Haunted Hotel: The Del’s True Ghost Story
At Hotel del Coronado, history is part of the stay. The landmark resort in Coronado, just across the bay from San Diego, has welcomed guests since 1888. Alongside its architecture and setting, it is also known for a chapter that has quietly endured for generations. It begins with a guest who checked in more than a century ago.
A Guest Arrives
In November 1892, a young woman arrived alone and checked into the hotel under an assumed name. She kept to herself throughout her stay. Each day, she returned to the front desk asking about an expected arrival. Each day, there was no update. Staff noted that she seemed unwell. She visited the hotel pharmacy several times and declined outside care. In her room, she burned personal papers. After five days, her stay came to an end.
What Followed
The circumstances surrounding her death drew national attention at the time. Inside her room, there were few answers. The name she had used was not her own, and most identifying materials had been removed or destroyed. With no immediate identification, newspapers began referring to her as the “Beautiful Stranger.” It would take weeks before her identity was confirmed.
Her Identity
Further investigation eventually revealed her identity as Kate Morgan. Even with a name, much of her background remained unclear. She had shared conflicting details, carried documents she later destroyed, and was believed to have traveled with money that was never accounted for. Why she came to The Del, and who she may have been waiting for, was never determined.
Reported Experiences
Over time, guests and staff at Hotel del Coronado have shared accounts of unusual experiences often connected to Kate Morgan. Sightings of a woman dressed in black are among the most frequently described, along with reports of flickering lights, sudden temperature changes, and other unexplained moments. Whether viewed as folklore or part of the hotel’s history, this chapter has become part of The Del’s identity.
Experiencing It Today
For those interested in the history of Kate Morgan, guided haunted tours are offered nightly at 7pm, tracing the events of 1892 and the reports that followed.
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