The History Behind This Downtown Hotel In Pittsburgh Is Both Eerie And Fascinating
By Beth Price-Williams|Published February 27, 2020
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Beth Price-Williams
Author
A professional writer for more than two decades, Beth has lived in nearly a dozen states – from Missouri and Virginia to Connecticut and Vermont – and Toronto, Canada. In addition to traveling extensively in the U.S. and the U.K., she has a BA in Journalism from Point Park University (PA), a MA in Holocaust & Genocide Studies from Stockton University (NJ), and a Master of Professional Writing from Chatham University (PA). A writer and editor for Only In Your State since 2016, Beth grew up in and currently lives outside of Pittsburgh and when she’s not writing or hanging out with her bunnies, budgies, and chinchilla, she and her daughter are out chasing waterfalls.
As local travel experts, we know what travelers are looking for when it comes to finding the perfect accommodations for their next trip. To compile our lists, we scour the internet to find properties with excellent ratings and reviews, desirable amenities, nearby attractions, and that something special that makes a destination worthy of traveling for.
Pittsburgh has plenty of tales to tell – many fascinating and many involving the paranormal. Most Pittsburghers have stayed at, eaten at, or simply strolled by this downtown hotel in Pittsburgh. Known for its luxurious accommodations, The Omni William Penn Hotel boasts a rich history – and a few haunted tales of its own.
Visitors who check into the Omni William Penn Hotel in downtown Pittsburgh are generally guaranteed a luxurious stay. Through the years, however, several guests checked in – and never checked out.
Their spirits, in fact, are said to still linger in the hotel, often grabbing the attention of guests. (Don’t worry – the residents ghosts are said to be perfectly friendly and nothing to worry about.)
One such spirit checked into the hotel as a distraught salesman in 1922. The salesman seemingly chose the hotel to seek refuge from the death threats he was receiving from making some pretty shady business deals.
Not long after he checked in, his body was found. He’d committed suicide by shooting himself. More than five decades later, tragedy would again strike within the hotel’s walls.
Fast-forward to the late 1970s. Two dishwashers started arguing. The argument escalated with one dishwasher grabbing a gun and pulling the trigger, killing his coworker and friend.
Today, if you happen to stay at the Omni William Penn Hotel, you may hear a ruckus coming from the hallway, especially later in the evening. Guests tell of hearing two jovial and drunk men making noise.
Unfortunately, the two partiers have disappeared by the time security has arrived.
You might also notice that the 22nd and 23rd floors are shut off to guests. The salesman is said to have killed himself on one of those top floors. Today, guests tell of hearing odd noises and of a chilling breeze coming from the floors.
Have you ever stayed at this downtown hotel in Pittsburgh? Did you experience the paranormal? Share your experience in the comments! If you’re up for a scenic drive, head to Jean Bonnet Tavern, the most haunted bar and restaurant near Pittsburgh.
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