National Trust Historic Hotels of America® Highlights Favorite Ghostly Tales

WASHINGTON, D.C., October 5, 2007—This Halloween, make the past come alive at Historic Hotels of America. Representing a cross-section of American history, these hotels offer a haunting array of “permanent” guests. From star-crossed lovers to loyal former employees, these hotels harbor the spirits of those who checked in but have yet to leave.

To make your Halloween a haunting experience, try a visit to one of these spooktacular sites. Choose to go ghost hunting with a group, participate in a murder mystery weekend or book a stay in a “preoccupied” room (see “Events and Packages”).

For a listing of more than 50 spine-tingling stories, visit the Historic Hotels of America “eerie archives:” http://www.historichotels.org/eerie_archive.

The Night-Shift Nurse
In May 2007, room 218 of the Admiral Fell Inn in Baltimore, Md., was occupied by a scientist attending a lecture at nearby Johns Hopkins University. In the early morning, the gentleman was awoken by the sound of creaking floor boards. Looking up from his bed, he saw the image of a tall, slender woman dressed in a black skirt and red sash with a white cap on her head. She proceeded to the other bed in the room and walked around it as though she was checking upon an invisible occupant. When the guest spoke, “Hello?”, the woman turned and smiled at him and proceeded to walk through the wall on the far side of the room. The inn’s main building was constructed in 1889 as the Anchorage Mission House, a hospice for sick and injured sailors. It is believed the spirit that appeared to the scientist was that of a Mission nurse who was dutifully tending to one of her sick charges.

Follow the Bouncing Ball
Built in 1886, The Driskill Hotel in Austin, Texas, is rated among the top haunted hotels in the United States. The spirit of a young girl bouncing a ball is said to haunt the first floor lobby, the ladies’ restroom on the second floor and the staircase leading to the mezzanine. According to accounts, while the Texas Senate was in session in 1887, the daughter of one of the senators fell to her death while chasing a ball down the hotel’s grand staircase. Today, guests still report hearing laughter and the sound of a ball bouncing down the staircase.

Sixth-Floor Spirit
The sixth floor of The Hawthorne Hotel in Salem, Mass., has been the scene of strange happenings for many years, especially in suite 612. A number of guests have reported the strong sense of a presence roaming the room at all hours of the night. In one month, two different guests staying at two different times during the month recalled seeing a very clear image of a woman moving down the 6th floor hallway and pausing, longingly, in front of suite 612. The spirit’s identity can only be speculated upon—whether she is a heartbroken bride returning to a happier time or the lonely widow of one of Salem’s sea captains.

The Woeful Widow
One of the most haunted cities in Texas, Galveston is home to the Hotel Galvez. The hotel was built in 1911 and is the only historic beachfront property in Galveston. Legend says many years ago a woman checked into a fifth floor guestroom to await her fiancé’s return from sea. She would climb to the hotel’s turrets every day to watch for his ship. Learning that her beloved’s ship had sunk, she nevertheless continued to ascend to the rooftop. Finally overcome by devastation, she took her life in desperation—but her spirit remains at the Hotel Galvez.

The Cigar-Smoking Man
Whether you’re a true believer in the supernatural, or simply love a good scare, the Blennerhassett Hotel in Parkersburg, W.Va., is sure to get your spine tingling. Many reports have been made of clouds of cigar smoke in hallways, wafting through doorways or rising from the bar. The source is never discovered, but many believe it belongs to William Chancellor, the distinguished gentleman who built the hotel in 1889. Other locals dispute this, claiming instead it is the spirit of Mr. Stealey, a former general manager of the hotel who was an avid cigar-smoker.

The Perfect Stranger
The Hotel del Coronado in Coronado, Calif., has been the setting for ghostly encounters almost since it opened in 1888. Most of the happenings center around Kate Morgan, a young woman who checked into the hotel on Thanksgiving Day 1892 and never checked out. Earlier this year, a guest who stayed in a fifth floor room reported waking to the sounds of footsteps coming from the room above him. Oddly, the hotel does not have a sixth floor. A similar phenomenon occurred during a visit by then-Vice President George Bush. One of his secret service men was so spooked, he requested a room change.

The Dapper Disappearance
Fran Carter is a long-timer employee of the Radisson Plaza Lord Baltimore in Baltimore, Md. Fran has experienced several encounters with other-worldly guests through the years. One night, she was approached by a co-worker who informed her three visitors were standing in the dark in the hotel’s ballroom. Fran entered the large, dark room and proceeded to the three guests who were illuminated only by moonlight. A woman and two men, one of whom was outfitted with an elegant blue blazer and ascot tie, were looking out the window. Fran inquired whether they would like some light, walked within feet of the group and turned on the lights. The three visitors immediately vanished.

