Frommer's Review
In the late 19th century, no one who was anyone would consider staying
anywhere but the Menger, which opened its doors in 1859 and has never closed
them. Ulysses S. Grant, Sarah Bernhardt, and Oscar Wilde were among those
who walked -- or, rumor has it, in the case of Robert E. Lee, rode a horse
-- through the halls, ballrooms, and gardens. Successfully combining the
original, restored building with myriad additions, the Menger now takes up
an entire city block. The hotel's location is terrific -- smack between the
Alamo and the Rivercenter Mall, a block from the River Walk, with the
tourist information office on the ground floor. And its public areas,
particularly the Victorian Lobby, are gorgeous. The Menger Bar is one
of San Antonio's great historic taverns, and while nearly every historic
hotel in town promotes a ghost, this one claims to have no fewer than 32.
The Menger also has a small spa, still a relative rarity in San Antonio
hotels.
Ask for one of the recently refurbished rooms, as those that haven't been
redone are somewhat tired. Decor ranges from ornate 19th-century to modern.
If you want one of the antiques-filled Victorian rooms, be sure to request
it when you book.
Facilities:
Restaurant; bar; outdoor pool; fitness room; spa; Jacuzzi; shopping arcade;
limited room service; dry cleaning
