Imagine checking into a historic hotel nestled in the windswept Nevada desert, only to find you might not be spending the night alone. Welcome to The Mizpah Hotel—a glorious relic of Nevada’s silver mining boom and one of America’s most haunted hotels. With ornate Victorian styling and a reputation for eerie encounters, this historic gem in Tonopah, Nevada, offers more than just a place to rest your head. For ghost hunters, history lovers, and the brave-hearted, The Mizpah is a pilgrimage site—equal parts elegance and enigma. Whether you’re chasing spirits or stepping back in time, your journey begins here. Let’s dive deep into the legends, lore, and luxury that surround this fascinating piece of Old West history.
The History
A Jewel of the Silver Boom
The Mizpah Hotel opened its grand doors in 1907, when Tonopah was a bustling mining town gleaming with the promise of silver. At the height of boomtown fever, the hotel was billed as one of the finest accommodations between Denver and San Francisco. With five lavish stories, it featured innovations like an electric elevator (one of the first west of the Mississippi), steam heat, and luxurious decor. Named after the biblical term “Mizpah,” meaning an emotional bond between people separated by distance or death, the hotel instantly became a social and political hub for the region.
Famous Guests and Scandalous Stories
The Mizpah Hotel was more than just a place to sleep—it was a gathering place for dignitaries, miners, outlaws, and ladies of the night. Prominent figures like Wyatt Earp and Jack Dempsey are rumored to have stayed here, adding to its intriguing legend. The fifth floor, elegantly appointed and reserved for VIPs, became the backdrop for countless stories of intrigue, power-brokering, and yes—ghostly happenings that persist to this day.
Decline and Resurrection
Following the eventual decline of silver mining, the hotel struggled with the economic downturn that swept many Western towns throughout the 20th century. It shut its doors in 1999 and remained silent for over a decade. In 2011, the building was lovingly restored and reopened by new owners determined to preserve its historic legacy while embracing its haunted reputation. Today, The Mizpah Hotel boasts beautifully restored rooms, a vintage-style bar, and a welcoming, slightly chilling atmosphere that blends luxury and lore.
The Haunt
The Lady in Red
One cannot discuss The Mizpah Hotel without mentioning its most infamous spirit, the Lady in Red. Said to be the ghost of a woman who worked and died tragically in the hotel during the early 1900s, she is most often associated with Room 502. According to the legend, she was a lady of the evening who fell in love with a man she believed would marry her. Instead, she was brutally murdered—either by a jealous lover or vengeful client. Her spirit has lingered ever since, sometimes in sorrow, sometimes in mischief.
- Guests report the scent of rose perfume wafting through the fifth floor hallway with no identifiable source.
- Some have seen her apparition dressed in a flowing red gown, either in mirrors or passing through walls.
- Footsteps, whispers, and flickering lights are all regular phenomena—especially near Room 502.
In fact, Room 502 is treated almost with reverence by paranormal investigators. Visitors often leave her notes, makeup, or roses on the dresser in hopes of a response. Many claim to feel cold spots or a loving touch on the shoulder while staying in the room.
Other Paranormal Hotspots
While the Lady in Red is the hotel’s star ghost, she’s far from the only one.
- The Basement: Known as a hotspot for EVP (Electronic Voice Phenomenon), investigators have recorded strange whispers, footsteps, and disembodied voices. Some believe the spirits of miners may reside here, given the town’s deep connection to the mines and their tragic history.
- The Third Floor: Several guests have reported doors opening and closing on their own, items being moved, and shadow figures in the corner of their eye.
- The Elevator: The original 1907 elevator is rumored to operate on its own, stopping at floors uncalled for and occasionally hosting an unseen passenger.
Paranormal teams frequently visit The Mizpah Hotel, using K2 meters, EMF detectors, and spirit boxes. Many leave with direct evidence—photos, videos, or audio recordings—that spark both curiosity and chills. Some say staying at the Mizpah is one of the most active paranormal experiences available to the public in the United States.
Plan Your Paranormal Getaway
Visiting The Mizpah Hotel is like stepping into a relic where time coils and the boundary between the living and the dead is paper-thin. Whether you’re in search of shimmering Victorian elegance or whispers from beyond the veil, this place delivers. The hotel embraces its haunted history while offering modern comforts, including high-quality dining, a charming lobby, and refurbished rooms that respect their original character.
- Location: 100 Main Street, Tonopah, NV
- Phone: (775) 482-3030
- Best Time to Visit: Fall and early winter for a truly immersive and spooky experience
- Ghost Tours: Seasonal events and self-guided exploration available
If you’re seeking your next haunted destination with layers of history, heartache, and a heavy dose of the supernatural, then Tonopah’s shining beacon awaits. Grab your ghost-hunting gear and a sense of adventure—because at The Mizpah Hotel, the spirits are always checking in.