The Chamberlin Hotel, a grand building overlooking the waters of Hampton Roads, has long been an iconic part of the Hampton skyline. Located near Fort Monroe, the hotel has a rich history, having hosted numerous prominent figures, from political leaders to celebrities. Built in 1928, this current version of the Chamberlin replaced an earlier hotel that had been destroyed by fire. Over its decades of operation, the hotel has become known not just for its luxurious accommodations, but also for the ghost stories that surround it.

The Chamberlin Hotel has seen its fair share of events—from wartime gatherings to upscale parties and balls. However, its connection to Fort Monroe, combined with its long history, has led to numerous reports of paranormal activity, with some claiming that several of its former guests never truly checked out.

A History of Elegance and Tragedy

The original Chamberlin Hotel, built in 1896, was a lavish resort known for its grandeur. It was a favorite destination for wealthy travelers and military personnel, including officers stationed at nearby Fort Monroe. However, in 1920, the hotel was ravaged by a fire, destroying much of the original building. The current structure, which was rebuilt and opened in 1928, has continued the tradition of luxury.

Over the years, the hotel has hosted many significant figures, including President Franklin D. Roosevelt and General Douglas MacArthur, as well as countless soldiers, families, and travelers. With so many guests passing through its doors—and the shadow of war and military history so close by—it’s no surprise that ghost stories have become part of the Chamberlin’s lore.

The Haunting of the Ninth Floor

One of the most enduring ghost stories associated with the Chamberlin Hotel involves the ninth floor, where several guests have reported strange occurrences. According to staff and visitors, this floor is particularly active with unexplained phenomena. Some guests have claimed to see shadowy figures in the hallways or out of the corner of their eye, only for the figures to vanish when they look again. There have also been reports of footsteps in the empty corridors and the feeling of being watched, even when no one else is around.

One well-known story involves an elderly woman who is said to haunt a specific room on the ninth floor. Guests who have stayed in this room have reported hearing soft knocking at the door, but upon opening it, no one is there. Others have described hearing a woman’s voice speaking softly or even weeping, though the voice fades as they move closer. Some believe this spirit could be a former long-term resident of the hotel, as the Chamberlin once housed permanent guests in its early years.

The Soldier in Uniform

Given the hotel’s proximity to Fort Monroe, it’s perhaps no surprise that one of the most commonly reported apparitions at the Chamberlin is that of a soldier in uniform. This spectral figure has been seen by both guests and staff, often near the ballroom or in the hotel’s lobby area. Descriptions of the soldier vary slightly, but most accounts agree that he appears to be dressed in a World War II-era uniform.

The soldier is often seen standing silently, as though waiting for something or someone. He is said to have a calm, almost stoic presence, and witnesses claim that he simply vanishes when approached. Some speculate that he may have been a guest or officer who stayed at the hotel during the war, though his identity remains unknown. His appearances are often accompanied by cold spots or sudden shifts in temperature.

Ghostly Ballroom Music

The Chamberlin Hotel’s ballroom, once a hub of social activity, has its own share of ghostly stories. During the hotel’s heyday, the ballroom hosted grand parties, dances, and events that drew in the elite of Hampton society as well as officers from Fort Monroe. Today, the ballroom is sometimes the site of another type of gathering—one that involves the past.

Several people have reported hearing the faint sounds of ballroom music, specifically the sounds of old-fashioned orchestras playing, even when the ballroom is empty. The music is described as distant, as though coming from another time, and has been reported late at night when the room is completely quiet. Staff members have also mentioned hearing the sound of laughter and clinking glasses, as if a ghostly party is still in full swing long after the guests have left.

The Chamberlin’s Legacy of Hauntings

Though the Chamberlin Hotel has undergone several renovations and is now home to senior living apartments, the ghost stories persist. Paranormal investigators have been drawn to the hotel over the years, attempting to capture evidence of the hauntings. Some investigators have reported EVP (electronic voice phenomena) recordings of unexplained voices, and others have experienced unaccounted-for cold spots and strange feelings of presence.

Despite these reports, many of the hauntings at the Chamberlin are considered peaceful, with most ghosts appearing to continue their routines from life rather than causing distress to the living. The ghostly soldier, the elderly woman, and the echoes of ballroom music all add to the rich history of the hotel, providing a window into its past.

Conclusion

The Chamberlin Hotel is a place where history and the paranormal intersect. From the mysterious happenings on the ninth floor to the ghostly soldier who still walks its halls, the Chamberlin has cemented its place in Hampton’s haunted history. As we continue our exploration of military hauntings in Hampton Roads, we turn next to the Civil War ghosts of Newport News, where battlefields and former encampments are said to be haunted by the soldiers who fought—and died—on this hallowed ground.