Perched in the charming town of Excelsior Springs, Missouri, The Elms Hotel is more than just a luxury retreat—it’s a living piece of American history with a whisper of the paranormal. For over a century, this grand hotel has been a sanctuary for gangsters, politicians, and paranormal seekers alike. Known for its majestic architecture, lush surroundings, and rumored ghostly residents, The Elms Hotel is a fascinating stop for history buffs and ghost hunters. Whether you’re sipping wine in the spa or exploring the darkened hallways with a flashlight, this iconic site offers an unforgettable experience.
The History
Origins in the Age of Mineral Water Cures
In the late 19th century, Excelsior Springs was booming thanks to its reputedly healing mineral waters. People from all over the country came to “take the waters,” believing in their restorative powers. Capitalizing on this wellness trend, The Elms Hotel first opened its doors in 1888 as a luxury spa and resort. Boasting Victorian elegance and a serene setting, it quickly became the crown jewel of Excelsior Springs.
The original building, a wooden structure, tragically burned down in 1898. Undeterred, the town rebuilt it in 1909—only for tragedy to strike again with another fire destroying the second incarnation of the hotel. In 1912, a third and final structure was built using native limestone and fireproof materials, the same sturdy and elegant design that stands to this day.
Celebrity Guests and Political Intrigue
The Elms Hotel quickly became a destination for the rich and influential. Its reputation soared in the 1920s and 1930s during Prohibition, when the hotel was frequented by underworld figures and reportedly hosted secret speakeasies in its basement. One of the most famous guests was none other than gangster Al Capone, who allegedly used the hotel as a safe hiding spot. With secret tunnels rumored beneath the building, these stories only add to the air of mystery that surrounds the place.
Politicians also found refuge here. President Harry S. Truman stayed at The Elms Hotel the night of his victorious 1948 election. Legend has it that he retreated to the quietude of the hotel to escape the press and wait for the election results. When he woke the next morning to learn he had defeated Thomas Dewey, it added yet another layer to the hotel’s rich story.
Renovations and Revival
Like many historic sites, The Elms Hotel experienced periods of decline and revival. After years of changing ownership and neglect, it underwent a significant restoration in the 1990s. Then, in 2012—exactly 100 years after the existing structure was built—it reopened following a $20 million renovation, restoring its grandeur and adding modern amenities while preserving its historic charm.
Today, as part of the Hilton family under The Elms Hotel & Spa moniker, the hotel continues to draw guests not only for its opulent spa and historical ambiance but also for its haunted reputation, which has only grown over time.
The Haunt
Whispers from the Shadows
As much a haven for spirits as it is for rejuvenated guests, The Elms Hotel has long been considered one of Missouri’s most haunted destinations. Paranormal investigators have reported numerous unexplained occurrences, and many former guests and staff members have their own spine-tingling stories to tell.
The Basement and Secret Tunnels
The hotel’s basement is arguably the most active spot for paranormal activity. Once used as a speakeasy and rumored to contain secret tunnels for bootleggers, this subterranean level is shrouded in mystery. Visitors have reported sudden temperature drops, disembodied voices, and the feeling of being watched. Many claim to see the ghost of a man dressed in 1920s attire wandering the halls of the lower level—possibly a gangster who met a violent end beneath the hotel.
The Woman in White
One of the most famous supernatural residents is the Woman in White, often seen floating through the hotel’s corridors. Described as wearing a flowing white gown, she’s been seen peering silently into guest rooms. Some believe she may have been a nurse during the time the hotel briefly functioned as a health spa; others say she’s searching for a lost child. Her energy is said to be sorrowful, but not threatening.
Disappearing Housekeepers and Apparitions
Guests have also reported encounters with phantom housekeepers. More than one visitor has claimed to see a maid in old-fashioned attire cleaning or arranging things in rooms—only for her to disappear in a blink. One particular room, often referred to by staff as one of the most haunted, elicits frequent reports of electronics turning on and off, knocks on the walls, and ghostly figures standing at the end of the bed late at night.
EVP Sessions and Paranormal Investigations
Several paranormal teams have conducted investigations at The Elms Hotel, capturing EVPs (Electronic Voice Phenomena), shadow figures, and unexplained movements. A notable visit by the crew of TV’s “Ghost Hunters” brought national attention to the hotel’s haunted status. The team experienced unusual energy fluctuations and recorded eerie whispers that couldn’t be explained by any living source.
If you’re bringing your EMF detector, night vision camera, or voice recorder, The Elms Hotel provides the type of atmospheric tension and history-rich backdrop that’s every investigator’s dream. Be sure to ask the front desk about paranormal tour options—they often host guided ghost tours that lead you through the hotel’s eeriest hotspots.
Your Haunted Getaway Awaits
With its storied past, stunning architecture, and reputation for lingering spirits, The Elms Hotel is a must-visit destination for the curious traveler and ghost hunter alike. Whether you’re an amateur ghost seeker or a seasoned paranormal investigator, the electric tension in the air and whispered tales of the unknown make this more than just an ordinary hotel stay.
So pack your gear, steel your nerves, and book a night—or two—at The Elms Hotel. Lose yourself in its marble corridors, relax in the famous 25,000-square-foot spa, and keep an ear out for things that go bump in the night. Who knows? You might just discover that some guests never really check out.
Looking for your next paranormal investigation hotspot? Don’t miss out on the haunted history, ghost sightings, and timeless allure of The Elms Hotel in Excelsior Springs. It’s waiting… and so are the spirits.