Gunter and Emily Morgan hotels named in U.S. haunted list

The National Trust for Historic Preservation has identified two downtown San Antonio hotels as among the most haunted properties in the country. The Gunter Hotel and the Emily Morgan Hotel are the only entries from Texas on the organization's 25-site list, which forms part of its Historic Hotels of America program.

The trust released the list to spotlight historic buildings that maintain strong cultural narratives. A statement from the organization noted that the selection invites travelers to engage with the lore and legends associated with these landmarks. The program aims to preserve diverse historic structures, appealing to both skeptics and believers in the supernatural.

The Emily Morgan Hotel, a 102-year-old building, has been listed before but was absent last year. The trust describes the property as one of North America's most active paranormal sites due to its origins as a medical building. Reports from guests on the fourteenth floor include hospital-like odors and visions of medical scenes. On the twelfth floor, staff and guests have reported bathroom doors moving on their own, flashing lights, and apparitions of nurses pushing gurneys.

The Gunter Hotel, built in 1909, carries a darker history tied to Room 636. In 1965, a housekeeper discovered ex-convict Walter Emerick beside a blood-soaked bed in the room. Police found wine bottles, bloody footprints, blonde hair, and women's clothing, but the body was never located. Emerick later booked the adjacent St. Anthony's room 536 and took his own life before police could arrest him.

Since the 1960s, the Gunter has received reports of unexplained cold spots, flickering lights, and whispers in empty halls. Some guests claim to see a shadowy figure near doorways or smell cigar smoke despite a smoking ban. The hotel recently received the Best City Center Historic Hotel award from the trust, a distinction given for celebrating history and providing exceptional service.

Both properties have integrated their reputations into their public image. The Emily Morgan features its mysterious occurrences on its website. The Gunter mentions the remodeled status of Room 636 and notes the room's history, while the Emily Morgan continues to welcome guests to its historic floors.