San Diego's Hotels & the Ghosts Who Love Them

We tell our children the things that go bump in the night are figments of an overactive imagination. There is no such thing as ghosts. To make them feel better we turn on a nightlight, check in the closet and look under the bed. Nothing is there. Or is there? How you answer may depend on where you are staying. There are three hotels in the San Diego area where we are told something supernatural just might be staring back at you.

The Horton Grand Hotel, The Hotel del Coronado, and The Julian Hotel, each endures a reputation as being haunted. In spite of this, these Victorian era marvels successfully cultivated what could have been a negative image and used it to their advantage. Ghosts that may or may not exist can be easily overlooked at these lavish properties. Guests can go about their business without concern to fact or fiction. But, every now and then, something happens that makes us question if there really is more going on than meets the eye.

The stories of the hauntings associated with these places are as famous and as remarkable as the hotels themselves.

Horton Grand Hotel & The Ghost Of Roger Whittaker

The Grand has a very unusual history in that today's version is the result of the building having been taken down, moved, restored, and finally combined with another prominent hotel from the same period. First opened in 1886 as The Grand Horton Hotel, it is now appropriately situated at 311 Island Avenue (92101), in the middle of downtown San Diego's historic Gas Lamp District.

The Horton Grand as it is called today continues to be haunted by several ghosts believed to have followed from the original site. The most prominent of these, was a gambler by the name of Roger Whittaker. Mr. Whittaker is alleged to have been caught cheating, fled to a guest room, hunted down and killed. He is now said to haunt room 309.

The ambiance at the Horton Grand proves to be very alluring to ghost hunters and non- hunters alike. Rates start at $129 a night. Reservations can be made by calling (800) 542-1886 or (619) 544-1886, or visit them online at www.hortongrand.com.

Hotel Del Coronado & The Ghost of Kate Morgan

Located at 1500 Orange Avenue, Coronado, CA 92118, the Del is without a doubt one of the most enchanting examples of 18oo's architecture and grandeur in America today. This eloquent seaside resort sits directly across the bay from downtown San Diego and has been a cornerstone of the city's skyline and history since its construction in 1888.

The story of the resident ghost begins in late 1892. A young lady by the name of Kate Morgan checked in on the eve of the Thanksgiving holiday. Her husband is expected to join her, but never arrives. She is abandoned and distraught and is soon discovered dead from a self inflicted gunshot wound. Over the years, numerous instances of what are described as remarkable episodes of paranormal or poltergeist activity have been attributed to her.

Though a chance encounter with the ghost of Kate Morgan may sound appealing to some, most guests come for the many luxuries this wonderful and historic hotel has to offer. Rates start at $245 a night. Reservations can be made by dialing (800) HOTEL DEL, or (619) 435-6611. Booking your room online is also an option by visiting www.hoteldel.com.

Julian Hotel & The Ghost Of Albert Robinson

The present day Julian Hotel was originally called the Hotel Robinson when it opened in 1871. Located at 2032 Main Street, Julian, CA 92036, it exists as a lovingly restored inn and much appreciated connection to the area's history.

It is one of the state's oldest continuously operating hotels. The Julian earned a reputation of being haunted soon after the death of founding owner Albert Robinson, in 1915. Mr. Robinson is said to favour room number 10, but is supposed to have made his presence known in other parts of the property, as well.

A quiet escape to the Julian Hotel can provide guests with a taste of the way life used to be… literally. Rates start at $120 a night. Make reservations by calling (800) 734-5854, or locally (760) 765-0201. The Julian Hotel is also found online by visiting www.julianhotel.com.