The History and Mystery of the Menger Hotel by Docia Schultz Williams

As we travel, I have really started to develop an appreciation of historic hotels.  Sure, its fun reading about the history of a state, a town, an event, but there are some really interesting hotels out there!

After our visits to San Antonio Texas over the last few years, I have developed a fondness for several hotels in that area.  The Menger, however, is simply one of the most interesting historic hotels around.

Covering that history is author Docia Schultz Williams' book, "The History and Mystery of the Menger Hotel."  The book came out back in 2000, but it still seems to be the very best book covering the Menger.

Williams talks about the beginnings of the hotel, built on ground where men fell during the famous Battle of the Alamo.  AND, it was built relatively shortly after the battle (less than 3 decades later).

She covers the owners and their families.  Docia talks about the legendary bar in the hotel, and it's connection to Theodore Roosevelt.  There is an interesting section on significant events that occurred at the hotel.

Recipes from the hotel, and a large section on ghosts of the Menger take up some space in the book too.  In fact, these sections could have been converted into books on their own by the author!

I especially enjoyed a short section by Ernesto Malacara who has worked at the hotel for many years.  He gives some interesting stories about dishonest employees, guests cars being lost, etc.

This is simply a fun book to read about a legendary hotel.