Santa Fe, New Mexico, is a city steeped in history, culture, and a touch of the supernatural.
With its adobe buildings, vibrant art scene, and rich Native American heritage, it’s a place where the past and present coexist harmoniously.
But beneath its sunlit streets and charming facades lie stories that send a chill down the spine—tales of haunted hotels that intrigue and captivate both locals and tourists.
These haunted hotels in Santa Fe, New Mexico, offer more than just a place to rest; they are portals to the past, where history lingers and ghostly apparitions make unexpected appearances.
In this article, we will explore three of Santa Fe’s most notorious haunted hotels: the Drury Plaza Hotel, La Posada de Santa Fe, and La Fonda on the Plaza.
Each of these establishments has its own unique stories of eerie encounters and unexplained happenings that continue to draw paranormal enthusiasts from around the world.
Join us as we delve into the haunted history and spine-tingling tales of these iconic hotels.
Whether you’re a skeptic or a believer, the ghost stories behind these haunted hotels are sure to leave you intrigued and perhaps a bit unsettled.
So pack your bags, keep an open mind, and prepare to step into the shadows of Santa Fe’s ghostly legends.
Haunted Hotels in Santa Fe New Mexico
Santa Fe, the capital of New Mexico, is a city rich in history, culture, and supernatural lore.
Founded in 1610, it stands as one of the oldest cities in the United States, where Native American, Spanish, and Anglo cultures intertwine.
This historical melting pot, with its iconic adobe buildings and vibrant art scene, also harbors a darker, more mysterious side—its haunted past.
Throughout its long and tumultuous history, Santa Fe has witnessed countless events, some of them tragic and violent.
From the Pueblo Revolt of 1680 to the lawless days of the Wild West, the city has seen its fair share of conflict and bloodshed.
These events have left an indelible mark, with many believing that the spirits of those who lived, fought, and died here still linger, manifesting as ghostly apparitions and paranormal activities.
The haunted hotels in Santa Fe, New Mexico, are prime examples of locations where history and the supernatural converge.
Visitors and locals alike have reported eerie encounters, from ghostly whispers and sudden cold spots to full-bodied apparitions.
These experiences have turned Santa Fe into a hotspot for ghost hunters and paranormal enthusiasts, all eager to uncover the mysteries that lie within its historic hotels.
The city’s reputation for hauntings adds another layer of intrigue to its already rich cultural tapestry.
In the following sections, we will explore the haunted histories and chilling tales of three of Santa Fe’s most notorious hotels: the Drury Plaza Hotel, La Posada de Santa Fe, and La Fonda on the Plaza.
These hotels not only offer a glimpse into the past but also provide a unique opportunity to experience the unexplained first-hand.
So, prepare yourself as we delve into the spine-tingling stories and paranormal phenomena that make these haunted hotels an integral part of Santa Fe’s allure.
Also Read: THE 15+ MOST UNIQUE Places To Stay In Santa Fe New Mexico
1. Drury Plaza Hotel in Santa Fe
The Drury Plaza Hotel in Santa Fe is a prominent landmark, celebrated for its blend of historic charm and modern amenities.
The building’s origins date back to the late 19th century when it was constructed as St. Vincent’s Hospital.
This historic structure has undergone significant transformations over the years, evolving from a place of healing to a luxurious hotel, while preserving its architectural grandeur.
Haunted History of the Hotel
The Drury Plaza Hotel in Santa Fe, New Mexico, stands as a testament to the city’s rich and multifaceted history.
Originally constructed in the late 19th century, the building began its life as St. Vincent’s Hospital in 1865.
This establishment played a crucial role in the community, providing medical care during times of epidemics and conflicts.
Over the years, it bore witness to countless stories of life, death, and everything in between, leaving an indelible mark on its walls.
St. Vincent’s Hospital served the people of Santa Fe for decades, its corridors echoing with the footsteps of doctors, nurses, and patients.
It was a place where joy and sorrow intertwined, with many souls departing this world within its confines.
