The Cavalier Hotel – Haunted Luxury Hotel in Virginia Beach, Virginia

The Cavalier Hotel in Virginia Beach, Virginia, is a stunning historic landmark that has long been associated with mystery, tragedy, and ghostly encounters. Since its opening in 1927, the hotel has hosted celebrities, presidents, and high-profile guests, but it has also witnessed suspicious deaths, suicides, and unexplained paranormal activity.

Many believe the spirits of former guests and staff still roam the grand halls, making the Cavalier Hotel one of Virginia’s most haunted hotels.

Historical Background

• Year Built: 1927
• Original Purpose: Luxury beachfront hotel
• Significant Events:
  • During the Prohibition era, bootleggers used the hotel for smuggling operations, leading to violent encounters.
  • A guest mysteriously fell to his death from a high window in the 1920s, an event still unexplained today.
  • In 1942, the U.S. Navy took over the hotel as a military training center during World War II.
  • Several suicides and unexplained deaths have occurred on the property, fueling ghost stories.
  • The hotel has since been restored, but reports of supernatural occurrences continue.

Paranormal Activity Summary

Many guests and staff have reported chilling paranormal encounters, including:

• Unexplained footsteps and phantom voices, often heard in the hallways at night.
• Apparitions of well-dressed men and women, believed to be former high-profile guests.
• Doors locking and unlocking by themselves in certain rooms.
• Cold spots and sudden chills, particularly in the grand ballroom and near the elevators.
• The sound of splashing and laughter near the empty pool, as if an unseen presence is still enjoying a swim.
• The lingering scent of cigar smoke, though smoking has been banned for decades.

Ghost Stories & Reports

The Drowning Ghost

One of the most famous ghost stories involves the spirit of a man who drowned in the hotel pool. Staff members and guests often hear splashing sounds and laughter, even when the pool is completely empty. Some even claim to see ripples forming in the water with no one around.

The Mysterious Musician

Several visitors have reported hearing faint piano music coming from the ballroom late at night. However, when they check, the room is empty, and the piano is untouched. Some believe it is the spirit of a former musician who played at the hotel in the 1930s.

The Tragic Businessman

In the 1920s, a wealthy businessman mysteriously fell from a high window—some say he jumped, while others suspect foul play. His apparition is sometimes seen standing by the windows, gazing out before vanishing into thin air.

The Ghostly Bellhop

Guests report a bellhop knocking on doors and offering assistance, only for him to disappear moments later. Some believe he is the ghost of a former hotel employee who never left his post.

Most Haunted Spot Inside

The fifth floor is rumored to be the most paranormally active. Many guests staying here report uneasy feelings, flickering lights, and hearing unexplained whispers.

Can You Visit?

• Open to the Public? Yes (as a functioning hotel)
• Entry Fee: None (standard room rates apply)
• Tour Availability: No official ghost tours, but staff members share stories with interested guests
• Photography Allowed? Yes
• Visiting Hours: Open year-round as a hotel

Best Time to Visit

Guests report the most supernatural activity in the fall and winter months, particularly around midnight and early morning hours. The eerie atmosphere is heightened on foggy or stormy nights.

Paranormal Investigations & Findings

The Cavalier Hotel has been investigated by multiple paranormal teams, capturing:

• EVPs of faint voices and mysterious whispers.
• Thermal imaging footage showing shadowy figures.
• Unexplained EMF spikes in rooms with tragic histories.

Safety Warnings & Legal Restrictions

• Respect the hotel’s guests and staff—paranormal investigations are not allowed without permission.
• Some guests report sudden dizziness or lightheadedness in certain areas, particularly on the fifth floor.
• Unauthorized access to restricted areas is strictly prohibited.

With its luxurious past and chilling hauntings, The Cavalier Hotel remains one of Virginia’s most infamous haunted locations. Whether you’re staying for history, relaxation, or the chance of a ghostly encounter, this grand hotel has stories to tell.