Brookdale Lodge – Haunted Hotel in Brookdale, California

Tucked away in the Santa Cruz Mountains, the Brookdale Lodge is a historic hotel with a chilling reputation. Once a glamorous retreat for Hollywood celebrities and politicians, the lodge has a dark past shrouded in mystery, tragedy, and ghostly encounters. With its eerie ambiance and countless reports of paranormal activity, it is considered one of the most haunted locations in California.

Historical Background

• Year Built: 1870s
• Original Purpose: Originally built as a logging resort, later transformed into a high-end hotel in the 1920s.
• Significant Events:
  • During its heyday in the 1940s and 50s, the Brookdale Lodge was a hotspot for the rich and famous.
  • Rumors suggest that the lodge was a front for illegal gambling, bootlegging, and organized crime.
  • A tragic drowning occurred when a young girl named Sarah reportedly fell into the lodge’s famous Brook Room creek, which ran through the dining area.
  • Unexplained deaths and possible mob-related violence are whispered about in local lore, adding to the hotel’s sinister legacy.

Paranormal Activity Summary

Guests and staff alike have reported an array of supernatural occurrences within the Brookdale Lodge:

• Disembodied Voices & Laughter: Whispers and giggles, often attributed to the spirit of Sarah, echo through the hallways and dining areas.
• Cold Spots & Shadow Figures: Many visitors feel sudden temperature drops and have seen shadowy figures darting through the halls.
• Objects Moving on Their Own: Reports of glasses tipping over, chairs shifting, and doors slamming shut without cause.
• Apparitions: Ghostly figures in old-fashioned attire, including a woman in blue, are frequently seen roaming the property.

Ghost Stories & Reports

• Sarah, the Little Girl Ghost:
  • The most famous ghost of Brookdale Lodge is Sarah, the young girl who tragically drowned in the Brook Room.
  • Guests report seeing a small girl playing near the creek or skipping down the hallways before vanishing.
  • Some claim to hear her laughter, while others say she tugs on their clothing.
• The Woman in Blue:
  • Another well-documented ghostly presence is that of a mysterious woman in a blue dress.
  • Believed to be a former guest or employee, she is often seen near the bar or in the lodge’s upstairs rooms.
  • Some believe she was a victim of mob-related violence at the lodge.
• Unseen Spectators in the Brook Room:
  • Numerous guests have reported feeling watched while dining in the Brook Room.
  • Some claim to hear clinking glasses and hushed conversations long after the restaurant has closed.

Most Haunted Spot Inside

The Brook Room is the epicenter of supernatural activity, where the creek once flowed through the dining area. Many visitors report eerie sensations and ghostly figures lingering in the shadows. The basement is another hotspot, rumored to have been used for nefarious activities and hosting an oppressive energy that unnerves even the bravest ghost hunters.

Can You Visit?

• Open to the Public? Yes
• Entry Fee: No general entry fee, but guests must book a room or dine at the lodge.
• Tour Availability: Occasional guided paranormal tours. Check with the hotel for availability.
• Photography Allowed? Yes
• Visiting Hours: Hotel is open year-round, but specific areas may have restricted access.

Best Time to Visit

• Paranormal activity is said to be strongest during autumn and winter months, especially around midnight.

Paranormal Investigations & Findings

Brookdale Lodge has been featured on numerous paranormal TV shows and has drawn the attention of ghost hunters nationwide. Investigators have captured EVP recordings of mysterious voices and detected unexplained energy spikes on EMF meters. Some paranormal teams have even claimed to have seen full-body apparitions wandering the premises.

Safety Warnings & Legal Restrictions

• Certain areas of the hotel, such as the basement, are off-limits due to structural concerns.
• Unauthorized exploration of restricted zones is prohibited and could result in removal from the property.