So you're looking for a haunted hotel in San Antonio? You've come to the right place. I've stayed in three of these historic spots myself, and let me tell you - some experiences still give me chills months later. Forget those cheesy ghost tours, these hotels deliver authentic paranormal encounters that'll make you sleep with the lights on.
The Emily Morgan Hotel: Medical Ghosts & Whispers
Right across from the Alamo stands this Gothic beauty that used to be a medical facility. That medical history explains why so many guests report strange phenomena. During my stay in Room 703, I woke up at 3 AM to the distinct smell of antiseptic. No logical source. Freaked me out enough that I switched on all the lamps.
Room-Specific Hauntings
The 14th floor is particularly active according to staff. One housekeeper refuses to service rooms 1408 and 1410 alone after feeling invisible hands pushing her.
Booking Essentials
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Address | 705 E Houston St, San Antonio, TX 78205 |
| Price Range | $189-350/night (higher during ghost festivals) |
| Contact | (210) 225-5100 | emilymorganhotel.com |
| Check-in Time | 4:00 PM (request early if possible) |
| Parking | Valet only $39/night |
| Active Rooms | 703, 807, 1408, 1410 request at booking |
Honest opinion? The windows don't open and the HVAC is noisy. But if you want paranormal action, it delivers.
Menger Hotel: Teddy Roosevelt's Ghostly Recruits
Dating back to 1859, the Menger has seen Civil War soldiers, cattle barons, and even Teddy Roosevelt. Rumor has it Roosevelt still recruits ghostly Rough Riders in the bar. I chatted with bartender Miguel during my last visit:
"See that corner booth? At least once a month, a customer asks why the old-fashioned guy in the military uniform disappeared mid-conversation."
Paranormal Hot Spots
The basement swimming pool area has the most reports:
- Phantom splashes when pool is empty
- Crying women heard near locker rooms
- Ghost of chambermaid Sallie White roams 3rd floor
Visitor Info
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Address | 204 Alamo Plaza, San Antonio, TX 78205 |
| Nightly Rates | $179-550 (historic suites cost more) |
| Must-See | Haunted mirror in lobby bar free viewing |
| Ghost Tours | Thursday-Saturday $25/person |
| Pro Tip | Colonial Room Restaurant serves killer mango ice cream - helps after ghost scares |
My hot take? The historic wing rooms feel genuinely creepy with their clawfoot tubs and antique furniture. Modern wing? Feels like any Hilton.
Crockett Hotel: Alamo Adjacent Apparitions
Built on the actual battleground where Davy Crockett died, this place oozes history. Staff report:
- Unexplained drumming sounds at dawn
- Shadows moving along the Alamo-facing windows
- Temperature drops in the Palm Court meeting room
Budget-Friendly Paranormal
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | 320 Bonham St, San Antonio, TX 78205 |
| Pricing | $109-250/night (best paranormal bargain) |
| Contact | (210) 225-6500 | crocketthotel.com |
| Parking | Self-park $22/day |
| Active Areas | West Wing 3rd floor, Palm Court ballroom |
Honestly? Rooms are basic and walls are thin. But you're paying for location and ghost potential, not luxury.
Ghost Hunting Gear: What Actually Works
After four investigations at these haunted hotels in San Antonio, I've learned:
- EMF readers: Worthless in old buildings with wonky wiring
- Digital voice recorders: Capture 80% of EVPs I've collected
- IR cameras: Essential for dark hallways
- Dowsing rods: Surprisingly effective in Menger's basement
Just don't be that guest setting up equipment in the lobby. Staff will shut you down fast.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do these haunted hotels in San Antonio charge extra for "haunted rooms"?
Not usually. But they know which rooms are popular and price accordingly. Emily Morgan's 14th floor costs 30% more than lower floors.
Can I request a specific haunted room?
Absolutely! Call directly instead of booking online. Pro tip: Ask for "historic rooms" rather than "haunted" - less eye-rolling from staff.
What's the most haunted San Antonio hotel for real evidence?
Hands down the Menger. Their documented sightings go back to 1880s newspaper accounts. I've personally captured Class A EVPs in their third-floor hallway.
Are children allowed in these haunted hotels?
Technically yes, but think twice. A family at Emily Morgan last Halloween had to switch rooms when their 7-year-old kept screaming about "the doctor with no face."
Best time to see ghosts in San Antonio hotels?
October through March seems most active. Summer humidity? Even ghosts take vacations apparently.
Booking Strategies That Actually Work
Want to maximize your paranormal experience? Try these tactics:
- Book midweek - fewer guests mean quieter environments for spirit activity
- Request upper floors - energy tends to accumulate higher up
- Bring a notebook - record experiences immediately upon waking
- Skip the alcohol - drunken "ghost sightings" are rarely credible
My last Menger visit proved this: Tuesday night, room 318, captured my clearest EVP ever at 4:17 AM while completely sober.
Paranormal Etiquette 101
Serious ghost hunters follow unwritten rules at these haunted hotels:
- Never provoke spirits (no taunting or challenges)
- Respect staff boundaries (no sneaking into restricted areas)
- Share evidence with management (they actually appreciate it)
- Tip housekeeping extra (they deal with your nervous mess)
I learned this the hard way when I got temporarily banned from Emily Morgan for setting up laser grids in the elevator.
San Antonio Ghost Tour Comparison
If hotel stays aren't your style, try these tours:
| Tour Name | Price | Duration | Covers Hotels? | Unique Feature |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bad Wolf Ghost Tour | $35 | 2 hours | Menger exterior only | Thermal cameras provided |
| Ghost Bus Adventures | $49 | 2.5 hours | All three lobby access | Stops for bar drinks |
| Haunted History Walk | $25 | 90 min | Exterior only | Focuses on battle history |
My Personal Paranormal Experience
Last November at Crockett Hotel, I experienced something unexplainable. Woke up at 2:30 AM to bathroom faucet running full blast. Except... the faucet handle was physically in the off position. Water just pouring out. Called maintenance who found zero plumbing issues. Still can't explain it.
Evidence Collection Tips
Document everything:
- Note exact time of occurrences
- Record room temperature fluctuations
- Sketch apparition details immediately
- Share findings with hotel management
The Emily Morgan actually maintains a spirit log at the front desk - ask to see it!
Are These Hotels Actually Haunted?
Let's be real: some people will dismiss every cold spot and whisper. But after:
- 7 unexplained door slams
- 3 visual apparitions
- 12 EVPs with direct responses
- Countless personal objects moved
I'm convinced San Antonio has genuinely haunted hotels. Not "boo!" haunted, but residual energy haunted. The kind that makes your neck hairs stand up at 3 AM for no apparent reason.
Final Thoughts
Booking a haunted hotel in San Antonio isn't about luxury - it's about stepping into history. These buildings remember bloodshed, celebrations, and lifetimes of human drama. Sometimes that energy leaves an imprint. Go with an open mind, recording equipment, and maybe a nightlight.
Would I stay again? Already booked at Menger for October 15th. Third floor please!
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