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A ‘Haunted’ Hotel in Colorado Is Reopening With an Even Creepier Vibe

May 13, 2019
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2 min read
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A ‘Haunted’ Hotel in Colorado Is Reopening With an Even Creepier Vibe
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Somebody call paranormal investigator Zak Bagans — or, on second thought, maybe don't — because a famous haunted hotel in Colorado just reopened to the public after extensive renovations on May 1.

The Black Monarch originally debuted during the Gold Rush era as a triple-threat casino, saloon and brothel. It's now a newly-renovated boutique hotel (and listed on Colorado's National Register of Historic Places) less than 50 miles southwest of Colorado Springs in the tiny mountain town of Victor.

And according to some firsthand reports from past guests, it's a bit of a hotspot for paranormal sightings.

Photo courtesy of The Black Monarch Hotel.

According to Travel + Leisure, people have experienced "unexplained" phenomena while in the building — such as the sounds of women laughing and men shouting when there was no one to be found.

The property is thought to be haunted by the spirit of a barkeep who allegedly died in a gunfight — and a devastating fire that leveled the building in 1899 is thought to contribute to the downright ghostly vibes. There are also some unconfirmed ties to inventor Nikola Tesla as well (he reportedly wired the hotel's electricity). Either way, there's now an entire room named after him.

Doubling down on the hotel's haunted reputation, new owner Adam Zimmerli and staff decided to add rooms inspired by Elizabeth Bathory and H.H. Holmes — two of the most notorious serial killers in the history books. They've also packed the Black Monarch with "curiosities" such as taxidermy and other creepy trinkets.

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Hotel guests are encouraged to explore the historic mountain town and also to embrace the hotel's "dark" aesthetic. After all, Zimmerli hopes to one day host live burlesque and circus performances.

Feeling brave? You can book your stay at The Black Monarch Hotel through Airbnb.

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at American Express's secure site
Terms & restrictions apply. See rates & fees
Best for dining at restaurants

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TPG Editor‘s Rating
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  • Intro Offer

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  • Annual Fee

    $325

  • Recommended Credit

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Why We Chose It

There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)

Pros

  • 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
  • 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
  • Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
  • Solid welcome bonus

Cons

  • Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
  • Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
  • You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
  • Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
  • Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
  • Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
  • Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
  • Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
  • $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
  • $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
  • $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
  • $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
  • Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
  • No Foreign Transaction Fees.
  • Annual Fee is $325.
  • Terms Apply.