Welcome to The Emily Morgan Hotel in San Antonio, Texas, where history, mystery, and the supernatural converge. Nestled in the heart of downtown San Antonio, this iconic hotel has earned its reputation as the most haunted hotel in America. With its rich historical significance, proximity to the legendary Alamo, and a myriad of spine-tingling paranormal experiences, The Emily Morgan Hotel beckons those seeking a unique and eerie encounter with the otherworldly. Join us as we delve into the chilling tales and haunted happenings that have made The Emily Morgan Hotel a must-visit destination in San Antonio for ghost enthusiasts and history buffs alike.
Proximity to the Alamo: Spirits of the Past
Reports of Paranormal Activity: Real Ghost Stories
The heart of the matter lies in the numerous reports of paranormal activity at The Emily Morgan Hotel. Guests and staff alike have shared spine-chilling tales of their encounters, many of which have been described below.
The Vanishing Nurse
Among the most famous is the apparition of a nurse from the 1920s or 1930s. Guests have claimed to see her in the hallways, tending to her unseen duties. Yet, when approached, she vanishes into thin air, leaving behind a palpable sense of the supernatural.
Chilling Elevator Encounters: The Haunting of the 7th Floor
Additionally, elevators within the hotel have exhibited peculiar behavior. Guests have reported elevators inexplicably stopping on the 7th floor, a floor unoccupied and inaccessible to guests. A cold chill and a sense of unease often accompany these elevator anomalies, leaving guests with goosebumps and a sense that something otherworldly is afoot.
Room 810: Where Shadows Watch and Whispers Haunt
If you dare to stay in Room 810, prepare for an encounter with the unknown. Guests have described waking up in the middle of the night with an unsettling feeling of being watched. Others have heard faint whispers in the room when they were alone, adding to the room’s eerie reputation.
The Haunting Footsteps of the 9th Floor
The mysterious phenomena extend to unexplained noises, like footsteps echoing in the night. On the 9th floor, a guest reported hearing distinct footsteps in the hallway, prompting an eerie investigation that revealed no one in sight.
Unearthly Encounters
A particularly chilling experience took place in the lobby, where a lone guest felt a sudden, cold touch on their shoulder while seated in an armchair. The touch was undeniable, yet no one was around, leading the guest to question whether a spectral presence had made itself known.
Shadow Figures in the Night
For some, shadowy figures are a haunting reality. In one reported incident, a guest encountered a dark, indistinct silhouette in their guest room. As they watched, the figure slowly dissipated, leaving them shaken and bewildered.
Apparitions in the Lobby
The hotel’s lobby has seen its share of otherworldly apparitions. Guests and staff have reported witnessing shadowy figures or misty forms. These apparitions often appear and disappear mysteriously, leaving a lasting impression on those who cross their path.
Chills Down Your Spine
Imagine entering a room and feeling an inexplicable drop in temperature. Many guests have reported such encounters in various areas of the hotel. Even on warm days or in rooms with controlled temperature settings, a sudden and bone-chilling chill can envelop the room, sending shivers down your spine.
Haunted Hallways on Multiple Floors
While the 7th floor, 9th floor and Room 810 may steal the spotlight, paranormal activity has been documented on various other floors. Guests have recounted hearing footsteps, voices, or whispers in hallways when no one else is present. Some have described an eerie and oppressive atmosphere that lingers in certain corridors, as though the past refuses to rest.
Eerie Reflections in Mirrors
For some guests, the mirror can be a gateway to the supernatural. Unusual reflections or apparitions have been reported within guest rooms. These fleeting visions often appear as shadowy figures or distorted faces, sending chills down the spines of those who witness them.
Electrical Malfunctions and Other Unexplained Phenomena
Electronic devices have been known to act of their own accord within the hotel. Guests have reported TVs and lights turning on or off by themselves in their rooms. Some guests have even experienced unexpected malfunctions of their electronic devices while staying at the hotel, leaving them with a sense of wonder and trepidation.
Haunted Meeting Rooms: Business with the Beyond
Even the hotel’s meeting and conference rooms have not been spared from paranormal reports. Attendees of events and meetings have shared stories of hearing strange noises, witnessing objects moving on their own, and encountering unexplained cold spots within these spaces. It seems that the supernatural doesn’t discriminate when it comes to business or pleasure.
Midnight Encounters: Guests Awakened by Unseen Presence
Imagine being awakened in the dead of night by an invisible presence. Several guests have reported this eerie experience, feeling as though someone or something was standing near their bed or watching them sleep. The sense of vulnerability in the dark hours amplifies the mystique of The Emily Morgan Hotel.
Photographing the Unexplained
The quest for proof often leads to photographic evidence. Guests and paranormal investigators alike have captured photographs that appear to show unexplained orbs or unusual light anomalies in various areas of the hotel. While the scientific explanation for such phenomena may vary, these visual encounters add a layer of intrigue to the hotel’s mystique.
