The Oldest Hotel In Arizona Is Also One Of The Most Haunted Places You’ll Ever Sleep
Williams, Arizona – population: 3,158. This tiny town is known as the “Gateway to the Grand Canyon” and is located along Route 66. Stroll through town and you discover over six blocks of historic buildings and shops filled to the brim with memorabilia. Given the area’s extensive past, it only makes sense that paranormal activity abounds here as well. Grand Canyon Hotel is widely known as the oldest hotel in Arizona, and spirits have been making it their home for over a century.
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Since 1892, this European-style boutique hotel has hosted thousands - if not millions - of guests from all over the world. With historic charm and old-world architecture, it checks all the boxes for a Route 66 attraction.
As commemorated by a plaque mounted outside, the building was spared from tragedy just three years after opening its doors. A massive fire engulfed every other building in the area in 1895, yet not a single ember landed on the hotel. Any guesses as to where the souls who perished flocked to?
This very lobby has served as a pharmacy, grocery store, dance hall, and Knights of Pythias meeting place over the years. Today, relics from its past lives remind visitors just how storied the hotel really is - and possibly provide a medium for lingering spirits to manifest.
Upon checking in, you'll find the reception desk riddled with banknotes from countries you've never even heard of. International tourists have left them behind to show just how far folks are willing to travel to stay here. Perhaps the currency is a conduit of sorts, guiding the guests who donated it back to the hotel after they pass away.
Each of the 29 rooms has a unique theme, but they all share one attribute: real artifacts from major events in history. The WWII room features photographs, documents, medals, and uniforms that belonged to real soldiers. It's no wonder this is one of the building's primary hotspots for paranormal activity.
Of all the suites, only six have television sets because the owners wanted to paint an authentic picture of 19th-century life. That said, most of the spectral sightings have come from rooms with TVs, so choose accordingly. Electric currents supposedly give spirits the energy required to cross over and appear our realm.
If you're seeking a little more privacy, consider booking the Carriage House. Trade the din of a normal hotel room for disembodied whispers, 3 a.m. taps on the door, and objects moving on their own free will. Your choice.
Grab a drink and mingle with other guests in the lounge, sharing stories from beyond the grave. Seeing a ghost is enough to make anyone feel a bit crazy, so you'll find comfort in hearing other guests reporting similar experiences.
Spookiness aside, fans of interior design will appreciate the decor. Antique furniture with intricate carvings leaves guests longing for the uniqueness and quality of items made in bygone eras.
Katie Lawrence is a Southeast Texas native who graduated 18th in her high school class with a GPA of 4.25. She attended college in the Houston area and changed her major twice (psychology, computer science, and finally criminal justice) before taking a leap of faith and dropping out to pursue a career in freelance writing.
Today, Katie writes for the Texas and Arizona pages of OnlyInYourState.com and has never been more passionate about a job before. Outside of work, you can likely find her curled up on the sofa with a hot cup of coffee, watching a crime TV show or scary movie.
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