Nevada is definitely well-known for its allegedly haunted locales. From practically every building in Virginia City to a number of Las Vegas locales to the Mizpah Hotel in Tonopah to the now-empty Nevada State Penitentiary to several state cemeteries (to name but a few), it is not surprising to find considerable paranormal activity reported in and around the Silver State. Included in this list is the historic Boulder Dam Hotel in Boulder City. Built during the Hoover Dam's construction, this ridiculously haunted Nevada hotel will provide ghost hunters and paranormal enthusiasts with another location to explore.
The Boulder Dam Hotel was originally designed and constructed in 1933 to accommodate official visitors, dignitaries, and guests during the construction of the Boulder (now Hoover) Dam.
This two-story, concrete block hotel was originally built in a "U" design; however, wings were added over the years, turning the building into an "H" shape.
This Colonial Revival style of hotel was designed by Henry Smith and is currently listed on the National Register of HIstoric Places
The hotel served as Howard Hughes' home while he recuperated from his Lake Mead plane crash in 1943.
The hotel was purchased by the Boulder Dam Hotel Association in 1933. Major renovations in 2000 at a cost of over $2 million reduced the number of guest rooms to increase the amount of common area for guests to enjoy.
The hotel retains the charm and style of a 1930s-era hotel.
Rumor has it that the Boulder Dam Hotel is quite haunted.
One former employee reported hearing the sound of laughing, talking, and music emanating from the ballroom and restaurant when they were both closed. On another occasion, a strong scent of cigar smoke wafted nearby. This same employee experienced the sound of water running as he walked by one of the bathrooms and, after investigating and leaving, the door slammed shut behind him. Finally, on several occasions, he reported that while working in the basement, the elevator doors would suddenly open for no reason.
One guest reported feeling a "heaviness" as she explored the lobby; something, she said, that made her feel unwelcome on the premises.
Other reported paranormal activity include feelings of ghostly hands on one's shoulders as well as ghostly hands protruding through the floors that grab guests' and employees' ankles.
Legend has it that former night clerk Tommy Thompson is one of the hotel's many ghosts.
Rooms 209 and 219 receive the most reports of alleged paranormal activity.
Nevada is chock full of haunted places. If you haven't yet, a trip to the ridiculously haunted Boulder Dam Hotel should be atop your paranormal bucket list. The hotel is located at 1305 Arizona Street in Boulder City and can be reached at (702) 293-3510.
Have you visited and/or stayed at this iconic yet ridiculously haunted Nevada hotel? Did you have any paranormal experiences? Please share your experiences and comments below.
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