Halloween enthusiasts, get ready for a spine-tingling journey into the supernatural at The Monterey Hotel, a historic gem nestled in the heart of downtown Monterey. Long surrounded by whispers of ghostly encounters, this charming hotel harbors eerie tales that have both captivated and spooked guests for decades. Among the spirits that roam these haunted halls, a few stand out with unforgettable stories.
Built in 1904, this historic hotel in downtown Old Monterey is known for its Victorian architecture, hand-carved furnishings and location just steps from some of the city’s best-known attractions. But ask longtime employees about the building, and you may hear another side of its history: stories of unexplained footsteps, mysterious figures and a maintenance worker who may still be keeping an eye on things decades after his death.
Is The Monterey Hotel really haunted? We’ll leave that for you to decide. Here are a few of the ghost stories that have become part of the hotel’s lore.
Meet Fred, The Monterey Hotel’s “Maintenance Ghost”
One of the most infamous is Fred, affectionately known to staff as the "Maintenance Ghost." Fred was once a real maintenance worker at the hotel in the 1950s, dedicated to keeping things running smoothly—until the day he passed away on the job. Even after death, Fred’s work isn’t done. Guests and employees alike have witnessed his lingering spirit, especially near the “Employees-Only” section of the hotel. In one unsettling incident, a bellman quit on the spot after seeing Fred's ghostly figure walking down the hallway in a mirror, only to vanish behind a closed door. Fred, with his never-ending dedication, is also known for playful antics, like meddling with TVs and clock radios in Room 217, and mysteriously making guests’ cell phones display eerie sequences of 7s and 5s.
The Mysterious Little Girl in the Hallway
Over the years, housekeepers have described encounters with what they believe may be the spirit of a young girl. Mothers in particular have reportedly felt the sensation of a small unseen hand slipping into theirs while walking through the hallway. There is no one there when they look down.
Unlike some of the hotel’s more startling tales, the story has an almost gentle quality to it, as though whoever is wandering the halls isn’t trying to frighten anyone at all.
Still, feeling an invisible hand reach for yours in a century-old hotel hallway is probably enough to make even a committed skeptic walk a little faster.
The Edwardian Gentleman Watching the Lobby
Another mysterious figure is said to make occasional appearances near the front desk.
Employees have reported seeing a gentleman always dressed in high-hatted finery, who occasionally appears in the mirror facing the front desk. Hotel lore identifies him as The Edwardian Gentleman, and many believe this ghostly figure is the hotel's original architect, who passed away in 1936 but seems to still keep a watchful eye over his creation.
The story fits remarkably well with the surroundings, against the Victorian details of The Monterey Hotel, it isn’t difficult to imagine someone from another era walking through the lobby.
Other Unexplained Stories From The Monterey Hotel
But the paranormal tales don’t stop there. Noted author Jeff Dwyer once recorded a startling disembodied "Hello" echoing from the second floor. Staff members have experienced icy touches, objects mysteriously moving around, and doors swinging open without explanation. And it’s not just the hotel; rumor has it that the Walgreens next door, once a morgue, is also haunted. Employees at Walgreens refuse to enter the back room after dark, fearing the eerie energy that remains.
Why Monterey Is Perfect for a Spooky Fall Getaway
The Monterey Hotel isn’t the only historic building in town with stories to tell.
Monterey served as California’s capital under Spanish and Mexican rule, and its historic streets preserve buildings and landmarks connected to the city’s earliest chapters. Today, visitors can explore many of these places through Monterey State Historic Park, a collection of significant historic buildings throughout Old Monterey.
Nearby, Stokes Adobe dates to 1833 and comes with a colorful history of its own. Originally built for trapper Ambrose Tomlinson, the adobe was later sold to James Stokes, a military deserter who became a fraudulent doctor in Monterey. According to the property’s history, Stokes used stolen medical supplies to treat patients and eventually became successful enough to expand the home during the 1840s.
In other words, you don’t have to look very far in Monterey to find a good story.
