Henry Brown, a real estate tycoon, was the driving force behind the construction of The Brown Palace Hotel. Notably, he also contributed land for the creation of Denver's capital building.
Haunted Hospitality: Colorado's Ghostly Hotels and Inns
Colorado's historic hotels and inns have a unique charm, with some boasting a chilling twist - paranormal activity. These venues, steeped in history and tradition, have become prime destinations for those seeking haunted hospitality experiences.
One of the most famous is The Stanley Hotel in Estes Park, which served as the inspiration for Stephen King's The Shining. Established over a century ago, it has numerous paranormal reports, including apparitions of F.O. Stanley, the original owner, on the first floor, and ghostly piano music from the ballroom. Conversations have been reported in an empty bar, while shadowy figures and lights have been seen in various rooms such as 217, 401, 407, 418, and 428. Doors open and close by themselves, and phantom footsteps can be heard, along with the sound of ghostly children[1].
Another historic hotel with a reputation for paranormal activity is the Brown Palace Hotel in Denver, established in 1892. With its 243 rooms, it has tales of ghostly encounters, including phone calls from an empty Room 904, once occupied by a heartbroken socialite. Sightings of children skipping in the hallways and the sound of crying babies in the boiler room have been reported. The hotel, originally a socialite gathering place, is now famed for its ghost stories[2].
In Denver, other haunted locations converted to hotels or inns include the Croke-Patterson-Campbell House, built in 1891, and the Peabody Whitehead Mansion, nicknamed Colorado’s most haunted house. The Croke-Patterson-Campbell House is known for ghost sightings and unexplained phenomena, while the Peabody Whitehead Mansion has reports of moving objects and hauntings by spirits[3].
The Palace Hotel in Salida is included in local ghost tours, featuring chilling stories of spirits roaming within this historic hotel[5].
For those seeking a more rustic-chic experience, Beyul Retreat, located about an hour outside of Aspen, offers mountain quiet in its main lodge and wooden cabins. Once serving as the ticket office for the Colorado Midline Railroad, Beyul Retreat is best for outdoor enthusiasts[4].
Whether you're a history buff, a paranormal enthusiast, or simply seeking a unique travel experience, Colorado's haunted hotels and inns offer a blend of historical significance and rich traditions of paranormal lore, making them prime destinations for those interested in haunted hospitality experiences.
Summary of key locations with paranormal activity:
| Hotel/Mansion | Location | Notable Paranormal Highlights | |-----------------------------|--------------|----------------------------------------------------| | The Stanley Hotel | Estes Park | Apparitions, ghostly music, phantom footsteps | | Brown Palace Hotel | Denver | Haunted rooms, ghostly children, phantom phone calls| | Croke-Patterson-Campbell House | Denver | Ghost sightings and unexplained events | | Peabody Whitehead Mansion | Denver | Moving objects, haunted by spirits | | Palace Hotel | Salida | Spirits roam, featured on local ghost tours | | Beyul Retreat | Aspen | Offers mountain quiet in rustic-chic cabins |
[1] The Stanley Hotel [2] Brown Palace Hotel [3] Croke-Patterson-Campbell House [4] Beyul Retreat [5] Palace Hotel
- For travel-loving history buffs and adventurers alike, a visit to Beyul Retreat, a rustic-chic inn situateed an hour outside of Aspen, offers a unique blend of mountain serene and railroad roots, making it an exciting addition to Colorado's collection of haunted home-and-garden destinations.
- In Denver, the lifestyle and travel world intertwine with history and the supernatural in establishments such as the Brown Palace Hotel, where heartbroken socialites, crying babies, and ghostly children have been reported by guests, adding a dash of eerie adventure to a stay in this elegant inn.
- Home-and-garden aficionados seeking a trip filled with historical charm and paranormal intrigue should consider a visit to the Peabody Whitehead Mansion, Denver's self-proclaimed most haunted house, with sightings of moving objects and spirits roaming through its rooms, creating an atmosphere ripe for exploration and adventure.
