Located in Glenwood Springs, Colorado, the historic Hotel Colorado has a haunting past that adds to its allure. Once a luxurious hotel for the elite, it transformed into a naval hospital during World War II, complete with a morgue and crematoriums. Join us on a fascinating tour of this spooky destination as we explore the strange occurrences reported by guests and staff throughout the years. From unexplained elevator movements to the presence of a young girl in Victorian clothing, Hotel Colorado is sure to give you a thrilling experience.
While the hotel’s transformation into a naval hospital brought about a chilling atmosphere, even now, reports of paranormal activity continue to intrigue visitors. Mysterious smells of cigar smoke and perfume, as well as sightings of a man walking through the fourth-floor hallway only to disappear, keep the hotel’s eerie reputation alive. Additionally, the infamous Room 454, believed to be the site of a murder, remains a padlocked storage room, while the attic and bell towers also attract paranormal enthusiasts with their high EMF energy. Discover the fascinating history and ghostly tales of the haunted Hotel Colorado in Glenwood Springs.
History of Hotel Colorado
Opening of Hotel Colorado in 1893
In 1893, the Hotel Colorado opened its doors to the elite in Glenwood Springs, Colorado. It quickly became known for its luxurious amenities and beautiful mineral spring pools. These pools, which were used by the native Ute Native Americans for years, were believed to have healing properties. The hotel attracted high-profile guests and became a popular destination for relaxation and rejuvenation.
The hotel as the little white house of the United States in 1905
In 1905, the Hotel Colorado gained significant recognition when it acted as the “little white house” of the United States. President Teddy Roosevelt visited the hotel during his famous bear hunt in the west. After returning from his unsuccessful hunt, the hotel’s housekeeping staff stitched together a small bear out of cloth scraps to lift the president’s spirits. However, he was not amused and gave the bear to his daughter. This incident led to the coining of the term “teddy bear” by a reporter, which then became a legendary toy.
Strange occurrences and paranormal activity in the hotel
Throughout its history, the Hotel Colorado has been associated with strange occurrences and paranormal activity. Many guests and staff have reported witnessing unexplained phenomena. Elevators have been seen moving from floor to floor with no passengers, and the distinct smells of cigar smoke and perfume have been detected in empty areas. One of the most well-known paranormal sightings is that of a young girl in Victorian clothing who has been seen playing with a ball throughout the hotel. Additionally, a man has been reported walking in the fourth-floor hallway and mysteriously disappearing.
Naval Hospital during World War II
Remodeling of the hotel for the Navy
During World War II, the Hotel Colorado underwent significant remodeling to serve as a Naval Hospital. The Navy transformed the hotel to accommodate the needs of wounded soldiers and medical staff. The historical charm of the hotel was temporarily overshadowed by its new role in supporting military operations.
Inclusion of a morgue in the basement
As part of the remodeling process, the Navy included a morgue in the hotel’s basement. This morgue became the final resting place for deceased soldiers. The presence of a morgue further added to the hotel’s mysterious and eerie ambiance.
Screams of a woman believed to be a chambermaid
There have been reports of screams heard throughout the hotel, particularly in the basement. It is believed that these screams belong to a chambermaid who was involved in a tragic love triangle and was ultimately murdered by one of her lovers. The exact room where this incident occurred is now a storage room with a padlock on the door, adding to the hotel’s haunted reputation.
Reported paranormal activity in Room 454 and Room 551
Two guest rooms in the hotel, Room 454 and Room 551, have gained notoriety for their reported paranormal activity. Room 454, believed to be the room where the chambermaid was murdered, has experienced significant paranormal phenomena. Guests have reported strange sounds, lights flickering, and a general feeling of unease while staying in this room. Room 551, located on the fifth floor and just across from Room 454, has also been associated with paranormal occurrences, including reports of high EMF energy and spiritual activity.
Haunted Areas of the Hotel
Activity on the sixth floor
One of the most active areas in terms of paranormal activity is the sixth floor of the Hotel Colorado. Here, guests and staff have reported strange occurrences and sightings. The sixth floor features two bell towers where the Molly Brown suite (Room 661) and the Bell Tower suite (Room 662) are located. Both of these suites have been associated with spirit activity and unexplained phenomena.
Molly Brown suite in room 661
The Molly Brown suite, named after the famous socialite and survivor of the Titanic sinking, has been the site of numerous reports of paranormal activity. Guests staying in this suite have reported seeing apparitions, experiencing cold spots, and hearing strange sounds throughout the night. The Molly Brown suite has become a popular destination for those interested in the supernatural.
Bell tower suite in room 662
Adjacent to the Molly Brown suite is the Bell Tower suite. Similar to its neighboring room, the Bell Tower suite has witnessed its fair share of paranormal encounters. Guests have reported hearing unexplained footsteps, feeling a presence in the room, and witnessing objects moving on their own. The Bell Tower suite offers a truly eerie experience for those seeking a haunted stay.
Activity on the third floor
The third floor of the Hotel Colorado is another area that is known for high levels of paranormal activity. Guests and staff have reported frequent knocks on their doors, even when no one is present outside. Apparitions and strange smells have also been reported, leaving an unsettling feeling for those staying on this floor.
Unexplained sounds and lights on the sixth and fifth floors
Throughout the hotel, there have been reports of unexplained sounds and lights on both the sixth and fifth floors. Guests have heard footsteps and whispers in empty hallways, doors opening and closing on their own, and lights flickering or turning on and off without explanation. These occurrences contribute to the hotel’s reputation as a haunted destination.
Guest and Staff Experiences
Reports of knocks on doors
Guests and staff alike have reported frequent knocks on their doors, sometimes even in the middle of the night. These knocks occur without an identifiable source and have left many puzzled and unnerved. The persistence and consistency of these knocks add to the overall sense of mystery and paranormal activity in the hotel.
Apparitions and strange smells
Numerous guests and staff members have reported witnessing apparitions and experiencing strange smells throughout the hotel. These apparitions often take the form of shadowy figures or translucent figures in old-fashioned clothing. The smells range from the scent of perfume or cigar smoke in areas where no one is present. These sightings and smells contribute to the eerie atmosphere and haunted reputation of the Hotel Colorado.
Lights and TVs turning on and off
Another common occurrence reported by guests and staff is lights and TVs turning on and off without any apparent cause. This phenomenon often happens in the middle of the night, causing confusion and unease among those present. The sudden changes in lighting and electronic devices contribute to the hotel’s reputation as a place of paranormal activity.
Psychics and high EMF energy
Many psychics and individuals sensitive to energy have visited the Hotel Colorado and reported high levels of electromagnetic field (EMF) energy in certain areas. This high EMF energy is often associated with the presence of spirits or residual energy. The combination of psychic experiences and the measured EMF energy further solidify the hotel’s status as a haunted location.
Conclusion
The Hotel Colorado in Glenwood Springs stands as a historical landmark with a reputation for being haunted. From its opening in 1893 to its transformation into a Naval Hospital during World War II, the hotel has witnessed its fair share of strange occurrences and paranormal activity. Throughout the years, guests and staff have reported experiencing unexplained phenomena, including knocks on doors, apparitions, strange smells, lights and TVs turning on and off, and encounters with psychics and high EMF energy. Whether you are a believer in the supernatural or a skeptic, a visit to the Hotel Colorado is sure to spark an interest in the realm of the paranormal.