La Posada de Santa Fe isn’t just a luxurious resort nestled in the heart of historic downtown Santa Fe—it’s also one of the most captivating paranormal hotspots in New Mexico. This enchanting property, often dubbed “The Art Hotel of Santa Fe,” offers more than art galleries, fine dining, and comfort; it invites travelers to step back in time and perhaps feel the chill of a lingering ghost. Whether you’re a history buff, a ghost hunter, or a curious traveler, you’ll soon discover that La Posada is more than meets the eye. Prepare for a stay where stories echo through adobe walls, mysterious footsteps echo in empty hallways, and history is always just around the corner.
The History
Built on Love: The Birth of La Posada de Santa Fe
The roots of La Posada de Santa Fe trace back to 1882, when a successful merchant named Abraham Staab built a lavish French Second Empire-style mansion for his beloved wife, Julia Staab. At the time, the Staabs were among the wealthiest families in Santa Fe and prominent members of the business and cultural elite. Abraham spared no expense, constructing the mansion with imported and custom furnishings. Julia, a German Jewish immigrant and intellectual, longed for the comforts of Europe and created a sanctuary amidst the rugged beauty of the Southwest.
The original Staab mansion forms the heart of what is now La Posada. Though renovations and expansions have modernized parts of the resort, the estate’s historic bones remain intact. The building has transitioned through many lives—from private residence to boarding house, then to a hotel in the 1930s during Santa Fe’s early tourism boom. Over the decades, it expanded to include casitas and courtyards, evolving into the luxurious resort we see today. Despite modernization, many original architectural features—including massive wooden beams, handcrafted woodwork, and the iconic spiral staircase—remain preserved.
Transformation into a Resort
In the 1930s, the property began operating under the name “La Posada,” meaning “inn” or “resting place” in Spanish. This name perfectly suits its relaxing atmosphere and sense of timeless calm. La Posada established itself as a cultural hub, aligning with Santa Fe’s burgeoning reputation as an arts colony. The hotel’s owners over the years have emphasized this connection, curating original works by Southwestern artists that now adorn guest rooms, hallways, and common areas.
In the late 1990s and early 2000s, major renovations helped La Posada transform into a luxury resort, complete with spa services, high-end dining, and elegantly appointed rooms. Despite all the updates, the owners were careful to preserve the historic character—especially of the original Staab House, which stands as the emotional and paranormal heart of the property.
The Haunt
The Ghost of Julia Staab
While La Posada de Santa Fe is undeniably charming, its ambiance shifts with the whispers of its most famous ghost—Julia Staab. According to many guests, staff, and professional paranormal investigators, Julia never truly left the house she loved so dearly. Her presence is most commonly felt in and around the original Staab mansion, where she once entertained visitors and longed for solace.
Julia Staab’s life was marked by both privilege and profound sorrow. She suffered the deaths of several children and is believed to have struggled with depression in her later years. Reports suggest that she spent increasing amounts of time secluded inside the mansion, rarely seen by guests in her final years. After her death in 1896, those who knew her claimed she seemed unwilling to let go of her earthly ties. Over the decades, stories emerged of a kind yet melancholy spirit seen roaming the halls of the Staab House—often described as a woman in a dark period-style gown with long hair and a sad expression.
Chilling Encounters from Guests and Staff
Many of the unexplained events at La Posada happen in what is now known as the “Julia Staab Suite.” Guests staying in this room have reported:
- Sudden drops in temperature
- Flickering lights and electronics turning on and off by themselves
- Unseen hands tugging gently at covers during the night
- The distinct scent of rosewater lingering in the air—believed to be Julia’s favorite fragrance
Even long-time employees have exchanged terrifying—but oddly respectful—stories of their encounters. Housekeepers often speak of feeling watched while they tidy the Staab House rooms. One report details tools mysteriously moved across a room during renovation work—without explanation, and with no one else present.
In the bar area, housed directly within the historical portion of the hotel, glasses have reportedly been knocked over without cause, lights dim suddenly, and the piano has been heard playing faintly when no one is near. Security camera footage over the years has allegedly shown orbs, shadows, and even a misty female figure drifting between rooms.
Paranormal Investigations and Media Attention
La Posada de Santa Fe has attracted the attention of numerous paranormal research teams and shows. While formal access to the Julia Staab suite is limited (as it’s a fully booked premium room), some teams have managed to set up environmental monitoring devices and EVP (electronic voice phenomena) recorders in shared public spaces and adjacent rooms.
Several investigators claim to have captured unexplained voices—female whispers, faint crying, even a disembodied “hello.” Electromagnetic field (EMF) spikes have been documented in the Staab House, though they mysteriously disappear upon follow-up visits. Thermal cameras have also filmed unexplained heat signatures aligning with eyewitness experiences of cold spots and rapid shifts in room temperature.
Most compelling of all is the overwhelming consistency of these reports. Across decades, from hotel guests to ghost hunters, the descriptions of Julia remain eerily similar: quiet, sad, and undeniably present.
Plan Your Visit
La Posada de Santa Fe invites visitors not only to enjoy the comforts of a boutique luxury resort but also to explore one of New Mexico’s most intriguing haunted locations. Surrounded by adobe alleys, ancient cottonwoods, and star-studded skies, the resort makes an ideal base for both artistic inspiration and ghost hunting exploration.
If you’re a paranormal investigator or ghost-hunting enthusiast, here are some tips for your visit:
- Book a stay in or near the Staab House for the highest chance of experiencing paranormal phenomena.
- Bring basic paranormal equipment, like an EMF detector, digital voice recorder, and thermal camera.
- Respect the space—La Posada is a functioning hotel and Julia has never been known to harm anyone. Keep your communication respectful and intent focused.
- Visit during off-peak seasons for a quieter, more contemplative environment. Autumn and late winter are ideal for spooky solitude.
Beyond the ghostly activity, the hotel also boasts a world-class spa, award-winning dining at The Blake, craft cocktails at the Staab House bar (fittingly haunted too), and access to Santa Fe’s cultural gems—including the Plaza, art galleries, and historic chapels. It’s the perfect blend of luxury and otherworldly intrigue.
Conclusion
Whether you’re seeking spirits or just soaking in the Santa Fe sun, La Posada de Santa Fe offers something truly unique—an unforgettable fusion of Southwestern elegance and supernatural mystery. The spirit of Julia Staab adds a layer of intrigue to an already historic and beautiful setting. Her energy, tender yet persistent, invites visitors not to fear the unknown, but to embrace the full story this remarkable location has to tell.
If you’re a seeker of shadows, a whisperer of forgotten tales, or simply someone who believes that history leaves echoes, La Posada de Santa Fe is calling. Pack your gear, charge those batteries, and prepare for an unforgettable convergence of the mystical and the majestic. Julia might just be waiting to say hello.