VIRGINIA – ROANOKE

Standing proudly since 1882, the Hotel Roanoke is an iconic symbol of elegance and Southern hospitality in Roanoke, Virginia. Over the decades, this historic hotel has hosted countless visitors—from prominent politicians and celebrities to families seeking a luxurious getaway in the Blue Ridge Mountains. However, beyond its reputation as a luxurious retreat, the Hotel Roanoke is also known for its paranormal activity, with guests and staff alike reporting a variety of ghostly encounters.

From phantom footsteps in the hallways to shadowy apparitions that seem to vanish without explanation, the spirits of the hotel’s past are said to linger, making the Hotel Roanoke a hotspot for those seeking not just comfort, but also a brush with the unknown.

Whispers of the Past: Phantom Footsteps and Strange Noises

One of the most commonly reported paranormal phenomena at the Hotel Roanoke involves phantom footsteps. Guests walking through the grand hallways have described hearing the distinct sound of footsteps following them, only to turn around and find no one there. These footsteps, often described as deliberate and heavy, are sometimes accompanied by faint whispers or the feeling of being watched. For some, the noises are so unsettling that they’ve requested room changes or even left the hotel entirely, convinced that they’ve encountered one of the hotel’s restless spirits.

Long-time staff members have also reported hearing strange banging sounds or doors opening and closing on their own, especially late at night when the hotel is quiet. Though the hotel has undergone multiple renovations and expansions over the years, these unexplained noises persist, leading many to believe that the spirits of former guests or staff may still be wandering the halls.

The Grand Ballroom: A Hub for Apparitions

The Grand Ballroom, one of the most ornate and beloved spaces in the Hotel Roanoke, is also said to be the epicenter of much of the hotel’s paranormal activity. Guests attending events in the ballroom have claimed to see shadowy figures moving along the walls or standing near the windows, only to disappear when approached. One particularly eerie story involves a couple who, during a formal event, noticed an elegantly dressed woman standing alone in the corner of the ballroom. When they walked closer to introduce themselves, the figure simply vanished into thin air.

There have also been reports of cold spots in the ballroom, particularly near the stage and along the back walls. Guests and staff who pass through these areas often feel an intense chill, despite the room being climate-controlled. These sudden temperature drops, coupled with the apparition sightings, have led some to believe that the ballroom may be home to the spirit of a former guest or performer, still lingering long after their time at the hotel has ended.

The Lady in Black: A Ghostly Guardian?

One of the most enduring ghost stories tied to the Hotel Roanoke is that of the Lady in Black. Described as a woman dressed in a Victorian-era black gown, this ghostly figure has been spotted by numerous guests and staff members, often in the hallways or near the staircase. While her identity remains unknown, many believe that she may have been a former guest or even a staff member who met an untimely end within the hotel’s walls.

Unlike some other apparitions, the Lady in Black is said to have a protective and almost maternal presence. Guests who have encountered her often describe feeling a sense of comfort or warmth after seeing her. In one story, a guest who had fallen ill during their stay reported feeling the presence of a woman sitting at the edge of their bed, gently stroking their hair. When the guest opened their eyes, they saw the Lady in Black sitting beside them, only to watch her disappear moments later.

The Basement and the Old Boiler Room: A Dark Presence

While much of the hotel’s paranormal activity seems to involve benevolent or neutral spirits, there is one area of the hotel that is considered particularly unsettling: the basement, specifically the old boiler room. Staff members who have had to venture into the basement have reported a sense of unease and a feeling that they are not alone. Some have heard metal clanging or felt a sudden rush of cold air while working near the old equipment, despite there being no drafts or windows.

The basement has also been the subject of paranormal investigations, with some investigators claiming to have captured EVPs (Electronic Voice Phenomena) of disembodied voices. These voices are often unintelligible, but some believe they may belong to former workers who operated the boilers during the hotel’s early years. The basement has an oppressive atmosphere, and many staff members prefer to avoid it whenever possible.

Conclusion: A Legacy of Haunted Elegance

Despite—or perhaps because of—its ghostly reputation, the Hotel Roanoke continues to thrive as one of Virginia’s premier hotels, offering guests both luxurious accommodations and the possibility of a supernatural encounter. For those intrigued by the paranormal, the hotel offers more than just a comfortable stay—it presents a chance to brush up against history in its most ethereal form. Whether it’s the phantom footsteps, the Lady in Black, or the cold presence in the Grand Ballroom, the Hotel Roanoke is a place where the past and the present blend seamlessly, reminding us that the spirits of the past are never far away.