Description: Walking into the dark Smokey bar of this historic hotel is like entering a time warp. The bar dates from 1859, the oldest in Texas and is built on the site of Mengers Brewery. The Mahogany bar is an exact replica of the House of Lords bar in London. Its walls are adorned with photographs and proclamations of one of its most famous clients Theodore Roosevelt.
Outside the bar a small plaque proclaims that in this bar Theodore Roosevelt recruited his famous
Roughriders. Following Spain’s declaration of war on the U S in 1898 Roosevelt recruited anyone who could ride or shoot attracting cowboys, Indians, and college men, thus the first Volunteer Cavalry assembled in San Antonio in May 1898 and from there were shipped to Cuba. The casualty rate of this regiment was the highest of all the American Units in the Spanish /American campaign, tropical diseases took their toll on the men nevertheless the survivors received honors and Roosevelt’s political career soared. The regiment mustered out on Sept 16th 1898. The Menger remained a favorite haunt of Roosevelt, it is said he frequently visited and utilized the hotel and bar.
We found it difficult to find a seat at the crowded tables instead we sat at the bar and spoke with a couple of women from Virginia. They had just finished a Ghost tour of various San Antonio sites they ended their tour here telling us the story of Ghosts that haunt the Menger. Sally, a chambermaid, murdered by her husband still turns up for work walking the hallways dressed in Victorian clothes and carrying towels! Other stories tell of soldiers of the Alamo and guests of old haunting the place. There wouldn’t be many ghosts buying beer at the prices they charge here {$6} a bottle. Seriously we didn’t mind the price of the beer the surroundings were worth it.
Display cases in the hotel corridor are filled with military artifacts, photographs of famous guests include, Bing Crosby, Babe Ruth, Mae West, Robert E Lee, Charles A Lindberg, various presidents and heads of state. Many of the displays are of museum quality. We took a peek at the stunning and elegant lobby but non – guests are not allowed to enter and so I had to content myself with craning my neck as far as I could. I would like to stay here it seems to retain its historic charm so lacking in overly pretentious hotels.
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