If you’re a paranormal enthusiast or a history buff (or both!), then the Emily Morgan Hotel in San Antonio, Texas, is calling your name. Boasting luxurious accommodations with a distinct Gothic charm, this historic hotel is more than just a place to rest your head—it’s one of the most haunted hotels in Texas, if not the entire United States. Nestled adjacent to the Alamo, the Emily Morgan Hotel is steeped in Texas history and cloaked in a legacy of eerie encounters, unexplained phenomena, and ghostly guests who never quite checked out. Whether you’re here for the ghost stories or the gorgeous architecture, this is one place where spirits and stories stay long past checkout time.
The History
Before the Hotel: The Alamo City’s Medical Past
The land upon which the Emily Morgan Hotel stands has deep roots in San Antonio’s history, going back centuries. Just across the street lies the Alamo—site of the historic 1836 battle—and the whispers of Texas independence still echo in the area. However, what many visitors don’t realize is that the building now known as the Emily Morgan Hotel wasn’t always a place of comfort and luxury.
In 1924, the structure was originally known as the Medical Arts Building. Designed in the neo-Gothic revival style by architect Ralph Cameron, this 13-story tower served as a state-of-the-art medical complex. It was home to doctor’s offices, surgical units, and even a psychiatric ward. There was also a morgue located in the basement. In short, the building has seen its fair share of pain, suffering, and death—fertile ground for the paranormal, as any seasoned ghost hunter would suspect.
The Transformation into Luxury
By the 1970s, the Medical Arts Building had begun to show its age, and the need for updated facilities led to a shift in its use. The building was eventually re-developed into a high-end hotel in the 1980s and was named after Emily D. West, the African-American woman known in Texas lore as the inspiration for the folk song “The Yellow Rose of Texas.” According to legend, Emily used her charm and wit to distract Mexican General Santa Anna, which contributed significantly to the Texian victory at the Battle of San Jacinto.
After multiple renovations, the site became the Emily Morgan Hotel—a DoubleTree by Hilton property. Yet, despite the elegant chandeliers and upscale furnishings, the hotel carries the weight of its somber past. Ghost stories abound, and some say the spirits of patients and doctors never left when the hospital closed its doors.
The Haunt
A Hotbed of Paranormal Activity
The reputation of the Emily Morgan Hotel as a paranormal hotspot is no secret. In fact, it’s often listed among the “Most Haunted Hotels in America.” Paranormal investigators, casual thrill-seekers, and even skeptics have reported unexplained phenomena in nearly every corner of the building. Want an overnight stay with a ghost? You just might get your wish here.
Phantom Patients and Shifting Shadows
Visitors have encountered apparitions dressed in hospital gowns, strange moans echoing through hallways, and whispering voices in empty rooms. The 7th, 9th, 12th, and 14th floors (labeled as the 13th, interestingly enough) are reportedly the most active. Paranormal investigators have documented cold spots, flickering lights, and even malfunctioning electronics when trying to record EVP (Electronic Voice Phenomena).
Some guests have described waking up to the sensation of being watched or even touched by unseen forces. One popular story involves people seeing a nurse pushing a hospital gurney down the hallway—only for her to vanish into thin air.
Spooky Bathrooms and the Elevator That Thinks for Itself
Perhaps one of the eeriest aspects of the Emily Morgan Hotel is how common it is for guests to feel a presence directly in their rooms. Several visitors have reported bathtub water turning on by itself and bathroom mirrors fogging up with ghostly handprints—despite no one else being in the room.
The elevator systems also seem to have a mind of their own. Numerous individuals have claimed that the elevator will open and close at random, or deliver guests to floors they did not select—often the floors believed to be the most haunted. Who’s operating the elevator? That’s a question best not asked late at night.
The Mysterious 7th Floor
Of all its haunted floors, the 7th is perhaps the most talked about. Guests frequently report a strong sense of unease here. Paranormal investigators suspect this may be due to its former use as a surgical floor when the building was a hospital. Some guests hear the low, metallic clinking of surgical instruments or catch fragmented whispers that don’t belong to any earthly guest. One particularly chilling story involves a woman who returned late to her room, only to discover a faint outline of a figure standing at the foot of her bed—disappearing the moment she turned on the lights.
Planning Your Visit: Tips for Paranormal Investigators
- Request a haunted floor: When booking, try to ask for floors 7, 9, or 14 (the reported hotbeds of paranormal activity).
- Bring tools: Ghost hunting tools like EMF meters, spirit boxes, and voice recorders have captured some intriguing evidence within the hotel.
- Don’t go alone: Always investigate with a partner. Not only is it safer, but you’ll also have someone to corroborate what you experience.
- Be respectful: Remember, if spirits do linger here, they may be trauma-bound entities. Treat the space with reverence.
Conclusion: A Ghost Hunter’s Dream Destination
The Emily Morgan Hotel is more than a luxurious stay in an iconic Texas city—it’s a full-throttle, spine-tingling immersion into historic and paranormal lore. With its rich background as a former medical facility, its connection to legendary Texas figures, and its ghostly reputation that continues to gain global attention, the hotel provides the perfect mix of comfort and the macabre.
If you’re a ghost hunter looking for your next adventure—or simply someone intrigued by eerie tales of the inexplicable—you owe it to yourself to plan a stay. Who knows? You might just leave with a story of your own, or maybe even a digital recording of something… otherworldly.
So pack your gear, charge your EMF detector, and book a night at the Emily Morgan Hotel. Just don’t be surprised if you’re not the only one sleeping in your room.