Hotel Captain Cook

In the heart of downtown Anchorage, Alaska, the stately Hotel Captain Cook stands as a testament to the state's pioneering spirit, where the ghosts of the past mingle with the living, making this historic hotel one of the most intriguing paranormal destinations in the Last Frontier.

WRITTEN BY

James Sutton

Opened in 1965, the Hotel Captain Cook was named after the legendary 18th-century British explorer who first mapped the Alaskan coastline. This 20-story high-rise, with its distinctive architectural style blending modern and traditional elements, has welcomed presidents, celebrities, and countless travelers seeking to experience the rugged beauty of Alaska. But beneath its luxurious exterior lies a haunting history that has captured the imagination of both guests and staff.

One of the hotel’s most famous spectral residents is the “Lady in White,” believed to be the ghost of a young woman who met a tragic end in the 1970s. Witnesses have reported seeing her ethereal figure drifting through the hotel’s corridors, particularly on the guest floors, where she is said to linger near the elevators. Some have even claimed to feel a spectral touch on their arm or hear the faint sound of a woman’s voice whispering their name.

The hotel’s kitchens and service areas are also known for their paranormal activity. Cooks and wait staff have reported the sound of pots and pans clattering in empty kitchens, as well as the fleeting glimpse of shadowy figures darting between the stainless-steel appliances. The distinct scent of pipe tobacco is occasionally detected in these service corridors, even though smoking has long been prohibited in the building.

The hotel’s iconic revolving restaurant, perched atop the 19th floor, is perhaps the most active supernatural hotspot. Guests and staff have reported a wide range of unexplained phenomena, including:

The sound of glasses clinking and utensils moving on their own
Unexplained cold spots that materialize and dissipate
Flickering lights and sudden power fluctuations
Apparitions of well-dressed men and women in vintage attire
The sensation of being watched by unseen eyes

One particularly chilling incident involved a group of diners who reported seeing the ghostly form of a man in a military uniform pacing back and forth near the windows, only to vanish into thin air moments later.

The hotel’s grand lobby, with its soaring ceilings and dramatic artwork, is another epicenter of supernatural activity. Security guards have reported the sound of phantom footsteps crossing the ornate marble floors late at night, as well as the occasional sighting of a tall, well-dressed gentleman standing by the main entrance, only to disappear when approached.

Even the hotel’s outdoor spaces seem to harbor paranormal energy. Guests have reported seeing the ghostly silhouettes of children playing on the sprawling front lawn, as well as hearing the sound of laughter and the tinkling of a music box drifting through the crisp Alaskan air.

Paranormal investigators have conducted numerous studies at the Hotel Captain Cook, capturing compelling evidence of supernatural activity. Electronic Voice Phenomena (EVP) recordings have captured disembodied voices speaking in both English and unidentified languages, while thermal imaging has revealed unexplained cold spots and shadowy figures.

What makes the Hotel Captain Cook’s haunting so intriguing is the way it seemingly blends the building’s history with the rich cultural tapestry of Alaska itself. Many of the reported ghostly sightings and occurrences are thought to be linked to the hotel’s past, from its construction during Anchorage’s early boom years to the various notable guests and events that have taken place within its walls.

The hotel’s management has embraced its supernatural reputation, offering specialized “ghost tours” that guide guests through the property’s most haunted areas. These experiences often include first-hand accounts from staff members, as well as the opportunity to conduct paranormal investigations using specialized equipment.

Whether you’re a believer in the supernatural or simply fascinated by the stories of the past, a stay at the Hotel Captain Cook promises to be an unforgettable experience. From the grand, historic grandeur of the public spaces to the intimate, ghostly encounters that may await in your guest room, this Alaskan landmark offers a unique blend of luxury and the otherworldly, making it a must-visit destination for anyone drawn to the mysteries of the Great North.