Walter Schroeder, the person responsible for building the hotel, continues to haunt the establishment until now. When he was still alive, Walter was a generous person who was also a philanthropist. He donated money to various organizations. Rumor has it, Walter was murdered in the hotel and has since remained.

Most paranormal incidents center in Room 717. Guests and hotel staff have heard screams coming from Room 717. Hotel staff tried to unlock the door but they were unable to. The screaming continued and the door was moving, as if someone was kicking it from the inside.

When they were finally able to open the door, it was empty.  Guests who have stayed in the room have reported their hair being pulled. Television channels change inexplicably, lights and faucets were turned on and off and there were even banging on the walls.

Other haunting reported by guests were disembodied male voices, strange humming, phantom footsteps and unseen bodies bumping into people. The spectre of a redheaded woman in a white bathrobe was also seen disappearing into walls.

It is rumoured that some of these ghosts were the man who hanged himself on the second floor which is now the ballroom and the ballerina who jumped out of her seventh floor room window.

Related: The 10 Most Haunted Hotels in Wisconsin

History

Retlaw Plaza Hotel has been listed on the National Register of Historic Places. It is a historic landmark which has been in business since the 1920s and was named Hotel Retlaw back then. Retlaw is Walter spelled backwards. Walter Schroeder was instrumental for the hotel’s building and creation.

The hotel was sold and was converted as into a psychiatric facility and a nursing home before it became the modern hotel that it is now. It is rumoured that the hotel has subterranean tunnels which lead to cellars where gangsters used to meet.

About

Staying in the Retlaw Plaza Hotel can expect sumptuous food and drinks and fine dining in the hotel’s restaurant, Cibo Steaks and Spirits. The TruBlu Lounge is also a good place to go to if you want to have a share of drinks for the nights. Guests can also enjoy a night of dancing in the haunted Crystal Ballroom.

Some popular celebrities who have enjoyed the hospitality and impeccable service of the Retlaw Plaza Hotel are Alice Cooper, Tom Cruise, Eleanor Roosevelt and John F. Kennedy. The hotel’s grand, two-story lobby with its crystal chandeliers will take you back in time as soon as you enter the hotel.

There are 32 historic guest rooms which offer all the modern amenities, as well as a Jacuzzi. Suites come with a fully-stocked wet bar, microwave and refrigerator. There are also handicap accessible guest rooms.

Features

  • Wireless internet access
  • Health club 24-hour business center
  • Complimentary parking
  • Complimentary copies of the USA Today
  • Laundry and dry-cleaning services
  • Local phone calls

Things to Do

The Retlaw Plaza Hotel is conveniently located in the heart of the city. It is just within minutes of the highways 151, 23 and 41. There are various shopping centers and restaurants which are just within walking distance of the motel. The Children’s Museum of Fond Du Lac will surely delight little ones. There are various family activities for everyone to enjoy. One of the best ice rink facilities in the area, FDL Blue Line Family Ice Center, has been the venue for various hockey tournaments and figure skating competitions.

Lake Winnebago, the state’s second largest inland lake at 220 square miles is a great place for water-skiing, boating, fishing and ice-fishing during the winter season. Lakeside Park has more than 400 acres of open recreational space. During summertime, you will see an impressive display of flower displays. It also makes a great place for boating and picnics.

Room Tariffs

  • Deluxe suites start at $100
  • Jacuzzi suites start at $200

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