Just up the street from the iconic International Mother’s Day Shrine, nestled adjacent to the iconic B&O Railroad Station in Grafton, West Virginia, the abandoned Willard Hotel stands as a silent sentinel that whispers haunting tales of yesteryears. This once-grand establishment, now abandoned and left to the ravages of time, carries a timeless charm that draws inquisitive souls to its eerie grounds. Join us as we explore the mystique surrounding the Willard Hotel, unraveling the layers of history that have made it an enigmatic landmark.

The Willard Hotel, constructed in 1911, was a symbol of opulence and grandeur in its heyday. Standing majestically along the bustling B&O Railroad tracks, it welcomed weary travelers with its elegant architecture and luxurious amenities. The hotel's lavish interiors exuded a sense of sophistication, setting the stage for glamorous events and encounters that unfolded within its walls.
Highsmith, Carol M. / Library of Congress
The hotel opened to the public in 1912. Perhaps its most famous guest was silent film star Mabel Normand and the rest of the cast and crew of "Back to the Woods" filmed at nearby Valley Falls State Park.
Google Maps
Sadly, however, the hotel never turned a profit. It closed to the public on January 1, 1926, although it continued to be used by the railroad for many years.
Google Maps

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Most recently, it housed a coffee shop in the entry level floor. However, it's been abandoned since the shop closed in 1980.
Jessica Losby / Google Maps
Since then, the Willard Hotel succumbed to the inevitable passage of time, ultimately falling into disrepair. The imagery of the deserted hallways, now crumbling and lifeless, evokes a sense of nostalgia mixed with a spine-chilling atmosphere.
Adrenne / Google Maps
While the Willard Hotel remains abandoned, its intrinsic historical and architectural significance has not gone unnoticed. Efforts are underway to preserve and restore this remarkable building, ensuring its stories will continue to be told for generations to come, but the success of these efforts is still in question (at present, priority is being given to the rennovation of the B&O Railroad Station next door over the Willard Hotel).
Mike Barber / Google Maps

The abandoned Willard Hotel in Grafton, West Virginia, with its faded grandeur and whispered secrets, stands as an evocative testament to a bygone era. This abandoned relic, forever entwined with the neighboring B&O Railroad Station, invites us to reflect upon the passage of time and the stories that dwell within its worn walls. As we detect nature’s reclamation of this once-thriving establishment, we are reminded of the transient nature of existence, and the importance of preserving the echoes of history that shape our present.

Maybe someday it will be fully restored and open to the public, like the old Mountaineer Hotel in Williamson, West Virginia is! Until then, we suggest booking a Vrbo while you explore the Grafton area.

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B&O Railroad Station (Historic), 100 E Main St, Grafton, WV 26354, USA