A Helping Hand
Built in 1886 as the Hatt Mill building, the Napa River Inn in Napa, Calif., seems to be frequented by the spirits of the Hatt family. One night, a maintenance manager was straightening the shelves in an upstairs storage area. The employee was frustrated, unable to move an especially heavy box. Stepping down from the ladder, the worker noticed the box lifted itself in the air and with one giant heave, shoved itself across the shelf, which runs the entire length of the room. Could it be one of the Hatts was lending a helping hand? 

Solemn John
The International Society of Paranormal Research (ISPR) spent several days investigating the Hotel Monteleone in New Orleans, which dates back to 1886. One of the spirits identified himself to investigators as “Solemn John.” Originally from Tennessee, businessman John Wagner was a frequent visitor to New Orleans. Distraught over deals that went bad during the Great Depression, Solemn John took his own life. His spirit is well-dressed when he appears, sporting a lightweight summer suit, popular in the South in the late 1920s and early 1930s.

Historic Hotels of America is a program of the National Trust for Historic Preservation. Historic Hotels has identified more than 200 hotels that have faithfully maintained their historic integrity, architecture and ambiance. To be selected for this prestigious program, a hotel must be at least 50 years old, listed in or eligible for the National Register of Historic Places or recognized as having historic significance. A directory of member hotels can be purchased for $4.00 by sending a check to National Trust Historic Hotels of America, P.O. Box 320, Washington, D.C. 20055-0320. Rooms at any of the member hotels can be reserved by calling 800-678-8946 or at www.historichotels.org. Reservations made through Historic Hotels of America support the National Trust, which provides leadership, education, advocacy and resources to help people save the places that matter to them. Historic Hotels of America is aligned with Historic Hotels of Europe, a federation of 16 European hotel associations in 16 countries, and with Historic Hotels of Mexico, an association of hotels and restaurants located in buildings of historical significance including haciendas, palaces, monasteries, convents, fortresses, country estates and more.

National Trust Historic Hotels of America
Haunting Events at Historic Hotels
Experience the Unexplained
2007

Get up close and personal with the true spirit of the past with these haunted happenings at the following hotels:

Fall Back in Time…& Dimension Package at the 1886 Crescent Hotel and Spa, Eureka Springs, Ark. (October 2007; Valid Tuesday/Wednesday combination)
During the month of October, on any Tuesday/Wednesday combination, you and three friends are invited to delve into the unknown, the paranormal, the world of the spirits of the Crescent … a hotel some say is the most haunted hotel in America. Spend one night − if you dare − in the “morgue,” an area once used for experimental surgeries and autopsies when “Dr.” Norman Baker ran his cancer-curing hospital on this site in the late 1930s. The rest of the time, enjoy a stay in a Jacuzzi suite, two guests per room. Take home a video of your time in the morgue, a Crescent Hotel Ouija board and an official ghost meter. Enjoy dinner for four in the Crystal Dining Room one night and breakfast buffet for four each morning. Only five packages available at $1,886. 479-253-9766.

Ghost Tours at The Brown Palace Hotel, Denver (October 2−31, 2007, Tuesdays through Saturdays at 1:00 p.m.)
To commemorate 115 years of Halloweens at the Brown Palace, the hotel historian will conduct specially-themed ghost tours. These 45-minute historical tours will be offered to the public for free with advance reservations by calling 303-297-3111 ext. 3104. A special Halloween Monster Brunch is scheduled for Sunday, October 28, in which Ellyngton’s restaurant will undergo a “spooktacular” transformation, with costumed wait staff and Halloween-themed food. Special nightly room rates are offered from $189.

Hauntingly Romantic Package at the Don CeSar Beach Resort, a Loews Hotel, St. Pete Beach, Fla. (October 1−November 8, 2007)
Florida’s legendary pink palace provides the perfect balance of history and romance including guest room accommodations, a ghostly historical tour, and a book filled with the Don CeSar’s mysterious times past. Following in the ghostly footsteps of Thomas J. Rowe, former owner and builder, and his lost love Lucinda, couples will share a secret meeting place on the beach with a blanket-for-two and bottle of wine to toast everlasting love. Starting at $598 for two nights. Based on availability. Tax and resort fees additional. For reservations call 727-360-1881.

Murder Mystery Night at the Windsor Hotel, Americus, Ga. (January 25−26, February 1−2, 2008)
Footprints, chills and strange sightings will happen at the Windsor’s Murder Mystery Night. The evening begins with a cash bar at 6:00 p.m. during which critical clues will be given to guests. The performance continues during dinner at 7:00 p.m. Halloween costumes are welcome and a prize will be given to the best Halloween costume of the evening and to all guests that solve the mystery. A special overnight rate is offered for attendees of the evenings festivities. For information and reservations call 229-924-1555.

Haunted Weekend at the Hotel Monteleone, New Orleans (October 12 & 13, 2007)
Experience a weekend full of mystery and mayhem this October. Beginning at check-in and throughout the weekend, some members of the group will mysteriously vanish. Follow the twists and turns and unravel clues to discover what has happened to those who arrived and left unexpectedly—or didn’t leave at all. $479 per person, double occupancy, includes breakfast each morning, welcome reception with heavy hors d’oeuvres and lunch, cocktails and dinner on Saturday. For reservations, call 504-523-3341.

Ghostly Getaways at The Admiral Fell Inn, Baltimore, Md. (through November 2007)
Have you ever wondered what spirits may lurk in old buildings, or what messages your loved ones would pass on to you from the other side? Come visit the historic maritime Fell’s Point neighborhood and stay in the gracious (and haunted) Admiral Fell Inn and find out. Ghostly Getaways include the Original Fell’s Point GhostWalk, a one-hour walking ghost tour, presented by Fell’s Point Ghost Tours. The tour covers the ghosts of many of the beloved neighborhood taverns, highlights the well-hidden Fell-Bond cemetery and points out some of the more “spirited” residences. Last Halloween, the Admiral Fell Inn was featured on NBC’s Today show as one of America’s haunted hotel. Find out why Peter Greenberg called it, “A great hotel.” Rates from $199 to $289. Call 410-522-7380 for reservations.

Spooktacular Halloween at Emerson Inn by the Sea, Rockport, Mass., and the Hawthorne Hotel, Salem, Mass. (October 26−28, 2007)
With close proximity to Salem, known as America’s most famous witch city, Emerson Inn by the Sea has teamed up with the Hawthorne Hotel to bring guests a ghoulishly good time this Halloween. Book the Spooktacular Halloween package at the inn and receive tickets to the “Ship of Ghouls” costume ball at the Hawthorne Hotel. The ball offers three floors of pure Hawthorne Halloween hysteria on Saturday, October 27th from 8 p.m. until midnight. Package includes a two-night stay at Emerson Inn by the Sea, a full breakfast each morning and two tickets and transportation to and from the Hawthorne Hotel’s Halloween Ball. From $523 to $923 per couple, depending upon room type. Call 978-546-6321.

The Pumpkin People Return at the Eagle Mountain House, Jackson, N.H. (October 1−21, 2007)
Once again, more than fifty area business and homeowners in Jackson, N.H., are expected to get into the fall foliage spirit by creating unique, colorful and playful pumpkin people throughout the village and surrounding towns. The self-guided tour of the pumpkin people is a great way to soak in the spirit of the season and the spectacular colors of fall. Room rates at the Eagle Mountain House begin at $74.50 per person, per night. Call 603-383-9111.

Murder Mystery Package at Wentworth by the Sea, New Castle, N.H. (October 31, 2007)
On Halloween, kids used to sneak inside the crumbling remains of this rambling Victorian hotel. Today this grande dame has returned to her original splendor but that doesn’t mean she isn’t up for a good scare! On Halloween, this cliffside setting is the perfect locale for a “murder mystery.” Package features deluxe accommodations, cocktail reception with cash bar, murder mystery dinner theater and Thursday morning breakfast. $189 per person, double occupancy. For reservations, call 603-422-7322.

Halloween Happenings at the Otesaga Resort Hotel, Cooperstown, N.Y. (October 2007)
The village of Cooperstown is full of seasonal fun this fall. Candle light tours are offered twice per week throughout the month. Rates are $10 per adult and $8 for children ages 6-12. The Cooperstown Farmers’ Museum hosts “Things that Go Bump in the Night” (Oct. 19-20 and 26-27). Costumed interpreters guide visitors through the 19th century village and share stories of hauntings and happenings. Nearby Howe Caverns invites guests into the “haunted cave” filled with monsters and giggles on October 26th and an adventure day complete with pumpkin carving, storytelling and costume contest on October 27th. Room rates at the Otesaga Resort Hotel begin at $315 per night. Call 607-547-9931.

Midweek Spoo-tacular at Mohonk Mountain House, New Paltz, N.Y. (October 31– November 2, 2007)
Ghouls and goblins, princesses and pirates will revel in Halloween fun at Mohonk Mountain House as the Victorian castle resort hosts a Halloween extravaganza. Guests can indulge in ghoulish goodies and harvest-time treats with a two-night getaway at a fantastic rate. In fact, this gala is so special, it was filmed for an episode of The Secret Life of Halloween on The Food Network. Enjoy a four-course themed menu served by costumed staff in the fully-decorated Dining Room. The Mohonk Monster Mash costume ball will feature a best costume competition, along with music and dancing. Other Spoo-tacular happening include candy at check-in, chocolate turndown service, tarot card readings, a Halloween movie marathon with popcorn and specialty drinks in the Carriage Lounge. Rates begin at $157 per person, per night, based on double occupancy and include accommodations, dinner and breakfast, along with most resort activities. Tax and gratuity are additional. Call 845-255-1000 for details and reservations.

Rooms with Boo at the Historic Hotel Bethlehem, Bethlehem, Pa., (November 2−4, 2007)
The Historic Hotel Bethlehem is embracing its “permanent guest” with a special weekend package. The two-night event includes a ghost hunting workshop with paranormal investigator Rick Fisher, a walking ghost tour of Bethlehem, refreshments, a Saturday evening “Intuition Dinner” with a guest speaker, complimentary cocktail and Sunday brunch. From $179 per person, double occupancy. For more information and reservations, call 610-625-5000.

Haunted Ghost Tour at the Union Station, A Wyndham Historic Hotel, Nashville, Tenn. (through October 31, 2007)
Explore the haunted happenings in downtown Nashville while saying at the historic Union Station Hotel. Package includes a premium room, 90-minute walking tour of surrounding notable landmarks with a spooky past, including the State Capitol, Ryman Auditorium and Printers Alley. From $219 per night. For reservations, call 615-620-5676.

Ghosts of Galveston at the Hotel Galvez, Galveston, Texas (through December 31, 2007)
The Hotel Galvez is steeped in a richly spirited past. The phantom pleasing package provides a ghostly good time, from authentically haunted accommodations complete with a device to record apparitional encounters to a ghost tour of the hotel. Spirit seekers also enjoy a walking tour through some of Galveston’s most haunted haunts, a copy of Ghosts Along the Texas Coast and happy hour “spirits” and soft drinks. Two-night stay begins at $325, double occupancy. Weekends higher. Call 409-765-7721.

Ghostly Giveaway at Green Mountain Inn, Stowe, Vt. (October 31, 2007)
The Green Mountain Inn is celebrating its status as one of America’s great places to sleep with a ghost with a special Halloween ghostly giveaway. Fans of ghosts and goblins can sign up to win a chance to sleep with a ghost. The inn is offering a complimentary night on October 31st in the Peter Lovejoy Suite, in which the sounds of the inn’s resident ghost, Boots Berry can often be heard. The grand prize winner will also enjoy a walking tour guided and hosted by Stowe Lantern Tours throughout the historic village of Stowe, hearing ghost stories, including the tales of Emily’s bridge while carrying old-fashioned barn lanterns. And the winning guests will complete their stay at the inn with a full country breakfast in the famous Main Street Dining Room. To enter for a chance to win the Ghostly Getaway call 802-253-7301.

Haunted Parkersburg Package at The Blennerhassett, Parkersburg, W.Va. (September 28−November 3, 2007; available Friday and Saturday nights only)
Whether you’re a true believer of the supernatural or simply love a good scare, the experience of haunted Parkersburg is sure to give you a chill! The package includes overnight accommodations in a ghostly guestroom at The Blennerhassett, two tickets for the Haunted Parkersburg Walking Tour, two grande coffees or hot chocolates, a flashlight for the tour and a $20 purchase card for use in Spats Restaurant & Lounge, the Blennerhassett Coffee Bar or the Gift Shoppe. The ghost tour meets in the hotel lobby and begins promptly at 7:30 p.m. The tour takes approximately two hours and rarely is canceled due to temperature or inclement weather. Rates from $139 to $239. Rates vary with room type and are based on double occupancy. For reservations call 304-422-3131.