FOR MORE INFORMATION: Dee Dee Poteete Director of Communications deedeepoteete@visitsanantonio.com 210/207-6708

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Mar 09, 2009

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Historic Hotels Run Deep in San Antonio

                      Numerous Properties Celebrate Centennial Milestones in 2009

Known as a city of rich history, San Antonio’s infrastructure has been woven through centuries. Included is a luxury line-up of historic hotels, many celebrating their 100th and 150th anniversaries in 2009. In 1909, San Antonio was reaping the rewards of success from local breweries and monumental railroad growth. This inspired much of the city’s development, building a foundation of captivating architecture that has helped craft a destination like no other. These historic hotels lie within mere blocks of one another and are a short walk from the Alamo, River Walk, shopping, restaurants and the charm of downtown San Antonio. They are ideal for one-of-a-kind events, meetings and intimate getaways.

Historic Hotel Round-Up:

Built 23 years after the fall of the Alamo, the Menger Hotel is a national landmark located just steps from this famous battle site. Here, guests are treated to a destination of traditional elegance with rich wood architecture, historic heirlooms and original works of art, though many find the Menger’s bar among its most intriguing features. It was here that Teddy Roosevelt recruited Rough Riders to fight in the Spanish-American War. Still, others prefer to relax by the tranquil pool while indulging in the Menger’s signature mango ice cream—known to have tempted the palate of President Bill Clinton. Other notable guests from the Menger’s 150 years of service include Robert E. Lee, Ulysses S. Grant, Babe Ruth and Mae West. Today the Menger welcomes guests with a well tenured staff, ornate décor and upscale amenities, offering guests a window to the past while indulging them with the luxuries of today.

Adjacent to the Menger Hotel, the equally charming Crockett Hotel was built in 1909 on the site of the Alamo battlefield. Local artistry and views of the Alamo set the Crockett apart from traditional hotels as this enchanting boutique hotel places guests in the heart of downtown San Antonio. This cozy retreat was the romantic getaway of choice for Texas native, President Lyndon B. Johnson on his honeymoon. In 1982, the building was carefully renovated to preserve its original distinction, earning it a place on the National Register of Historic Structures. It was once again extensively renovated in 2007.

Across form historic Travis Park and two blocks from the River Walk, the St. Anthony Hotel is restoring the tradition of San Antonio luxury as it welcomes guests with 1909 grandeur including beautifully restored furnishings, a new lobby bar, bronzes and works of art from around the world. Known throughout its existence as a haven for the socially elite, the St. Anthony has hosted such icons as Princess Grace and John Wayne. Ernest Hemingway even called the St. Anthony home at one time. Guests can stroll among priceless French Empire antiques, peruse ornate chandeliers that drop delicately from vaulted ceilings and recline on antique Russian furnishings. Combining the elegance of the past with the comforts of today seems a natural progression for the legendary St. Anthony Hotel.

Opened in 1909 as the largest building in San Antonio, the Sheraton Gunter Hotel remains one of San Antonio’s top properties and location plays a big role in that. Nestled in historic downtown across from the River Walk and the 1929 Majestic Theatre, this grand hotel surrounds guests with warmth and luxury, from an old-fashioned barber shop complete with chairs from the 1920s to a traditional pub and a sensational restaurant. It was at the Gunter that the King of Delta Blues, Robert Johnson recorded portions of his music. Through the last century the Gunter has played host to movie stars and military generals, circus performers and society’s elite. In 2007 it was officially added to the National Register of Historic Places, forever enshrining its place in the annals of San Antonio history.

San Antonio’s historic hotels are offering special packages in celebration of their centennial milestones. Discover these hotel packages and the many charms of San Antonio at www.visitsanantonio.com or by calling 800-ALAMO-07.