Ghosts and Grandeur
Discover Haunted Hotels with Eerie Elegance
For travelers fascinated by the eerie and the unexplained, haunted hotels offer an intriguing glimpse into the past where history and the supernatural converge in a place of contemporary luxury and historic opulence. More than a place to stay, these spaces are living museums where the echoes of those who came before still linger in the halls and guestrooms and bleed into the present.
The George Washington Hotel, The Wort Hotel, and Hotel Monteleone each have their own chilling tales, where unique spectral presences blend with the everyday occurrences of a contemporary hotel, creating a unique atmosphere that both fascinates and haunts the imagination. .
The George Washington Hotel
Washington, Pennsylvania, USA
Established in 1922, The George Washington Hotel stands as a testament to an era of grandeur. Yet, beyond its opulent decor and vintage charm lies a reputation steeped in the supernatural. Ghost hunters and curious visitors alike are drawn to this hotel, where ghostly encounters have become part of its allure. The eighth to tenth floors are particularly notorious, with countless guests recounting paranormal experiences. The grand piano in the lobby has also been known to play on its own, filling the air with haunting melodies. Disembodied voices echo through the halls, and the eyes of George and Martha Washington’s portraits seem to follow visitors as they move about the lobby.
But the most intriguing tales come from Bradford’s Lounge, the hotel’s speakeasy, where spectral figures have been spotted enjoying a drink or two. Even the staff has had their fair share of ghostly run-ins—housekeepers have reported seeing figures gliding across floors, and maintenance workers have witnessed ghostly apparitions attempting to repair the boilers. Despite these eerie occurrences, the spirits at The George Washington Hotel are considered friendly, enhancing the rich history of this century-old establishment.
The Wort Hotel
Jackson, Wyoming, USA
Set in the picturesque Western town of Jackson, Wyoming, The Wort Hotel has been a landmark since its opening in 1941. Among its many charms is a friendly, mischievous spirit named Bob, who was once the hotel’s maintenance engineer. Bob Tomingas, a mechanical genius, was known for his dedication to the hotel, often spending nights by the boiler to ensure everything ran smoothly during the harsh winters of the 1950s.
Even long after his death, Bob’s presence continues to be felt by the hotel staff. Engineers report that Bob still lends a hand, helping them solve the mysteries of burst pipes and broken wiring. He’s even been known to rearrange the maintenance shop, much to the delight of his successors. While Bob doesn’t make appearances to guests, his spirit is a beloved and integral part of The Wort Hotel, embodying the sense of community and care that the hotel is known for.
In the heart of New Orleans, a city renowned for its Southern Gothic atmosphere, Hotel Monteleone has stood since 1886 as a beacon of luxury and history. But it’s not just the lavish interiors and prime location that draw visitors—it’s the hotel’s reputation as one of the most haunted places in an already notoriously haunted city Among the many ghostly residents is the spirit of a young boy named Maurice, who tragically passed away during his stay at the hotel in the 1890s. His parents, distraught by the loss, are said to have encountered his spirit in the hotel, comforting them with the words “Mommy, don’t cry. I’m fine.”
Maurice’s ghost isn’t the only one said to linger at Hotel Monteleone. A dedicated maid known as “Mrs. Clean” is also said to haunt the halls, ensuring that the hotel maintains its impeccable standards, just as her family did for generations before her. These spirits, much like the hotel itself, are woven into the fabric of New Orleans’ rich cultural tapestry, offering a unique experience for those who dare to visit.
For guests without the mettle for a supernatural stay, I Prefer Hotel Rewards has plenty of other non-haunted historic and contemporary hotels to explore. But for ghost hunters, thrill-seekers, and history lovers alike, to check in to a hotel where past guests refuse to check out – even after death -