Haunted Spaces: Room 333

Ever wake up in the middle of the night on edge? Hear strange noises in the dark? See something move in the corner of your eye? Think something’s lurking at the end of your bed? Do you ever get the feeling you’re being watched? – Well if you stay at The Langham chances are you might…especially if you’re booked into room 333.

1865 marked the date The Langham, Europe’s first ‘Grand Hotel’ opened its doors and revolutionised the luxury hotel experience, becoming the number 1 choice for royals, artists and musicians from all across the globe – and rumour has it some of them never left. Situated on Portland Place, Regent Street, the imposing London hotel has 380 rooms, a grand ball room and a long list of reported ghost sightings and strange happenings. Upon completion it was considered as one of the most modern hotels of its time, complete with ‘one -of-a-kind indulgences. Electric lights, hydraulic lifts, air conditioning, and other extraordinary innovations.’ The Hotel’s rich history starts in the Victorian era and spans just over 150 years, however, don’t be fooled, it’s seen plenty of intrigue in the short years it’s been open for business!

Room 333

Many of the mysterious incidents have occurred in this room and whether you’re someone that believes like Mulder or you’re a sceptic like Scully you have to admit they’re pretty odd…

It’s also worth commenting on the significance of the number – if you believe in that… 333 supposedly represents the Holy trinity (and we all know the significance if you double 333). Couple this with the concept that 3:00am mirrors 3:00pm – which is known as the miracle hour relating to Christ and you’ve got the demonic hour. And what with 3:33am being the Devil’s favourite… perhaps it’s a coincidence that the most haunted hotel room shares this number, or perhaps it’s the very reason behind the violent history and spooky encounters.

The most common – and perhaps most chilling legend surrounding room 333 is that of the Victorian doctor. The story goes that the doctor and his wife checked into the room on their wedding night... however, neither left the room alive. The doctor allegedly murdered his wife and then killed himself. Rendering their spirits prisoners, unable – or perhaps unwilling to leave!

One report, from a BBC journalist in 1973 claimed that he awoke one October night to a ball of bright light turning into the shape of a man with vacant eyes, missing the lower half of his legs. The ghostly apparition, clad in ornate Victorian evening dress is said to have moved towards the journalist causing him to flee the room! (Now I’m not sure what happened to his feet but I assume it aids in the ghostly hovering)

Various other reports have been made in support of the legend of the murderous doctor, one of which was made in 2014 by members of the British cricket team. The strange going-ons they reported led to them switching rooms and even made headline news.

There aren’t any reported sightings of the wife…

The majority of sightings of the murderous doctor have been in October, so depending on your belief one might suggest that either their mortal visit was in an October 100 or so years ago, or this legend is simply that – a spooky story made up for Halloween. One way to find out…If you’re brave enough!

Although room 333 appears to be the centre of the spooky going-ons the hotel has its fair share of other spirits and unexplained phenomenon, including an unfriendly German prince that moves through walls and rooms alike, lowering the temperature as he goes. Whilst there are several reports of his presence at the hotel, the prince’s identity is unknown, and I wasn’t able to find any evidence of this happening online…but that’s not to say there isn’t an unfriendly apparition controlling the temperature.

There’s also the apparition that loiters in the corridors on the third floor, reported sightings claim that he has a large wound on his face – perhaps this is the ghost of someone injured during World War II. The location of the hotel meant it was a constant target and came under intense fire from Luftwaffe raiders in September 1940, so its possible this apparition is a casualty of the west wing destruction.

In case you're in need of one more ghostly tale about The Langham, Napoleon III who lived out his exile at the hotel is said to hang out in the basement!

Whether or not you believe the chilling reports they are undoubtedly spooky and its rather unsettling to think you might not be alone in your room if you stay the night at The Langham. You might find yourself with company as you wander the corridors to your room…so don’t forget to look behind you and keep an ear out for strange noises.

Sources:

https://www.langhamhotels.com/en/the-langham/london/

https://www.travelzoo.com/uk/blog/5-famously-haunted-hotels-in-london/

https://travelnoire.com/worlds-most-haunted-hotels-langham-hotel-room-333

https://www.hauntedrooms.co.uk/product/the-langham-hotel-london

https://londonist.com/london/features/londons-most-haunted-hotel

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-london-33068776

https://goodyfeed.com/3-scary-tales-about-333-a-m-that-will-scare-the-shit-out-of-you/

https://www.huffpost.com/entry/room-333-the-most-haunted_b_341060