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13 California Haunted Hotels - Part 1 Mendocino to San Francisco
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Napa River Inn at night
“Of the hotels older than fifty years, most . . . are haunted.”, Ventura historian and ghost hunter Richard Senate informs me as he rests back in his seat. In fact, California hosts a number of alleged “haunted” hotels oozing with history. This 3-part list of 13 hotels popularly believed haunted contains hotels that willingly embrace their residents, and a few that don’t want to acknowledge any ghostly narratives. Whether you believe or not, they all offer a wonderful stay in locations filled with history and folklore.
45080 Main Street
Mendocino, CA 94559
800-548-0513
$115-$335
Not only does this hotel accept their “haunted” status, they became the headquarters for the 2006 California Ghost Hunters Conference. Originally The Temperance House, this registered landmark, opened in 1878 and remains the only full service hotel in Mendocino. If you eat in the restaurant a Victorian ghost occasionally visits tables six and eight. When remodeled, owner R.O. Peterson made sure to fill the hotel with 19th century antiques. Almost 90 % of the furnishings date to the 19th century. This surely makes the environment more comfortable to its ghostly denizens.
500 Main Street
Napa, CA 94559
877-251-8500
$219-$350
Built in 1886, the Hatt Building originally contained a warehouse and feed store. Now an upscale boutique hotel resides here. Guests may encounter the son of the original owner Captain Albert Hatt, his wife or just hear ethereal footsteps in the hallway. Hatt’s wife Margaret died in 1906 leaving him with five children. On April 1, 1912 he hung himself from a beam in the warehouse. Guests report hearing him and Margaret wandering the halls. Others recount meeting owner Robert Keig who purchased the inn in 1912. He died in 1975 but seems to still feel responsible for the guests' comfort.
2237 Mason Street
San Francisco, CA 94133
800-352-REMO
$75-$209 (Penthouse)
Built after the San Francisco earthquake, several deceased residents are said to roam the corridors. One ghost that lives here is thought to be a Madame from the days the hotel was a brothel. This “painted lady” fools guests in Room 42 by knocking on the door and vanishing when someone answers. The property retains its 1920’s atmosphere despite renovations that make today’s guests more comfortable.
1590 Sutter Street
San Francisco, CA 94109
800-227-3970
After making his fortune in the Comstock load, Senator James Fair built the Queen Anne to house Miss Mary Lake's School For Young Ladies. He then moved his daughters Virginia and Tessie to the school. Opened on February 15, 1890 Miss Mary Lake - the senator's supposed mistress - became the headmistress for the school. The school closed a mere six years later. Over the decades Miss Mary has unpacked guests’ bags, replaced bed pillows, and periodically tucked guests in.
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Next: Part 2 Central Coast
Sponsorship Disclosure: No employment relationship exists between Dee Rogers and these hotels, nor does any arrangement for Ms. Rogers to write favorably of these or any other venue mentioned herein. Dee Rogers believes in recognizing readers’ interest and offers honest opinions on her subjects.
