Glen Tavern Inn – Haunted Hotel in Santa Paula, California

The Glen Tavern Inn in Santa Paula, California, is a historic hotel with a dark and mysterious past. Built in the early 20th century, it has housed celebrities, outlaws, and countless guests—but some may have never checked out. With tales of ghostly apparitions, unexplained noises, and chilling encounters, it has earned a reputation as one of the most haunted hotels in California.

Historical Background

• Year Built: 1911
• Original Purpose: Luxury hotel catering to oil industry workers and Hollywood elites
• Significant Events:
  • During Prohibition, the third floor became a speakeasy and gambling den, allegedly frequented by gangsters.
  • Rumors suggest that a murder took place in one of the upstairs rooms, with the victim’s spirit still lingering.
  • In the 1940s, the hotel declined in status and housed drifters, criminals, and those down on their luck, adding to its sinister aura.

Paranormal Activity Summary

• Common occurrences: Guests report eerie whispers, disembodied footsteps, and doors opening and closing on their own.
• Patterns: Many visitors experience sudden cold spots, flickering lights, and a feeling of being watched.
• Notable ghostly figures:
  • A ghostly woman in white, often seen on the third floor.
  • A spectral cowboy believed to be the spirit of a former outlaw.
  • A child spirit, possibly a past guest, who is said to tug on clothing and giggle in the hallways.

Ghost Stories & Reports

• The Woman in White: Numerous guests claim to have seen a translucent woman in a flowing white gown roaming the halls. Some believe she was a heartbroken woman who died tragically in the hotel.
• The Outlaw’s Presence: The third floor, once used as a gambling den, is where many guests feel an unsettling presence. Some report seeing a shadowy cowboy figure near Room 307, said to be the ghost of a gunman killed in a dispute.
• The Child Spirit: Laughter, tiny footsteps, and playful tugs on guests’ belongings have been attributed to a young spirit wandering the second floor.
• Urban Legend: Some locals whisper about a hidden room in the basement, allegedly sealed off due to violent incidents, though no records confirm its existence.

Most Haunted Spot Inside

• Room 307: Guests staying in this room have reported intense paranormal activity, including ghostly figures, unexplained noises, and even waking up to the sensation of being watched.

Can You Visit?

• Open to the Public? Yes, as a functioning hotel.
• Entry Fee: No fee for entry, but guests must book a room.
• Tour Availability: Paranormal tours are occasionally offered, especially around Halloween.
• Photography Allowed? Yes, but no flash photography in certain areas.
• Visiting Hours: Open 24/7 for hotel guests; non-guests can visit the lobby and restaurant during regular business hours.

Best Time to Visit

• Fall and winter months seem to have the highest number of reported ghost sightings, particularly in the weeks leading up to Halloween.

Paranormal Investigations & Findings

• Featured on TV Shows: The Glen Tavern Inn has been investigated by multiple paranormal teams and was featured on Ghost Adventures, where investigators captured eerie EVPs and unexplained movement.
• Evidence Collected: Reports of temperature drops, strange light anomalies, and recorded ghostly whispers contribute to the hotel’s haunted reputation.

Safety Warnings & Legal Restrictions

• While the hotel is open to visitors, disturbing other guests during paranormal investigations is not allowed.
• Some areas, such as maintenance spaces and the basement, are off-limits for safety reasons.