Astray Fish

A haunted marvel in the heart of the White Mountains, NH.

The legendary Mt. Washington hotel in Bretton Woods is truly a must see. It is nestled at the base of the tallest and coldest mountain in the northeast, Mount Washington. This grand hotel has been hosting the world elite since 1903.

Mt Washington Hotel – Omni, Bretton Woods New Hampshire

You are instantly greeted by a feeling of times gone by. The ceilings are high, chandeliers sparkle throughout, hallways and rooms are baked in art nouveau details. Although not the direct inspiration for Stephen King’s The Shining, it certainly feels it. It is reportedly haunted as well (see below)!

They have various rooms and suites available. I was pleased to find the option for adjoining rooms. There are a few dining options on site with kids’ meals. They have a pool, small arcade, gym, and even an ice cream shop. There is an authentic SPEAKEASY in the basement!! Additionally there are trails on the property and frequent events like firepit marshmallow roasts. There are numerous hiking options in the area. They also offer horseback riding and seasonal sleigh rides. The Mount Washington Cog Railway is just down the road.

This hotel was the site of the 1944 convention that brought together countries from all over the world to create the International Monetary Fund. The room in which it was signed has been preserved and you are allowed to tour it.

Admittedly, I stayed here for a work conference. It offered an excellent rate. The conference was held at a time just after the Autumn rush, Halloween! I was lucky to be placed in an enormous suite, room 214. I did not realize the room’s significance….

Princess Haunting

Carolyn Foster Stickney and her husband Joseph Stickney were the original builders. After he died (soon after the hotel was finished), Carolyn spent her summers there entertaining guests. She later married a prince and moved away for a bit. When he passed away, she returned to the Mount Washington Hotel. Many say she is still there!

They call her the Princess. She has her own dining table in the restaurant. Her actual room was suite 314. It has been kept similar to how she left it. There are many reports of strange happenings in that room and elsewhere throughout the resort.

My room was 214. It was the room immediately below, a mirror image of her suite. It was grand! It was the suite where a supposed ghost was pictured in the window during a staff celebration!

Picture below, my room in blue. (Original picture courtesy of https://thehauntedplaces.com/mount-washington-hotel-ghost-picture/ )

The TV show Ghost Hunters even visited there! : Ghost Hunters at Mount Washington Hotel – Daily Motion

Did I have some weird experiences? Absolutely YES.

Footsteps in the middle of the night in the room above (314) when no one was checked in.

A door left closed and found open x 2.

Bathroom door left open and turned around to find it closed!

A closet door that closed on it’s own when I turned my back.

But I did not feel any malevolence or fear. In fact, I felt the urge to stay!! Did I absentmindedly leave those doors open or closed repeatedly? Possibly. Or did the drafty windows and old hinges and doors cause those occurrences? Possibly. No one will ever REALLY know….

I do know that I had an excellent stay in a historic art nouveau era resort. It was warm and comfortable. Staff was friendly. The resort is perched in a picturesque remote mountaintop landscape. And although I checked in alone, I may not have been as alone as I thought I was!!

Tips:

Highly recommend visiting when in New Hampshire, anytime of year. Would love to see this place during Christmas.

This would be a wonderful place for an anniversary getaway weekend.

If room cost is a bit too much, consider getting reservations for dining there. You can tour the lobby, balcony, and shops in the basement.

There are other moderately priced hotel options in North Conway, about 30 minutes away.

Consider combining dining or staying at the resort with the Mt Washington Cog Railway trip. Will feature the Cog on a future blog. It is truly a breathtaking experience! Mount Washington Cog Raliway

If you DO stay there but are afraid of the dark, consider these super travel friendly nightlights. They are also useful if you’re worried about ghosts. They help prevent bumping your knee in the night trying to use the bathroom. They are small and easy to stuff into suitcases. They come in a 6 pack. Our family brings them everywhere! Travel Night lights, square – 6 pack. (#ad)

Mount Washington Omni Hotel – Google Maps

DId you have any unusual experiences at the Mount Washington Omni Hotel?! Would love to hear about them. Email me at:

Kit@astrayfish.com

Unless otherwise stated, all photos throughout this blog are my own and cannot be printed or distributed without my permission.