Tucked along the banks of the scenic Truckee River in Reno, Nevada, the Riverside Hotel holds secrets that are equal parts glamorous and ghostly. Its storied past weaves together the glitter of Hollywood, the high stakes of gambling, and whispers from beyond the veil. For both history lovers and paranormal enthusiasts, few places embody the layered charm and eerie intrigue quite like this once-famous hotspot.
If you’re seeking a destination that delivers Old West charm, Prohibition-era drama, and possibly a brush with the supernatural, the Riverside Hotel deserves a spot high on your haunted travel list. In this blog, we’ll dive deep into the hotel’s riveting past, expose the spine-tingling tales that surround it, and invite you to take a chilling journey into one of Nevada’s most haunted historic landmarks.
The History
A Pioneer Beginning (1880s–1920s)
The story of the Riverside Hotel begins in the early days of Reno, when the city was just finding its identity as a railroad hub. The original Riverside Hotel was built in 1882 by C.R. Clough, a businessman who saw potential in the location due to its proximity to downtown and the river. Reno, at that time, was more frontier town than urban center. The original Riverside was a wooden-frame building that offered more than just lodging—it was a social nexus for travelers, settlers, and miners passing through.
In 1907, ownership passed to George Wingfield, a mining magnate and Nevada power broker. Recognizing Reno’s growing reputation as a secular “divorce capital,” Wingfield envisioned a grander and more luxurious hotel that could cater to wealthy clientele looking to fulfill the six-week residency requirement for divorce in Nevada. This idea would reshape the Riverside’s destiny.
The Art Deco Makeover (1927)
In 1927, the original wooden structure was replaced with a stunning seven-story brick hotel. Designed by renowned Nevada architect Frederic DeLongchamps, the new Riverside Hotel embraced the elegant, bold lines of Art Deco—making it one of the most stylish buildings in Reno. At the time, it was considered one of the finest accommodations west of the Mississippi.
The hotel’s prime location made it a popular haunt for celebrities, gangsters, and politicians. Over the years, famous names such as Marilyn Monroe, Clark Gable, and U.S. Senator Key Pittman all passed through its doors. The property also included one of Reno’s most glamorous casinos of the era (before Nevada legalized statewide gaming in 1931) and a thriving bar scene during Prohibition.
Divorce Capital of the World
In the 1930s and ’40s, the Riverside became synonymous with Reno’s booming divorce trade. Its rooms were often rented out for weeks or even months at a time by women from across the country seeking a quick and private marital exit. Reno prided itself on making divorces “simple, fast, and discreet.” The Riverside’s upper floors served as extended-stay apartments, complete with views of the river and city skyline—a perfect place to wait out the six-week requirement in style.
Hollywood even took notice—films like The Misfits (1961), starring Marilyn Monroe and Clark Gable, portrayed Reno’s divorce culture with scenes inspired by the kind of guests that frequented the Riverside Hotel.
Decline and Rebirth
By the 1970s, the Riverside had lost some of its glamour, struggling to compete with newer, flashier casino-resorts around town. It closed in 1987 after years of flood damage and declining business—but not before cementing its legacy as one of Reno’s most iconic buildings.
In the late 1990s, the building was revived as the Riverside Artist Lofts, providing studios and affordable housing for local artists. While the property no longer functions as a hotel, its preserved architecture and deep-rooted history continue to intrigue visitors and paranormal researchers alike.
The Haunt
For those attuned to the supernatural, the Riverside Hotel holds more than just echoes of glamorous days gone by. Over the years, numerous reports of hauntings, cold spots, and unexplained phenomena have circulated, attracting ghost hunters and curious travelers to its storied halls.
Spirits from the Divorce Era
One of the most commonly reported apparitions is that of a forlorn woman seen peering out of windows on the upper floors—often clad in 1930s attire, believed to be a former guest who never left. Some say she was a socialite devastated by her divorce, while others point to local legends naming her as a jilted bride or a movie star desperately hiding from the public eye. Whoever she was, staff and tenants alike have reported seeing her pacing and even hearing soft weeping in empty rooms late at night.
The Gambling Ghost
In what used to be the Riverside’s casino area, paranormal investigators have picked up multiple EVPs (electronic voice phenomena), mysterious footsteps, and the distinct sound of shuffling cards—despite the absence of any active gambling on site. An infamous local gambler who reportedly lost his fortune (and later his life) at the Riverside’s tables is often linked to these occurrences. Investigators have speculated that he remains tethered to the location, eternally chasing one last big win.
Elevator Oddities
One of the most puzzling and eerily consistent reports involves the hotel’s original elevator shafts. Though they are no longer operational, visitors claim to hear the sound of an elevator moving between floors, complete with the ding of its arrival—even when no such system is active. Others report feeling sudden drops in temperature near the elevators, or hearing the sound of old-timey music drifting through the shafts.
Paranormal Investigations
The Riverside Hotel has become a favorite stop for local ghost tours and paranormal groups. Teams equipped with EMF detectors and infrared cameras have reported consistent spikes in activity on the upper floors and basement areas. Disembodied voices, female singing, and even shadows crossing empty hallways have all been documented. Despite being closed to public hotel stays, true paranormal enthusiasts seeking permission can often tour the site through partnerships with local historical societies.
Conclusion: Investigate the Past
Whether you’re drawn by the opulent charm of 1920s architecture, fascinated by Reno’s unique place in American divorce history, or compelled by tales of unseen energies still lingering in shadowy stairwells, the Riverside Hotel has it all. It’s a rare place where history and haunting meet in such seamless—and chilling—fashion.
Although you can no longer book a room here, ghost hunters can still explore the grounds via guided tours or special paranormal events. And if you’re lucky—or perhaps unlucky—you might just encounter one of the Riverside’s long-term residents from the other side. So pack your EVP recorder, brush up on Art Deco history, and add the Riverside Hotel in Reno to your ghost-hunting itinerary. Who knows what (or who) you might find?