Echoes at Hotel Colorado: The Haunted History of Glenwood Springs

The city of Glenwood Springs was officially incorporated in 1885. Today, it's a town with a population of around 10,000 residents. Originally named "Defiance," the town was later called Glenwood Springs to attract more residents.

Word of Glenwood's hot springs and their healing powers quickly traveled around the state. The buzz over Glenwood Springs helped fund one of the largest hotels on the Western Slope in 1893. Hotel Colorado is said to be one of the most haunted hotels in the state.

Origins of Glenwood Springs

Glenwood Springs comes up a lot in conversations about haunted places in Colorado, but it’s Hotel Colorado that deserves the spotlight. Sure, Doc Holliday’s grave at Linwood Cemetery gets plenty of attention—but most of Glenwood’s ghost stories trace back to that iconic hotel at 526 Pine Street.

So, how did the 250-room Hotel Colorado become a historic haunt? Some say a Ute curse placed on the land haunted it from opening day. Others say the hauntings happened after the hotel was leased as a hospital in 1942.

Building Hotel Colorado: 1893 Silver Fortune

When the Hotel Colorado was built in Glenwood Springs, the town was still mostly log cabins and tents. Silver baron Walter Devereux gets the credit—he footed the nearly $1 million bill back in 1893. Over the years, the hotel has hosted some big names, including President Teddy Roosevelt, the “Unsinkable” Molly Brown, and even Al Capone. A lot of the original features are still there, too, like the lobby, fireplaces, and that signature tower.

Read More: Explore The Haunted Mansion's Real-Life Inspiration: Harry Packer Mansion

Paranormal Experiences: What Guests Report

Tales of the ghosts encountered at the Hotel Colorado can be found on the hotel's website at hotelcolorado.com. Some of the most frequently mentioned haunts include:

• A young girl in Victoria clothing who is playing with a ball.
• A female spirit is known to peer over sleeping male guests.
• A male presence has been reported on the fifth floor.
• The two suites in the bell towers are frequently reported to be haunted.
• The elevator sometimes moves on its own, with no passengers.
• Guests and staff have reported strange smells and unexplained sounds.
• In 2006, CCPI Paranormal Investigations recorded two high electromagnetic fields: One in front of room 325, one outside room 551.
• The guestroom where the chambermaid was believed to have been killed is now used as a storage room due to repeated paranormal activity.

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Can You Stay the Night? What Visitors Experience

Yes, you can stay the night at the Hotel Colorado. You can even request a room known for paranormal activity. While the property is one of the oldest hotels in the state, it is also one of the Historic Hotels of America. From the Roosevelt Suite to the rooms in the famous Bell Tower, reservations can be made by dialing 800.544.3998 or on the hotel's website.