THE STORY
Reported Haunting
Opened in 1937, the El Rancho Hotel is one of New Mexico's best-known haunted hotels. Guests have reported apparitions, phantom footsteps, and mysterious activity believed to involve former Hollywood visitors and staff.
The 1937 El Rancho Hotel was built by R.E. “Griff” Griffith, brother of movie magnate D.W. Griffith. Well-known past guests here include Ronald Reagan, Spencer Tracy, Katherine Hepburn and Kirk Douglas; it was a headquarters for the filming of many 1940s-1960s films. Witnesses who say the building is haunted have reported unexplained footsteps and laughter in the upper lobby, doors that open and close by themselves in the bridal suite, and objects that move around on their own throughout the hotel.