Located in Delray Beach, Florida, The Colony Hotel is a historical landmark that dates back to the mid 1920s. Built by father and son, Charles and George Bowden, the hotel originally catered to Northern guests who came to the area to escape the cold winters of the north. Its sister hotel located in Maine is also known for its popularity with elite groups of people. However, there are many differences between the hotels, one being the tale of ghosts that allegedly walk the floors of the Delray Beach location.

Even today, The Colony Hotel in Delray is reminiscent of the 1920s era. Some of the furniture inside the rooms and suites are original pieces from the 1920s which was purchased from the John Wanamaker Store in Philadelphia. The three-story hotel was once only open seasonally but is now open year-round. During its short downtime during the summer, locals often remarked at strange happenings seen through windows from the outside. But even when the hotel is open and visitors are walking the halls, tales of apparitions and spirits have surrounded this unique landmark.

The stories of dark and ghostly figures have been connected to The Colony Hotel for many years. The ghosts are said to be that of Charles and George Bowden, the builders and original owners of the historical hotel. Witnesses of the figures state that Charlie (the father) is bolder than his son and will show himself more often. Charlie's granddaughter, Justina Boughton, has made several claims of seeing a figure walk by her or seeing reflections in glass.

Some of the events occurred while The Colony was closed over the summer. Passersby would notice strange sightings through the windows and would often call local law enforcement to investigate. Lights, figures, and even music have been reported to come from within the hotel when no one was inside. No evidence has been found to account where the jazzy 1920s music originated. Staff of the hotel has also reported strange voices and the most unsettling events seem to appear on the second-floor. Music, voices, and floating orbs have all been seen and/or heard on this mysterious floor. From the mid to late 80s, many witnesses made claims of seeing illuminated balls of light within the hotel.

The Colony Hotel has been studied by paranormal researchers and almost all have come away from the building with the belief that the hotel does have paranormal activity. The most activity appears to occur after midnight but the mysterious goings-on have seemed to quiet down in recent years. Some believe it is due to the fact that the hotel is now open all year and no longer has a few months during the summer for the spirits to be more active.

Whether you are interested in paranormal sightings or just the nostalgia, The Colony Hotel is a unique place to visit. The hotel has entertained a few highly-notable guests but the names are kept quiet for their privacy. Although, it is reported that Al Capone had made at least one visit to the area and found accommodations at The Colony Hotel. The hotel is listed as a member of The National Trust for Historic Preservation and is redolent of the appeal described as "Old Florida". This grandeur building is located in Delray Beach, Florida at 525 East Atlantic Avenue should you want to spend the night surrounded by history and possibly a few supernatural spirits.

References:

GHOSTLY LEGENDS AND HAUNTED FOLKLORE, Volume 1, by Greg Jenkins, copyright 2005.

http://www.thecolonyhotel.com/ florida/index.html

Learn more about this author, Angela Pollock.
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