Charming, regal, and nestled in the serene Green Mountains, The Equinox Hotel in Manchester, Vermont, is more than just a luxurious retreat—it’s a historic landmark with a deep, fascinating past and an eerie allure that beckons paranormal enthusiasts from across the globe. Originally built centuries ago, the hotel has hosted presidents, war generals, and socialites, and—if stories are to be believed—still plays host to a few spectral guests who never checked out.
Whether you’re a history buff, a luxury traveler, or a ghost hunter seeking your next thrill, this grand hotel offers a unique blend of leisure and mystery. Get ready to sink into a story that spans centuries, hauntings, and the curious charm of one of Vermont’s most storied destinations: The Equinox Hotel.
The History
From Colonial Inns to Presidential Paradise
The origins of The Equinox Hotel date back to 1769, when a modest tavern called Marsh Tavern was erected on the site by one of Manchester’s founding families. This wasn’t just a watering hole—it played a pivotal role during the Revolutionary War as a meeting place for pivotal political discourse. British loyalists reportedly stormed the original tavern, and the rebel owner was killed, marking the place as a political and emotional center of early colonial unrest.
Fast forward to 1839: The present building was established and christened “The Equinox House.” Its strategic and scenic location made it a natural choice as a luxurious retreat, pulling in travelers from New York and Boston. Its prestige only grew with time.
The Presidential Connection
One of the most prominent historical brushes The Equinox Hotel experienced came in 1864, when Mary Todd Lincoln, First Lady of President Abraham Lincoln, visited with her sons. Enthralled by its beauty and exclusivity, the Lincolns intended to return during the summer. Tragically, Abraham Lincoln was assassinated before these plans came to fruition. Today, The Lincoln Family Suite remains a popular (and reportedly very active) room, revered as much for its historical implications as for its otherworldly energy.
Over the years, five U.S. Presidents have signed the guestbook, including Ulysses S. Grant, William Howard Taft, Theodore Roosevelt, and Benjamin Harrison. Photographs, signatures, and anecdotes of their visits still grace the halls, conjoining the present-day travel experience with glimpses into America’s political past.
Decline, Restoration, and Modern Luxury
The hotel suffered during the Great Depression and lay dormant for many years. Although several attempts were made to bring it back to its former glory, it wasn’t until the 1980s that major restorations truly began to breathe new life into the establishment. Painstaking efforts were made to preserve the colonial architecture and elegant atmosphere while injecting the comforts of modern luxury.
Today, The Equinox Hotel operates under the Luxury Collection by Marriott, offering everything from golf courses to world-class spas, all while maintaining its original 19th-century charm. But behind the spa treatments and candlelit dinners lies something unseen and uncanny—something paranormal investigators have come to know as “The Haunt.”
The Haunt
Ghosts of the Lincoln Suite
Paranormal activity seems to swirl largely around one suite in particular: The Lincoln Family Room. Guests often report hearing whispering voices and footsteps when no one else is present. More unsettling accounts include children’s laughter in the dead of night and doors locking themselves from the inside. Could it be the residual energy of young Tad and Robert Lincoln, left behind after their visit? Or does Mary Todd Lincoln herself roam the halls in search of the summer retreat that tragically never came to be?
Reportedly, several guests have seen the full-bodied apparition of a woman dressed in Victorian clothing standing in the hallway near the suite, only to have her vanish into thin air. Paranormal investigators have captured unexplained cold spots, EVPs (electronic voice phenomena), and photographs featuring shadowy figures peering from the windows.
The Mirror Men
A particularly chilling legend revolves around the “Mirror Men”—seen only through reflections in hall mirrors scattered throughout the older wings of the hotel. Many staff members have reported catching glimpses of shadowy male figures wearing top hats behind them, only to turn and find themselves completely alone.
One long-time employee recalled polishing the grand hallway mirror late one night when she saw a man standing silently a few feet away. When she spun around—heart pounding—no one was there, and the corridors were silent. Interestingly, a team of ghost hunters using motion-activated cameras near that same mirror captured an unexplained humanoid-shaped shadow passing from one side of the frame to the other with no visible source.
Phantom Footsteps and Furniture
Unseen guests seem to move furniture in the dead of night, especially in the older parts of the hotel like the Marsh Tavern wing. Guests often complain about scraping noises overhead, only to find out the room above them is unoccupied. Others report hearing ghostly footsteps pacing back and forth in empty hallways.
Temperature fluctuations and power anomalies are also commonplace. Many electronic devices inexplicably fail to work in particular rooms, especially when one attempts to record audio or video content—a known hallmark of supernatural interference.
Ghost Tours and Paranormal Investigations
Recognizing the ghostly notoriety the site has gathered, The Equinox Hotel now offers seasonal ghost tours, guided by local historians and paranormal enthusiasts. Armed with lanterns and EMF detectors, guests are led through the historic corridors, cellars, and the Marsh Tavern itself, where spectral figures and tales of colonial spirits send chills up the spine.
Several professional paranormal teams have conducted overnight investigations here, reporting above-average levels of electromagnetic energy, battery drainage, and successful spirit box communications. Whether you’re a seasoned ghost hunter or a curious newcomer, the Equinox promises connection—both interpersonal and inexplicable.
Conclusion: A Must-Visit for Ghost Hunters
If you’re looking for your next haunted adventure that combines luxury with lore, then The Equinox Hotel deserves a top spot on your bucket list. With its lavish 19th-century architecture, idyllic mountain views, and historical resonance, it’s the kind of place that stays with you—sometimes literally. Whether it’s Mary Todd Lincoln lingering a while longer, or an unnamed colonial patron unwilling to leave the tavern fire, every creak and whisper tells a story waiting to be unraveled.
Don’t forget your EMF reader. You may just catch a glimpse into the past—or something far more spine-chilling. Ghosts, grandeur, and the echoes of history await. Sleep lightly.