Created by the incomparable Harlekwin
Thursday Thirteen # 17 – Trip to the Haunted Hotel.
This Thursday Thirteen is a little story about my weekend in Glenwood Springs at the Haunted Hotel.
1. How it all started:
My friend and her husband take child-free trips every quarter. They invited us to join them in Glenwood Springs.
“But that hotel is haunted,” I said.
“Oh God,” my friend replied. “Can you just deal with it?”
“Um, I guess so. I mean they take dogs so Rose can go.”
“Then it’s settled,” she said.
2. One week prior to our trip, my phone rings and it’s the Hotel.
“We need your confirmation today for your reservation next week,” a slurring voice said.
“For next week? Really? Why?” I asked.
“We’ve had a large number of cancellations due to the excess snow. We are ending our normal 48 hour policy. You have to tell me TODAY if you are going next week.”
“Uh, Ok.” (I can be so very articulate.)
I called around to my husband and my friend. We don’t believe that the hotel had cancellations due to the snow. In fact, most hotels were overbooked. We decide that we were going. Period. We were going to go to the Haunted Hotel.
3. Confirming the reservation:
I called the hotel to confirm our reservation the day before we are to check in. The man I spoke to no longer works there. Turns out he was drinking on the job. Who knew?
“Well at least we don’t have to deal with that jerk,” my friend said.
“I think the ghosts got to him,” I said.
“Probably.” I can almost hear her eyes rolling in her head. “See you tomorrow.”
4. Saturday morning, my friend and her husband cancel.
We on our way to Haunted Hotel… alone.
5. Checking in at the Haunted Hotel.
As I walked through the hotel, I could feel the ghosts come to check to see who was there. I’ve never had this experience. These ghosts were sophisticated, awake and intelligent. They just came to say ‘Hello’.
The lobby was grand, large with a huge gas fireplace and a person playing the piano. Of course, the apparitions hang around the room – a brown haired man with a large mustache, red vest, white shirt, dark pants. He is smoking; A girl wearing a dark grey dress with a white puffy hat; a couple of kids.
As I approach the front desk, the new front desk manager (red-haired cow) is bitching at the ex-Marine clerk. As I approach, she pierces her lips and says, “I just want to make sure we have your schedule correct.”
I raised my eyebrow at the male ghost who was making fun of the red-haired cow. The ex-Marine clerk caught the look and stepped back from the red-haired cow. After pretending to listen to hearing a raft of crap from the red-haired cow about the dog, I checked in.
6. You’re in room 106.
“How was it?” D asked.
“Odd, the ghosts just came for a look see.”
We walk past room 105. The door is open and someone is frantically cleaning something. The room is filled with storage files and other junk. The wall paper is peeling from the walls and there are gaping holes in the plaster. When the person in the room hears us in the hall, she closes the door.
“Holy crap, what was that?” D asked.
“Nothing good,” I said closing our door.
7. Florence:
“That’s what they say about me now – lover’s triangle. Like it was MY fault that some patient falls for me. Why do they believe him? He’s alive. And me?” She shrugged her shoulders. “I was no easy woman.”
(While the hotel served as a hospital, a former chambermaid named Florence was murdered when she became part of a lover’s triangle. A disheartened patient hurled a heavy white pitcher at her in a jealous fit over a handsome miner from Aspen. The room – yes room 105 – has so much paranormal activity that it’s currently used for storage.)
8. Why do you stay here? Why not move on?
I asked.
“We live here,” the man with the mustache said. “Flo, me, the kids, the miner and the others. This is our home.”
“I can send you on,” I said. All right, it’s a little bit of a threat – kind of a “don’t mess with me”.
“Don’t be rude. We are happy here.”
9. A meeting of the minds.
“Do you care about the ghosts?” I asked.
“Not really. Will they bother us?” D asked.
“They say they won’t.”
“I don’t care if they are here,” he said.
10. Rose (the dog) needs to go out.
After snapping at the air, Rose wanted to go outside. It was just after 1 AM. Fumbling in the dark, I got dressed, found her leash (not wanting a run in with the red-haired cow), and we entered the night.
The hall was buzzing, almost crackling with energy. We scooted out a side door and begin the normal “dog’s-nose-to-the-ground” run around. She peed in the snow. After running from here to there with her nose to the ground, she took off toward an outdoor patio. Her tail wagged full force and she began the Vizsla wiggle. She ran up to a metal chair as if she was greeting an old friend.
Problem?
No one was sitting in the chair. I had a sense of a person but he (yes he) said nothing and didn’t materialize. Rose greeted someone then trots back to the room.
(According to the experts, the spectral activity in our area peaks around 1 AM and continues from 2 – 4 AM. )
11. A day out:
We spent all day Sunday cross country skiing. After all of our “experiences”, we planned to leave early Monday morning.
