Where San Antonio History Checked In
The Menger Hotel
Just steps from the Alamo stands one of San Antonio’s most enduring landmarks—the Menger Hotel. William and Mary Menger opened the hotel in 1859, after the popularity of their boarding house and brewery created demand for better accommodations near Alamo Plaza. The original two-story stone hotel contained 50 rooms and quickly became one of the city’s most prominent gathering places.
During the nineteenth century, the Menger welcomed travelers arriving in a rapidly growing San Antonio, along with cattlemen, military leaders, writers, entertainers, and political figures. Its guest list over the years included Ulysses S. Grant, Robert E. Lee, John Pershing, O. Henry and many others.
One of the hotel’s best-known stories came in 1898, when Theodore Roosevelt gathered volunteers at the Menger for the regiment that became famous as the Rough Riders during the Spanish-American War. The historic Menger Bar remains closely associated with that chapter of the hotel’s history.
The hotel itself continued to evolve. After Mary Menger sold the property to Major J. H. Kampmann in 1881, additional wings and improvements expanded the hotel while preserving its distinctive character. Later renovations added many of the architectural details visitors associate with the Menger today.
More than a century and a half after opening its doors, the Menger remains an operating hotel beside Alamo Plaza. Its Victorian architecture, historic interiors, courtyard and famous bar provide a remarkable connection between modern San Antonio and the generations of travelers who came before.
From cattlemen and soldiers to presidents and travelers, the Menger Hotel has witnessed San Antonio history from a front-row seat since 1859.
Artists interpretation of the historic site.
