Hotel El Paso del Norte

Published by Aaron Perez

1/13/2025

Image Credit: Hotel El Paso Del Norte, Kobikarp.com

    Nestled in the heart of downtown El Paso, Texas, the Hotel Paso del Norte stands as a testament to the city's rich and turbulent history. This grand edifice, with its elegant architecture and storied past, has welcomed travelers, celebrities, and even revolutionaries since its opening over a century ago. But beneath its luxurious facade lies a darker side—whispers of ghostly encounters and unexplained phenomena that have earned it a reputation as one of El Paso's most haunted spots. The Hotel Paso del Norte first opened its doors on Thanksgiving Day in 1912, designed by the renowned architectural firm Trost & Trost. Commissioned by local businessman Zach T. White, the building was crafted in a chateaux-style that set a new standard for elegance in the frontier border region. Architect Henry C. Trost, known for his work on many of El Paso's historic structures, incorporated intricate details like marble lobbies in Egyptian motifs and a stunning stained-glass dome in the bar, which remains a highlight to this day.

    In its early years, the hotel served as a hub for the elite. Its rooftop offered a prime vantage point for guests to observe the battles of the Mexican Revolution unfolding across the border, with figures like Pancho Villa reportedly enjoying drinks there while watching the chaos. Over the decades, it hosted a veritable who's who of the 20th century, including aviator Amelia Earhart, dignitaries, and countless celebrities. The hotel's location, just a mile from the U.S.-Mexico border, placed it at the crossroads of cultures—blending Native American, Mexican, and Texan influences into its identity.

    By the late 20th century, the hotel had undergone name changes, including a stint as the Camino Real, before falling into disrepair. In 2016, it was acquired and underwent a multimillion-dollar renovation, reopening in 2020 as part of Marriott's Autograph Collection. Today, its 351 rooms combine modern luxury with preserved historic elements, such as the iconic Dome Bar, making it a National Register of Historic Places landmark.

Image Credit: Frightfind.com

    While the hotel's opulence draws guests from far and wide, it's the paranormal activity that truly sets it apart. Reports of ghostly encounters date back decades, with staff and visitors alike sharing chilling stories that suggest the past refuses to stay buried.

    The most famous apparition is that of a woman in a white gown, often referred to as "The Jumper" or the jilted bride. Legend has it that during the hotel's first wedding on the now-closed 10th floor, the bride was abandoned at the altar when her groom eloped with a bridesmaid. Overcome with grief, she leaped from the balcony to her death. Her spirit is said to roam the halls in eternal agony, appearing most frequently in the basement and on the upper floors. Men who encounter her often smell a sweet perfume, while women report a foul odor and an overwhelming sense of unease.

    The 10th floor, inaccessible by elevator and shrouded in mystery, is a hotbed for activity. Guests have reported seeing ghosts wandering the hallways, basement, and specific rooms. One notable entity is a mysterious teenage girl, whose figure has been spotted multiple times. In the Pancho Villa Room, lights flicker when his name is spoken, tying back to the revolutionary's visits. Room 727 is infamous for a ghost that shakes guests awake at night, while other sightings include a little girl on the fourth floor, a floating dress in the elevator, and shadowy figures attempting to enter rooms.

    During renovations, workers reported being touched by unseen hands, leading many to avoid the sixth floor and basement altogether. These accounts have attracted paranormal investigators, including teams affiliated with Ghost Adventures, who have documented evidence of activity.

    Whether you're a history buff, a thrill-seeker, or simply in search of upscale accommodations, Hotel Paso del Norte offers an unforgettable experience. Book a stay, sip a cocktail under the stained-glass dome, and keep your senses alert—you might just catch a glimpse of the past lingering in the shadows. El Paso's borderland magic, combined with the hotel's spectral charm, makes it a must-visit for anyone intrigued by the supernatural.

Sources:

"7 Haunted Hot Spots You Can Visit Found In Downtown El Paso." Kiss FM El Paso, 12 Oct. 2021, kisselpaso.com/7-haunted-hot-spots-you-can-visit-found-in-downtown-el-paso.

"AN EL PASO GHOST STORY: 'The Jumper', Hotel Paso Del Norte ..." Facebook, 11 Feb. 2025, www.facebook.com/lostelpasoparanormal/posts/an-el-paso-ghost-story-the-jumper-hotel-paso-del-norte-el-paso-texas-hey-followe/1086319883540299.

"Camino Real Haunted Hotel in El Paso, TX - FrightFind." FrightFind, frightfind.com/camino-real.

"EL PASO'S MOST HAUNTED HOTEL? MEET SARA! THE 1905 ..." Facebook, 22 Jul. 2020, www.facebook.com/PreservationTexasWestRegion/posts/el-pasos-most-haunted-hotel-meet-sara-the-1905-great-northern-309-mills-known-to/3056477557803623.

"El Paso Ghost Tour | Haunted History With a Spicy Twist." US Ghost Adventures, usghostadventures.com/el-paso-ghost-tour.

"El Pasoan Captures Possible Paranormal Activity In Downtown Hotel." KLAQ, 12 Jul. 2019, klaq.com/el-pasoan-captures-possible-paranormal-activity-in-downtown-hotel.

"Hotel Paso del Norte." Wikipedia, Wikimedia Foundation, en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hotel_Paso_del_Norte.

"Sun City Ghost Ghost Tour - Visit El Paso." Visit El Paso, visitelpaso.com/places/sun-city-ghost-ghost-tour.

"The Oldest Hotel In El Paso Was A Famous Gangster's Last Stop." KLAQ, 17 Oct. 2023, klaq.com/oldest-hotel-el-paso-gangsters.

"What're some local spooky urban legends or folklore that any El ..." Reddit, 14 Jan. 2024, www.reddit.com/r/ElPaso/comments/196lgdr/whatre_some_local_spooky_urban_legends_or.



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