The Hotel Monaco in Washington, D.C., was once the nation’s first General Post Office. The historic building underwent extensive rehabilitation in 2001 to convert it into a luxury hotel.
One afternoon a construction worker saw a beautiful woman standing in the courtyard entrance, which was an area that was off limits to the public. The construction worker was perplexed by her old fashioned attire. The beautiful woman was wearing Civil War era clothing from head to toe. The woman stared longingly out toward the street, appearing to be waiting for something, or someone, to arrive. The woman disappeared into thin air.
The construction worker was confused by what he saw and sought an explanation. He found out that during the Civil War era there was no home delivery of mail. It was a common sight to see women pacing the courtyard of the General Post Office, waiting for the day’s daily mail delivery. Women anxiously waited, hoping for a love letter from her beloved and dreading bad news at the same time.
Paranormal experts believe that the construction worker saw a ghost, waiting for a letter from her husband who was away at battle. Her anxious expression telling of worry for her beloved’s health and life.
The sighting has made the Hotel Monaco courtyard a popular part of the Civil War Capital bus tour.
The courtyard is not the only part of the hotel believed to be haunted. According to legend, the Hotel Monaco’s Paris Ballroom was used as a surgical room during the Civil War. The sounds of whispering, believed to be that of doctors in surgery, have been heard by guests and employees. Many have claimed to see the ghosts of doctors and nurses walking hurriedly down the hall.
History of Hotel Monaco in Washington, D.C.
The Hotel Monaco is housed in the former Tariff Building. the building was the first all marble building in the city. Robert Mills, who designed the Washington Monument, was the architect for this historic landmark, that was built in 1839.
The building underwent a dramatic rehabilitation that added eclectic touches to the stunning architectural elements. Hotel Monaco opened in 2002. The building takes up an entire city block in the downtown arts and theatre district.
Hotel Monaco is a Kimpton Luxury Boutique Hotel. The AAA Four Diamond hotel is considered to be one of the best in the best hotels in Washington D.C. Hotel amenities include high speed Internet access, evening reception, 24 hour room service and 24 hour business center. Hotel Monaco welcomes pets. Poste – Moderne Brasserie is the restaurant in the historic Tariff Building.
Hotel Monaco is located in Penn Quarter, new the Verizon Center and Washington Convention Center.
