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There’s just something about old hotels that seems to invite eerie occurrences and, quite often, frequent hauntings. Maybe Steven King’s The Shining has seeped into the American consciousness so that we immediately associate old hotels with suspicion and fascination. And this hotel in Point Pleasant is no different.

The Lowe Hotel opened sometime around 1904. Owned and operated by brothers Homer and Griff Smith, it was originally called the Spencer Hotel.
Facebook/The Lowe Hotel
The hotel was a popular destination for the crews of riverboats passing along on the Ohio River, so much so, that the entire third floor of the building was reserved specifically for them. In what was likely an effort to further cater to these men, gambling and prostitution were also available at the hotel.
In 1929, the brothers put the hotel up for sale and it was purchased by Homer D. Lowe, who renamed it after himself.
TripAdvisor/Glockconion
Lowe eliminated the prostitution and gambling rings and replaced them with areas reserved for church groups and other civic-minded organizations.

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But the most notable aspect of the hotel is the purported hauntings and other eerie occurrences that happen within its walls.
Facebook/The Lowe Hotel
The mezzanine, pictured above, harbors one of the hotel's most famous ghosts. Believed to be the spirit of Juliette Smith, Homer Smith's daughter, this apparition can be seen dancing barefoot in a nightgown. Rumor has it that placing a long-stemmed rose in the area will draw her out.
More hauntings occur on the upper floors.
Facebook/The Lowe Hotel
On the second floor, witnesses have claimed to see a child riding a tricycle, or have at least heard the sound of laughter and the squeaking of tricycle wheels. Who this child may be has never been determined, but it does call to mind Danny Torrance on his big wheel in The Shining.

The third floor, in keeping with the Hotel's history, is said to be haunted by riverboat captain James "Jimmy" O'Brien, who has been seen looking out over the river, apparently legless. He is purportedly tied to room 316. In Room 314 is the apparition of a bearded man who might be Matewan police chief Sid Hatfield, who was shot and killed in 1915, but there is no substantial proof that this ghost is the same man.
If you happen to wander into the ballroom on the fourth floor, it is possible you might hear the sounds of a string quartet playing in the empty room. Many witnesses have reported the same.
Facebook/The Lowe Hotel
Either way, the Lowe Hotel is definitely known for its historical significance, the remnants of which have apparently never departed.

The Lowe Hotel is located at 401 Main Street in Point Pleasant, just down the street from the famous Mothman Statue. The phone number is 304-675-2260.

Have you ever stayed at The Lowe Hotel? Feel free to tell us about your visit in the comments below.

To learn more about West Virginia, and Point Pleasant specifically, check out this paranormal festival that will spook into oblivion.

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