For a fall weekend, spend the afternoon exploring Monterey’s historic streets before walking back to The Monterey Hotel after dark. Add a foggy evening rolling in from Monterey Bay, and the hotel’s Victorian hallways take on an entirely different personality.
Things to Do Near The Monterey Hotel
One advantage of planning a haunted getaway at The Monterey Hotel is that the ghosts are optional. Monterey’s best-known attractions are waiting just outside.
Walk to Old Fisherman’s Wharf for waterfront views, restaurants and whale-watching excursions. Continue toward Cannery Row and spend a few hours exploring the shops and waterfront before visiting the world-famous Monterey Bay Aquarium.
If you’re staying on a Tuesday, you’ll find the Old Monterey Marketplace along Alvarado Street in downtown Monterey. Or take a short drive to Pacific Grove, Carmel-by-the-Sea or the scenic 17-Mile Drive to turn your spooky overnight stay into a full Central Coast weekend.
Then, when evening arrives, head back downtown.
Stay Somewhere With a Story
You don’t have to believe in ghosts to appreciate The Monterey Hotel.
Stay for the downtown location. Stay for the Victorian details. Stay because you’d rather sleep inside a piece of Monterey history than another ordinary hotel room.
But if you happen to hear an unexplained noise in the hallway? Well, now you know a few of the names associated with it.
Explore The Monterey Hotel and plan your historic Monterey getaway. And if you’re particularly curious about the hotel’s supernatural side, an October stay might be just the time to see whether any of its longtime “residents” decide to say hello.
Frequently Asked Questions About The Monterey Hotel & Haunted Monterey
Is The Monterey Hotel haunted?
The Monterey Hotel has a longstanding reputation for paranormal activity based on stories shared by guests and employees over the years. Reported encounters include mysterious figures, unexplained touches, moving objects and unusual electronic activity.
What ghosts are said to haunt The Monterey Hotel?
Three of the best-known stories involve Fred, the “Maintenance Ghost”; a mysterious little girl; and The Edwardian Gentleman who has reportedly appeared in a mirror near the front desk. Staff and guests have also reported other unexplained experiences throughout the historic property.
Who is Fred, the Maintenance Ghost?
According to hotel lore, Fred worked in maintenance at The Monterey Hotel during the 1950s and died while he worked for the hotel. Stories of his spirit have persisted among staff and guests, including sightings of a mysterious male figure and unusual electronic activity.
How old is The Monterey Hotel?
The Monterey Hotel was built in 1904, giving the historic downtown Monterey property more than 120 years of history. Its Victorian architecture and period-inspired details remain an important part of the hotel today.
Where is The Monterey Hotel?
The Monterey Hotel is located at 407 Calle Principal in downtown Monterey, California. Its central location puts guests within walking distance of Old Fisherman’s Wharf and close to Cannery Row, the Monterey Bay Aquarium and other popular Monterey attractions.
Are there other haunted places in Monterey?
Monterey is one of California’s most historic cities, and ghost stories have become associated with several older buildings and landmarks around the area. Stokes Adobe is among the historic downtown locations frequently connected with local paranormal lore. Visitors interested in the city’s documented history can also explore Monterey State Historic Park and its collection of historic buildings.
Can I stay in Room 217 at The Monterey Hotel?
Room 217 appears in one of the hotel’s best-known ghost stories, with reports of unusual activity involving electronics. Specific room availability varies, so guests interested in a particular room should contact The Monterey Hotel directly before their stay.
Is The Monterey Hotel close to Cannery Row and the Monterey Bay Aquarium?
Yes. The Monterey Hotel is located in downtown Monterey, with Old Fisherman’s Wharf within walking distance and Cannery Row and the Monterey Bay Aquarium nearby. Its location makes it easy to combine a historic hotel stay with Monterey’s major waterfront attractions.
When is the best time to plan a haunted Monterey getaway?
The ghost stories can be enjoyed any time of year, but September and October are especially fun for travelers looking for a spooky fall getaway. Cooler evenings, Monterey’s historic surroundings and the approach of Halloween add to the atmosphere. Because the story isn’t limited to Halloween, however, history and paranormal enthusiasts can plan a stay throughout the year.