Quote from Angela on June 19, 2021, 12:00 pm

LOCATION

The Arlington Hotel in Hot Springs, Arkansas, is a stunning Spanish Colonial architecture century old hotel renowned for its decadent luxury. Described as one of Arkansas' 'most striking landmarks' set amidst the rich backdrop of the Ouachita mountain forests. The Lobby Bar was featured on the cover of Esquire magazine on the list of 'Best Bars in America'.

HISTORY

But did you know that this location is one of the States most haunted venues? Built in 1875, let's take a look at its phenomenal historical past. 

This was one of the very first luxury hotels erected in Hot Springs. Manager Bob Martorana states that guests just love the 'colourful history of the place'. The Crystal Ballroom, lobby and Venetian Room displays much of the original fixtures including Italian tiled floors, not to mention the great and ambience.

Notable guests who have stayed here include Theodore Roosevelt, Bill Clinton, Joe DiMaggio, Andrew Carnegie and four U.S. Presidents, also known as the 'preferred' meeting place for high end gangsters such as Al Capone amongst many more.

One funny story tells of how the front desk staff stopped a gentleman from entering the restaurant as he was not wearing a formal suit and tie. When the guest turned around the receptionist was shocked to discover it was none other than Al Capone himself. Unsurprisingly, the clerk spent the rest of the night nervously 'looking over his shoulder'.

Hot Springs was where the Red Sox and Chicago Cubs often trained and Babe Ruth often stayed at this hotel.

During World War II, five hotels in Arkansas were commandeered by US Army for use as recreation and redistribution bases. The Arlington was one such hotel.

The hotel has survived much, including fires, and was actually torn down and re built three times. Spirits do not appreciate locational disturbance and archaeological change. 

HAUNTINGS

So what about ghosts? 

It has been suggested that staff here were prohibited to 'discuss the hauntings'. However, a few years ago, permission was granted and some employees chose to speak out. They revealed how they witnessed 'encounters with the dead'.

Mr Jones who worked at the venue in 2017 described how he experienced unexplained electrical disturbance/lights would dim then illuminate to an unnatural brightness, so bright one couldn't look directly at it. Maintenance workers were called in but found no wiring problems.

Guests have reported door handles violently rattling in the night, as if something is trying to enter their room. Considering these reports often happen around 3am/4am, known in the paranormal world as the 'ghost hour' when spirits are more likely to manifest, we will leave it to you to put the pieces together. Who or what do you think is trying to gain entry through these doors?

Many have been shocked to see a full body apparition of a woman in a white dress walking the hallways on the seventh floor who leaves visible footprints on the carpet. Guests have captured these footprints on camera outside Room 723.

Items fly from bathroom shelves, faucets bursting into action and creepy shadow figures. It's all here at The Arlington.

Often the aroma of cigar smoke is detected which is odd as the hotel runs a no smoking policy.

With 484 rooms available why not make a reservation and see for yourself. If you would like to stay in the very room Al Capone stayed, be sure to ask for Room 443. As always, please kindly share any paranormal experiences with us in the comment section below.

Just keep an eye out for the woman in white.