Explore the haunted halls of the Grand Galvez
GALVESTON, Texas -- Known as the "Queen of the Gulf", the Grand Galvez has reigned over Galveston's seawall since 1911. Built to help bring back Galveston's luster after the devastating 1900 hurricane, the historic hotel holds some dark secrets.
Melissa Hall, the Ghostess of the Galvez, loves to tell its tales.
"I have seen many, many spirits here at the Galvez. Being in a place where they are so concentrated, it's not a matter of if - it's just a matter of when."
A few spirits believed to creep through the halls and ballrooms include the "Lovelorn Lady" from room 501, Mr. Stanley, and hurricane victims.
The Great Storm of 1900 took the lives of more than 6,000 Galveston residents, including ten nuns and 90 children from St. Mary's Orphanage.
Historic Galveston Ghost Tour Guide Blake Magie has felt their presence "We get quite a few nun sightings here at the Galvez, and we honestly view them as our protectors."
Melissa adds, "These children are not crying - they're happy. They might knock on your door at 2am, but when you get up, there's no one there, but you can hear them giggling down the hall."
Melissa also told us the spirits love to be seen. One of her favorites is Mr. Stanley, a former employee of the Grand Galvez.
"He passed away in 1982 at the age of 72. He's now one of our permanent residents. He lets himself be known. He's photo-bombed guests." Melissa said. "I think he just likes the company."
Audra, also known as the Lovelorn Lady, is the hotel's most infamous guest. According to legend, Audra was a 25-year-old bride-to-be in the mid-1950's. Her fiance was a mariner who sailed out of Galveston. Audra stayed in room 501 while he was out to sea. After a terrible storm, Audra was told her fiancé's ship went down, and everyone was lost. Grief-stricken, Audra hung herself on the hotel rooftop, not knowing that her groom actually survived. Audra still visits room 501.
Blake said, "We've had guests tell us they would feel the low pressure drop in the room, and the TV would come on, and they would see the edge of the bed lower as if someone was sitting on it."
The haunted tales of the Grand Galvez are part of the Historic Galveston Ghost Tours. You can find more tour information on their website.
