Ghost of the Week: The Woman in the Tower

G.H.O.U.L.A. EXCLUSIVE!

The Beverly Wilshire Hotel is easily the most iconic piece of architecture in Beverly Hills. Its exterior is even used in movies such as Pretty Woman and Beverly Hills Cop as a symbol for the city itself, much like the Eiffel Tower is to Paris or Big Ben is to London. This Historic Hotel’s reputation is built on that very perception.

But, is it haunted? If you ask the management, they will tell you it’s definitely not. However, if you can talk privately with any member of their housekeeping staff, you will get the truth. The Beverly Wilshire has two very prominent ghosts occupying different ends of the hotel.

Residing on the eighth floor of the Wilshire Tower section, you’ll find a female apparition with long flowing blond hair. She has been seen on numerous occasions gracefully gliding about with her white gown billowing behind her. Some witnesses have even spotted her peeking out from around corners or poking her head out through open doors as if curious about her surroundings.


While the hotel was built in 1928, it appears this blond ghost is a very recent addition. It is because of this, many of the employees believe she is the spirit of a woman who died a few years ago, but lived most of her life in a posh suite on the eighth floor. Since her passing, that suite has been closed to the general public, and is currently only available for private VIVIP (very important VIP) parties. Is it these disturbances to her tranquil domain that cause the spiritual disturbance on the eighth floor? Again, don’t ask the management.

The Beverly Wilshire Hotel is located at 9500 Wilshire Blvd, Beverly Hills. As for the other prominent ghost… stay tuned. It will be featured in a future “Ghost of the Week.”

Ghost of the Week: Castle Green's Woman in White

Castle Green (99 S. Raymond St., Pasadena) - Located in the heart of old Pasadena, sits one of the most foreboding hotels in Southern California. Built in the late 1890's, it served as a luxury resort destination for traveling Easterners for many decades. When its run as a hotel finally came to an end, it was abandoned and fell into ruin. Its only activity was to serve occasionally as a movie location. Today, this imposing structure is still closed to the general public, but in recent times has been sectioned off into private residences.

With its influx of new residents came an influx of new ghost stories. The current tenants have reported everything from door knobs turning by themselves to phantom foot steps. The most prominent ghost however is a woman dressed in a white Victorian gown that wanders the halls followed by the faint scent of perfume. Her identity and connection to the building is unknown.

Normally closed to the public, one of Southern California’s most historic (and haunted) grand hotels from the 19th century will open its doors for four hours. Don’t miss this rare opportunity!

Sunday, Dec. 2, 2007, 1pm-5pm
Holiday Tour of Castle Green, $20
99 S. Raymond Ave., Pasadena

The Event benefits the Friends of the Castle Green