Hotel Macomber

One of Cape May's most notoriously haunted locations, this boutique hotel has operated since 1911. The intimate property offers guests the choice to stay in the room with the most paranormal activity.

The Hotel Macomber, originally called New Stockton Villa, was built in 1916 and stands as one of Cape May's last historic hotels from the automobile era. At the time of its construction, it was the largest frame structure east of the Mississippi River. The five-story building with 36 rooms and wraparound verandas was founded by Sarah Davis, whose life would end in tragedy. Sarah's young daughter Cannell died from encephalitis caused by a mosquito bite in the 1920s, a loss from which she never recovered. In 1934, after announcing that the inn was open for business, Sarah took her own life at the hotel she had built. During World War II, the building was leased by the Army and Navy as soldiers' quarters, with the area under the front steps serving as a "drunk tank" for servicemen who partied too hard on leave.

The most famous spirit is Irene Wright, known as "the trunk lady" or "Miss Wright." This elderly spinster was a regular guest who would arrive each summer dragging her large steamer trunk, staying in Room 10 from June through November. Known for wearing heavy quantities of perfume and being quite talkative, she died sometime in the 1970s but apparently never checked out. Guests in Room 10 report hearing her trunk scraping across the floor at night, loud banging on the door when no one is there, furniture being rearranged, and an overwhelming sensation of being watched. Psychic medium Craig McManus captured an EVP in Room 10 of a woman's voice saying "I'm still here." He also recorded responses to direct questions, including one session where a voice said "We love this bedroom."

Sarah Davis herself still keeps watch over her hotel. She has been seen descending the stairs and standing at the check-in desk, and when guests attempt to speak with her, the lights flicker in response. Her daughter Cannell, along with spectral playmates, is believed to return during summer months, with sounds of children laughing and playing echoing through the halls. Ghost tour founder Al Rauber captured an EVP of marbles dropping and a child's voice saying "These are mine!"

The Union Park Restaurant is haunted by a Depression-era waitress who reportedly choked to death on a chicken bone. She flickers the dining room chandelier, moves silverware and glassware, and has been seen floating through the kitchen in a ragged dress. When particularly disgruntled, she has been known to push unsuspecting victims into the walk-in refrigerator. The chef reports his knives being moved around when he works alone.

The basement harbors "The Growler," a grumpy male spirit who groans and growls while knocking things around, producing sounds suggesting he's working on some endless building project. Rooms 41 and 45 have seen increasing hostile activity, with guests reporting beds being shaken and rocked by annoyed presences who seem unhappy about sharing their space. A friendly farmer in period clothing greets new arrivals in the foyer, and an arguing couple can sometimes be heard bickering in empty hallways. Two uniformed military figures—likely remnants from the WWII era—have also been sensed in the building. Today the family-run hotel embraces its haunted reputation, with guests able to request the most active rooms. Some visitors, it seems, love it so much they never leave.