The Hume Hotel

The Hume Hotel in Nelson British Columbia is said to be one of the most haunted buildings in the city. Build-in 1898, by Fred, and Lydia Hume. Back then it was extragivant, a modern wonder, with steam heat and electricity, hundreds flocked to be part of history. Rich and poor enjoyed the ammenties provided. Some say the owners and guests have come back even after death. Over time guests have reported strange encounters, some feel as if they are being watched or followed into their rooms and down hallways when there is no one else around. Some say that the origonal owners still reside there.

One investigator was of all places in the shower when he heard the words You’ll have a safe trip now lad! Upon reviewing his equipment later there were no voice. Many other guests say a well-dressed man in a bowler hat likes to check up on some of the guests and staff. Could this be Fred, his pride can’t allow him to rest, he wants to make sure ‘his’ hotel is being properly taken care of. He is affectionately called one of the “ghostly caretakers”

Upon entering the hotel one visitor was greeted by a man in a top hat, he stood from one of the lobby seats, lifting his glass of liquor and toasted the woman's arrival. The visitor explains there was something off about the man, I turned and he was gone, the lobby was empty. Perhpas he mistook her for someone else? Someone he was waiting for. Still more creepy moments like televisions turning themselves on and off when the rooms were unoccupied. The cleaning staff will tell you someone likes to turn the taps off and on while they attempt to get their cleaning duties done. A little unsettling to say the least, and a job not for the faint at heart.

Yet another guest upon arrival found himself face to face with a handsome stranger sitting in one of the chairs, he was solid, well dressed, smiling away as he puffed a cigar, I could smell the smoke. The guest insists, even after the spectre disappeared he could his cigar as he checked into his room.

There was love, death murder all rolled into one beautiful hotel. A prospector who favoured room 335 for his illicit affairs could be seen dressed in his sunday best, a top hat on his head entering and leaving the room, he loved the hotel so much he returned after his passing. Was he looking for his mistress? You can hear him whistling down the hallways, they say.

In another incident in room 335, a young woman checked in and checked out the same evening, gentle prodding from the hotel staff determined upon opening her room door, there was a man sitting on the edge of her bed, he waved her into the room, a smile on his lips. An older couple were woken to find a man pacing back and forth in their room, he sat down on the edge of their bed smiled, said hello and vanished infront of their startled eyes. Neither slept well that evening. They checked out the next morning.

With such a rich history of love, betrayal, murder it’s no wonder people might return to a place they loved so much. Fred and Lydia still walk the halls, greeting guests, checking in on their staff, after all a labour of love doesn’t end just from one’s death. Even today they can be seen wandering the halls. Tipping their hats to guests, indulging in a drink and cozying up by the fireplace.

So if you see a man in a top hat, and he winks as you walk past, don’t worry, he’s looking for his mistress, perhaps you will open room 335’s door and find Fred sitting on the edge of the bed, waiting for you. Its comforting in a way, that even after we die, we might stick around, you never know. Would you be brave enough to stay in room 335. Just know you might not be alone, comforting? May yes? Maybe No! Regardless the spirits are here to stay, and they are very welcome.