Remember the Discounts in Alamo Country

San Antonio has its Texas share of history and tourist attractions that offer senior discounts. But the city’s focal point is the Alamo, where in 1836 an estimated 183 outnumbered American defenders fell to Mexico’s Gen. Antonio Lopez de Santa Anna. A history museum, chapel and library, all open to the public at no charge, contain relics and mementos of the Alamo.

With its flat terrain, the city is perfect for walking. In the heart of San Antonio’s business district is the “Paseo del Rio,� or River Walk, a waterway bordered by cobblestone pathways and benches on both sides.

Some sections are parklike and others have European-style sidewalk cafes, nightclubs, high-rise hotels and specialty boutiques. Entertainment at an outdoor amphitheater, where the audience sits on one side of the waterway and the stage is on the opposite side, is free.

San Antonio also has three Franciscan missions open to the public.

Among the major attractions offering discounts for seniors:

* Fiesta Texas, a family theme park celebrating the different heritages and eras of Texas--Mexican, German, 1920s Southwest and 1950s rock ‘n’ roll. More than 400 entertainers appear in ongoing productions or perform in small groups throughout the park. Senior (over 55) one-day admission is $17.95, a 30% discount.

* Sea World of Texas has more than 25 shows and dozens of exhibits with sharks, sea lions, seals and penguins. Senior (over 55) one-day admission is $20.35, a 15% discount.

Three of San Antonio’s unique hotels are among those that offer senior discounts:

* The Fairmount Hotel has only 37 guest rooms and suites and is situated less than a five-minute walk from central San Antonio, the Alamo, El Mercado Mexican shopping center, River Walk and the city’s convention center. It is listed in the Guiness Book of World Records as the largest building ever moved when it was relocated from a site six blocks away.

The regular rate of $185 for two is reduced to $145 for guests over 55. For more information, call (800) 642-3363.

* The Menger Hotel had its grand opening in 1859 and is a National Historic Landmark. A large section of the original lobby has been preserved in its original decor and a 19th-Century wing has Victorian-style guest rooms available by special request.

Famous guests have included Presidents Eisenhower, (Teddy) Roosevelt and Grant. Others included Robert E. Lee, Sarah Bernhardt, Lilly Langtry and Mae West.

The regular room rates, which range up to $142 for two, are reduced for guests over 55 to $80 per room. For information, call (800) 345-9285.

* The St. Anthony Hotel located near the city’s center has also been designated a National Historic Landmark. Its grand lobby is reminiscent of the historic old hotels of Europe, but the St. Anthony is modern in every respect.

It offers a senior discount of $85 per room, about 40% off the published rate, valid indefinitely for seniors over 50. Call (800) 338-1338 for reservations or the hotel at (210) 227-4392.

The San Antonio Convention & Visitors Bureau has published a bulletin with discount coupons for hotels, car rentals and dozens of attractions.

For a free information packet on the San Antonio area including the discount coupon publication, call (800) 447-3372.