In the heart of Buffalo, Wyoming, nestled against the backdrop of the majestic Big Horn Mountains, lies a hotel frozen in time—and alive with legends. The Occidental Hotel is more than just a lodging; it’s a living museum, a portal to the Wild West, and, according to some, a passageway to the other side. With over a century of history echoing through its halls and ghostly whispers in the night, the Occidental is the perfect destination for lovers of lore, history buffs, and bold-hearted paranormal adventurers. If you’re looking for a travel experience that blends western charm, historic authenticity, and supernatural intrigue, this might be your next haunted hideaway.
The History
Beginnings in the Wild West
Founded in 1880, the Occidental Hotel began as a humble log structure serving weary travelers and cowboys making their way through the bustling frontier town of Buffalo. This original saloon and lodging rapidly became a go-to spot for pioneers, cattlemen, and outlaws alike. Located along the Bozeman Trail, the hotel benefitted from commercial trade and wagon travel throughout the late 1800s.
As railroads extended into the area and Buffalo continued to thrive, the Occidental grew with it. By the early 1900s, brick walls replaced timber, and it blossomed into one of the finest hotels in the region—a true piece of the developing American West.
Famous Guests and Frontier Legends
During its golden years, the Occidental Hotel counted some of the most iconic figures of the American West as its guests. Bullet-riddled outlaws like Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid allegedly passed through its doors, as did General “Black Jack” Pershing and famed frontierswoman Calamity Jane. Theodore Roosevelt is also said to have stopped by for a drink and conversation in the bar.
The saloon—preserved today with its original back bar—was where local cowhands rubbed shoulders with cattle barons and gunfighters. Rumors abound of poker games that turned deadly, backroom deals, and ghostly footsteps that still echo in the dead of night.
Decline and Restoration
By the 1980s, time had taken its toll on the venerable establishment. The Occidental had slumped into disrepair, its once-glorious halls darkened by neglect. Locals feared the historic building would be lost, another victim of modernization and decay.
Enter Dawn and John Wexo in the 1990s. Visionaries and history lovers, they undertook a multi-year, painstaking restoration to return the hotel to its early 20th century grandeur. Using photographs and blueprints, they restored woodwork, sourced vintage furnishings, and revitalized its beloved saloon. Today, the Occidental Hotel stands triumphantly, offering guests an authentic slice of the past.
The Haunt
While its historical pedigree is undeniable, what truly elevates the Occidental Hotel into legendary status is its reputation as a haunted hotspot. Paranormal investigators, psychic mediums, and intrigued skeptics have all reported eerie happenings within its century-old walls. And for those sensitive to the otherworldly, the Occidental provides more than a few run-ins with the unexplained.
The Ghost of Emily
Perhaps the most well-known spirit at the Occidental is that of a young girl named Emily. According to legend, Emily died of cholera in the hotel during the early 1900s. Guests have reported hearing soft giggles, catching glimpses of a child running through hallways, and witnessing toys moving on their own in rooms where no child should be. Emily’s presence is particularly strong on the top floor, near Room 20, one of the most requested spots by paranormal enthusiasts.
Room 23 – A Paranormal Nexus
If you’re braving the night at the Occidental, Room 23 is your best bet for a close encounter. Guests and staff alike have reported cold spots, strange knocking sounds, and the persistent sensation of being watched. One legendary story tells of a shadowy figure appearing briefly at the foot of the bed before vanishing entirely. Paranormal teams investigating Room 23 have recorded unexplained EMF spikes and thermal fluctuations—classic signs of spectral activity.
Specters in the Saloon
The historic bar of the Occidental isn’t just a treasure trove for antique lovers—it’s a ghostly gathering point. Bartenders and patrons have reported seeing transparent figures reflected in the mirror behind the bar, only to have no one physically present. Lights flicker independently, bar stools move on their own, and sometimes an old piano near the stage plays a lonely tune—without a player in sight. Could this be the residual energy of Old West saloons still partying into the afterlife?
Otherworldly Voices and Cold Touches
Beyond specific rooms and stories, the entire hotel seems to hum with spiritual energy. Investigators using EVP (Electronic Voice Phenomena) have captured whispers, laughter, and even full phrases when no living soul was present. Visitors commonly report the feeling of an icy hand on their shoulder or a brush against their neck as they climb the creaky staircase or walk the historic corridors. Some have even claimed to smell cigar smoke or lavender perfume—with no physical source nearby.
Plan Your Stay—If You Dare
Whether you’re a die-hard ghost hunter or simply someone who loves a good story with your stay, the Occidental Hotel delivers a one-of-a-kind experience. Its luxurious suites, decked out in ornate antiques and Western décor, transport you back in time without sacrificing comfort. Add in the live bluegrass music on Thursday nights, the lovingly restored Virginian Restaurant, and the warm Wyoming hospitality, and you’ve got a memorable getaway steeped in character—and possibly spirits.
For those hoping to do a little ghost hunting of their own, don’t forget your EMF detectors, recorders, and courage. The staff are generally open to discussing the building’s haunted reputation, and some have even shared their stories with guests.
In a world of polished, commercialized destinations, the Occidental Hotel remains refreshingly authentic—beautifully weathered, deeply storied, and irresistibly haunted. So pack your bags, bring your bravest friends, and prepare for a stay that lingers in your memory… and maybe even in your dreams.