Tucked into the majestic White Mountains of New Hampshire, the Mount Washington Hotel is more than just a luxury resort—it’s a living time capsule with a ghostly edge. With its grand facade, sweeping views, and history that spans over a century, this hotel is a must-visit destination for both lovers of fine architecture and seekers of the supernatural. Not only is it a historic treasure, but its haunted reputation has also made it one of the most intriguing spots for paranormal investigators in New England. If you’re captivated by refined Gilded Age grandeur and whispered tales from beyond the veil, the Mount Washington Hotel might just be your next spooky getaway.
The History
Gilded Beginnings (1900s)
The Mount Washington Hotel was conceived by wealthy industrialist Joseph Stickney, who spared no expense in its construction. Built between 1900 and 1902 in Bretton Woods, New Hampshire, the hotel was designed by Charles Alling Gifford, a noted New York architect. Costing over $1.7 million—an astronomical sum at the time—this grand white structure was built by Italian artisans who were imported solely for the job.
Opening its doors in July 1902, the hotel quickly gained popularity among the social elite. With 200 guest rooms, electricity (a rarity back then), and luxurious amenities such as a private telegraph office, it was a marvel of modernity nestled in an untouched natural paradise.
An Economic Icon
The Mount Washington Hotel became an epicenter of activity during the early-mid 20th century. Wealthy families from Boston and New York made it their summer haven. The hotel’s success coincided with the rise of tourism in the White Mountains, when people sought the dual luxuries of clean mountain air and lavish comfort.
But perhaps the most historically significant moment in the hotel’s timeline came in 1944, when the Bretton Woods Conference was held here. This monumental 3-week event saw delegates from 44 Allied nations come together to create what would become the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund (IMF). Even today, the “Gold Room,” where the agreement was signed, remains preserved and accessible to visitors.
Decline and Revival
Like many grand resorts of the era, the Mount Washington Hotel faced a downturn in the mid-20th century due to changes in vacation trends and economic challenges. However, preservation efforts began in the 1970s, and the hotel was designated a National Historic Landmark in 1986.
Now operated under the Omni Hotels brand, the Mount Washington Hotel has undergone several restorations and expansions while maintaining its historical character. The grandeur remains intact—complete with red roof tiles, domed towers, and ornate ballrooms. Today, it continues to draw guests with its mix of rich history, gorgeous scenery, and, of course, its spirited residents.
The Haunt
The Lady in the Tower: Carolyn Stickney’s Ghost
Any discussion of the Mount Washington Hotel’s paranormal profile begins—and often ends—with the ghost of Carolyn Stickney, the widow of the hotel’s founder, Joseph Stickney. After Joseph passed away shortly after the hotel opened, Carolyn continued to spend her summers in the hotel, later marrying a European prince and becoming Princess Carolyn.
Despite the title, she never seemed to leave her beloved Mount Washington Hotel. Guests and staff alike have reported sightings of a ghostly lady dressed in Victorian garb, often seen on the upper floors or descending the grand staircase. Her most notable haunt, however, is Room 314.
Room 314: A Ghostly Honeymoon Suite
Room 314, formerly Carolyn’s personal suite, is known to be the center of ghostly activity. Guests who stay here often report strange occurrences: lights flickering, cold drafts, and, most curiously, an indentation on the bed appearing as though someone invisible is lying there.
Many claim to see Carolyn’s apparition appearing at the foot of the bed, calmly watching before vanishing. Her energy is described as peaceful yet unmistakably present. Staff members are so accustomed to unexplained happenings in this room that they often advise ghost-hunting guests to book it specifically for a paranormal experience.
Voices in the Corridors
It’s not just Room 314 that has stories to tell. Guests have reported hearing disembodied voices, footsteps in empty halls, and piano music playing in the dead of night, though the keys remain untouched. Staff and guests alike have heard whispers, doors creaking open without cause, and mysterious knocks in what should be locked storage rooms.
The grand ballroom is another paranormal hotspot. Some say they’ve seen translucent figures dancing or heard the echoes of a party long past, despite the room being empty.
Shadow Figures and Phantasmal Lights
Paranormal investigators have frequently documented unexplainable phenomena during overnight stays: shadow figures caught on infrared cameras, sudden drops in temperature, and mysterious orbs appearing in photographs. In several cases, guests have reviewed their photos only to find an unfamiliar face peering from a window or standing in a mirror’s reflection.
Ghost-hunting tours and paranormal weekends hosted at the Mount Washington Hotel often include storytelling sessions, EVP recordings, and even séances to communicate with the spirits said to call the hotel home. Whether you’re a casual thrill-seeker or a seasoned investigator, there’s something deeply intriguing—possibly even otherworldly—about taking part.
Conclusion: A Must-Visit for Paranormal Adventurers
Whether you’re a history buff, a fan of architecture, or drawn by the mysteries of the paranormal, the Mount Washington Hotel offers a truly unique destination. Its rich heritage, luxurious setting, and ethereal legends give it a timeless allure. Best of all, you don’t have to be a seasoned ghost hunter to enjoy the experience—although bringing some ghost-hunting gear wouldn’t hurt!
Stay in Room 314 if you dare, explore the grounds at night, or simply soak in the old-world charm of a place where history and mystery intertwine so perfectly. The Mount Washington Hotel welcomes the curious, the brave, and the believers. Perhaps, if you’re lucky—or unlucky—you’ll leave with a ghost story of your own.
Ready to pack your EMF reader and brave the whispers of centuries past? The Mount Washington Hotel is calling.