Nestled in the picturesque setting of Glenwood Springs, Colorado, the Hotel Colorado stands as a magnificent testament to opulence, history, and enduring mystery. Opened to the public in 1893, this architectural marvel quickly established itself as a premier destination, drawing illustrious guests from around the globe. Yet, beyond its grand façade and storied past, the Hotel Colorado has garnered a reputation as one of the most haunted hotels in the American West, with countless tales of unexplained phenomena and spectral residents.
Originally conceived by entrepreneur Walter Devereaux, the vision for the Hotel Colorado was nothing short of grand. Modeled after the elegant 16th-century Villa de Medici in Italy, the tower-topped sandstone edifice was meticulously crafted to exude luxury and sophistication. Upon its grand opening, the hotel boasted an impressive 191 sleeping rooms, offering lavish accommodations that commanded up to $3 per night – a princely sum in the late 19th century. Guests were treated to cutting-edge amenities, including the area’s first electrically lit interiors, a spectacular courtyard fountain spraying water 180 feet skyward, and an integrated spa and swimming pool designed to capitalize on the region’s famed medicinal hot springs. The establishment quickly became the social epicenter of Glenwood Springs, a beacon of refined leisure and a retreat for the elite.
A Chronicle of Distinguished Guests and Notorious Figures
Throughout its early heyday, the Hotel Colorado served as a preferred retreat for some of America’s most prominent figures. It proudly hosted two United States Presidents: Theodore Roosevelt, who famously dubbed it his “Little White House of the West,” and William Taft. The hotel also welcomed the remarkable Molly Brown, famously known as the “Unsinkable Molly Brown” for her bravery during the Titanic disaster. These prominent visitors undoubtedly contributed to the hotel’s burgeoning prestige and vibrant atmosphere, cementing its status as a destination of choice for the discerning traveler.
As the Roaring Twenties unfolded, the hotel’s guest list took a more illicit turn. During this era, the Hotel Colorado became a clandestine playground for several notorious Chicago gangsters. Figures like Diamond Jack Alterie, the menacing Verain Brothers, and most notably, the infamous Al Capone, were known to frequent its luxurious halls. It is rumored that Capone even utilized the hotel’s original hydraulic lift as an escape route during raids, adding another layer of intrigue to its already colorful history. These shadowy associations paint a fascinating picture of the hotel’s versatility and its silent witness to both high society and organized crime.
The outbreak of World War II brought yet another transformation to the historic structure. From 1942 to 1945, the Hotel Colorado was repurposed as a U.S. Naval Hospital, known as the U.S. Naval Convalescent Hospital. During this period, it provided essential care and rehabilitation for wounded servicemen. This shift from a lavish resort to a military medical facility imbued the building with a different kind of solemn history, witnessing countless stories of pain, recovery, and sacrifice.
Echoes from the Past: Paranormal Encounters at the Hotel Colorado
Today, with 131 of its original rooms available, the Hotel Colorado continues to attract guests seeking a blend of historical charm and modern comfort. However, it is not only living guests and dedicated staff who reside within its walls; the hotel is widely regarded as a hub for paranormal activity, home to a multitude of spirits that linger from its extensive past. Visitors and employees alike have reported a wide array of chilling encounters, suggesting that many former residents and historical figures may have never truly checked out.
Consistent Paranormal Activity
- Early Morning Phenomena: Many reports consistently place high paranormal activity between the hours of 2:00 a.m. and 4:00 a.m. Guests and staff have described elevators moving autonomously from floor to floor with no passengers, an unmistakable sign of unseen forces at play.
- Sensory Apparitions: The main lobby is often permeated with the distinct smell of cigar smoke, widely believed to emanate from the lingering presence of the hotel’s founder, Walter Devereaux. In the Devereaux Dining Room, the scent of perfume and the faint sounds of dishes being moved have been noted, hinting at elegant banquets long past.
- Visible Spirits: Perhaps one of the most frequently sighted apparitions is that of a young girl, often seen in Victorian clothing, playfully bouncing a ball in various areas of the hotel. Another chilling report describes a female apparition peering over sleeping male guests, a truly unsettling experience for those who encounter it.
The Tragic Chambermaid
One particularly poignant story recounts the tragic fate of a chambermaid during the hotel’s time as a Naval Hospital. Caught in a volatile love triangle, she was reportedly murdered by one of her jealous lovers. It is said that her tortured screams can still be heard echoing through various parts of the hotel. The room where this tragedy unfolded has reportedly experienced so much intense activity that it can no longer be rented to guests and now serves as a mere storage room, a somber monument to a life abruptly ended.
CCPI Paranormal Investigations: A Scientific Approach
In September 2006, CCPI Paranormal Investigations, a team based in Grand Junction, Colorado, undertook a comprehensive study of the Hotel Colorado. Their mission was to explore its rich history and, more importantly, to interact with and document the
