Over the years, The Adolphus has hosted everything from hula dancers to ice skating revues. Opened on February 1, 1859, the finest hotel west of the Mississippi River has been host to such notables as Teddy Roosevelt, Sam Houston, Generals Lee and Grant, and former U.S. Presidents McKinley, Taft, and Eisenhower. During four years of the Civil War, the hotel housed many Confederate Army soldiers including Sam Houston and Robert E. Lee. 265: Hotel History: Asian American Hotel Owners Association, Nobody Asked Me, But No. Alamo plaza San Antonio. It was the first of its kind in Texas and it laid the foundation for 1859 Historic Hotels. Jan 7, 2020 . Ghost Children upon San Antonios Railroad Tracks, Mission San Antonio de Valero The Alamo, Legends, Ghosts, Myths and Mysteries Main Page. [1] The Menger family [ edit] San Antonio, Texas, is replete with reminders of its Spanish history: Colonial Revival architecture, flower-decked balconies overlooking the San Antonio River, and Spanish street names. Also said to haunt the hotel is Capt. Over the years, the Menger became a legendary fixture next door to the Alamo and now reigns as the oldest . Texas squirrels are splooting again due to heat. In addition to his bulk business, Menger opened a small tavern. The reservation book in the picture above is from the Menger Hotel and was used from 1878 to 1879. Sallie has been seen numerous times wearing an old long gray skirt and a bandana around her forehead, the uniform common during her era. Imagine the employees surprise when the woman answers NO! The Menger Bar is a hotel highlight. All Rights Reserved. This award is presented to an individual for making a unique contribution in the research and presentation of hotel history and whose work has encouraged a wide discussion and a greater understanding and enthusiasm for American History. Here, in the Menger Bar, Roosevelt recruited hard-living cowboys fresh from the Chisholm Trail to his detachment of Rough Riders. In 1976 the hotel was added to the National Register of Historic Places as part of the Alamo Plaza Historic District. Historic Hotels San Antonio | Our Story | The Menger Hotel It was praised for the cuisine offered in the Colonial Dining Room, which included such specialties as wild game, mango ice cream, and snapper soup made from turtles caught in the San Antonio River. Built with Hunters SureSpeed Guarantee, the Hunter Original delivers highairflow velocity while maintaining quiet, wobble-free performance. Construction on a forty-room annex began in August 1858 and was completed the following year. Learning more about the history and impact of hospitality might allow all of us to wander more intentionally. The San Antonio Herald on January 18, 1859, reported on the hotel project: The Menger Hotel is rapidly drawing towards completion. Many of them have persisted through remodeling and have taken to drifting through walls where doors used to be, much to the dismay of unassuming guests. The Menger Hotel opened on Feb. 1, 1859 less than 23 years after the Battle of the Alamo. The Menger Hotel can be described as a high-class hotel, with five stories and 316 rooms, and has had more than 130 years of refinements, creating a masterpiece of traditional elegance and atmosphere.. The Story of. A frequent visitor to the Menger Hotel, he had a personal suite within the hotel during his lifetime. So, it is not surprising that The Menger Hotel is also home to at least 32 different entities, who dont mind sharing the hotel with the living at all, as they go about their business at hand. 2023 Texas Historical Commission. Awards & Accolades Distinctive & Notable Presidential Art Ghosts Memorabilia Gardens For the first Alamo Plaza Hotel Courts, which opened on April 9, 1929, the shape of the iconic Alamo was used, implying respect for tradition and security while recalling the design of a hacienda. Copyright 2023 Historic Hotels America Walk the hallowed grounds on which both Union and Confederate soldiers marched and fought during this tumultuous period in history. In addition, hotels have played an important role in the fight for equality and womens rights. image via University of North Texas Libraries, The Portal to Texas History, courtesy Clark Hotel Museum. 256: Hotel History: Severin Hotel Indianapolis, Indiana, Nobody Asked Me, But No. Accordingly, the history of traveler lodging is intertwined with advancing technology, changing economies, and even social revolutions. One of these days, shell really focus on that blog of hersHither and Yon. The original two-story, 50-room structure was designed by San Antonios first prominent architect, John M. Fries who was responsible for the original City Market House and Casino Hall, both since demolished. She has been seen especially at night for many years. 