12. Ants:
“What are you doing?” I asked D.
“I’m watching the ants. They’ve been moving this piece of rice for the last two days. Look, they are almost out of the bathroom.”
I don’t really understand it, but when there’s a lot of ghosty activity, there are also a lot of black ants. Our bedroom was rife with black ants.
13. A cool ghost story:
“In 1982, the hotel was being renovated and new wallpaper was being applied to the walls of room 551. The next morning, all of the wallpaper that had been applied was rolled neatly on the floor. The wallpaper was replaced, but again found on the floor in the morning. After two or three attempts, several wallpaper samples were placed on the bed in 551. The next morning, all but one of the samples was on the floor. The sample that was left on the bed was applied to the walls and remains there today.” From Haunted Hotel
Don’t worry – we made it back in one piece with a new rule – no more Haunted Hotel – never again!!
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That’s one freaky time, Claudia. I couldn’t have stood it. What a great read.
I stayed in a hotel in Leadville, Colorado, The Delaware, it was haunted. Someone was in the room above me one night, having shall we say a very good time in the bed, which was bouncing up and down, the window would open and close. No one was even using the floor above me!
SJR
The Pink Flamingo
That’s the most entertaining TT I have read this week! I wonder what the real reason for that wallpaper thing is.
Very cool story. How’ve you been? Mine is non-political again (photos of paintings).
Haunted house scare me. LOL That was a great story!!!
Have a great week!!!
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You are so brave! The thought of staying in a haunted house scares me to pieces… my pregnancy might be the reason… I?m not a chick… “normally”
Happy TT!
T 13: All about SPAM
I could not stay in a Haunted Motel, EVER! Haha!
I can’t believe how calm you were about this whole thing!
I love that they told you to not be rude for offering to set them free!
What a great story!!!
You always have such interesting TTs. You know I love hearing your ghosts stories too. Glad you had creepy stories to come back and tell us! Mwah ah ah ah!!
I tell myself that I could stay at a Haunted Hotel, but at the first sign of trouble, I’d be soooo out of there! I’ve seen too many horror movies where the people stick around and nothing good EVER comes of it!! lol!!
Great TT!
SandyCarlson – In retrospect, I’m not sure why we did. Stubborn, I guess.
SJ Reidhead – Oh no, that’s awful. I always tell people that they should never put up with behavior from ghosts that they wouldn’t from people. So I would tell them off, but that’s just me.
Nicholas – Who knows? It’s a good story though.
Buck Naked – I’ve been writing until I have blisters on my fingers. I’m coming around again!
No Nonsense Girl – Me too.
Sanni – I think we all have chick things. I don’t like bugs. Of any kind, I just don’t like them.
Chelle Y – Yes, I won’t again either.
Miss Britt – Welcome to my weird life.
Susan Helen Gottfried – I’ve never met such awake ghosts, really. It was… weird.
Jill – Yes, creepy and a little weird. I feel bad for Flo.
Lara – that’s really good thinking, Lara!
The “Vizsla wiggle”… that’s a full body wag, isn’t it? I wonder what/who she saw!
I really enjoyed reading this, now about your friends… why did they cancel? Do you have a ghost of a clue?
Happy TT!!
Other than the ants, it sounds like a fun trip. Happy TT and thanks for stopping by.
Once in a while these experiences are good just for the story telling after the fact (if you live to tell about it) I’m glad you survived
i think a ghost just farted in my bed.
oh no wait, that was me
Harlekwin – I have no idea. It was the weirdest thing. She definitely greeted someone she knew. Even tucked her head when she reached the chair like she does when she goes between someone’s legs. Weird.
Pussreboots – The ants were a trip.
Ellen B – The weekend was definitely a change of pace.
Furious Ball – Christ, that was YOU??
Do I remember correctly that you were there before and did another post about it then?
I seem to remember that it was around Halloween last year.
Did you find out why your friends canceled?
I’ve never heard of ants hanging around ghost before but it sounds like a swell weekend. I would love to go there.
Great TT, Claudia! Kept me on the edge of my seat the entire list. Thanks for sharing.
What a fascinating account of your trip! You are MUCH braver than me!
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Scared me a little bit. Thanks for the visit.
You might not be going back, but I might have to make reservations right away!
~X
Great story!!! Sounds like the “Hotel Colorado” where you can check out but you can never leave.
I don’t get the connection between the ants and the ghosts, but the whole story is fascinating! Thanks for sharing it.
oooh great story! I’ve seen several ghosts in my lifetime – but none lately. Would love to stay in hotel with a few ghosts!
Good story ? well told! I suppose I could have shared something spooky myself since this is my 13th T-13, but I did something with Origami instead.
