Date of Establishment

The original building of the resort began in 1864 and has been reconstructed serval times over the years. In 1884 the Pacific Union Railroad cause constructing to go on again, followed by the renovations to build a fully operational hotel in 1903. Later it became a sanitorium and had a large fire once again leading to more construction issues.

Origin

Originally built in 1864 the Hot Lake Hotel had a long history of operation and disastrous events leading to remodeling and reopenings. It was first built to be a hotel featuring the hot springs, later being reopened as a therapeutic get-away, then as a training school, retirement home, and finally an insane asylum before being abandoned.

Mythology and Lore

The myths and lore of the Hot Lake Hotel can be hard to nail down as its long history and main use blur the lines of fact from myth. It’s been rumored to be haunted by past vacationers, a nurse who was murdered, a gardener who committed suicide, and a long string of asylum residents. There is a large number of reports stating a piano formerly owned by Robert E. Lee’s wife is haunting the 3^rd floor and playing itself through-out the day. Other reports have been of ghostly screams, haunted crying sounds, whispers, rocking chairs moving on their own, spirits wandering the grounds, phantom footsteps, as well as other objects seeming to move around the rooms. The hotel was even featured on “The Scariest Places on Earth” television series in 2001 because of the main accounts of experiences. Today this haunted hotel has been remodeled into a bed and breakfast with a spa, though its owners are wary of highlighting the building’s darker past.

Date of Establishment

The building now named the Hotel Andra was first built in 1926 for another hotel. During the mid-1940s the building served as a transfer station for the Women’s Army Corps. In the 1970s the building was transformed into a small boutique hotel until it made its final change to Hotel Andra in 2004.

This establishment’s glory days were set in the Roaring 20s during the years of prohibition and the beginning of the organized crime. Through this time the was of this hotel saw and experienced a good deal, but that was only the beginning. The next hard-hitting time was one of a war-stricken country through the 1940s. During these times the true “crimes” that may have happened to cause this haunting, where not well documented or known. Despite all the attempted reputational setbacks this establishment is doing very well and provides Seattle with outstanding lodging.

Name & Location

Formally known as the Claremont Hotel, the building underwent renovations and was renamed the Hotel Andra in 2004. This building is located in the heart of Seattle, Washington, on the corner of 4^th Avenue and Virginia Street. This is known as the Belltown area of Seattle and is about 6 blocks from the Pike Place Market, Seattle Art Museum.

For many years this building has sat at the heart of Seattle, city planners, and hotel owners assure Seattle’s residents Hotel Andra is determined to stay put. This building is one of the few in Washington that has only served the function as a hotel, as well as being haunted by ghosts of the 1920s. With this historical history and haunted lore, it seems to fit perfectly into the busy swing the city Seattle has today.

Physical Description

The building stands 10-stories high and holds a total of 119 guest rooms, along with dining areas. 2004 remolded gave the building a progressive, modern decorum while showcasing a mix of Northwest and Scandinavian styles. The building is flooded with rich woods, plank floors, knotted rugs, and modern furniture. In 2004 remodel they also added sitting areas and an in-house restaurant to provide room service for the guests.

In the highly fought over Andra suite, there is a lobby style living, with floor-to-ceiling maple bookcases. A granite fireplace is wedged in between the bookcases, giving this suite an intimate feel. Suspended over the living room is a reading loft for guests to cozy up in.

Origin

Our hauntings origin can be a bit tricky to nail down who came from what time. This building has changed names and functions a few times throughout its history. While under the name of Claremont the hotel when though the late 1920s and 1930s, which was prohibition years. During this time the 9^th floor was the spot to be for high-class levels of Seattle residences. Many believe these party-goers are the ghostly figures spotted today on the 9^th floor.

In the 1960s there are reports of a hotel worker who fell to her death from the upper floors of the hotel. However, no one confirmed which floor or window she was reported to fall or jump out of.

Mythology and Lore

Which such a long history it is no wonder there are so many reports or sights within the hotel’s walls. The hotel has a long list of ghosts and or paranormal experiences from both guests and staff. One of the more common ghosts is a woman who stands at the foot of the guest’s bed, before fading away. Her clothes are described as if from the 1930s era, softy and unspoken as she watches the guests. There is also a second reported “female apparition” that appeared to a couple and just roamed around their room. Others have reported seeing a “Flapper Girl” stomping about the 9^th floor of the hotel as well.

Following our 1930s themed ghost, it seems the Jazz era is still in full swing on floor 9. Numerous guests have complained of loud 1900s style jazz music coming from an unlocated area of the 9^th floor. There are often sounds of glasses crashing, bottles dropping, and even the occasional muffled brawling sounds. The staff remains puzzled as the source of these is unfindable, past random areas of the 9^th floor. They seem to bounce from room to room parting their afterlife away in full jazz swing, can’t say I blame them.

Another common occurrence at the hotel is the moving of objects unaided and levitating. This also comes along with the ever-annoying appearing and disappearing objects that seem to move at random about the room. One report states a guest saw a paperweight rise above a glass tabletop, all on its own. It hovered there for a few seconds before crashing back down onto the table making a loud noise.

Modern Pop-Culture References

Index

KIRO 7
Haunted Houses.com
Washington Haunted Houses
Haunted Hovel
RoadTrippers
Haunted Places

Is there anything we missed about the Hotel Andra? Let us know in the comments section below!