Charming elegance, gourmet cocktails, stunning architecture—and a ghostly guest or two? Just a short walk from downtown Seattle’s bustling core stands a historic gem that has intrigued travelers and paranormal lovers alike for over a century: The Sorrento Hotel. This timeless property exudes old-world charm, but layered beneath its posh veneer is a whisper of something mysterious. Whether you’re a seasoned ghost hunter or simply fascinated by haunted history, this blog invites you to dive deep into the story of one of Seattle’s most enduring—and allegedly haunted—landmarks.
The History
Built as a Luxury Retreat in the Early 20th Century
The story of The Sorrento Hotel begins in 1909, during a period of spirited growth and optimism in Seattle. Commissioned by local businessman Samuel Rosenberg, the hotel was designed by the renowned architect Harlan Thomas, who was also behind the Northern Life Tower and other classic Seattle structures. Inspired by Italian Renaissance architecture, its grand facade blends graceful arches, terra cotta ornamentation, and a warm Mediterranean style that sets it apart from the surrounding buildings even today.
Initially conceived as a luxury stopover for visitors of the Alaska-Yukon-Pacific Exposition, The Sorrento Hotel quickly gained a reputation as a premier destination for travelers and elites. Its location atop First Hill—known then as “Seattle’s Silk Stocking Hill”—put it among mansions and medical institutions, attracting a well-heeled clientele seeking a quieter stay, away from the city’s frenzied heart.
The Making of a Seattle Icon
From the roaring 1920s through war-time 1940s and into the mid-century modern age, The Sorrento Hotel maintained its high-end standing. In the second half of the 20th century, the hotel saw several ownership changes and periods of revitalization. Yet despite these transitions, the building preserved its original architecture and timeless style.
In 1982, it was added to the National Register of Historic Places—a designation that confirmed what locals already knew: The Sorrento was no ordinary inn. Today, it remains one of Seattle’s longest-operating hotels, merging classic luxury with modern comforts. The hotel’s Dunbar Room, once a dining hall for the elite, now serves locals artisanal cocktails and seasonal cuisine beneath period chandeliers and wood beam ceilings.
The Haunt
Reputedly Haunted by a Literary Icon
The Sorrento Hotel isn’t just famous for its Italianate architecture or its vintage allure—it’s also one of the Pacific Northwest’s most notorious haunted hotels. The most famous spirit said to be lingering in its halls is none other than that of writer Alice B. Toklas. Yes, that Alice B. Toklas—the longtime partner of literary pioneer Gertrude Stein and culinary legend in her own right. Though Toklas never lived at The Sorrento, she was born on First Hill, just a stone’s throw from the hotel, and her spirit is believed by some to have returned to this corner of Seattle.
Room 408: The Epicenter of Strange Occurrences
For those drawn to the otherworldly, Room 408 is often cited as the spiritual hotspot within the hotel. Guests and staff have reported unexplained phenomena in this room—lights flickering with no electrical cause, furniture subtly shifting overnight, and an unmistakable feeling of being watched. Paranormal investigators who’ve stayed in Room 408 describe sudden chills, disembodied whispers, and that thick, electric feeling in the air that many ghost hunters come to recognize as signs of spiritual presence.
Glasses That Slide and Shadows That Linger
Waitstaff have reported wine glasses sliding across tables on their own. Housekeeping staff have entered empty rooms only to find sinks running or lights on—despite the room being locked and unoccupied. In the opulent lobby and hallways, guests have described shadow figures that vanish when approached and voices echoing from corners without a source. While none of these events have been harmful, they’re enough to send a chill down your spine, even in the cozy embrace of the hotel’s leather chairs and roaring fireplaces.
A Favorite for Paranormal Investigators
Due to its rich history and high number of reported hauntings, The Sorrento Hotel has appeared on numerous paranormal watchlists and ghost tours. While some skeptics chalk up the stories to the hotel’s vintage creaks and groans, die-hard ghost hunters insist there’s more at play. To this day, it remains an active site for EMF (electromagnetic field) readings, EVP (electronic voice phenomena) sessions, and spectral photography.
Haunted Hospitality—with Class
What makes The Sorrento Hotel truly intriguing is how it balances spectral legends with first-class hospitality. Stay a night (or several), and you’ll enjoy luxurious bedding, period-appropriate furnishings, and rich wood decor—but if you’re lucky, you might also experience a brush with the paranormal. The hotel staff, friendly and knowledgeable, are often open to sharing their own ghost stories—adding an insider’s touch to your haunted stay. It’s this mix of comfort and mystery that continues to captivate visitors from around the globe.
Conclusion: Calling All Curious Spirits
Whether you’re a believer, a skeptic, or simply a traveler who loves a great story, The Sorrento Hotel offers a unique opportunity to connect with Seattle’s storied past. History buffs will appreciate its preserved architecture and century-old ambiance. Paranormal investigators will relish the chance to explore one of Washington’s most elegant haunted stops. And anyone in between will find charm, elegance—and perhaps a ghost or two—waiting behind its storied doors.
So grab your ghost-hunting gear, bring your camera, and make a reservation at The Sorrento Hotel. You never know who… or what… might join you for a nightcap in the Dunbar Room or whisper down the hall as you drift off to sleep. Seattle is steeped in history, but few places bring it to life—or afterlife—quite like this one.