Stay In A Haunted Hotel This Halloween Season

Tuolumne County is loaded with incredibly preserved historic hotels. With buildings dating back to the late 1800s, it’s no surprise that chilling vibes, spooky stories, and shadows are said to lurk about in some of Tuolumne County’s oldest hotels. Book your stay… if you dare.

Historic Downtown Jamestown is the oldest town in Tuolumne County, founded in 1848. The Gold Rush brought thousands of people to the foothills to strike it rich, start a new life, and maybe even fall in love. National Hotel holds much of that history along with the story of a young, Flora. She’s a ghost. Said to have died of a broken heart, Flora lingers throughout the hotel, flickering lights, moving luggage, and slamming doors. Some guests say they can hear her sobbing at night. Feel, hear, or see something eerie in the hotel? Write it all down in your provided room journal, where you’ll also find stories told by past guests.

Photo by The Taste Edit

About a block down from National Hotel you’ll find Jamestown Hotel. Built in 1919, this hotel’s shuddersome history is an enticing one. In the 1930’s, a man by the name Dr. Donald Farrell converted the hotel into the Motherlode Hospital, housing the morgue in the basement. The hospital closed its doors in the 1940’s, and Dr. Farrell moved his practice elsewhere. The hotel reopened in the 1950’s, but its looming past remained. Today, the spirit of Mary O’Sullivan, a patient of Dr. Farrell, is said to roam the hotel.

Photo by The Taste Edit

The Victorian home built in the mid-1800’s now B&B, The Royal Olive Manor, is home to many friendly spirits. The roots of the home run deep into Tuolumne County history with the Manor being one of the first of ten homes built in Sonora. It is believed the first owner George Hale is still lingering to make sure the home he built is being taken care of. A more playful spirit is an old housekeeper's son, Peter who leaves handprints around the property and is thought to like to show new guests around. With each room of the Royal Olive Manor named for one of the women who once lived there, their presence is felt throughout the B&B as well. 

Bordering Yosemite National Park, the historic town of Groveland has been a resting-place for travelers since the early 1800’s. For some, it was their final destination. Today, the local town bustles with visitors in search of adventure, food, and lodging. Visitors can find all three at the Groveland Hotel, on Main Street. Whispers of Room 15 and a guest named Lyle is a common topic of conversation at the hotel. This ghostly guest, has a reputation for dimming lights and moving items.

Photo courtesy of Groveland Hotel