Palace Hotel -Port Townsend,WA

Rising above the historic waterfront, the Palace Hotel in Port Townsend invites guests to step back into the late 19th century — a time of sailors, merchants, and grand ambitions. With its vintage elegance, sweeping views of Port Townsend Bay, and long-standing ghost lore, this storied hotel is said to host more than just overnight guests. For travelers who love historic charm with a side of the supernatural, the Palace Hotel offers an atmospheric stay where whispers of the past may follow you down the hall after dark.

Brief History of the Palace Hotel

• The Palace Hotel was built in 1889, during Port Townsend’s boom years when the town was poised to become a major West Coast port.

• It was designed as a luxury hotel for wealthy travelers, ship captains, and business leaders arriving by sea and rail.

• Although Port Townsend’s economic boom collapsed in the early 1900s, the Palace survived — becoming one of the oldest continuously operating hotels in Washington State.

• The building retains much of its original character, including tall windows, wide hallways, and period details that contribute to both its historic appeal and eerie reputation.

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👻 Haunted Hot Spots & Reported Paranormal Activity

The Palace Hotel is widely regarded as one of Port Townsend’s most haunted buildings, with decades of guest and staff stories pointing to persistent paranormal activity.

The Lady in the Purple Dress

• The most famous spirit is a woman in a purple Victorian-era dress, frequently spotted in upper-floor hallways.

• Guests describe her as appearing suddenly, gliding quietly, and vanishing without a sound — often late at night or in the early morning hours.

Guest Rooms on the Upper Floors

• Several rooms are known for unexplained knocking, footsteps, and the sensation of someone sitting on the bed.

• Guests report lights flicking on and off, televisions activating without input, and items being moved or found in different places.

Childlike Presence

• Some visitors have heard soft laughter or the sound of a child running in the halls, despite no children being present.

• A few guests describe seeing a small shadow figure dart across doorways.

Cold Spots & Feelings of Being Watched

• Sudden temperature drops and intense feelings of being observed are commonly reported, especially near stairwells and older sections of the hotel.

The spirits at the Palace are generally described as curious rather than aggressive, making it a favorite for first-time paranormal travelers.

💬 Recent Guest Reviews & Paranormal Experiences

While mainstream reviews often highlight location and history, some guests share distinctly eerie experiences:

• One guest reported waking to the feeling of someone sitting at the edge of the bed, only to find the room empty.

• Another visitor described repeated knocking on their door late at night, with no one visible when they opened it.

• Several guests mention seeing the Lady in Purple or feeling sudden chills accompanied by an overwhelming sense of presence.

• Others say they didn’t see a ghost but felt the hotel had a “heavy, old energy” that made nighttime stays unforgettable.

The Palace Hotel blends authentic 19th-century history, waterfront views, and a well-documented haunted reputation. Whether you’re hoping to glimpse the Lady in Purple, experience unexplained activity firsthand, or simply enjoy a historic hotel with a edge, the Palace offers a stay that’s both elegant and unforgettable.

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