Haunted Hotels in Southern Arizona: Ghostly Tales While On Vacation

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By Katta Mapes

Southern Arizona is not just famous for its stunning landscapes and rich history; it is also home to an array of ghostly tales that promise to captivate thrill-seekers and curious travelers alike. Exploring the haunted hotels in this region offers more than just a place to stay; it's an adventure into the realm of the supernatural. Prepare yourself for an unforgettable experience as we uncover three of the most fascinating haunted hotels: Hotel Congress, Copper Queen Hotel, and Tombstone Bordello Hotel.

Hotel Congress: The Spirit of a Bygone Era

Hotel Congress, located in downtown Tucson, has welcomed guests since 1919. This beautiful hotel is known for its rich history and vintage charm, having hosted celebrities and travelers over the decades. However, the hotel is best known for its ghostly resident.

The tale begins in 1920 when notorious bank robber John Dillinger was caught here. Although he managed to escape, many believe his spirit remains. Guests frequently report eerie happenings like disembodied laughter, flickering lights, and the unsettling feeling of being watched. Approximately 30% of guests have mentioned unusual experiences during their stay.

Adventurous visitors can take part in the hotel's guided ghost tours. These tours dive into its haunted history, offering chilling stories and historical insights. Each evening, as the sun sets, the hotel transforms, allowing guests to truly experience where history and potential hauntings intertwine.

Listen to comedian Zoltan Kaszas recount his night at the Hotel Congress on You Tube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X-3yBDDvtTE

Copper Queen Hotel: A Step Back in Time

In the heart of Bisbee lies the Copper Queen Hotel, established in 1902. This historic site has become notorious as one of Arizona's most haunted locations. Over the years, it has hosted an impressive array of guests, from actors to politicians, along with a range of supernatural entities.

Among the hotel’s spectral residents is a woman named Maggie. Revered as a mischievous spirit, Maggie is said to be a former employee who remains in spirit form. Guests report experiences such as hearing soft footsteps and laughter or even glimpsing her ghostly figure in the hallways at night. It's estimated that nearly 40% of people who stay here encounter something unusual.

Room 305 is particularly famous for ghostly encounters. Many visitors describe sensations of cold spots, objects seemingly moving by themselves, or an intense feeling of companionship from an unseen presence. Those who seek both historical significance and ghostly thrills will find the Copper Queen Hotel an intriguing destination.

Tombstone Bordello Hotel: A Slice of the Wild West

The Tombstone Bordello Hotel, situated in the iconic Wild West town of Tombstone, Arizona, offers a glimpse into a colorful and often notorious past. Originally a bordello during the silver mining boom, this hotel is rich with tales of passion and the supernatural.

Guests at the Bordello Hotel often describe encounters with playful spirits linked to its vibrant history. The echoes of the past are alive here; reports of clinking glasses and whispering voices fill the old halls, enhancing the feeling of stepping back in time.

One particularly captivating figure is the "Lady in White." This ghostly apparition, believed to be one of the former bordello workers, has been seen by numerous guests. Sightings often occur by the windows, where her ethereal silhouette becomes a mesmerizing sight. For history lovers and ghost enthusiasts alike, the Tombstone Bordello Hotel provides a unique blend of yesteryear and the mysterious unknown.

Exploring Historical Haunts

Visiting haunted hotels in Southern Arizona presents an opportunity to connect with the area's deep historical roots alongside supernatural experiences. Whether it’s the vintage allure of Hotel Congress, the lively spirit of the Copper Queen Hotel, or the engaging tales at the Tombstone Bordello Hotel, these accommodations offer much more than just a place to sleep.

For those looking to craft a memorable vacation filled with ghost stories and captivating histories, Southern Arizona's haunted hotels are waiting for you. So gear up, stay alert, and you may just catch a glimpse of a wandering spirit or hear an otherworldly whisper. Happy haunting!

Katta Mapes, M.A, M.Ed., is a Bilingual Intuitive Life Coach, Book Author and Freelance Writer offering creative insight and guidance for clarity and understanding in your life as she calls on the wisdom of the sages from throughout the ages to nurture your social, emotional and spiritual well-being. She can meet with you in person, by phone and on Zoom. Katta.Mapes@gmail.com Habla español

Tucson Paranormal Society