Halloween Countdown 2019, Day 15

[eldritchhobbit]

Speaking of reputedly haunted hotels, since last year’s Halloween Countdown we stayed several nights at one, namely the historic Lafayette Hotel in Marietta, Ohio.

We did not experience anything unexpected, despite the fact I made sure to park myself in front of the infamous mirror that, rumor has it, had to be removed from the third floor hall because guests repeatedly saw ghostly apparitions in its reflection. (You can see the mirror and more information here.) That said, the place is wonderfully atmospheric!

(Source.)

Here is a description of the Lafayette Hotel from HiddenMarietta.com:

The Lafayette Hotel claims the title of the most paranormally active spot in town, no small feat given the amount of unexplained activity that bubbles up in and around Marietta. Fortunately, or unfortunately depending your point of view, you don’t have to be a registered guest to have a brush with the supernatural in the Lafayette. Ghostly encounters occur in the lobby, the Gun Room Restaurant, the Riverview Lounge, the ballrooms and public restrooms throughout the building.​

Staff and patrons have seen the hotel’s former owner enjoying an early morning cup of coffee in the Gun Room, which is a little disturbing. He died in 1981. An elegantly dressed Victorian lady occasionally wanders through the lounge then vanishes through the back wall. And there’s the little boy, no more than four-years-old, waiting patiently outside the ladies’ restroom in the basement.

The paranormal activity at the Lafayette is ongoing. New reports come in almost every month. Some describe minor, low level incidents; others are more significant. All are stunningly peculiar. An entire chapter of Haunted Marietta: History and Mystery in Ohio’s Oldest City is devoted to the Lafayette. The hotel is also one of the main stops on Ghost Trek.

And check out this article from Only in Your State: “One Of The Oldest Hotels In Ohio Is Also One Of The Most Haunted Places You’ll Ever Sleep.”

There’s even a video: “Haunted Hotel in Historical Marietta Ohio”!

"Haunted Hotel in Historical Marietta Ohio" (Watch on YouTube)

Here is a first-hand report from Sand and Snow:

Originally called the Bellevue Hotel when built in 1892, it’s had its history of tragedy. The property was destroyed by fire in 1916 and the walls have flood markers where it’s been deeply under water compliments of its pretty location near the river. The Hoag Edition is what I’d like to chat about, though. Built between 1937-38, Mr. Hoag is considered to still be the protector of the property. As the hotel’s owner for well over 50 years, his pride in the property has many believing that he makes his presence known by being a prankster: moving papers, whispering in ears, and good, clean fun.

I had the pleasure of staying in the Hoag Edition during my visit and the first night made me a teeny bit uneasy. My room door rattled even though it’s an inside door. Let’s just say I didn’t get a lot of sleep.

And here is one of my favorite reports of a visit (from Ohio Haunted Houses):

Being Nice To The Spirits Got Us A Upgrade

We stayed at the hotel last year for our anniversary. We read it was Haunted, so when we got to our room we told the spirits we were there to have fun and we welcome them in our room. Well play started and so did the rain. It came down by the buckets. We didn’t care. Until the Lightning strike. It hit somewhere very close knocking out the power to the air conditioning and elevator. Our air conditioning was the only one affected in the whole building. Hotel management upgraded us to the PENTHOUSE. We thanked the Management and the Spirits. The View from the PENTHOUSE is really nice. We thoroughly enjoyed our stay. All I can say is it pays to be nice. THANK YOU Lafayette Hotel.

You can read more first-hand accounts of staying in the spooky Lafayette Hotel here.