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The History And Mystery Of The Menger Hotel
This is the definitive account of a beloved hotel that has played a memorable role in San Antonio's history. Generously illustrated, this is the fascinating story of the people who owned the Menger and the noteworthy folk they entertained.
310 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2000
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Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews
January 22, 2020
We bought this after I think our second trip to The Menger Hotel in San Antonio, anytime we visit San Antonio we stay here now. Friendly staff, close to everything, and Haunted (yes, we are that type of white person).
Shana really enjoys the place, the rooms can be a bit small but overall we enjoy our time there. This book goes pretty deep into the history without being dull or overwhelming, it is a good starting point if you are looking into the history of this historic hotel.
We have also taken both versions of the Sister's Grimm tours which both include this hotel. So fans of history, ghost, Texas, or hotels should give this a read, also a good look at San Antonio and its changes and growth.
Shana really enjoys the place, the rooms can be a bit small but overall we enjoy our time there. This book goes pretty deep into the history without being dull or overwhelming, it is a good starting point if you are looking into the history of this historic hotel.
We have also taken both versions of the Sister's Grimm tours which both include this hotel. So fans of history, ghost, Texas, or hotels should give this a read, also a good look at San Antonio and its changes and growth.
December 9, 2022
A few weeks ago, my wife and I visited San Antonio and did a ghost tour. One of the places we visited was the Menger Hotel. The guide told us various stories about ghosts and the hotel. The most famous was Teddy Roosevelt. This book does a very good job of giving us not only a general history of the hotel and how it came to be built and the owners over the years, but also a history and overview of various spirits and hauntings experienced in the hotel. The book is well written and easy to read. I highly recommend it if you're interested in the Menger Hotel. I will definitely have to visit the bar there on my next visit to San Antonio. Wouldn't it be great if there was a Teddy Roosevelt sighting?!
August 26, 2023
The author did extensive research on the history of the Menger, and the surrounding downtown area of San Antonio. I enjoyed reading about the various eccentric and famous guests who visited the Menger and many who made it their permanent residence. The writing style was a bit different. The author did use exclamation points over and over throughout the book, which was totally unnecessary. Otherwise, the book was very interesting.
September 8, 2019
It was hard to follow, often repeating things and drawing out unnecessary points and activities.
November 2, 2011
What an unexpected delightful book! In 2007,I was craving a train ride & a spa vacation.Started my adventure by taking Amtrak from North Tx.to San Antonio,Tx.My Hotel/Spa vacation was spent at the Menger Hotel_right across from The Alamo & River Walk.Upon arrival,my perusal in The Gift Shop of books,etc..,I came upon this book!
Part 1 was all about the history of The Menger family(German immigrants)building a fine hotel on Alamo Plaza(1859)called "The Menger".The history lesson continues with details about other owners,a tour of the many Antiques,Gillter,Glitz & Glamour of 140 years,notable guest including President's dating from 1880 to present,Military greats,Literary luminaries,Cattle Barons and Stars!I had already visited the "The Menger Bar" which President Teddy Roosevelt & his "Rough Riders" made famous.
However, it was Part 2 that made my stay interesting!Part 2 called "The Menger Hotel,Its Haunting Mystery" seven chapters of stories about the "Ghostly Visitations"!! Why did I read these chapters
just before bedtime!I could have sworned that I either heard creepy stuff going on or saw some of these ghostly visitors down the hallways.Needless to say,I enjoyed the scary tales! BUT,each corner that I turned while going for Spa Treatments was a dark eery jaunt around hallways,etc..as the Spa was located in a remote portion of the hotel.
What a great companion this book turned out to be!I re-read portions from time to time ,reliving the ghostly pleasures of a Spa getaway!
Part 1 was all about the history of The Menger family(German immigrants)building a fine hotel on Alamo Plaza(1859)called "The Menger".The history lesson continues with details about other owners,a tour of the many Antiques,Gillter,Glitz & Glamour of 140 years,notable guest including President's dating from 1880 to present,Military greats,Literary luminaries,Cattle Barons and Stars!I had already visited the "The Menger Bar" which President Teddy Roosevelt & his "Rough Riders" made famous.
However, it was Part 2 that made my stay interesting!Part 2 called "The Menger Hotel,Its Haunting Mystery" seven chapters of stories about the "Ghostly Visitations"!! Why did I read these chapters
just before bedtime!I could have sworned that I either heard creepy stuff going on or saw some of these ghostly visitors down the hallways.Needless to say,I enjoyed the scary tales! BUT,each corner that I turned while going for Spa Treatments was a dark eery jaunt around hallways,etc..as the Spa was located in a remote portion of the hotel.
What a great companion this book turned out to be!I re-read portions from time to time ,reliving the ghostly pleasures of a Spa getaway!
December 2, 2014
San Antonio Texas is rich in history. The author incorporated this into the beginning before moving onto the haunted mystery. This book makes going downtown an adventure, thank you. Great read for anybody new or old to San Antonio.
Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews