The Brass Lantern Inn, built as a private home around the year 1810, has an unusual form of haunting.
Guests sometimes report that the guests in the room across the hall were rather noisy during the night. These guests come in late, chatting loudly and happily about the party they attended, and wasn't it fun? The conversation goes on and on, clearly audible in the other room.
Except that there was no party, and the guests who heard the noise are the only ones in that wing. The room across the hall is empty.
Friday, December 30, 2011
Wednesday, December 28, 2011
Renvyle House Hotel, Connemara, Republic of Ireland
Renvyle House was converted from a family home into a hotel in 1883. By 1917, when Oliver St. John Gogarty bought the property, it was already known to be haunted. The ghost once pushed a chest against a door in one of the rooms, effectively preventing anyone from entering the room (not that the staff wanted to enter it anyway).
No less a guest than W. B. Yeats stayed at the hotel; the ghosts seemed to have respect for him, as they would leave the room - and shut the door - when he requested it. His wife was a medium, and made contact with one ghost, a teenager who resented the fact that his former home had become a place for strangers to stay.
Despite being burned down in 1923 and rebuilt the following decade, the ghosts remain. Sometimes, they have been spotted peeking at the guests in mirrors.
No less a guest than W. B. Yeats stayed at the hotel; the ghosts seemed to have respect for him, as they would leave the room - and shut the door - when he requested it. His wife was a medium, and made contact with one ghost, a teenager who resented the fact that his former home had become a place for strangers to stay.
Despite being burned down in 1923 and rebuilt the following decade, the ghosts remain. Sometimes, they have been spotted peeking at the guests in mirrors.
Waitomo Caves Hotel, Waitomo Caves, New Zealand
The hotel was built in 1908. Almost one hundred years later, in 2001, a TV presenter turned pale and became very agitated on-camera. He claimed that "something" had walked through him.
The Waitomo Caves are famous for the glowworms that adorn the cave ceiling, giving the impression of a starry sky. The hotel, on the other hand, is famous for its supernatural activity. Visitors often feel that something has passed through them. In the 2001 TV investigation, a female member of the crew felt a tug on her big toe as she tried to sleep. It seems that whatever is still rambling the corridors of the hotel, it has no time to avoid the living.
Other sources claim that the bathtubs drip blood. Why not see for yourself?
The Waitomo Caves are famous for the glowworms that adorn the cave ceiling, giving the impression of a starry sky. The hotel, on the other hand, is famous for its supernatural activity. Visitors often feel that something has passed through them. In the 2001 TV investigation, a female member of the crew felt a tug on her big toe as she tried to sleep. It seems that whatever is still rambling the corridors of the hotel, it has no time to avoid the living.
Other sources claim that the bathtubs drip blood. Why not see for yourself?
Tuesday, December 27, 2011
The Menger Hotel, San Antonio. Texas, USA
The Menger Hotel was built by German immigrant William Menger; its doors opened on February 1, 1859. Menger, who also owned and operated the first brewery in Texas, died in 1871, and his widow and son carried on with the family businesses.
Five years later, a chambermaid named Sallie White was attacked in the hotel by her husband. He beat her so severely that she died two days later - but she continues to perform her hotel duties. She has often been seen at night, carrying a load of towels.
Captain Richard King, a rancher, was very fond of the Menger, spending a great deal of time there. Upon learning that he had a short time to live, King spent all his time at the hotel, making his final farewells and drawing up his will. His funeral was held in the hotel parlor on April 15, 1885. He has been seen entering his former room, now called "The King Ranch Room".
Former President Teddy Roosevelt, who also enjoyed spending time at the Menger, sometimes has a drink in the hotel bar.
The hotel is also said to be haunted by the ghosts of some of the men who died at an adjacent fort - the Alamo.
Five years later, a chambermaid named Sallie White was attacked in the hotel by her husband. He beat her so severely that she died two days later - but she continues to perform her hotel duties. She has often been seen at night, carrying a load of towels.
Captain Richard King, a rancher, was very fond of the Menger, spending a great deal of time there. Upon learning that he had a short time to live, King spent all his time at the hotel, making his final farewells and drawing up his will. His funeral was held in the hotel parlor on April 15, 1885. He has been seen entering his former room, now called "The King Ranch Room".
Former President Teddy Roosevelt, who also enjoyed spending time at the Menger, sometimes has a drink in the hotel bar.
The hotel is also said to be haunted by the ghosts of some of the men who died at an adjacent fort - the Alamo.
Saturday, December 24, 2011
Hotel Union Øye, near Geiranger, Norway
The elegant Hotel Union Øye was built in 1891, and has entertained many heads of state since then. In keeping with its Victorian appearance, there are no televisions in the rooms, and no Internet access. The nearby village is also a throwback to calmer days.
A few years after the hotel opened, a maid fell in love with a German military man, a member of Kaiser Wilhelm II's entourage. The man asked his wife in Germany for a divorce, which she refused to grant. In despair, the man committed suicide. Upon learning of his death, the maid, Linda, drowned herself. It seems that the German officer rests in peace, but not Linda; she is heard in the Blue Room, sobbing inconsolably.
The Blue Room is now so popular that reservations must be made at least a year in advance. A plate of onions or garlic is put outside the door of the room to coax Linda into making a visit.
A few years after the hotel opened, a maid fell in love with a German military man, a member of Kaiser Wilhelm II's entourage. The man asked his wife in Germany for a divorce, which she refused to grant. In despair, the man committed suicide. Upon learning of his death, the maid, Linda, drowned herself. It seems that the German officer rests in peace, but not Linda; she is heard in the Blue Room, sobbing inconsolably.
The Blue Room is now so popular that reservations must be made at least a year in advance. A plate of onions or garlic is put outside the door of the room to coax Linda into making a visit.
Friday, December 23, 2011
Hotel Burchianti, Florence, Italy
Florence is home to some of the most beautiful art in the world. Could that be the reason why some former citizens have yet to leave?
The three-star Hotel Burchianti has more than one otherworldly guest. A woman sits in a chair, knitting. A small child skips through the corridors. And guests in the Fresco room experience the most startling phenomena; a feeling of freezing cold, and sometimes, the apparition of a man.
The three-star Hotel Burchianti has more than one otherworldly guest. A woman sits in a chair, knitting. A small child skips through the corridors. And guests in the Fresco room experience the most startling phenomena; a feeling of freezing cold, and sometimes, the apparition of a man.
Friday, December 9, 2011
Gwydir Castle, Llanrwst, Conwy, Wales
Gwydir Castle is a centuries-old building now serving as a bed and breakfast. It claims (see the website) to be one of the most haunted houses in Wales.
One ghost brings an unpleasant sensation with her; the stench of decomposition. This young woman is seen in the north wing of the castle, as well as a corridor linking the Great Chamber and the Hall of Meredith. Sometimes, visitors have actually felt her touch them, and experienced a sudden feeling of intense cold.
And then, of course, there's the unforgettable smell.
The story behind this apparition is just as memorable as her appearances have been. It seems that a previous owner, in his younger days, seduced one of the servants. When she became pregnant, the young man (Sir John Wynn, according to the tale) murdered her and secreted the body in a "priest's hole" near the chimney. This, then, accounts for the strong smell, always most noticeable at the place of her interment.
Whether out of love of his home, sudden remorse for the young woman's murder, or divine punishment, the ghost of Sir John also haunts the house. He has been sighted many a time on a spiral staircase.
And the other ghosts? Well, find out for yourself.
One ghost brings an unpleasant sensation with her; the stench of decomposition. This young woman is seen in the north wing of the castle, as well as a corridor linking the Great Chamber and the Hall of Meredith. Sometimes, visitors have actually felt her touch them, and experienced a sudden feeling of intense cold.
And then, of course, there's the unforgettable smell.
The story behind this apparition is just as memorable as her appearances have been. It seems that a previous owner, in his younger days, seduced one of the servants. When she became pregnant, the young man (Sir John Wynn, according to the tale) murdered her and secreted the body in a "priest's hole" near the chimney. This, then, accounts for the strong smell, always most noticeable at the place of her interment.
Whether out of love of his home, sudden remorse for the young woman's murder, or divine punishment, the ghost of Sir John also haunts the house. He has been sighted many a time on a spiral staircase.
And the other ghosts? Well, find out for yourself.
Tuesday, December 6, 2011
An Important Note
To go to a hotel's website, click on the title of the post. You will be taken directly to the site.
Akasa Weekly Mansions, Tokyo
It shouldn't surprise anyone that Japan, the land of so many terrifying supernatural movies, should have its own haunted places.
Recent, yet haunted
Unlike the Stanley Hotel and Ballygally Castle, the Akasa Weekly Mansions are relatively new. This hasn't prevented Building 1 from having its own ghostly crew, and not the kind who provide helpful services to the living.
Guests have reported white wraiths rising up from the floor vents. Figures have been seen at the foot of the bed. Guests' hair has been stroked as they lay in bed at night. An unseen force pushes them on the bed, unable to escape.
One woman had the most startling experience. She was pulled from her bed and dragged across the room, then back.
Recent, yet haunted
Unlike the Stanley Hotel and Ballygally Castle, the Akasa Weekly Mansions are relatively new. This hasn't prevented Building 1 from having its own ghostly crew, and not the kind who provide helpful services to the living.
Guests have reported white wraiths rising up from the floor vents. Figures have been seen at the foot of the bed. Guests' hair has been stroked as they lay in bed at night. An unseen force pushes them on the bed, unable to escape.
One woman had the most startling experience. She was pulled from her bed and dragged across the room, then back.
Saturday, December 3, 2011
Raj Kiran Hotel, Lonavala, India
It seems that, for the most part, the bigger and grander a hotel is, the more likely it is to be haunted.
The Raj Kiran is one of the exceptions. This Indian hotel is not one of the country's largest, yet it does boast its own haunting. One room in particular is noted for paranormal activity; the room has a rather eerie silence, and at night, an unseen force tugs the blankets off the bed. Guests have also witnessed a blue light appearing at the foot of the bed in the middle of the night.
The Raj Kiran is one of the exceptions. This Indian hotel is not one of the country's largest, yet it does boast its own haunting. One room in particular is noted for paranormal activity; the room has a rather eerie silence, and at night, an unseen force tugs the blankets off the bed. Guests have also witnessed a blue light appearing at the foot of the bed in the middle of the night.
Friday, December 2, 2011
Banff Springs Hotel, Banff, Alberta, Canada
The hotel, a truly magnificent building in equally impressive surroundings, was built in 1888. Sadly, the structure burned in the 1920s, but was rebuilt - now it offers various winter sports, luxury accommodations, and of course, ghosts.
In the 1920s or 1930s, depending on the story you read, a bride was walking down the staircase when she fell, landing at the bottom with a broken neck. In one form of the story, the bride was running frantically after one of the candles lining the staircase set fire to her beautiful gown. The ghostly bride has been seen on the staircase and in the ballroom.
Room 873 was a very unlucky room for one family. They were murdered in it (or the husband/father murdered the rest of the family). Whatever happened in that infamous room, it was blocked off when the fingerprints of a child appeared on the mirror, despite repeated cleanings.
Sam Macaulay was a dedicated hotel employee. He retired in the 1970s, only to return - in life and in death. Sam still helps guests, such as two women who found themselves locked out of their room. A former employee claimed that Sam helped him many times, such as pressing elevator buttons when the employee's hands were full.
What better employee than one who never tires?
In the 1920s or 1930s, depending on the story you read, a bride was walking down the staircase when she fell, landing at the bottom with a broken neck. In one form of the story, the bride was running frantically after one of the candles lining the staircase set fire to her beautiful gown. The ghostly bride has been seen on the staircase and in the ballroom.
Room 873 was a very unlucky room for one family. They were murdered in it (or the husband/father murdered the rest of the family). Whatever happened in that infamous room, it was blocked off when the fingerprints of a child appeared on the mirror, despite repeated cleanings.
Sam Macaulay was a dedicated hotel employee. He retired in the 1970s, only to return - in life and in death. Sam still helps guests, such as two women who found themselves locked out of their room. A former employee claimed that Sam helped him many times, such as pressing elevator buttons when the employee's hands were full.
What better employee than one who never tires?
Thursday, December 1, 2011
Elvey Farm, Pluckley, Kent, United Kingdom
Elvey Farm, in addition to being haunted, also holds the distinction of being located in a village reputed to be the most haunted in the U.K. Among its non-material residents:
- A highwayman who was stabbed to death (or he stabbed himself).
- An elderly woman who, overly fond of gin, spilled some of her favorite liquid all over herself, then accidentally set fire to her clothing. Ironically, she is seen smoking a pipe.
- A schoolmaster who hanged himself (another irony; children found his hanging body).
The oldest building on Elvey Farm dates back to 1406. Other constructions were built between the 16th and 18th centuries. One such building, now with a bar on the ground floor, plays host to a specter in military uniform, seen on the stairs leading to the upper floor. The highwayman, Robert du Bois, haunts the guest lounge. And one Edward Brett, in the year 1900, gave a penny to each of his children and fifteen shillings to his wife before walking calmly into the dairy and shooting himself to death. His ghost has been seen walking around the farm - and, by one guest, lying on a bed - while a disembodied voice in the dairy whispers "I will do it."
These were Brett's last words.
- A highwayman who was stabbed to death (or he stabbed himself).
- An elderly woman who, overly fond of gin, spilled some of her favorite liquid all over herself, then accidentally set fire to her clothing. Ironically, she is seen smoking a pipe.
- A schoolmaster who hanged himself (another irony; children found his hanging body).
The oldest building on Elvey Farm dates back to 1406. Other constructions were built between the 16th and 18th centuries. One such building, now with a bar on the ground floor, plays host to a specter in military uniform, seen on the stairs leading to the upper floor. The highwayman, Robert du Bois, haunts the guest lounge. And one Edward Brett, in the year 1900, gave a penny to each of his children and fifteen shillings to his wife before walking calmly into the dairy and shooting himself to death. His ghost has been seen walking around the farm - and, by one guest, lying on a bed - while a disembodied voice in the dairy whispers "I will do it."
These were Brett's last words.
The Russell Hotel, Sydney, Australia
The Russell Hotel, in earlier days, catered to sailors. It still does - well, one, at least. This sailor stays rent-free, but then, he doesn't eat, drink, or consume any utilities.
Room 8 is the one favored by this unknown sailor from a bygone era. Guests (usually of the single, female variety) have woken to find him standing at the foot of the bed, staring at them. When he isn't hanging around Room 8, the sailor keeps watch in the corridors, patrolling them so often that both staff and guests have gone to look for this night walker.
They never find anyone.
Room 8 is the one favored by this unknown sailor from a bygone era. Guests (usually of the single, female variety) have woken to find him standing at the foot of the bed, staring at them. When he isn't hanging around Room 8, the sailor keeps watch in the corridors, patrolling them so often that both staff and guests have gone to look for this night walker.
They never find anyone.
Ballygally Castle, County Antrim, Northern Ireland
Ballygally Castle is located near the bay of the same name. Impressive though it is, this 17th-century building was built with defense in mind; the walls are five feet thick, and loopholes for guns were included in the architecture. The castle also has a stream running through it, so that fresh water was guaranteed if the building should fall under siege. As a matter of fact, it was besieged, in 1641, but without success.
For almost two centuries, the castle was owned by the Shaw family. One unfortunate member was Lady Isobel Shaw, who committed the "sin" of giving birth to a baby girl. Her husband, enraged that the baby was not a boy, locked mother and daughter in the bedroom with the intent of starving both of them. In despair, Lady Isobel threw herself from the window, thus preventing a much longer death - but the baby, left alone in the room, did indeed starve.
Mother and daughter still haunt the premises. Lady Isobel knocks on doors throughout the castle, and the baby cries until someone opens the door to what was once their room. When the door is opened, the cries abruptly cease. One room, known as the "Ghost Room", is not used as a guest room. On one occasion, a guest sleeping beneath this room was awakened by the small hand of a child pressing against his back. The man had children of his own, but they were nowhere near the hotel. As he came fully awake, he heard the sound of a child laughing and running around the room, but saw nothing. He was so frightened that he ran from the room clad only in his boxers.
For almost two centuries, the castle was owned by the Shaw family. One unfortunate member was Lady Isobel Shaw, who committed the "sin" of giving birth to a baby girl. Her husband, enraged that the baby was not a boy, locked mother and daughter in the bedroom with the intent of starving both of them. In despair, Lady Isobel threw herself from the window, thus preventing a much longer death - but the baby, left alone in the room, did indeed starve.
Mother and daughter still haunt the premises. Lady Isobel knocks on doors throughout the castle, and the baby cries until someone opens the door to what was once their room. When the door is opened, the cries abruptly cease. One room, known as the "Ghost Room", is not used as a guest room. On one occasion, a guest sleeping beneath this room was awakened by the small hand of a child pressing against his back. The man had children of his own, but they were nowhere near the hotel. As he came fully awake, he heard the sound of a child laughing and running around the room, but saw nothing. He was so frightened that he ran from the room clad only in his boxers.
Edgefield Hotel and Hostel, Troutdale, Oregon
Troutdale is near Portland, in truly stunning surroundings of the lush Willamette Valley. Edgefield is owned by the McMenamin brothers (more on them later), who own many properties in Portland and its surroundings.
In 1911, the structure was built as the Multnomah County Poor Farm. It was a self-contained community, with the residents working on a farm; the establishment also had a laundry, and one wing of the building served as the hospital. In 1962, its original purpose obsolete, the building became a nursing home, and the name was changed to Edgefield Manor. The home closed in 1982.
The McMenamin brothers purchased the former poor farm/nursing home in 1990 and restored it; the building and grounds, in addition to offering lodging, now boast a golf course, restaurant, mural art, and many alcohol-themed establishments, including a winery and brewery.
As if all that weren't enough, it also offers ghosts.
The winery is located below the former hospital wing. A ghostly nurse has been seen walking through the hallways; a young girl has also made an appearance. A feeling of intense sadness sometimes overtakes people in the area.
The former administration building is haunted by a woman who sometimes wakes guests by shaking their feet; conversely, she sometimes sings them to sleep. Guests have reported the bed shaking, their hair being stroked, and experiencing strange dreams after turning in for the night. Others have actually had their ankles grabbed, in the manner of a horror film, or have asked directions of a janitor only to find out that there was no such person on the premises.
In 1911, the structure was built as the Multnomah County Poor Farm. It was a self-contained community, with the residents working on a farm; the establishment also had a laundry, and one wing of the building served as the hospital. In 1962, its original purpose obsolete, the building became a nursing home, and the name was changed to Edgefield Manor. The home closed in 1982.
The McMenamin brothers purchased the former poor farm/nursing home in 1990 and restored it; the building and grounds, in addition to offering lodging, now boast a golf course, restaurant, mural art, and many alcohol-themed establishments, including a winery and brewery.
As if all that weren't enough, it also offers ghosts.
The winery is located below the former hospital wing. A ghostly nurse has been seen walking through the hallways; a young girl has also made an appearance. A feeling of intense sadness sometimes overtakes people in the area.
