The Multnomah Hotel in downtown Portland, Oregon, isn’t just an architectural marvel—it’s a storied structure with over a century of rich history, glamour, and whispers of the unexplained. This iconic building has hosted presidents, celebrities, and infamous figures, but among the luxurious halls and historical décor, something else lingers—you might call it a presence from the past.
Whether you’re a history enthusiast, an architectural admirer, or a seasoned ghost hunter, The Multnomah Hotel offers something truly unique. And if you’re someone who doesn’t shy away from the paranormal, grab your EMF detector and camera—because this place might have more than just vintage charm hidden behind those high ceilings and chandeliers.
The History
Early 20th Century Opulence
Opening its doors on December 28, 1912, The Multnomah Hotel quickly became the crown jewel of Portland’s hospitality scene. Backed by the visionary minds of Portland’s elite business class, the hotel was designed by local architects Edgar M. Lazarus and Albert E. Doyle. With 700 guest rooms and 12 stories, it was the largest and most luxurious hotel in the Pacific Northwest at the time.
Nestled at the intersection of Southwest 6th Avenue and Pine Street, the hotel was a marvel of Beaux-Arts architecture. Its grand ballrooms, sweeping staircases, and ornate features attracted travelers, politicians, and celebrities alike. Even President Theodore Roosevelt once stepped through its opulent doors.
Presidential Visits & Political Significance
The Multnomah Hotel established itself early on as a place of political importance. President William Howard Taft stayed here during a visit, as did President Franklin D. Roosevelt in 1937. Over the years, the hotel served as a backdrop for political campaigns, gala events, and historic announcements.
Its proximity to Portland’s key civic centers made it an ideal meeting ground for movers and shakers from all walks of public life. Stories abound of whispered deals made in shadowy corners during Prohibition and secret meetings during wartime efforts.
Peak Years and Decline
During the roaring ’20s and ’30s, The Multnomah Hotel thrived. However, post-World War II America saw changes in travel patterns and the rise of suburban motels. Once the pinnacle of class and convenience, the hotel experienced a gradual decline in prestige and business.
In 1965, the hotel shut down altogether, falling into disuse before being repurposed several times in the decades that followed. It functioned as a government office building, a vocational training center, and even came close to demolition before public outcry and historic preservation efforts saved it from the wrecking ball.
Rebirth as The Embassy Suites by Hilton Portland Downtown
In 1995, after extensive renovations, the building reopened as the Embassy Suites by Hilton Portland Downtown. Thankfully, the developers preserved many of the hotel’s historical elements, including its breathtaking lobby, hand-painted ceilings, and its iconic roofline. Modern amenities were added, but the vintage spirit of The Multnomah Hotel remained perfectly intact.
Today, it stands as both a functioning luxury hotel and a time capsule of Portland’s gilded past. And for those attuned to paranormal energies, it might just offer more than a good night’s sleep.
The Haunt
Ghostly Guests Who Never Checked Out
While many visit The Multnomah Hotel for its swanky accommodations and historic charm, others come with an eye toward the supernatural. As one of Portland’s oldest operating hotel buildings, it has seen more than its fair share of drama, joy, and—possibly—death.
Numerous reports over the years speak of unexplained phenomena, especially on the upper floors and in the original ballroom. Guests and staff alike have recounted mysterious sounds, cold spots in otherwise warm rooms, and fleeting apparitions that vanish upon second glance.
The Woman in White
One of the most famous phantoms said to haunt The Multnomah Hotel is the “Woman in White.” Often seen gliding down the hallways of the 10th and 11th floors, she is described as wearing vintage early 20th-century attire. Witnesses claim she seems lost or searching for something—perhaps a lover, or maybe she’s just eternally checking in for a room that hasn’t existed in decades.
Staff members report seeing her reflection in windows or mirrors, though when they turn around, no one is physically present. Some even believe she could be the spirit of a former guest who perished in the hotel during its heyday. There are no verified records of such a death—but as many seasoned ghost hunters know, not all spirits leave a paper trail.
Strange Sounds and Phantom Footsteps
Late-night guests often speak of footsteps echoing through the halls long after everyone else has gone to bed. Doors creak open without explanation, faucets turn on by themselves, and faint music from a bygone era can sometimes be heard near what was once the grand ballroom.
One former staffer recalled hearing what she described as a “party from the past”—laughter, jazz music, and clinking glasses—all coming from a floor that was completely unoccupied. When she checked, she found the room dark and empty, the air charged with a chill that ran down her spine.
Basement and Boiler Room Oddities
No haunted location is complete without some basement weirdness, and The Multnomah Hotel doesn’t disappoint. Maintenance workers over the years have reported unexplained shadows, tools moving on their own, and a disembodied voice whispering words no one can make out clearly. The energy is thick and oppressive, they say—like someone watching from just out of sight.
Seasoned paranormal investigators might find the basement a promising location for a deeper haunting investigation—just remember to get permission, and maybe bring along an experienced medium.
Conclusion: A Must-Visit for Ghost Hunters and History Buffs
The Multnomah Hotel is more than just another old building—it’s a place where the echoes of the past still linger, some more loudly than others. Whether you’re intrigued by its presidential pedigree or the possibility of meeting guests who never really left, this historic Portland landmark delivers an unforgettable experience.
If you’re a ghost hunter looking for your next big hit, or simply an adventurer drawn to the haunted hospitality trail, put The Multnomah Hotel on your must-visit list. With its blend of opulent history and eerie ambiance, this storied structure welcomes the curious—and perhaps, the brave.
Pack your gear, charge up your night-vision camera, and book yourself a night in one of the upper floors. Who knows? The Woman in White might just walk those halls again tonight…