Tucked in the heart of downtown Salt Lake City, the Hotel Utah (Joseph Smith Memorial Building) blends historic elegance, deep religious roots, and whispers of spiritual presence. Once a luxurious hotel hosting dignitaries, movie stars, and presidents, this now-functioning administrative and event hub for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints still holds echoes of the past in its ornate halls. But for those intrigued by the paranormal, this iconic building may offer more than just history—it may offer a glimpse into the afterlife. From century-old architecture to ghostly encounters, there’s so much to uncover within these storied walls. Whether you’re a history buff, spiritual seeker, or ghost hunter, this destination promises an unforgettable experience.
The History
From Grand Hotel to Church Landmark
The story of the Hotel Utah (Joseph Smith Memorial Building) dates back to 1911, when it first opened its doors as a grand luxury hotel. Designed by the architect Richard K.A. Kletting, who also designed the Utah State Capitol, the hotel was built to impress. The visionaries behind it wanted a place where both the elite and everyday traveler could bask in comfort while being inspired by the building’s aesthetic grandeur. Marble staircases, chandeliers, and plush interiors greeted visitors in what quickly became one of the most prestigious hotels in the West.
The hotel served as a social hub in Salt Lake City. Presidents such as William Howard Taft, and celebrities like Katharine Hepburn and Clark Gable, all graced its halls. It was also a regular venue for Utah’s socialites, balls, banquets, and important business meetings. But amidst the opulence, the building also reflected the influence of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, even from the start. The land was owned by the Church, and though the hotel was operated privately, it was seen as a reflection of the Church’s investment in urban development and aesthetics.
Transformation Into the Joseph Smith Memorial Building
After 76 years of service as a hotel, the building underwent a dramatic transformation. In 1987, the hotel officially closed its doors. Extensive renovations began, repurposing the historic structure into a Church administrative and event facility. When it reopened in 1993, it was renamed the Joseph Smith Memorial Building in honor of the founder of the Latter-day Saint faith. The new name marked a shift in function—from public hospitality venue to a spiritual and professional center for the Church’s operations.
Today, the building houses Church offices, two restaurants, event spaces, a FamilySearch center for genealogical research, and a theater that once featured specially produced films about family and faith. Despite this transformation, many of the original hotel features were preserved. The majestic lobby with its marble columns, art-deco flourishes, and rich wood accents still evoke memories of the bygone hotel era. Visitors often remark on the building’s unusual energy, a mix of profound peace and curious mystery—which may not be entirely coincidental.
The Haunt
Phantom Guests and Timeless Employees
While the building now serves a spiritual purpose, whispers of paranormal activity continue to surround the Hotel Utah (Joseph Smith Memorial Building). Some claim that the spirits of former guests or employees never checked out. Paranormal investigators and visitors alike have reported unexplained phenomena over the years—strange sounds, shadowy figures, and inexplicable cold spots in certain corridors.
One commonly reported apparition is that of a bellhop dressed in early 20th-century attire. Staff and guests have claimed to see him in the area near the elevators on the main floor. He’s often seen only briefly, vanishing before anyone can approach or speak to him. Could he be a remnant of the building’s luxurious hotel days, still performing his duties in the afterlife?
Others have reported hearing the jingling of keys, phantom conversations in empty rooms, and even soft piano music drifting down empty hallways late at night. The upper floors, especially those now used as event spaces, are known among staff for a strange, sometimes oppressive atmosphere after dark.
Paranormal Investigations and Anecdotal Evidence
While The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints doesn’t officially encourage ghost stories about its properties, independent paranormal researchers have long been fascinated by the building. Anecdotal accounts collected over the years tell of unexplained electromagnetic fluctuations and ghost-hunting equipment triggering in areas known to be spiritually active.
EVP (Electronic Voice Phenomena) experimentation has reportedly picked up soft, indistinct voices—particularly during nighttime sessions on the upper event floors or near the legacy suite, which had once been the presidential suite in the hotel’s heyday. Some ghost hunters claim to have communicated with former hotel staff who experienced great pride and joy in their work—a sentiment strong enough, perhaps, to anchor them to the building even in the afterlife.
Spiritual Energy or Ghostly Legacy?
Of course, not all the energy in the Joseph Smith Memorial Building is thought to be malevolent or even residual. Some spiritual-minded visitors believe the presence in the building could be benevolent, even divine. After all, it now serves as a place devoted to family history, community, and spiritual learning. Could the souls that linger be drawn by more than nostalgia? Could they sense the building’s continued purpose as a sacred space?
It may not fit the mold of typical haunted places—there are no violent histories or tragic deaths prominently recorded here. But sometimes, spiritual activity doesn’t stem from tragedy. Sometimes, deep emotional connection, reverence, and time can create a space where the veil feels a bit thinner, and the past reaches gently into the present.
Conclusion: A Must-Visit for History Lovers and Ghost Hunters
Whether you’re tracing the footsteps of presidents and movie stars or trying to catch a glimpse of the ghostly bellhop, the Hotel Utah (Joseph Smith Memorial Building) is a destination that offers more than meets the eye. With its rich architectural details, intricate legacy, and spiritual atmosphere, it invites visitors on a journey through time—possibly even beyond time.
For ghost hunters and paranormal enthusiasts, this historic location presents a unique, respectful opportunity to explore the quieter, unseen aspects of the afterlife. While it remains a place of spiritual service and historic commemoration, its whispered secrets, darkened hallways, and cold pockets of air are like open invitations to those who dare to look a little deeper.
So, bring your EMF meters, digital voice recorders, and an open mind. And remember: not all spirits are trapped by trauma—some just never want to leave a place they loved. The Hotel Utah (Joseph Smith Memorial Building) is waiting to tell you its stories—if you’re brave enough to listen.