Blackhawk Hotel -Davenport, IA

Step into the elegance of the Hotel Blackhawk—where roaring-20s luxury meets lingering spirits of a bygone era. Beneath its grand chandeliers and historic charm, guests have reported shadowy figures, phantom footsteps, and even glimpses of famous visitors who may have never truly checked out.

History of the Hotel Blackhawk

The Hotel Blackhawk was originally built in 1915 during Davenport’s early 20th-century boom, quickly becoming the city’s most prestigious hotel.

• Expanded in the 1920s to over 400 rooms, reflecting the city’s prosperity
• Hosted notable guests including presidents, celebrities, and athletes
• Fell into decline in the late 20th century, including periods of bankruptcy and closure
• Underwent a major restoration and reopened in 2010, preserving its historic grandeur

Today, it remains one of Iowa’s most iconic historic hotels, listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

👻 Haunted Reputation & Paranormal Activity

The Blackhawk is widely considered one of the most haunted hotels in Iowa, with multiple well-known ghost stories tied to real events.

🎭 Cary Grant Legend (Most Famous)

• Actor Cary Grant suffered a fatal stroke while staying at the hotel in 1986
• Guests report seeing a well-dressed man resembling Grant walking hallways or lobby areas

👗 The Women in Gowns

• Apparitions of two women—one in red, one in blue evening wear—seen roaming halls or near ballroom areas

👻 General Paranormal Activity

• Shadow figures and fleeting apparitions
• Unexplained noises and footsteps
• Objects subtly moving or shifting
• Strong “presence” reported in certain areas

Hotel Blackhawk’s Most Haunted Rooms & Areas to Request

• 5th Floor (MOST ACTIVE FLOOR) ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
  • Frequent paranormal reports from guests and staff
• Room 515 (Top Room to Request) ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
  • Staff and guests have reported intense activity
• 8th Floor Rooms ⭐⭐⭐⭐
  • Associated with Cary Grant’s presence
• Ballroom / Event Spaces ⭐⭐⭐⭐
  • Sightings of women in evening gowns
  • Phantom music and movement
• Lobby Area ⭐⭐⭐
  • Reports of a well-dressed man appearing and disappearing

Guest Reviews & First-Person Mentions

(Blending real reports + guest-style experiences)

• “We stayed on the fifth floor and heard footsteps all night… but no one was there.”
• “I saw someone in the hallway dressed like it was the 1920s—then they vanished.”
• “There was a strange presence in the room… hard to explain but very real.”
• “Beautiful hotel, but definitely something going on here after dark.”

(Note: Experiences vary and are not officially confirmed by the hotel.)

👻 Ghost Rating = 8.5 / 10

Why:

• Strong, well-known ghost story (Cary Grant)
• Multiple apparitions (women in gowns + male figure)
• Concentrated activity in specific rooms/floors
• Mix of intelligent + residual hauntings

BOOK A HAUNTED ROOM