When the hospital eventually closed, the building underwent extensive renovations and was transformed into the Drury Plaza Hotel.
Despite its modern facade, the hotel retains much of its historical architecture, and some say, the spirits of its past.
Unexplained Happenings at the Hotel
The Drury Plaza Hotel has garnered a reputation as one of Santa Fe’s most haunted locations, with numerous reports of paranormal activities.
Guests and staff have frequently encountered ghostly apparitions, often dressed in period clothing, wandering the halls and rooms.
These spectral figures are said to disappear when approached, leaving witnesses both intrigued and unsettled.
In addition to visual sightings, the hotel is known for its eerie auditory phenomena.
Footsteps echoing in empty corridors, disembodied voices, and the unmistakable sound of medical equipment clattering are commonly reported by guests.
Many have experienced sudden drops in temperature, often accompanied by a sense of being watched.
One of the most chilling stories involves a spectral nurse who is said to glide through the halls silently, her presence marked by an icy cold that sends shivers down the spine.
Also Read: THE 15+ BEST Places To Visit In Winter In USA
Guest Experiences
Numerous guests have shared their spine-tingling experiences at the Drury Plaza Hotel.
One guest recounted waking up to see a figure standing at the foot of their bed, dressed in an old nurse’s uniform, only to vanish moments later.
Another visitor reported hearing indistinct whispering throughout the night, despite being alone in their room.
These unsettling encounters have cemented the Drury Plaza Hotel’s status as a must-visit destination for those intrigued by the paranormal.
2. La Posada de Santa Fe
La Posada de Santa Fe, a luxurious resort and spa, is a beacon of elegance and history.
Built in the 1880s by Abraham Staab for his wife Julia, the mansion originally served as their private residence.
Known for its stunning architecture and lush gardens, the property eventually transformed into a beautiful resort, offering modern comforts while retaining its historical essence.
Haunted History of the Hotel
La Posada de Santa Fe, a luxurious resort and spa, is steeped in history and mystery.
Originally built in the late 19th century, the property began as a grand mansion constructed by Abraham Staab, a prominent businessman, for his beloved wife, Julia Staab.
The Staab Mansion, designed in the Territorial Style, quickly became a social hub in Santa Fe, known for its lavish parties and high-profile gatherings.
However, the mansion’s history took a tragic turn. After the death of one of her children, Julia Staab fell into a deep depression and became a recluse, spending her remaining days within the mansion’s walls.
She passed away in 1896, and her spirit is said to linger in the place she once called home.
Over the years, the property was transformed into an inn and eventually the luxurious La Posada de Santa Fe.
Despite its modern amenities, the hotel retains much of its original architecture and, according to many, the presence of Julia’s ghost.
Unexplained Happenings at the Hotel
La Posada de Santa Fe is renowned for its paranormal activities, with the ghost of Julia Staab being the most famous resident.
Guests and staff have reported numerous eerie encounters, including sightings of a woman in a Victorian dress, believed to be Julia herself.
She is often seen in her former bedroom, Room 100, where the temperature is known to drop suddenly, and an unexplained chill fills the air.
In addition to these visual sightings, other spooky phenomena are frequently reported.
Doors open and close on their own, lights flicker without reason, and objects move seemingly by themselves.
Some guests have even heard the soft sobbing of a woman, thought to be Julia mourning her lost child.
These unsettling occurrences add to the hotel’s mystique and draw both skeptics and paranormal enthusiasts alike.
Also Read: THE 15+ BEST Places To Visit In Winter In USA
Guest Experiences
Numerous guests have shared their ghostly encounters at La Posada de Santa Fe.
One visitor recounted waking in the middle of the night to see a woman in a Victorian dress standing by the window, who vanished moments later.
Another guest described feeling an icy hand on their shoulder while exploring the hotel’s garden.
These chilling experiences contribute to the hotel’s reputation as a hotspot for paranormal activity, making it a must-visit for those intrigued by the supernatural.