Hugs and blessings,
I love this kind of stuff. When I was a kid, I wanted to be a paranormal expert. When I told my dad that, he said “Why don’t you do something you can actually make money at?” Geesh. But, I’ve always been interested in ghosts and things like that.
Wonderful TT!
Wow. That is such an entertaining way to tell a story. Impressive, I need to forward this. Thanks.
You’re made of sterner stuff than me. I’d never have the courage to spend the night in a haunted anything! lol
-Renee
I have to give it to you, I’d not have stayed there at all. Hehehe!
I doubt if I would go to a haunted anything. I’m not that adventurous.
Thanks for visiting my T13 13 More Answers to the 100 Questions Meme
I would NEVER go there. I got scared just reading this. Ghosts can travel fast and maybe I might draw one here. The place does look like an old castle. I once stayed in a house (B&B) that had bats in the walls!
Geeezus Claudia…..
You couldn’t have paid me to go with ya. No thanks!
Great story though…enjoyed it! Brave, brave woman….
love love LOVE your list! you get my vote for #1 this week!
happy t13!
Heart in SF – You are remembering our haunted office space – with the demons in the basement. I’ve only walked through this hotel before and I remember that it was super haunted. The wing we stayed on is supposed to have the most activity. I don’t know about the ants either. Maybe we’ll find out together?
Kaige – Hey that’s kind of cool.
Skittles – I’ve seen your meme. I hope you are successful with it!
Cheerio – Good scared or bad scared?
Xakara – Let us know how it goes!
Di – I was happy, really delighted, to leave! So was Rose and D!
Brenda ND – I don’t either. It’s just common that where there’s a lot of ghosts there’s a lot of those black ants. I looked it up on the internet and it has something to do with the energy of ghosts and the way ants communicate. Weird though.
Lady Rose – Well…. I guess the Hotel Colorado is right up your alley!
Story teller – Oragami? I’ll be right over!
Morgan – There’s such an upsurgance of interest that experts are popping up everywhere. Mostly they focus on “documentation”. It’s an interesting world.
Rian Fiske – Ah shucks. You saying I’m a weirdo too??
Lyrical Press – How do you know? Gosh, here the parks are haunted!
Tempest Knight – Oh, I bet you would! It was so beautiful – seducingly so….
Dame Bramage – You’d have to stay home here in Colorado, and even then…. There’s a lot of ghosts and old buildings here.
Colleen – Good thinking. I don’t plan on ever returning!
Slick – I know these ghost stories creep you out – sorry. I thought of that when I was writing it. Deep breaths my friend. Deep breaths.
Jayedee – Thanks for the vote of confidence!
Stopping back to say that the thing with Trevor and the Hatchet is complicated; since the Hatchet is discovered by ShapeShifter AFTER the book (the one I’m trying desperately to bring you guys) happens, the end of the book affects all of this.
All in all, Trev’s amused by the Hatchet. He knows, though, it can’t upstage him. No one upstages the great Trevor Wolff!
Too bad your friend didn’t go. Why’d they cancel anyway?
What a great idea. I was sooo with you until the ants. ICK! And thanks for not putting the pup in too much peril. I hate that about most horror stories. (Thanks for visiting my TT)
Great story. I think it would be a blast to meet a friendly ghost.
Interesting blog.
Absolutely fascinating. At least it wasn’t like the movie 1408. *yikes*
How cool, I am proud of you for going and sharing the experience with us.
You are a braver soul than I am! We’ve stayed on the Queen Mary a few times and the rooms are okay, I just won’t go down the passageways by myself.
I love this TT! I have to tell my friend about your trip. She’s been dying to go to a haunted house and stay overnight.
FASCINATING and SCARY. You are brave. Although you will never do it again, at least you can say you tried it once!
Fascinating! I’d be really freaked out, but now I want to go!
Fabulous Thirteen! Sounds like a cool trip, thanks for sharing.
Susan Helene Gottfried – Have to love Trevor!!
Alice Audrey – Their baby had a fever of 102. Pfft. Like that’s an excuse.
That Gal Herself – Never. I would never allow them to hurt Rose. That would be war. There are some lines that just aren’t crossed for me.
Robin – I bet there are so many where you live. Maybe you just have to open yourself to them?
Renee – What did you like?
Darla – I haven’t seen 1408 – is it scary??
Penelope Ann – I just had to share – you know that!
Lynne – Now, I wouldn’t stay there. You are brave.
Sue – EW – dying to visit a haunted house. Let’s hope she doesn’t… um die.
Vixen – Weeellll, there’s always more haunted houses in the world….
Nikki – Let me know if you do. I can give you some secrets of staying safe.
Missy – What did you like?
I want to stay in a haunted hotel.Sounds fun and scary.I have always believed in ghosts.I have had several encounters. I am scarred but totally interested.
