Historic Hotel in San Antonio

Steeped in more than 160 years of tradition and style, the elegant Menger Hotel is proud to be a member of Historic Hotels of America and the oldest continuously operating hotel west of the Mississippi. Located next to the Alamo and just steps from the River Walk in downtown San Antonio, the Menger offers an unforgettable blend of the city’s colorful past and cosmopolitan present. Step into our stunning Victorian-era lobby and be transported to a time when Theodore Roosevelt recruited his Rough Riders in the legendary Menger Bar. The hotel’s rich legacy is reflected in its historic architecture, museum-worthy artifacts, and a guest list that includes presidents, military leaders, celebrities, and visionaries.

Relax in our serene Spanish courtyard garden, where palm trees, blooming azaleas, and a three-tiered fountain create an urban oasis. Enjoy the largest heated pool in San Antonio, refined service, and modern comforts designed for today’s traveler. Whether it’s your first visit or your fiftieth, staying at the Menger feels like coming home to history.

A modern curved pavilion with a wooden underside shades a small group of people outside a white government-style building, sunny day, green lawn.

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History Is Being Made Once Again

Change is Happening!

2024 marked the 165th anniversary of our historic hotel and we couldn’t be more excited that the city has begun Phase Two of "The Alamo Master Plan," a dramatic renovation of the entire site and surrounding areas, including the Menger Hotel.

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Historic Timeline

A vintage illustration of the Menger Hotel at Alamo Plaza, shown as a historic building with surrounding street scene, on a beige card.

1809

La Villita is developed, becoming one of San Antonio's first neighborhoods.

A chaotic battle scene with many figures fighting on a shore, some wounded or fallen, chaos and smoke in the background, dramatic sunset light.

1836

On March 6, 13 days after Santa Anna's entry into the city, the Alamo falls.

A group of men in formal attire dig and unveil something in a ceremonial setting, with shovels and officials watching, in black and white.

1859

William and Mary Menger build a two story, fifty room hotel for their brewery guests. It's so popular that a three story addition is built soon after.

A black‑and‑white photo of a man in old-fashioned formal attire with a belt, standing and gesturing with one hand, indoors.

1871

After a little over a decade of running the Menger Hotel, William Menger passes away. His wife and son continue to run the hotel and brewery.

A vintage café scene with patrons seated at long benches and tables, a bartender behind the counter, and a striped pillar in the foreground, time-worn and nostalgic.

1881

The Menger Hotel is sold to Major J.H. Kampmann, who adds a three-story addition to the north and an east wing with a cherry-wood bar modeled after the House of Lords Club taproom in London.

A black-and-white photo of an old temple or hall with pillars, carved columns, wooden benches, and a tiled floor in a circular, balcony-overlook setting, reminiscent of a historic meeting room or temple. Top it at 140 characters, always ending the sentence.

1909

Noted architect Alfred Giles makes extensive changes to the hotel. An ornamental marquee is added to the exterior, and the original (south) lobby is embellished with a new marble floor and Renaissance-revival style details.

Old black-and-white street scene with a row of vintage cars parked along storefronts; a wrought-iron balcony covers the buildings, era looks mid-20th century.

1949

Air conditioning is installed in the hotel along with a new lobby and a four-story, 125 room addition. The bar is moved to the Crockett Street side.

Texas historical marker on a brick wall with a round Texas shape badge above a plaque describing local history.

1975

The Menger Hotel is added to the National Register of Historic Places.