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