Address: 900 Madison Street, Seattle, WA 98104
Phone: (206) 622-6400
Website: hotelsorrento.com
The Hotel Sorrento is one of Seattle’s most enduring landmarks, blending old-world charm with a reputation for the supernatural. Built in 1909, the hotel has welcomed travelers for more than a century, while quietly earning a reputation as one of the most haunted hotels in Washington.
History of the Hotel Sorrento
The Sorrento opened during Seattle’s early 20th-century growth, designed by architect Harlan Thomas. Its Italian Renaissance–style exterior and elegant interiors quickly made it a symbol of sophistication. Over the decades, it has hosted countless guests, artists, and socialites, remaining a fixture in the city’s cultural life.
The hotel is also well known for its connection to the late Alice B. Toklas, the famed writer and partner of Gertrude Stein. Toklas was born in San Francisco but is said to have had ties to the Sorrento in Seattle, where her spirit is now believed to linger.
The Ghost of Alice B. Toklas
Guests and staff alike report strange activity surrounding Room 408, which many believe is haunted by Toklas herself. Visitors describe:
- A mysterious woman in 1920s-style clothing appearing in hallways.
- Lights flickering or turning on and off without explanation.
- A feeling of being watched near the fourth floor, particularly close to Room 408.
Her ghost has become so closely tied to the hotel that paranormal investigators frequently book stays there to test the legends.
Other Paranormal Reports
While Toklas is the most famous spirit at the Sorrento, she may not be the only one. Over the years, guests have mentioned phantom footsteps, disembodied voices, and unusual cold spots in rooms and corridors. Staff members sometimes share stories of elevators that seem to move on their own and the faint sound of piano music when no one is playing.
Visiting the Hotel Today
The Hotel Sorrento is still fully operational as a boutique hotel and is a popular destination for travelers seeking both luxury and a brush with the paranormal. Its Fireside Room is often praised for its cozy atmosphere, and guests frequently ask for Room 408 to see if they can experience any activity firsthand.
For those who want a balance of historic Seattle charm and a chance at a ghostly encounter, the Sorrento remains one of the city’s most intriguing stays.
Exploring haunted locations can be dangerous. Never trespass on private property without permission, and always use caution when investigating the paranormal.
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