The Truth Behind the Hauntings
While the Emily Morgan Hotel embraces its reputation for being haunted, the reality is often less dramatic than the stories might suggest. The hotel’s general manager, Kole Siefken, who spends countless hours in the building, including in his office located in the former morgue, offers a more grounded perspective:
“In the hotel business we put in a lot of hours. My office is in the former Morgue, and I can honestly say that in all my time with this hotel I have never been scared or seen shadows or heard voices. Maybe they leave the GM alone, but I do not have any stories to tell other than the stories I have read online and have heard from a few of our guests.”
Part of the fun of staying at a supposedly haunted hotel is the thrill of the unknown. However, it’s important to separate fact from fiction. Here are a few common myths about the Emily Morgan Hotel that have been debunked:
Myth #1: The Lobby Fireplace Flame
The lobby fireplace flame is not the original flame from the building’s crematorium. This is simply not true.
Myth #2: Elevator to the Morgue
The elevators do not randomly bring guests to the former morgue. While elevator malfunctions have occurred in the past, they were due to technical issues that have since been resolved.
Myth #3: Avoiding the Morgue
The employee areas in the former morgue are not avoided by staff. In fact, the employee cafeteria is located there, and it’s a popular spot among the hotel workers.
Myth #4: Ghostly Elevators
One of the most common reports involves the hotel’s elevators. Many guests have experienced the elevators stopping on random floors, even when no one has pressed the button. While this might seem spooky at first glance, there’s often a more mundane explanation. As the hotel’s general manager explains, “Some guests will go and call for the elevator and then forget their wallet in their room and then not make it back in time.” It’s a reminder that not every strange occurrence has a supernatural origin.
Myth #5: Recycled Medical Operating Carts
Another popular myth surrounds the hotel’s swimming pool. For years, rumors circulated that the pool was constructed using stainless steel medical operating carts or tables from the building’s hospital days. However, this tale has been definitively debunked by hotel management. It’s a prime example of how easily myths can take root and spread, especially in a place with such a colorful history.
Unique Features with Historical Significance
While some myths have been dispelled, the Emily Morgan Hotel does boast some genuinely intriguing historical features. For instance, some of the sliding glass doors in the guest bathrooms are actually repurposed doors from the original operating rooms. It’s touches like these that help maintain a connection to the building’s past while providing modern comfort to guests.
Another fascinating detail involves the hotel’s room numbering system. The Duke Suite’s room numbers stop at 1407 by design. Why? Because the next room number would add up to 13, a number often associated with bad luck in Western superstition. It’s a subtle nod to the supernatural that adds to the hotel’s mystique without relying on ghost stories.
The Emily Morgan Experience
Despite its reputation for being haunted, the Emily Morgan Hotel offers a warm and welcoming experience to all its guests. The hotel even hosts a weekly event called “A Tale of Emily” every Tuesday night in the lobby. Guests can enjoy Yellow Rose Martinis and appetizers while listening to stories about the hotel’s history and hearing about experiences shared by previous visitors.
For those who might be a bit apprehensive about staying in a reportedly haunted hotel, one long-term guest offered this advice: upon entering a room, announce yourself and express that you mean no harm. According to this guest, following this practice ensures a peaceful stay.
It’s also worth noting that many of the “supernatural” occurrences reported by guests often have perfectly rational explanations. For example, the air bubble tubs in the suites sometimes activate on their own an hour or two after use. This self-cleaning feature, which blows water out of the lines, has startled more than a few guests who mistook it for ghostly activity.
Embrace the Haunting Experience
The Emily Morgan Hotel stands as a testament to history’s enduring presence. From its origins as a medical facility to its role during the Battle of the Alamo, the hotel has witnessed and absorbed the stories of the past. Its proximity to the Alamo and the eerie occurrences within its walls have solidified its status as the most haunted hotel in America.
If you’re ready to embrace the haunting experience, we invite you to book your stay at The Emily Morgan Hotel. Whether you seek a glimpse of the supernatural or simply wish to bask in the rich history and unique ambiance of our historic hotel, your journey begins here.
For reservations and inquiries, call us at (800) 824-6674, and our friendly staff will be delighted to assist you, or book your stay online. Dare to venture into the unknown, where the spirits of the past await your arrival at The Emily Morgan Hotel in San Antonio, Texas.
Don’t miss your chance to be a part of this chillingly unforgettable experience. We look forward to welcoming you.
Paranormal Disclaimer
Paranormal experiences are subjective, and the stories recounted here are based on reported incidents. The Emily Morgan Hotel embraces its history and the fascination with the supernatural that surrounds it. We encourage you to visit with an open mind and a sense of curiosity, allowing yourself to become part of our hotel’s enduring narrative.