The former administration building is haunted by a woman who sometimes wakes guests by shaking their feet; conversely, she sometimes sings them to sleep. Guests have reported the bed shaking, their hair being stroked, and experiencing strange dreams after turning in for the night. Others have actually had their ankles grabbed, in the manner of a horror film, or have asked directions of a janitor only to find out that there was no such person on the premises.
The Stanley Hotel, Estes Park, Colorado
The Stanley Hotel has hosted many famous people from around the world since it was built in 1909. It remains a top destination, with its beautiful views, spa treatments, and magnificent suites.
And then there are the invisible residents.
Inventor F.O. Stanley, inventor of the Stanley Steamer automobile, arrived in Estes Park in the early years of the 20th century. Stanley suffered from the then-common affliction of tuberculosis, and had come to Colorado for his health. The town was economically depressed; Stanley, thanks to his automobiles, was not. He set about revitalizing the town, and by the time he died in 1940, he had built not only a grand hotel, but a new road into Estes Park and a water and power company.
Stanley was justifiably proud of his hotel, and his wife, Flora, enjoyed playing the piano in the hotel's music room. Perhaps it is their fondness for the building and grounds that keeps them there - the apparitions of both Stanleys have been reported by guests and staff alike.
Writer Stephen King stayed in the Stanley Hotel in the 1970s, and wrote at least half of his novel The Shining during his stay - in Room 217, of course. The Stanley provided the inspiration for the novel, though the Stanley is open year-round, unlike the Overlook (its fictional counterpart), and no murders have been reported on the premises.
It is the fourth floor that sees the most paranormal activity, usually that of children. King himself witnessed a little boy calling anxiously for his nanny; others have heard unmistakable sounds of children running, laughing, and playing - but when they have checked, no children are to be seen.
It is said that the famous Room 217 is indeed haunted, but by a maid. When King and his wife Tabitha checked into the hotel and left their luggage in the room, they returned later to find that their clothes had been unpacked and placed neatly in the dresser, or hung in the closet. A maid has been seen entering the room, only to vanish.
The Stanleys have been seen walking the corridors; Flora is also fond of playing the piano in the ballroom. Another of Mr. Stanley's favorite locations is the hotel lobby - where, it appears, he still wants to greet his valued guests.
And then there are the invisible residents.
Inventor F.O. Stanley, inventor of the Stanley Steamer automobile, arrived in Estes Park in the early years of the 20th century. Stanley suffered from the then-common affliction of tuberculosis, and had come to Colorado for his health. The town was economically depressed; Stanley, thanks to his automobiles, was not. He set about revitalizing the town, and by the time he died in 1940, he had built not only a grand hotel, but a new road into Estes Park and a water and power company.
Stanley was justifiably proud of his hotel, and his wife, Flora, enjoyed playing the piano in the hotel's music room. Perhaps it is their fondness for the building and grounds that keeps them there - the apparitions of both Stanleys have been reported by guests and staff alike.
Writer Stephen King stayed in the Stanley Hotel in the 1970s, and wrote at least half of his novel The Shining during his stay - in Room 217, of course. The Stanley provided the inspiration for the novel, though the Stanley is open year-round, unlike the Overlook (its fictional counterpart), and no murders have been reported on the premises.
It is the fourth floor that sees the most paranormal activity, usually that of children. King himself witnessed a little boy calling anxiously for his nanny; others have heard unmistakable sounds of children running, laughing, and playing - but when they have checked, no children are to be seen.
It is said that the famous Room 217 is indeed haunted, but by a maid. When King and his wife Tabitha checked into the hotel and left their luggage in the room, they returned later to find that their clothes had been unpacked and placed neatly in the dresser, or hung in the closet. A maid has been seen entering the room, only to vanish.
The Stanleys have been seen walking the corridors; Flora is also fond of playing the piano in the ballroom. Another of Mr. Stanley's favorite locations is the hotel lobby - where, it appears, he still wants to greet his valued guests.
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