Just north of Los Angeles in the charming town of Santa Paula lies one of California’s most intriguing historic inns — the Glen Tavern Inn. At first glance, it looks like a quintessential early 20th-century hotel, with its Tudor-style architecture and warm, inviting facade. But step a little closer, and you’ll quickly discover that this beautiful building holds more secrets than it lets on. Beyond its vintage charm and storied walls lies a rich history filled with Hollywood glamour, prohibition-era scandal, and spine-tingling paranormal activity. If you’re a fan of haunted hotels, the Glen Tavern Inn is a must-visit stop on your paranormal travel bucket list.
The History
A Birthplace of Elegance – The Early 1900s
The Glen Tavern Inn opened its doors in 1911, during a time when Santa Paula was booming as an oil and citrus town. Built to accommodate visiting businessmen and travelers, the inn was designed by famed architects Burns and Hunt in a Tudor-Craftsman style. Its construction was part of a city-wide push to showcase Santa Paula as a modern, upscale destination in early 20th-century California.
For years, the hotel hosted some of the area’s most prominent guests. Thanks to its proximity to the Southern Pacific Railroad and the flourishing oil industry, Glen Tavern Inn quickly became a local landmark. The grand lobby, fine woodwork, and fireplaces created an ambiance that captured both elegance and comfort.
Hollywood Days – A Tinsel Town Retreat
In the 1920s and 30s, the inn developed a connection to Old Hollywood. Many movie productions took advantage of the scenic rural hills surrounding Santa Paula, often transforming the nearby countryside into cinematic backdrops. Notable silent film stars, including Harry Carey and John Wayne, were said to have stayed at the inn while filming westerns in the region.
The third floor of the Glen Tavern Inn has long been the subject of lore, with rumors suggesting it was used as a speakeasy and brothel during Prohibition. Although not officially documented, many locals and former employees claim that illegal gambling and other vices were common behind closed doors during this era.
A Period of Decline and Rebirth
Like many old buildings, the Glen Tavern Inn faced years of neglect. By the late 20th century, the hotel was a shadow of its former self, with deteriorating infrastructure and peeling charm. Fortunately, in the early 2000s, new ownership breathed life back into the property. Painstaking restorations were undertaken to preserve its historical integrity while restoring modern comforts — all without disturbing too much of its mysterious past.
The Haunt
Is the Glen Tavern Inn Haunted?
If you ask the staff or returning guests, the answer is almost always a resounding yes. The Glen Tavern Inn has become widely known for its paranormal activity and is considered one of California’s most haunted hotels. It has been featured on shows like Ghost Adventures and has drawn the attention of ghost hunters and psychics nationwide.
The most infamous location for hauntings? The notorious Room 307 on the third floor. Rumors swirl about a tragic history tied to this room — one involving a cowboy named Calvin who was allegedly killed after a gambling dispute got out of hand. Others say a woman named Rose, possibly a former lady of the night, met a similar tragic end within these same walls. Whether these accounts are true or mere legends passed down through the years, strange occurrences in this room are reported frequently.
Ghostly Encounters
- Phantom Shadows: Numerous guests have claimed to see dark, shadowy figures wandering the hallways late at night. These entities often vanish when approached and are usually reported on the third floor.
- Apparitions and Full-Bodied Entities: People have encountered a full apparition of a man in cowboy attire—believed to be Calvin—roaming near the bar area or occasionally sitting on beds before disappearing without a sound.
- Disembodied Voices: Whispering, laughter, and muffled shouts have been heard even when no one is around. Some guests have even reported hearing a woman crying behind the walls in the dead of night.
- Cold Spots and Missing Items: Sudden drops in temperature, especially in Room 307, are reported frequently. Some brave visitors claim that personal items have disappeared or been moved mysteriously during the night.
Paranormal investigators often bring EMF detectors and voice recorders to the site. Many have captured unexplained anomalies, including electronic voice phenomena (EVPs) and spikes in electromagnetic energy — lending further credibility to the inn’s ghostly reputation.
Spiritual Residue or Something More?
The Glen Tavern Inn’s hauntings have inspired debate: Are these spirits residual — simply echoes of past trauma repeating in time — or are they intelligent, aware of the modern world and seeking interaction? Many psychics who have visited suggest that the spiritual energy tethered to the property is not malevolent, but rather watchful, maybe even protective.
Despite the spooky tales, the atmosphere at Glen Tavern is surprisingly warm—perhaps the spirits simply wish to be remembered.
Conclusion: A Must-Visit for Paranormal Explorers
Whether you’re a ghost hunter, a historian, or simply someone who enjoys a unique travel experience, Glen Tavern Inn bundles charm, mystery, and legend into a single destination. With its beautiful architecture, rich past, and lingering spirits, it’s easy to see why it continues to capture the imagination of those who visit.
Spend the night (if you dare) in Room 307 for a deeper connection with the inn’s most talked-about entities, or simply enjoy the cozy hospitality while exploring the eerie ambiance that flows like a whisper through its halls. For paranormal enthusiasts and history buffs alike, the Glen Tavern Inn is more than just a place to sleep — it’s a portal to California’s colorful and spectral past.
So pack your EVP recorder, charge your thermal camera, and check in. You never know who — or what — might be waiting to greet you at the Glen Tavern Inn.