260: Hotel History: Terminal City, The Roosevelt Hotel and The Postum Building, New York, Nobody Asked Me, But No. Based in Edmond, Oklahoma, Elaine Warner is a member of the Society of American Travel Writers and is the author of two books, including More than Petticoats: Remarkable Missouri Women. In the early years of automotive travel, primitive municipal campsites allowed travelers to pitch their own tents along the roadside. Adolphus Busch, a German immigrant and the co-founder of Anheuser-Busch, had been investing in real estate in Dallas when city leaders persuaded him to build the new hotel. Photos courtesy of Menger Hotel. His . He is also credited with repairing the Alamo in 1850 and saving it from destruction. chambermaid who was shot by her husband because he believed she was photo courtesy The Driskill, The Beaux Arts Adolphus Hotel was once the tallest building in Texas. While particular hotels might mirror the time of their creation, they must always balance public and private needs, moments of rest and mobility, and familiar comfort with the excitingly new, all while remaining neutral spaces open to all. San Antonio, Texas 78205 image via University of North Texas Libraries, The Portal to Texas History, courtesy Mineral Wells Heritage Association, The Hotel Galvez was built by local residents as a way of luring tourists back to the island after Galvestons devastating 1900 storm. Book the Best Available Rate at this property on HistoricHotels.org and receive a complimentary one-year family membership (a $30 value) to the National Trust for Historic Preservation. They also prided themselves on providing their guests with the finest delicacies of the time. In this photo, Theodore Roosevelt and two of his Rough Riders on horses in front of Mission Concepcin in San Antonio, circa 1898. Cookies & Privacy Policy| Indulge the palate with delectable fare created by the countrys premier chefs at these historic hotels. Historic Hotels of America is the official program of the National Trust for Historic Preservation for recognizing and celebrating the finest Historic Hotels. It has also served both as a hurricane shelter and as a temporary White House for Theodore Roosevelt. The beer was chilled by the Alamo Madre ditch, which passed through the hotel courtyard, mint juleps were served in solid silver tumblers, and hot rum toddies came to have wide renown. 252: Hotel History: Libbys Hotel and Baths, Nobody Asked Me, But No. Check in each weekday to see a new review of an interesting hotel, resort, bed and breakfast, or inn - with occasional hotel chatter about hospitality industry trends. While the modern hotel developed in America, the law governing innkeepers connects back to England in the Middle Ages, when these business owners were responsible for providing rest and protection for all travelers. Today, the room in which he stayed is called the King Ranch Room. He is often seen entering his old room, going right through the wall where the door was once located before it was remodeled. It all began with beer. Menger Hotel - The exquisite, historic Menger Hotel is the oldest continuously operating hotel west of the Mississippi. Turkel is the most widely-published hotel consultant in the United States. Menger Hotel San Antonio, Texas, US - Reservations.com According to a note on the back of the print, this photo is of the Menger Hotel patio in 1864. The Menger Hotel in San Antonio is rich in history. Walking through the Menger's airy and antique . Richly paneled in cherrywood with beveled mirrors imported from France, its noted as a venue where Theodore Roosevelt recruited Rough Riders. Learn about our 160 years in business as the oldest continuously operating hotel west of the Mississippi. The Menger Hotel is a historic hotel located in downtown San Antonio, Texas, USA, on the site of the Battle of the Alamo . - All Rights Reserved. Hermann Kampmann became manager in 1887 and supervised the installation of a new bar, a replica of the taproom in the House of Lords Club in London. At the start of the 18th century, these public houses were small, plain, and without much comfort, although food and drink were typically offered along with boarding. Inside, there are more reminders of the hotels history. Every guest room has a Riverwalk or a city view. 855-516-1090. Our story began in 1859, when William Menger added a tavern and boarding house to his famous San Antonio brewery. Sam Houston, Robert E. Lee and Theodore Teddy Roosevelt were early patrons of the hotel. The hotel also offered hospital beds and nursing services for medical care of wounded soldiers. Employees have seen a black woman believed to be Sallie in April | May 2022 | Western Landmark | Written by Elaine Warner San Antonio, Texas, is replete with reminders of its Spanish history: Colonial Revival architecture, flower-decked balconies overlooking the San Antonio River, and