Baker Hotel

Built during the golden age of grand hotels, the Baker Hotel opened its doors in 1929 at a staggering cost of $1.2 million. Theodore Brasher Baker, the visionary behind this magnificent structure, defied the onset of the Great Depression to create a luxury resort that would capitalize on the city’s famous mineral waters, believed to have healing properties. The hotel quickly became a playground for the elite, attracting celebrities like Judy Garland, Clark Gable, and even the notorious Bonnie and Clyde.

The most famous supernatural resident is the “Lady in White,” believed to be the spirit of a long-time hotel manager’s mistress who, according to legend, took her own life by jumping from the top of the building in the 1940s. Her ethereal figure is frequently spotted on the seventh floor and roof, sometimes leaving behind the distinct scent of lavender perfume. Hotel employees of the past reported hearing the clicking of high heels on the marble floors when the building was empty.

Another prominent spirit is that of Baker himself, who died in his suite on the eleventh floor in 1972. Visitors have reported seeing his ghost in the Baker Suite, often accompanied by the smell of cigar smoke. The spirit appears to be still watching over his beloved hotel, with security guards reporting elevator doors opening and closing on their own, as if someone is performing nightly rounds.

The hotel’s most active paranormal hotspots include:

• The Brazos Room: Where phantom music and sounds of big band orchestras are heard
• The Kitchen: Where pots and pans reportedly move on their own, and the ghost of a former chef appears
• The Mineral Water Swimming Pool: Where splashing sounds and laughter echo when the pool is empty
• The Service Elevator: Where the spirit of a young bellboy who died in a tragic accident is said to still operate the lift
• The Seventh Floor: Known for intense paranormal activity, including mysterious knocking and voices

After closing its doors in 1972, the Baker Hotel fell into disrepair, its grandeur fading but its ghostly reputation growing. Urban explorers and paranormal investigators who ventured inside reported countless supernatural encounters, from mysterious footsteps to unexplained shadows, and even full-bodied apparitions. The hotel’s abandoned state only added to its eerie atmosphere, making it a favorite destination for ghost hunters and supernatural enthusiasts.

Hope for this architectural masterpiece arrived in 2019 when a massive renovation project began. The $65 million restoration aims to return the Baker to its former glory while preserving its historic character. The project plans to reopen the hotel with 165 rooms, a spa, and various amenities that pay homage to its luxurious past.

Visiting Information: The Baker Hotel is located at 200 E. Hubbard St, Mineral Wells, TX 76067. While the hotel is currently under renovation, there are several ways to experience its history and haunted legacy:

1. Exterior Viewing:

• The hotel’s impressive facade can be viewed from several vantage points in downtown Mineral Wells
• The best photo opportunities are available from East Hubbard Street and Oak Avenue
• Public parking is available in downtown Mineral Wells

2. Future Visits:

• The renovation project is expected to complete in 2026.
• Plans include guided historical tours and possibly ghost tours
• The hotel will feature a museum dedicated to its rich history
• Reservations for future stays can be monitored through the official Baker Hotel website

3. Local Information:

• The Mineral Wells Chamber of Commerce offers information about the hotel’s history
• Several local shops sell Baker Hotel memorabilia and historical photographs
• Walking tours of historic Mineral Wells often include the hotel’s exterior

Whether you’re a history enthusiast, architectural admirer, or paranormal investigator, the Baker Hotel represents a unique piece of Texas history. As renovation continues, the spirits that allegedly haunt its halls may soon share space with a new generation of guests, adding fresh chapters to its century-old story of luxury, decline, and supernatural mystery.