Tucked away amid the rolling green hills and vibrant artsy charm of Ashland, Oregon, lies a hidden gem with a past as intriguing as its picturesque setting—Ashland Hills Hotel. Whether you’re a history buff, adventure seeker, or a ghost hunter with EMF gear in tow, this is one destination you won’t want to miss. Blending 1970s retro-modern design with stories whispered through time, Ashland Hills Hotel is more than just a place to rest your head—it’s a portal into Southern Oregon’s rich past and possibly, its otherworldly present. So pack your bags, charge your spirit boxes, and let’s dive into the layered history and eerie mysteries surrounding the stately Ashland Hills Hotel.
The History
Origins Amid the Expanding Scenic Highway
In the early 1970s, with travel blossoming and tourism on the rise in Southern Oregon, developers recognized the perfect opportunity to provide upscale accommodations just off the scenic I-5 corridor. Originally known as The Mark Antony Motor Inn, the hotel was constructed to serve the influx of visitors drawn to Ashland’s world-renowned Oregon Shakespeare Festival and the surrounding Rogue Valley attractions.
Constructed with a unique blend of Scandinavian and Californian architectural influences, the building stood apart immediately. Its sprawling layout, mid-century vibes, and panoramic mountain views made it an instant destination, not just a pit stop. During this era, Ashland Hills was a beacon for luxury, drawing actors, artists, and travelers alike.
A Hollywood-Style Makeover
In the decades that followed, the hotel saw several transformations. With each new ownership, different themes and functions were introduced. Most notably, in the 1980s and ’90s, it was rebranded and refitted as a luxury resort, at times featuring high-profile events, gala evenings, and even the occasional celebrity guest from the theater world.
Local tales suggest that during its heyday, the hotel was frequented by actors from nearby productions, and its glittering halls hosted everything from cast parties to secret rendezvous. Those walls could talk—and depending on whom you ask, perhaps they still do.
The Modern Renaissance
In 2014, the hotel was purchased and lovingly restored by the proprietors behind the Ashland Springs Hotel, another historic property downtown. They reimagined the place as a retro-meets-modern sanctuary, reopening it officially as the Ashland Hills Hotel & Suites. Since then, the hotel has become a beloved lodge for travelers seeking both leisure and a deeper connection to Southern Oregon’s colorful tapestry of art, nature, and yes—paranormal lore.
The Haunt
Whispers in the Hallways
It didn’t take long after the original construction for reports of unexplained activity to surface. While Ashland Hills Hotel has never marketed itself as a haunted hotel, locals and longtime staff have whispered for decades about strange happenings, especially in the quieter off-season months.
- Phantom Footsteps: Guests staying on the upper floors sometimes report hearing footsteps pacing back and forth late at night—when no one is checked into adjacent rooms. Even more unsettling, some guests have said the footsteps stop right outside their door, only to vanish when investigated.
- Flickering Lights and Power Surges: Multiple reports have surfaced about lights flickering wildly or turning on and off on their own, particularly in the east wing of the building. Maintenance checks reveal no faulty wiring—and no logical explanation.
- The Elevator Mystery: A few brave investigators who’ve stayed overnight report the elevator moving between floors in the middle of the night—without anyone calling it. The phenomenon is sporadic but has occurred often enough to become part of the hotel’s unofficial lore.
Room 239 – A Paranormal Hotspot
According to several anonymous accounts gathered from online forums and whispered around campfires, Room 239 is arguably the most paranormally active room in the entire hotel. Guests have reported cold spots despite cranked heaters, the sensation of being watched, and even the unsettling sound of faint giggling when no children are registered at the hotel.
One guest, a self-proclaimed ghost hunter from Portland, claims to have caught an EVP (Electronic Voice Phenomenon) in the room. The recording, allegedly obtained just after midnight, is said to contain the soft uttering of the words, “stay here.” Whether this is a playful phantom or something more ominous remains up for debate.
The Basement – Staff-Only Shadows
While the guest experience is generally restricted to the hotel’s airy, light-filled public spaces, the lower staff-only levels are where the atmosphere takes an eerie shift. Two long-time staff members—who requested anonymity—confirmed that the basement storage area experiences cold drafts, sudden temperature drops, and even the occasional shadow darting out of the corners of vision.
One former night manager recounted this chilling anecdote: “I was doing rounds one night down in the supply hallway. Everything was normal until I saw what I assumed was another worker ahead of me. I called out—no answer. I turned the corner, and no one was there. I even checked the security footage. Nothing. Just me, alone down there.”
Conclusion: A Stay for the Brave
Whether you’re intrigued by the stylish retro décor, the gorgeous mountain views, or the chilling possibility of an unseen roommate, Ashland Hills Hotel offers something uniquely captivating. This isn’t your typical haunted hotel wrapped in cobwebs and marketed with skulls and crossbones. Instead, it quietly holds its secrets, hidden in its groovy wallpapers, romantic balconies, and long, hushed hallways.
As a paranormal investigator, this location is a goldmine—historic, active, and under the radar. With a wealth of reported strange occurrences and ample ambiance, Ashland Hills Hotel invites you to uncover its secrets. And with Ashland’s thriving cultural scene and Gothic countryside right outside your door, there’s no better place to mix ghost hunting with a little weekend leisure.
So grab your thermal scanner, book a night in Room 239 (if you dare), and prepare for an adventure that transcends time—and maybe, the veil between worlds. The spirits are waiting. Are you coming?