The Hotel Saint Nicholas, Cripple Creek

Brandy, a sensitive and longtime bartender at the historic Hotel St. Nicholas, has spent four years deeply immersed in the spirited energies that reside within its walls. The hotel’s Boiler Room Tavern, where Brandy tends bar, is particularly active with paranormal occurrences, especially after 11 p.m. She regularly encounters three spirits who frequent this space and one I witnessed tonight.

Brandy herself is enveloped by protective, grandmotherly energy extending about three feet around her, providing a comforting presence that she senses connects back four or five generations, especially noticeable on her left side.

Among the resident spirits is Petey, a playful young boy, estimated to be around eight or nine years old, characterized by wavy brown hair reaching just below his ears. Petey often showed special fondness for Brandy’s husband, amusingly hiding in the shower while he bathed. To entertain and acknowledge his playful nature, the hotel’s owners thoughtfully placed “spirit dishes” around, giving Petey objects to interact with.

Stinky, another notable but less welcome presence, frequently lingers around the bar. His distinguishing feature is an unmistakable and unpleasant odor resembling body odor or sewage.

A quieter, more enigmatic spirit named Natalie remains rooted to one specific spot just outside the old operating room, possibly hinting at her past as a patient. Natalie is distinctly short, with wavy brown hair, and always appears in a white outfit. Brandy experiences the spirits as an “after-image,” like a visual imprint that persists even when eyes are closed.

The old operating room itself is notably active; electrical equipment routinely turns off without explanation. Brandy has observed not only resident spirits but transient visitors as well, including recent appearances by three or four children, spectral cats, and a doctor or orderly from the late 1800s. This particular spirit, described as a larger man, favors the quiet, formerly used laundry area, appreciating the peaceful solitude it once provided him.

Brandy’s experiences paint a vivid picture of the hotel’s ongoing paranormal legacy, blending history, humor, and haunting encounters that continue to intrigue visitors and staff alike.

Side note: I’m actually staying in the old operating room tonight!