The haunted Sir Francis Drake Hotel in San Francisco is home to more than one ghost story.
The TripAdvisor reviews of the hotel frequently mention strange sounds, cold spots and other signs of paranormal activity.
But is there merit to these claims? If you would like to know more about the haunted history of the Sir Francis Drake Hotel, keep reading!
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Where is the Sir Francis Drake Hotel?
Built in 1928 by Midwestern hotel developers Leon W. Huckins and John A. Newcomb, the Sir Francis Drake Hotel is one of San Francisco’s finest establishments.
Located in Union Square, next to the Saks Fifth Avenue flagship store, the gorgeous, ornate hotel should be booked out at least six months in advance.
However, guests often opt for more expensive, less central options because of the hotel’s haunted reputation.
Where to find it: 450 Powell St, San Francisco, CA 94102, USA
Is the Sir Francis Drake Hotel Haunted?
“Suicides, murder and ghostly figures add to the mystique of this Bay Area legend,” reads one TripAdvisor review.
“I was so scared, I didn’t sleep for the three nights I was there,” says another.
The visitors of the Sir Francis Drake Hotel have certainly encountered their fair share of paranormal activity, including cold spots, flickering lights, and strange noises.
One woman was reportedly yanked down to the floor of her shower by an invisible hand grabbing her hair. Another asked for a room change because her children kept seeing ghosts wandering around their room.
But what are the causes of these hauntings?
1. The owner’s suicide
Rumor has it, one of the previous owners of the Sir Francis Drake hotel still haunts the establishment.
He reportedly committed suicide in the Starlight Room on the 21st floor and now refuses to leave it.
That is why one of the elevators will not stop on the 21st floor of the hotel. People have tried to fix the elevator multiple times over the years, but it stubbornly skips the Starlight Room floor every single time.
2. The failed reconciliation
Back in the 1930s, a gentleman showed up to a meeting with his estranged wife, only to find out that she had brought a divorce lawyer with her.
In a fit of passion, the man shot himself and his wife. It certainly seems like their angry spirits never left the premises.
If you look closely, you can still see the bullet holes in the ceiling of the hotel lobby.
3. Room 823
There is also the unsolved mystery of room 823.
A Google search won’t tell you anything about it, but the employees of the hotel state that it is the most haunted room in the entire hotel.
Multiple maids have reported seeing a tall, menacing man appearing out of nowhere, and several have refused to even enter the room after that.
If you are seeking out paranormal experiences, Room 823 is definitely the room to ask for!
The Haunt Experience
Is the Sir Francis Drake Hotel in San Francisco (SF) really haunted?
We will let you decide for yourself.
However, if visiting mysterious and ghostly places sounds like your idea of a fun night out, you should check out our Haunted San Francisco Ghost Tour.
It will take you on an unforgettable journey through San Francisco’s most haunted locations, including the infamous Tenderloin District.
Ready to discover the dark side of SF?