San Antonio ยท Downtown
The Gunter Hotel
A 1909 Houston Street hotel named for cattleman Jot Gunter, where bluesman Robert Johnson recorded 'Cross Road Blues' in Room 414 in 1936.
- Built
- 1909Opened 1909; NRHP significant years 1909, 1926 (addition, Herbert M. Greene per Wikipedia) and 1936.
- Style
- Renaissance Revival (skyscraper)
- Architect
- Mauran, Russell & Garden (1909)
- Type
- Grand hotel
- Area
- Downtown
- Credentials
- Listed on the National Register of Historic Places; Inside a National Register historic district; Local landmark; Historic Hotels of America member
The story
Real estate developer Lawrence J. Hart led the San Antonio Hotel Company that opened the Gunter in 1909, naming it for cattleman and investor Jonathan ‘Jot’ Gunter. Cattlemen bound for the Union Stock Yards were among its early guests. In November 1936 bluesman Robert Johnson recorded for the American Record Company in Room 414, including ‘Sweet Home Chicago’ and ‘Cross Road Blues’.
The ghost story
Guests and staff have reported cold spots, flickering lights, whispers and a shadowy figure in Room 636 since the 1960s. Others describe a woman in white in the halls, phantom piano music and dark figures in the ballroom and basement after hours.
Source: www.historichotels.org
Good to know
- Pets welcome
- Address: 205 E Houston St, San Antonio, TX 78205
Things to do
Ghost tours in San Antonio
Tours are sold by GetYourGuide and run by local operators. If you book one through these links, we may earn a commission at no cost to you. Ratings and prices are GetYourGuide’s.
Sources (3)
Last verified October 2026. Details change; confirm with the inn before you book.