Spanish street names. Another apparition that is often reported is that of Captain Richard King, the one-time owner of one of the largest ranches in the world The King Ranch. The Baker Hotel in Mineral Wells (currently undergoing an extensive renovation) provided facilities for guests to take the cure. On Galveston Island, a group of local businessmen and residents raised money to build a new resort hotel in hopes of bringing tourism back to the city after the devastating hurricane of 1900. Learn More. Nobody Asked Me, But No. the third floor, a ghost clad in a Davy Crockett jacket and "The Lady in Imagine the surprise at seeing an entity dressed in a buckskin jacket and gray pants, who is busy having a heated conversation with an unseen presence. Consider booking the Bed and Breakfast package. Do NOT follow this link or you will be banned from the site! The Menger Hotel features 316 one-of-a-kind guest rooms and suites, each infused with elegant dcor and historic charm. 253; Hotel History: Hotel Pennsylvania, Nobody Asked Me, But No. Receive rejuvenating treatments at one of these serene destinations. TSHA | Menger Hotel In order to entice guests, hotel builders incorporated emerging technologies that would later spread to other building types. My New Book Great American Hotel Architects Volume 2 has just been published. Tales of Texas Ghosts: The spirits of the historic Menger Hotel - mySA Having hosted many celebrated personalities, including past presidents, military commanders, empire builders, cattle barons, etc. The fan installation was a breeze, and our bartenders are extremely happy to have Hunters beautiful, quiet fans to keep them cool throughout the year, said Garvin ONeil, General Manager of The Historic Menger hotel. One of these residents was John W. "Bet a Million" Gates, the gambler who introduced barbed wire to the cattle industry. 210-223-4361. The gallery above features old photographs and detailed interiors along with notable moments throughout the Menger's past from the Roosevelt's recruitment of the Rough Riders, to the murder of a chambermaid and the lobby funeral of a cattle baron. Map & Location. He is also credited with repairing the Alamo in 1850 and saving it from destruction. Constructed 23 years after the fall of theAlamo, San AntoniosMenger Hotel is and has been since 1859, The Grande Dame of Alamo Plaza. The original property opened in 1859. 204 Alamo Plaza , San Antonio, Texas 78205. By 1951 a new wing had been added, and the building had been completely modernized. Experience a romantic getaway at a remarkable historic hotel. Mary made up the menu for her guests, which included a selection of soups, beef, pasta, veal, and a variety of tasty desserts. The placement of a passenger elevator in the Fifth Avenue Hotel in New York City in 1859 led to the rapid integration of passenger elevators in other types of buildings. Snapper soup made from turtles caught in the San Antonio River was another featured dish of the Mengers Colonial Room. Site Map, Just steps from the historic Alamo is the original Menger Hotel, which was built on the site of Mengers brewery, the first of its kind in Texas. Embracing its history as well as its 'hauntings,' the Menger Hotel, a member of the Historic Hotels of America, offers a ghost tour package as well as an "I love history" suite. Byways & Historic Trails Great Drives in America, Soldiers and Officers in American History, William M. Chick Kansas City Founder & Pioneer, Robert Gillham Founder of Kansas Citys Cable Railway, Colonel Kersey Coates Kansas City Businessman. My extensive hotel operating experience is beneficial in cases involving: Feel free to call me at no charge on 917-628-8549 to discuss any hotel-related expert witness assignment. The Menger was again renovated in the 1980s. In 1909 the hotel was again enlarged with an addition to the south side. It's so popular that a three-story addition is built soon after. Kathy Alexander/Legends of America, updated November 2022. How the Menger Hotel came to be San Antonio's most 'haunted' hotel - mySA San Antonio, Texas. When he learned of his impending death from his personal physicians, Captain King spent the last months of his life, wrote his will disposing of his great wealth, and bade farewell to his friends in his suite at the Menger. Heres where Davy Crockett and all other defenders lost their lives, and 600 or moreMexican soldiersdied or were wounded in the battle. Hotel Palacio del Rio This 21 floor, 485 guest room, hacienda-style hotel was an architectural milestone when it was constructed in 1968. Rushmore. her arms stretched out and full of fresh towels." The Menger Hotel, constructed in 1857 and situated on the original battle grounds of the Alamo, is said to be inhabited by over 30 different ghosts.
Why Did Methodists Split From The Church Of England, Articles W