The Hotel del Coronado, also known as “The Del,” is a historic hotel located on Coronado Island in San Diego, California. The hotel, which first opened its doors in 1888, has become a popular destination for tourists and celebrities alike, known for its grand architecture, stunning beachfront views, and a rich history that has led to numerous reports of ghost sightings and paranormal activity. In this article, we will delve into the haunted history of the Hotel del Coronado and explore the reported supernatural phenomena associated with this iconic hotel.
The History of the Hotel del Coronado
The Hotel del Coronado was built by Elisha Babcock Jr. and H.L. Story, who envisioned a grand resort hotel that would attract visitors from around the world. Construction began in 1887, and the hotel officially opened on February 19, 1888. The hotel was an instant success, attracting guests from all over the world, including celebrities such as Marilyn Monroe, Charlie Chaplin, and Babe Ruth.
Over the years, the hotel has undergone numerous renovations and expansions, adding additional rooms, restaurants, and amenities. Despite these changes, the hotel has maintained its historic charm and grandeur, becoming a beloved landmark in San Diego and a popular destination for weddings, events, and vacations.
The Ghost of Kate Morgan
One of the most famous stories associated with the Hotel del Coronado is that of Kate Morgan, a young woman who checked into the hotel in November 1892 and stayed in room 302. Morgan was reportedly waiting for a man to join her at the hotel, but he never arrived. Five days after she checked in, Morgan was found dead on an exterior staircase leading to the beach. Her death was ruled a suicide by overdose, but many people believe that foul play was involved.
Since her death, many guests and staff members have reported seeing the ghost of Kate Morgan roaming the halls of the hotel. Some guests have reported feeling her presence in their room, feeling cold spots, or hearing strange noises. Others have reported seeing her apparition standing at the foot of their bed, or walking along the hotel’s hallways, dressed in a gown from the 1800s. Her ghost has become such a famous legend that room 302 is now known as the “Kate Morgan Room,” and guests can request to stay there specifically to experience the paranormal activity associated with it.
Other Haunted Locations at the Hotel
In addition to the ghost of Kate Morgan, the Hotel del Coronado has been the site of numerous other reported supernatural occurrences. Some guests have reported seeing the apparition of a young girl dressed in Victorian-era clothing, who is believed to be the daughter of a wealthy couple who stayed at the hotel in the early 1900s. The girl reportedly drowned in the ocean while playing on the beach in front of the hotel.
Another reported haunt is that of a former maid named “Miss Mary,” who worked at the hotel in the early 1900s. Miss Mary reportedly fell to her death from an upper floor of the hotel while trying to retrieve a guest’s fallen clothing. Since her death, guests and staff members have reported hearing strange noises, feeling cold spots, and seeing objects move on their own.
The hotel’s gift shop has also been the site of reported paranormal activity. Some guests have reported feeling a strange presence or hearing unexplained noises while browsing the shop’s merchandise.
Paranormal Investigations and Evidence
The reported hauntings and ghost sightings at the Hotel del Coronado have led to numerous paranormal investigations over the years. Some of the most notable investigations include those conducted by the Syfy channel’s “Ghost Hunters” and the Travel Channel’s “Ghost Adventures.”
During these investigations, paranormal experts and investigators have reported a variety of strange occurrences and unexplained phenomena, ranging from eerie noises and cold spots to full-body apparitions and ghostly sightings. One of the most famous ghost stories associated with the Hotel del Coronado is that of “The Ghost of Kate Morgan.”
According to legend, Kate Morgan was a young woman who checked into the hotel in 1892, but never checked out. Her body was later found on the steps leading to the beach, and her death was ruled a suicide. However, some believe that she may have been murdered or that her spirit still lingers at the hotel.
Reports of paranormal activity at the Hotel del Coronado have persisted for decades, and the hotel has even been featured on several paranormal investigation shows, including “Ghost Adventures” and “Dead Files.” In addition to the ghost of Kate Morgan, visitors and staff have reported sightings of other ghostly figures, strange noises, and unexplained movements and sensations.
While some skeptics may dismiss these reports as mere folklore and legend, the fact remains that the Hotel del Coronado has a long and storied history, and the possibility of the paranormal cannot be definitively ruled out. Whether you are a believer in the supernatural or simply interested in the history and architecture of the hotel, the Hotel del Coronado is a must-visit destination for anyone interested in the strange and unusual.