Perched atop a hill overlooking historic Cripple Creek, The Hotel St. Nicholas is more than a charming Victorian-era inn — it’s a living testament to the town’s Gold Rush past and deep, layered history. Originally built to serve as a hospital for miners and their families, this atmospheric hotel is now known far beyond its elegant accommodations: reputable ghost lore and reports of unexplained phenomena make it a must-stay destination for lovers of haunted hotels and paranormal intrigue. With mischievous spirits, flickering lights, and voices from the past, the St. Nicholas blends eerie history with warm hospitality.
Brief Hotel History
The building that is now The Hotel St. Nicholas was originally constructed in 1898 by the Catholic Sisters of Mercy to serve as Cripple Creek’s first dedicated hospital at the height of the gold mining boom.
For nearly three decades, it provided medical care to miners, their families, and town residents. The Sisters of Mercy operated the facility until 1924, after which it passed through several medical and boarding uses, including a nursing home in the late 1960s–1970s.
The building was vacant for years until new owners undertook a meticulous restoration in the mid-1990s, reopening it as The Hotel St. Nicholas with original architectural elements and historic memorabilia displayed throughout.
Today it stands as a historic landmark and boutique hotel with unique character and a reputation for both historic charm and paranormal encounters.
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👻 Haunted Hot Spots & Paranormal Activity
Because of its past as a hospital — a place of healing and suffering — the Hotel St. Nicholas has developed a strong reputation for paranormal activity, often featured on haunted-hotel lists in Colorado.
Petey — The Playful Child Spirit
One of the most frequently reported entities is “Petey,” believed to be the ghost of a young boy once cared for by the Sisters of Mercy.
Guests and staff report objects being moved, cigarettes hidden, or playful mischief in the Boiler Room Tavern and common areas — attributed to Petey’s spirit.
The Miner Ghost
Another commonly reported presence is the spirit of a gold miner, often seen or heard walking on the back stairway or sitting quietly in the hotel office area.
“Stinky” — The Unpleasant Odor Entity
Locals refer to a ghost nicknamed “Stinky” (because of an unexplained foul smell resembling raw sewage) reported near hallways or back stairs — sometimes accompanied by partial apparitions.
Sounds, Lights & Whispers
Guests and paranormal visitors also describe flickering lights, disembodied whispers, and unexplained footsteps outside guest rooms, especially on the second and third floors.
Despite these eerie reports, the spirits at the St. Nicholas are often described as friendly or mischievous rather than malevolent, adding to the hotel’s haunted allure.
👻 Top Haunted Rooms & Areas at Hotel St. Nicholas
1. Room 202 — “Petey’s Playroom”
Why it’s haunted:
This room is widely associated with Petey, the playful child spirit consistently reported around the hotel’s public spaces and lower floors. Petey is said to interact with objects and play little tricks on guests.
Reported activity:
Objects shifting slightly overnight
Unexplained sounds like soft knocks or footsteps
Light sensations of energy or presence
👉 Best choice for guests seeking direct interaction with the child spirit often tied to this property’s lore.
2. Room 301 — Miner’s Echo
Why it’s haunted:
This room sits near the upper hallway where stories of a miner spirit originate — a ghost said to wander the halls, perhaps tied to the building’s early Cripple Creek mining and hospital history.
Reported activity:
Sudden cold spots in otherwise warm weather
Footsteps in the hallway when no one else is present
The feeling of being watched from the corner of the room
👉 Ideal for visitors drawn to more eerie — and classic — ghost sensations.
3. Second-Floor Hallways (Outside Guest Rooms)
Why it’s haunted:
Hallways in older parts of the building — especially near the former hospital wings — tend to be the most frequently cited places for unexplained activity.
Reported activity:
Strange noises (whispers, creaks) in quiet hours
Temperature fluctuations late at night
Sensing movement in peripheral vision
👉 Great for spontaneous “ghost walks” between rooms after dark.
4. Stairwell & Landing Between 2nd–3rd Floors
Why it’s haunted:
Staircases are a common paranormal hotspot in historic properties, and reports at the Hotel St. Nicholas include unexplained footsteps, lights flickering without source, and an unusual heavy feeling on the landing.
Reported activity:
Footsteps that don’t match other guest movement
Sudden chills near the stairwell
Ambient sensations of presence when alone
👉 Best to visit late at night when other guests are asleep.
5. Boiler Room Tavern Area (Ground Level)
Why it’s haunted:
Part of the hotel’s social and activity hub, this area is associated with Petey’s mischief and general energy anomalies — whispers, knocks, and objects moving in ways guests can’t explain.
Reported activity:
Unexpected noises during slow hours
Objects slightly out of place (as some guests describe)
A playful or eerie ambiance after dark
👉 Excellent for guests who enjoy casual paranormal ambience with their meal or drink.
💬 Recent Guest Reviews
While mainstream travel sites focus on the hotel’s historic charm and comfort, many haunted-hotel enthusiasts share their experiences:
Guests on forums and haunted-travel boards mention hearing whispers outside doors or sensing unusual activity near the back stairway and hallways late at night. –Writing to be Read
Several visitors note strange, unexplainable smells — especially near staircases — consistent with local tales about the “Stinky” ghost. –K99 – Northern Colorado’s New Country
Paranormal groups and ghost hunters have visited the property, citing unusual recordings and sensations during overnight investigations. –hauntedcolorado.net
Bold travelers on Reddit and community posts discuss staying overnight without direct encounters but enjoying the intense historic ambiance, with “ghost lore adding to the experience.” –Reddit
Whether witnessed firsthand or enjoyed as spooky lore, these reports contribute to the Hotel St. Nicholas’s reputation as one of Cripple Creek’s most compelling haunted hotels.
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