Nestled in the heart of downtown Denver, the Brown Palace Hotel is far more than just an opulent place to spend the night. This historic landmark has welcomed presidents, rock stars, and royalty since its opening in the 19th century. But beyond its luxury and legacy, the Brown Palace holds something even more intriguing — whispers of the paranormal. Ghost stories swirl through its winding hallways, and legends linger in the dim lighting of its lounges. For history buffs, paranormal enthusiasts, and curious travelers alike, the Brown Palace is a mysterious gem just waiting to be explored.
The History
The Birth of a Denver Icon
Opened on August 12, 1892, the Brown Palace Hotel was the brainchild of Henry C. Brown, a wealthy carpenter-turned-real-estate mogul. At a time when Denver was booming thanks to the silver rush and railroad expansion, Brown aimed to create a sanctuary of refinement in the bustling frontier town. Designed by architect Frank E. Edbrooke, the hotel was considered a marvel of its time, featuring an iron-and-steel frame, Italian Renaissance style, and a rare triangular shape to fit the wedge-shaped lot at the corner of 17th Street and Tremont Place.
From the start, the Brown Palace was meant to exude elegance and modern innovation. It was the second fireproof building in America, and one of the first structures in Denver to feature its own artesian well — which still provides water to hotel taps today. Its soaring eight-story atrium, ornate iron railings, and stained glass skylight make it feel like you’ve stepped into a bygone era of grandeur.
The Hotel of Presidents
Over the decades, the Brown Palace has played host to an impressive array of distinguished guests. Every U.S. president from Theodore Roosevelt to Bill Clinton (except Calvin Coolidge) has stayed at the hotel. The Presidential Suite is still a guest favorite for those wanting to sleep like a head of state.
It’s also known for its timeless high tea service in the atrium lobby, a tradition carried on since 1910, and for its luxurious spa and cigar lounge that cater to travelers with a taste for the finer things.
Famous Visitors and Untold Stories
It’s not just presidents who have graced the Brown Palace’s halls — famous figures such as Buffalo Bill Cody, the Beatles, and even notorious mobster John Dillinger reportedly visited the hotel. This convergence of personalities over time has helped cement its place in both Denver’s and America’s cultural history.
Each room and hallway has its own story to tell — and some, according to paranormal legends, have left something behind.
The Haunt
For all of its glamour and history, the Brown Palace Hotel has also developed a chilling reputation — it’s considered one of the most haunted places in Colorado. Paranormal investigators, ghost tour companies, and curious guests alike have documented eerie activity throughout the building. The spirits of former guests, employees, and even some unknown entities are said to make appearances from time to time.
Room 904: A Hotspot for Hauntings
Perhaps the most infamous of all the haunted spaces in the hotel is Room 904. Longtime staff report an unusually high volume of complaints and curious activity in this room. Housekeeping has mentioned an eerie presence, and lights often flicker for no explainable reason. Guests have woken up in the middle of the night to find their bathroom flooded from a faucet that was never turned on, while others have claimed to see a figure standing at the foot of their bed — only to vanish into thin air.
Although there’s no confirmed individual ghost associated with Room 904, it’s often suspected to be tied to the mysterious death of a long-term resident from the early 1900s. Her name has been lost to history, but her spiritual presence may linger.
The Spirit of a Former Lover
Perhaps one of the most compelling ghost stories is that of a woman named Louise Crawford Hill. A prominent Denver socialite and resident of the hotel’s private apartments during the 1920s, Louise is said to haunt the halls in a long black dress. Her love affair with a married man ended tragically, and some say her spirit never moved on.
In fact, her old suite is reportedly the source of strange activity — including disembodied voices, the sound of footsteps when no one is there, and temperature fluctuations. Staff have even reported the smell of old-fashioned perfume lingering in the air long after the cleaning crew has left.
The Haunted Service Elevator
The Brown Palace’s antique service elevator is another magnet for ghostly tales. Staff over the decades have recounted tales of the elevator operating on its own, stopping at unused floors and opening its doors for invisible passengers. What’s more, some claim to have seen a ghostly bellhop — dressed in outdated uniform — lingering nearby and vanishing the moment someone tries to approach or speak to him.
Could this be the spirit of a former employee still dutifully making his rounds? Paranormal investigators have attempted to record EVP (Electronic Voice Phenomena) near the elevator with mixed — though often creepy — results.
Phantom Phone Calls
During renovations in the mid-20th century, several workers reportedly received phone calls originating from a closed-off room — Room 904 again. The calls were always placed late at night and consisted only of static or faint whispers. When checked, the room was locked from the inside and had no working phone line. While skeptics chalk it up to coincidence or crossed wires, others believe it’s a ghostly attempt at communication.
Paranormal Investigations and Tours
The Brown Palace Hotel embraces its haunted heritage through periodic ghost tours during Halloween season and even allows certain paranormal groups to conduct investigations. Many have walked away with EVP recordings, chilling photos, or an unshakable feeling of being watched.
Ghost hunters report that the hotel is one of the rare few where the spiritual energy is not malevolent, but rather residual — intelligent in some cases, but more often a gentle ripple through a space filled with history and emotion.
Why Paranormal Seekers Should Visit
Whether you’re a budding ghost hunter, a seasoned investigator, or simply curious about the supernatural, the Brown Palace Hotel is a must-see location. Not only does it offer a rich tapestry of Denver’s past, but its elegant setting makes it one of the most accessible and comfortable haunted locations to explore.
Where else can you sip champagne in a building where presidents stayed and spirits may still linger? Spend the night in a documented haunted room, schedule an afternoon tea under the massive stained-glass ceiling, or wander the hallways in search of echoes from another time.
Bringing your EMF detector, spirit box, or just a curious mind? Either way, the Brown Palace is a place where history and the haunted live side by side. Just don’t be surprised if you check in for the night… and find you’re not alone.