Cary House Hotel – Haunted Hotel in Placerville, California

The Cary House Hotel in Placerville, California, is one of the most notorious haunted hotels in the state. Built during the Gold Rush era, it has a long history of hosting miners, outlaws, and famous figures. While it has been a welcoming stay for many, others believe that some guests never left. Strange occurrences, eerie whispers, and ghostly apparitions have made it a hotspot for paranormal enthusiasts.

Historical Background

• Year Built: 1857
• Original Purpose: Hotel catering to Gold Rush travelers and prominent guests.
• Significant Events:
  • The hotel saw a steady influx of prospectors, businessmen, and notorious outlaws.
  • Murders, untimely deaths, and suspicious disappearances have been recorded throughout its history.
  • A former desk clerk allegedly died in a mysterious accident within the hotel.
  • The third floor, once housing long-term guests, was the site of multiple reported deaths.

Paranormal Activity Summary

• Guests frequently report disembodied voices and whispers echoing through the hallways.
• Sudden cold spots appear in rooms, even during warm seasons.
• Objects have been seen moving on their own, including furniture shifting overnight.
• The elevator operates on its own, opening and closing on different floors without any passengers inside.
• Shadowy figures and full-bodied apparitions have been spotted, particularly near the staircases and hallways.
• Some visitors claim to feel an invisible presence touching their shoulders or tugging at their clothing.

Ghost Stories & Reports

• The Ghost of Stan the Desk Clerk: The most infamous spirit is believed to be Stan, a former desk clerk who reportedly met his untimely end within the hotel. His apparition is frequently seen wandering the front desk area, and some staff members have heard him whispering late at night.
• The Woman in White: A ghostly female figure dressed in 19th-century clothing has been seen drifting through the hallways, particularly on the third floor. Some speculate she was a heartbroken widow waiting for a husband who never returned.
• Room 212’s Haunting: This room is said to have the most paranormal activity, with guests reporting flickering lights, unexplained noises, and an overwhelming sense of unease. Some have even woken up to see a shadowy figure standing at the foot of their bed.
• The Mysterious Child: Multiple visitors have reported hearing the laughter of a young child, even though no children were staying at the hotel at the time. Some have also seen tiny handprints appear on mirrors and windows.

Most Haunted Spot Inside

The third floor is widely considered the most haunted part of the hotel. Many guests report seeing apparitions, hearing footsteps when no one is around, and feeling as if they are being watched. Room 212, in particular, has had an alarming number of disturbances.

Can You Visit?

• Open to the Public? Yes, the hotel is fully operational and open for overnight stays.
• Entry Fee: No general entry fee; standard hotel room rates apply.
• Tour Availability: Occasional ghost tours are offered, and paranormal investigation groups have hosted events.
• Photography Allowed? Yes, but guests are advised to be respectful of other visitors.
• Visiting Hours: Open 24/7 as a hotel.

Best Time to Visit

• Paranormal activity is reportedly highest during the fall and winter months, especially around midnight.
• Some investigators claim that the third floor becomes more active around 3 AM, known as the ‘witching hour.’

Paranormal Investigations & Findings

The Cary House Hotel has been featured in multiple paranormal documentaries and TV shows. Ghost hunters have captured EVP (Electronic Voice Phenomena) recordings, unexplained temperature drops, and video footage of shadow figures. Some investigators even reported hearing their own names whispered back at them through spirit boxes.

Safety Warnings & Legal Restrictions

• The hotel is private property, so ghost hunters must book a stay or obtain permission before conducting investigations.
• Visitors are advised to respect the historical integrity of the site and avoid provoking spirits.

The Cary House Hotel remains one of California’s most intriguing haunted destinations, offering a chilling experience for those brave enough to check in.