The Crescent Hotel, standing proud since 1886, is not just an architectural marvel but also a bastion of supernatural tales. As it earns its title as “America’s Most Haunted Hotel,” the Crescent is all set to roll out the red carpet for the intrepid with its immersive “Paranormal Lockdown” event on Jan. 9.
THE GHOST STORIES THAT MAKE THE CRESCENT LEGENDARY • Michael, the Stonemason — His poignant story traces back to a tragic incident during construction, with sightings portraying him in period attire. This playful spirit is known to wander, often spotted in the very room from which he is believed to have fallen, or in the vicinity of locker No. 2 in the morgue.
• Baker Hospital Nurse — Reports of a nurse pushing a gurney on the 4th Floor or tending to guests in room 3500 serve as a chilling reminder of the building’s history as a hospital in the 1930s.
• Dr. John Freemont Ellis — A distinguished Victorian figure, frequently sighted on the Grand Staircase or near his former office, now known as room 212.
• Theodora — Often encountered in room 419, believed to be a former patient, Theodora is known for her courteous demeanor as she searches for her room key or offers assistance in the hallways. Guests affectionately refer to her as the “clothes thrower,” as they occasionally wake up to find their closet emptied or bags moved near the door.
AN ACTIVE SPACE: 2023 THE HAUNTING CONTINUES Recently witnesses have reported an unexplained shadow figure in the morgue, adding to the mystique of the Crescent’s historic lore. This figure has been sighted with increasing frequency, captivating the attention of both guests and paranormal enthusiasts alike.
“Beyond its architecture and luxury, the Crescent Hotel beckons with tales whispered through its historic corridors,” shares guide Sarah Echelle. “Our ‘Paranormal Lockdown’ is an ode to these tales, an invitation to step into the echoes of the past while seeking the thrills of today.”
NATIONAL PARANORMAL EXPERTS HAVE COME TO INVESTIGATE • “Ghost Hunters” – The renowned TAPS team conducted an indepth investigation into the Crescent’s enigmas, capturing compelling evidence of supernatural activity.
• “Ghost Adventures” — Zak and his team captured a curtain moving of its own accord and made contact with Michael, the hotel’s most active and infamous spirit.
• Kalani Smith, paranormal investigator and TikTok sensation, Kalani Ghost Hunter, has conducted numerous investigations at the Crescent Hotel.
IN GOOD COMPANY: OTHER HISTORIC HAUNTED HAVENS IN AMERICA • Stanley Hotel, Colorado — Stephen King’s inspiration for “The Shining,” reputed to house several spirits, including former proprietors Freelan and Flora Stanley.
• Hotel del Coronado, California — The lingering spirit of Kate Morgan is said to roam the premises since her mysterious demise in 1892.
• The Driskill, Texas — Opened in 1886, this hotel is home to multiple spirits, including a young girl whose playful presence is often marked by the sound of a bouncing ball on the upper floors.
Guests of the “Paranormal Lockdown” will have unfiltered access to navigate the hotel’s haunted nooks, equipped with these tales and tools to potentially capture spectral evidence. The Lockdown will include spaces that are in entire darkness as well as access to the morgue.