Love Shawny
I’m not sure I would have lasted the distance. I prefer my ghosts to inhabit books and movies.
I love ghost stories! Great Thursday Thirteen.
Thanks Claudia for the the great TT! How clever you are.
What is it with haunted hotels and Colorado? I’m thinking of The Shining.
I stayed at a hotel in CT; it was next to a very old graveyard. That night, I was laying on the bed, reading a book, when I became aware my friend was pacing and talking to herself. I said…what are you doing? She said…I have to go to the bathroom, but there are some ghosts standing near there and they’re NOT very friendly. I got up, walked down the hallway and flipped on the bathroom lights. She sighed with relief
Nice! I’ve always wanted to go on a Ghost Hunter type thing, but I don’t know if I could deal with a haunted hotel.
It’s enough for me dealing with the people on this plane, LOL.
I had a room booked at the Myrtle’s Plantation in Louisiana. I had to cancel but I still want to go!
Great story! Happy TT!
Mine is 13 jokes about men: http://blog.mysocalledsite.com/?p=240
I used to be really active in the Paranormal group PROOF, and I LOVED your TT! It was fun and creepy all at once. Perfect. What a great TT!
Claudia, you held me spellbound with that story! It was great! I’d never go back…:)
That was completely gripping. I have spirit visitors who I can feel but never see, but my dog can see them and watches their arrival and departure. And lets me know about them. I never feel afraid of them – and I was so interested in the hotel ghosts’ assertion that they were happy there.
Shawny Swan – There are lots of classes. Maybe you could take on in your area.
Shelly Munro – You are much wiser than I am.
Beeker – they are fun!
Scrappingal – What did you like? I always want to know WHY I’m clever!
Janet – That’s the Stanley. I won’t go there or watch the Shining. EEEK! Yea. I wouldn’t put up with that from a person, why would I put up with it from a ghost??
Angelika – With boundaries like yours? I bet you’d be great!
OneLuvGirl – Wow, Myrtle’s plantation. I don’t know anything about it. I’ll have to check it out!
Nicole – I’ve never heard of Proof – I’ll look them up. Some of those groups are so creepy – the people I mean! lol!
Mary T/the Teach – Spellbound? I’m blushing! I won’t go back, don’t worry.
Julia – I think most ghosts are happy where they are. The theory is that they either miss their chance to move on or are too frightened to. They are interesting creatures ghosts. Much different from what people say about them.
Wow, what a cool experience. I wanna go stay there!
Thrilling! I love close encounters of the ghostly kind. I am a believer.
My TT is about The Terrorist’s stanky farts.
Did you see I now have my own domain?
This was very interesting – I always wanted to stay in a haunted hotel.
What a cool story! And what a great approach to a Thursday 13.
What an interesting story!
That’s way too creepy to me! I’d heard there was a haunted hotel in Colorado, glad it’s nowhere near here.
Very cool! I like them saying, “don’t be rude.” too funny.
I am not sure if I could have handled these kind of things like you do!
as always, an entertaining yarn.
Natalie Austin – Let us know how your visit goes! I bet you could write a whole book about Florence and her men.
CajunVegan – Yes, they are fun!
Cricket’s Hearth – You probably have. You just didn’t notice.
ZenMomma – I thought it was worth a try. Of course, someone else did it better!
Melanie – I am to entertain.
Natalie – There’s a couple. The Stanley is where they filmed the Shining. It’s haunted. Then this hotel. There’s actually a lot of ghost activity here….
Claudia – Yes, a little reprimand from the ghosties!
Grace – Oh, I bet you’d do just fine
She – Hopefully, they knit a fabric of a whole.
oh to have people do all my work for me. there are some dishes that need to be washed and some clothes as well. there was a hospital turned dorm on my college campus. i never heard ghost stories out of it tho.
Oh, wow. I don’t like ants or ghosts. I would have probably gone out of my mind. My sister-in-law would have had a grand old time, though.
LOVED it. But the thing about black ants freaked me out. When we lived in an apartment where a lot of weird things happened, it totally was infested with little black ants. And after my late husband died, and strange things started happening, I began being pestered with the little nuisances. Weird.
thanks for visiting ours….
Jameil – Too bad it doesn’t quite work that way. I’m sure it’s a good thing that there weren’t ghost stories at your dorm!
Celtic Librarian – Both ghosts and ants can be annoying. Your sil too?
Damozel – Huh. Do you think it was him?
Wow, that was interesting.
ok… found the missed story.
are you for real. shiver. I am totally freaked out by ghosts.
I use to live with one at my old apartment. We used to joke about him having a crush on me. It just had that kind of feel.
I started to write the story… and it turned into a post. It got to be too long. lol… maybe I will just post about my ghostly boyfriend.