Step into a world where history and the paranormal collide—welcome to Hotel Lafayette in Ohio. Tucked away in the historic river town of Marietta, this grand building offers more than just a place to rest your head. It’s a beautifully preserved piece of 20th-century Americana, rich in character and dripping in ghostly legends. Whether you’re a traveling historian, a curious thrill-seeker, or a seasoned paranormal investigator, Hotel Lafayette promises a stay unlike any other.
The period architecture, old-world charm, and lingering spiritual energy make it an unforgettable destination. Want to find a place where you can explore a city’s vibrant past and maybe chat with a ghost or two? Then pack your EVP recorders and EMF meters—we’re diving into the mysterious corridors of Hotel Lafayette.
The History
Marietta: Ohio’s Oldest City
Before we delve into the Hotel Lafayette itself, it’s important to understand the region it calls home. Marietta, founded in 1788, holds the title of Ohio’s first permanent settlement. Resting on the confluence of the Ohio and Muskingum Rivers, its strategic position made it a hub of commerce and culture during the westward expansion of the United States.
Nestled in this historically rich environment, the Hotel Lafayette was built to reflect the elegance and sophistication of a city that honored its past while looking to the future. The Victorian-style buildings around downtown Marietta, cobblestone streets, and riverboats still cruising along the waterways lend their charm directly to the ambiance of the hotel.
An Icon Since 1918
The Hotel Lafayette officially opened its doors in 1918 and quickly became a centerpiece of Marietta’s social and economic life. Built by the Marietta Hotel Company under the leadership of W.F. Robertson, the hotel was crafted in response to a growing demand for luxury accommodations for business travelers and riverboat passengers.
The building combined early 20th-century innovation with vintage decor, offering ornate ceilings, grand staircases, and crystal chandeliers. It has been lovingly maintained and updated over the years, but much of its original character remains lovingly preserved—including the stories embedded within its walls.
Named after the Marquis de Lafayette, a French hero of the American Revolutionary War and a friend to George Washington, the hotel proudly celebrates the area’s deep patriotic roots. It also pays homage to America’s French alliance, keeping history alive in both name and essence.
Guests and Glamour Through the Ages
Over the decades, the Hotel Lafayette has welcomed a wide variety of guests—from traveling business elites to honeymooners and international tourists soaking in the charm of small-town America. During its heyday in the 1920s and 1930s, the hotel was a hub of activity and sophistication—a beacon of grandeur in the Midwest.
Unlike many historic hotels that faded into disrepair, the Hotel Lafayette survived economic downturns, floods, and other challenges, thanks to continual preservation efforts and local appreciation. Today, guests can still stroll through its time-hewn halls, enjoy a meal at the elegant Gun Room Restaurant, or sip cocktails in the 1918 Lounge—all while being watched over by the spirits of another era.
The Haunt
A Building with Spiritual Impressions
Now here’s where things get really interesting. The Hotel Lafayette isn’t just known for its architectural beauty and vintage luxury—it’s also one of Ohio’s most haunted hotels. Paranormal activity has long been associated with this historical landmark, and both visitors and staff have documented eerie, inexplicable events over the years.
Room 318: A Paranormal Hotspot
The most notorious location within the hotel? Room 318. Past guests have reported hearing phantom footsteps pacing the hallway late at night, long after everyone has turned in. Others have spoken of cold drafts appearing out of nowhere, despite the building’s insulation and closed windows.
More chillingly, some visitors claim to have seen a female apparition dressed in early 20th-century attire lingering in the doorway of Room 318. While stories vary, many describe her as a sad, reflective presence—perhaps a lingering soul tied to unresolved events of her past stay.
The Specter of the Gun Room Restaurant
One of the hotel’s crown jewels, the Gun Room Restaurant, is also reportedly a hotspot for spiritual activity. Staff have mentioned strange occurrences in the quiet hours: chairs shifting slightly on their own, glasses clinking when no one is nearby, and shadowy figures glimpsed out of the corner of the eye.
There are even tales of a well-dressed man—believed to be a former guest from the 1930s—wandering the dining room as if still waiting for his order. While he’s never spoken, those who have seen the apparition claim he leaves behind a distinct chill and the faint scent of cigar smoke.
Voices in the Hall
EVP (Electronic Voice Phenomena) sessions conducted by amateur and professional ghost hunters alike have picked up whispered voices, including one that seems to call out names. And in the quiet of the stairwell, there are reports of a child laughing—or crying—though no children were present at the time of the recordings.
The hotel’s vintage design, with rich wooden interiors, mirror-covered hallways, and antique decor, only serves to amplify the feeling that you are never truly alone at the Hotel Lafayette.
Conclusion: A Must-Visit for Ghost Hunters
Whether you’re after thrilling paranormal experiences or simply want to surround yourself with living history, the Hotel Lafayette is a rare treasure. It offers the pleasures of a luxury stay obscured beneath layers of time, along with the haunted whispers of those who may never have checked out. The blend of restored elegance and ghostly charm makes it an irresistible location for paranormal investigators and history buffs alike.
Bring your camera, your curiosity, and a notebook—you just might leave with more stories than you expected. From the mystique of Room 318 to the echoes in the dining hall, every creak and shadow adds to the adventure. Book your stay at Hotel Lafayette, and step boldly into yesterday… if you dare.