Spooky enthusiasts, thrill-seekers and history buffs alike, if Freeform’s “31 Nights of Halloween” programming isn’t doing it for you this October, boy do I have some news for you.
If you (like myself) find yourself searching for all the spooky haunts that the Alamo City has to offer, then let me update your side quest. According to a new list by the Historic Hotels of America, San Antonio is home to one of the most haunted hotels in the nation. And no, I’m not looking at you Emily.
From haunted tours to special themed packages, the Gunter Hotel San Antonio Riverwalk keeps its spooky legends alive every Halloween season, the governing body says.
“If guests ask a staff member about the hotel’s ghost stories, they will likely want to tell guests about Room 636,” the group revealed. “This room has long been shrouded in mystery. Since the 1960s, guests and staff alike have reported unsettling phenomena, including unexplained cold spots, flickering lights, and the sound of faint whispers or footsteps when no one is present. Some claim to have seen a shadowy figure lingering near the doorway, or catch the faint scent of cigar smoke, despite smoking being prohibited. Housekeepers have shared stories of entering the room only to feel watched, or to find objects mysteriously moved.”
Lee Bosmans cuts attorney J. Frank Onion III’s hair at Gunter Hotel Barber Shop, Thursday morning. The downtown shop turned 100 this year and still does things the old fashioned way with scissors instead of clippers and straight razors and warm towels instead of shaving blades. SHAMINDER DULAI/sdulai@express-news.net (SHAMINDER DULAI/SAN ANTONIO EXPRESS-NEWS)
Founded in 1909 to capitalize on the city’s growing community, The Gunter Hotel has only continued to thrive as a host of celebrated guests and the site of famous recordings, the publication writes.
“After days spent enjoying the vibrant museums, historic sites and entertainments on the Riverwalk, today’s guests can rest in comfortable, well-appointed rooms and suites and enjoy delicious meals offering elegant takes on classic Texan hospitality. Guests looking to host events and celebrations can enjoy the hotel’s full-service ballrooms and meeting rooms set in this uniquely historic city.”
Beyond the dreaded “Room 636,” guests have described seeing a woman in white, hearing phantom piano music in now-empty spaces, and even catching the scent of cigar smoke in non-smoking areas.
According to the publication, security guards have even reported seeing dark figures move in the ballroom and basement areas after hours, only to vanish upon closer inspection…
“These layered accounts from both staff and visitors have become part of the hotel’s folklore,” Historic Hotels of America said. “In past years, the hotel has leaned into its century-old stories by highlighting Room 636 in local ghost tours, partnering with San Antonio’s haunted history groups, and participating in citywide Halloween festivities.”
The heightened paranormal activity of the historic hotel has only helped increase guest bookings through the month of October.
The hotel embraces the season with special themed cocktails, live music with a moody flair, and occasional Halloween-inspired packages created to spotlight its haunted legacy.
The Gunter Hotel San Antonio Riverwalk was inducted into Historic Hotels of America in 2025 and dates back all the way to 1909.
“Founded in 1909 to capitalize on San Antonio’s growing community, The Gunter Hotel San Antonio Riverwalk has continued to thrive as a host of celebrated guests and the site of famous blues recordings,” the organization wrote. “After days spent enjoying the vibrant museums, historic sites and entertainments on the Riverwalk, today’s guests can rest in comfortable, well-appointed rooms and suites and enjoy delicious meals offering elegant takes on classic Texan hospitality. Guests looking to host events and celebrations can enjoy the hotel’s full-service ballrooms and meeting rooms set in this uniquely historic city.”
This article originally published at Thrill-seekers: San Antonio’s most haunted hotel was just named.