Highlights from the August 13th “Spirits with Spirits”

The energy at the H.M.S Bounty was particularly strange the night we descended upon it.

When GHOULA asked the bartender if there were any ghost stories associated with the bar, itself, the bartender just kept mumbling about the “other” ghost in The Gaylord and kept making cryptic remarks about a “figure” in the restaurant’s back room. When asked to explain further, the bartender stopped talking all together and ignored us completely.

Then later, while we were looking at the display of Gaylord memorabilia in the lobby, we were told by the night watchman that no one was allowed to look at that, and we had to leave the lobby immediately,… which we did.

Some members of GHOULA took a side trip to look at the original Brown Derby “hat” building, which still exists down the street from The Gaylord. It is now a very active Korean Dance Club.

As they walked back to their cars, past the front of the Gaylord Hotel, the same night watchman shooed them away from the sidewalk in front of the lobby, and then called the police, who arrived as the last members of our party were getting into their cars.

Although no ghosts were seen that night, there are definitely unfriendly spirits there.

(to read about the SPIRITS of this location...)

July SPIRITS WITH SPIRITS Summary: El Compadre

Although, El Compadre was bustling with human activity, the ghosts were not as active on the night we went. Unfortunately, the only spirits seen were the kind that comes in a glass with ice and flames on top. However, the historic restaurant’s atmosphere did not disappoint. The dimly lit rooms and colored lighting provided the perfect background for those attending to share ghost stories and other tales of personal encounters and adventures exploring the hidden haunted places in Los Angeles.

Haunted mirror report: This mirror is definitely strange. It is perhaps the ugliest and most garish mirror in all of Hollywood, and is worth a visit just on that level. Despite the psycadelic nature of the frame however, the mirror itself did not yield anything visually unusual on this night.

In conclusion, the rumors of ghosts are either overstated, or out-dated, or just untrue.

But then again, maybe we just picked the wrong night. Perhaps next month we will have better luck.

Stay tuned for information regarding August’s “Spirits with Spirits.” Remember, all attendees receive a complimentary limited edition GHOULA button!

(to read about the SPIRITS of this location...)

Spirits With Spirits: July 13th at El Compadre Restaurant

GHOULA meets for cocktails in haunted places on the 13th of each month. Spirits with Spirits is a casual gathering of regional ghost hunters. Open to all, from the curious skeptic to the passionate phantom pursuer. Make friends, find ghosts! Come see the “hot spots” with “cold spots.”

Since we were denied the “haunted mirror” at the Roosevelt, we have decided to go to another “haunted mirror” only a few blocks away. Come celebrates El Compadre’s thirty-third year in business. (Note: 33 is a very sacred number to the Masonic Lodge.)

THE DATE: July 13th, 2008 (Saturday)
THE PLACE: El Compadre, 7406 Sunset blvd. map
THE TIME: 9pm to the Witching Hour

THE GHOSTS:

El Compadre, also known as the “Home of the Flaming Margarita,” serves fine traditional Mexican faire to local families as well as Hollywood ’s elite. However, the flames atop their signature cocktail are not the only things that flicker in this restaurant. Patrons, and employees alike, claim to see “shadow people” crouching and hiding near the piano. These apparitions are commonly attributed to an incident that occurred in the 1950’s when another restaurant occupied this spot. It is said that during a robbery gone bad, two innocent bystanders were shot while dodging the cross-fire of bullets. Perhaps this explains the ghosts' reluctance to be seen.

Of all the celebrities that frequent this humble tavern, there is one star that out shines them all, El Compadre’s famous haunted mirror, which hangs behind the bar. It is said that if you stare into it, don’t be surprised if someone else stares back at you. Ghoula recently spoke with the restaurant’s manager, who confirmed the mirror’s infamy. He said people always ask their servers about that mirror.

Unfortunately, none of the employees have any answers as to why the phenomenon occurs, or even exactly when it started. The one thing they do know is that this story has spread around the world. According to the staff, international ghost-hunting groups from all over make El Compadre a destination when visiting California ... And this thirteenth, Ghoula will too.

(to see last month's SPIRITS with SPIRITS location...)

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.”