From Al Capone to Ghostly Spirits: Inside One of Arkansas’ Most Haunted Hotels

It's the season for ghosts and goblins and everything creepy. Ready for some ghostly behavior? Did you know that the Arlington Hotel in Hot Springs is haunted?

The Arlington Hotel is one of my favorite hotels. I love staying there, but I had no idea it was haunted.

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Famous Guests at the Arlington

The current Arlington Hotel was built in 1924 after the original hotel, located across the street on what we now call the Arlington Lawn, was destroyed by fire. Over the years, this historic hotel has welcomed its fair share of famous guests, including Franklin D. Roosevelt, Harry Truman, Marilyn Monroe, Barbra Streisand and Babe Ruth. And let’s not forget one of the most notorious mobsters in history, Al Capone!

Ghost Sightings at the Arlington Hotel

But ghosts? Yes, ghosts and strange activity have been reported. This does not surprise me. When I've stayed at the hotel, I've always found walking down a hallway to my room a bit eerie. The green slatted room doors, for some reason, make me think of The Shining.

But real ghosts in this historic Arkansas hotel? According to hauntedus.com, people have reported seeing a little girl in a pink dress in the lobby and then poof, she suddenly disappears. On the 4th floor, people have seen the ghost of a bellman. A woman in white walking the upper floors. And the elevator will sometimes stop on the 4th floor for no reason... well, except for room 443...

READ MORE: The Story Behind The Most Haunted House in Arkansas 

Two Rooms Have Reported a Lot of Paranormal Activity.

Room 443 at the Arlington in Hot Springs

Room 443 is said to have been Al Capone’s room during his stays at the hotel. Capone loved a good cigar, and to this day, guests have reported smelling a freshly lit cigar in the room. Then, the scent disappears a few minutes later.

Then There is Room 824 at the Arlington Hotel 

If you stay in room 824, be prepared for the lights to go on and off by themselves. The bathroom faucets have been reported to turn on and off. Oh, and don't be surprised if you see your luggage or small items like pens move around the room.

Sorry, but all this is enough for me to check out early. Have you ever experienced any ghostly activity at the Arlington?