Originally built in 1917 as a modest 24-room hotel, the hotel has since become a hotspot for celebrities and the public visiting the world-renowned vineyards of the central coast. Santa Maria Inn is also renowned for the ghosts it harbors, including the legendary actor Rudolph Valentino…
Ghosts of the Historic Santa Maria Inn
The Santa Maria Inn is reportedly home to many ghosts. One of which is a sea captain, who was first seen a few years after the hotel was built, back in 1917. He is believed to have been murdered by his mistress and is reported to haunt throughout the hotel. His apparition has been seen on many occasions, and he’s supposedly most attached to room 210.
Rudolph Valentino Ghost
The ghost of legendary actor Rudolph Valentino is also said to haunt the Santa Maria Inn. He’s reportedly attached to room 221, where he likes to knock on the door, and has even been witnessed lying back on the bed in this room, with his indentation seen on the top of the covers.
The ghost of a woman known as Peppy has also been reported. Exactly who this young woman isn’t known. She was a cocaine addict and was known as peppy due to her constant upbeat mood.
Various other phenomena have also been reported inside the rooms, the gardens, and the cellar. These include a piano that plays by itself, mysterious footprints, opening and closing doors, sudden drops in temperature, disembodied footsteps, and poltergeist activity.
Santa Maria Inn History
Built in 1917 by Frank J. McCoy as a humble hotel of 24 rooms, the Santa Maria Inn is a far cry from that now, boasting 164 rooms. The hotel was THE place to stay for people traveling along El Camino Real. Many famous guests have stopped here, including Charlie Chaplain, Rudolph Valentino, Bette Davis, Bing Crosby, and President Hoover.
About
Located in the heart of Santa Maria, a city between San Francisco and Los Angeles, the Santa Maria Inn has been a Central Coast landmark since 1917.
The hotel boasts the comfort and style of the English countryside, together with a bygone era’s elegance. Ideally situated minutes away from the scenic central coast wine country, the inn serves a charming blend of luxury, comfort, impeccable service, and modern amenities that business and leisure travelers expect. Award-winning food from the Garden Room Restaurant is available. It offers to dine in a comfortable yet elegant setting.
Features
- Air conditioning
- Flat-screen TV
- Free Wi-Fi access
- Award-winning restaurant
- Full-service spa
- 24-hour front desk
- Spa tub
- Outdoor swimming pool
- Fitness facilities
- Nightclub
- Pub
- Wine bar
- Sauna
Things to Do
The Santa Maria Inn is located in the heart of a beautiful landscape, offering plenty of outdoor pursuits. The Sierra Madres’ foothills are just minutes away and pristine beaches, parks, mountains, world-class hiking trails, and championship golf courses!
There are, of course, the many vineyards that the area is renowned for. Shops, as well as bars and restaurants, are also in abundance.