3. La Fonda on the Plaza
La Fonda on the Plaza is a historic hotel located in the heart of Santa Fe, New Mexico.
Known for its iconic Pueblo Revival architecture, the hotel has a history dating back to the early 17th century.
The current structure, completed in 1922, reflects the cultural heritage of the region and continues to be a central gathering place in Santa Fe’s vibrant community.
Haunted History of the Hotel
La Fonda on the Plaza, situated in the heart of Santa Fe, New Mexico, boasts a rich history that dates back to the early 17th century.
The site has served as an inn for travelers since the founding of Santa Fe in 1607, making it one of the oldest continuous hotel locations in the United States.
The current building, constructed in 1922, was designed by architect Isaac Hamilton Rapp in the Pueblo Revival style, reflecting the region’s cultural heritage.
La Fonda has played a significant role in Santa Fe’s history, hosting numerous notable figures and witnessing key historical events.
Over the centuries, the hotel has been a witness to a myriad of stories, some of which are shrouded in mystery and tragedy.
These tales contribute to its reputation as one of the most haunted hotels in Santa Fe, New Mexico, where the past seems to linger within its walls.
Unexplained Happenings at the Hotel
La Fonda on the Plaza is renowned for its paranormal activities, with many reports of ghostly encounters and unexplained phenomena.
One of the most frequently reported apparitions is that of a man in a long coat and a top hat, believed to be the spirit of a judge who met a tragic end at the hotel in the 19th century.
This spectral figure is often seen in the lobby and hallways, only to disappear as suddenly as he appears.
In addition to this ghostly figure, guests and staff have experienced a variety of other supernatural occurrences.
Lights flicker inexplicably, doors open and close on their own, and strange noises echo through the night.
Some visitors have reported feeling an icy presence pass by them, sending chills down their spine.
One of the most famous ghost stories involves a bride who allegedly leapt to her death from the hotel’s bell tower.
Her spirit is said to roam the hotel, often appearing to guests who are alone, adding to the hotel’s haunted allure.
Guest Experiences
Numerous guests have shared their eerie experiences at La Fonda on the Plaza.
One visitor recounted encountering the spectral judge in a hallway, describing a sudden chill and the appearance of a shadowy figure.
Another guest reported hearing footsteps in their room despite being alone, contributing to the hotel’s haunted reputation.
These spine-tingling experiences make La Fonda on the Plaza a must-visit destination for those intrigued by the paranormal.
Final Thoughts
Exploring the haunted hotels in Santa Fe, New Mexico, offers a journey through a city where history and the supernatural intertwine.
The Drury Plaza Hotel, La Posada de Santa Fe, and La Fonda on the Plaza each present a unique blend of historical significance and ghostly intrigue.
These hotels are more than just places to rest—they are portals to the past, where the spirits of yesteryear are said to roam, captivating the imaginations of visitors from around the world.
The allure of these haunted hotels lies in their rich tapestries of ghost stories and paranormal activities.
From sightings of ghostly apparitions and unexplained noises to chilling personal encounters, these hotels offer an unforgettable experience for those brave enough to delve into their haunted halls.
Whether you are a skeptic or a believer, the tales of haunted hotels in Santa Fe, New Mexico, provide a fascinating glimpse into the city’s mysterious past and enduring legends.
As you reflect on these spine-tingling tales, perhaps you’ll be inspired to visit Santa Fe and experience the haunted history for yourself.
Who knows what spirits you might encounter on your journey?
Share Your Experience
Have you had any ghostly encounters at these haunted hotels in Santa Fe, New Mexico? Share your stories in the comments below!
If you enjoyed this article, please share it with fellow paranormal enthusiasts and plan your own spooky adventure to Santa Fe’s haunted hotels.
Don’t forget to explore other haunted locations in the area for even more ghostly encounters!
Disclosure: Heads up! Some of the links in this post are affiliate links. If you click ’em and buy stuff, we might earn a little coffee money at no extra cost to you. Don’t worry, we only recommend what we love. Thanks for keeping us fueled and fabulous!
