The Mysterious Green Lady: Exploring the Haunted History of Hilton Netherland Plaza

The Legend of the Green Lady

Welcome to Hilton Netherland Plaza, an iconic hotel located in Cincinnati, Ohio. This luxurious hotel has a rich history that dates back to its opening in 1931. With its stunning Art Deco design and lavish amenities, it quickly became one of the most beloved and recognizable landmarks in the city.

However, there's much more to this grand hotel than meets the eye. It is also known for its haunted past and the ghostly legend of the Green Lady.

The Green Lady is a well-known ghost story that has been passed down from generation to generation among residents and guests of Hilton Netherland Plaza. According to legend, the lady haunts the hotel's Mezzanine level wearing a green dress and carrying a small green bag.

But why is she haunting this magnificent building? The story goes that she was a woman who stayed at the hotel with her young daughter during World War II while her husband was away fighting in Europe.

One day, she received news that her husband had been killed in action, which left her heartbroken and devastated. Unable to cope with her crushing grief and loneliness, she decided to end her life by jumping from one of the Mezzanine balconies.

Her daughter was left behind without any explanation or goodbye from her mother. Since then, many visitors have reported seeing an apparition resembling a woman dressed in green walking along the corridors of Mezzanine late at night.

Others have claimed they've felt sudden cold breezes or heard what they thought were whispers coming from empty rooms. Some people believe that it's not just any woman haunting Hilton Netherland Plaza but rather an ex-employee who died on site under mysterious circumstances.

Others think she may have been someone who committed suicide nearby but chose this location as a place to roam after death. Whether you believe in ghosts or not, there's no denying the eerie atmosphere that surrounds Hilton Netherland Plaza.

With its rich history and haunting legend, this hotel is a must-visit location for those who love mystery and intrigue. So, come and stay at the Hilton Netherland Plaza if you dare to experience the thrill of the unknown.

The History of Hilton Netherland Plaza

The Grand Opening

Hilton Netherland Plaza is a historic Art Deco hotel located in downtown Cincinnati, Ohio. It was built by the prominent public utilities magnate, John J. Emery, and opened its doors to the public on May 28th, 1931. The grand opening was a lavish affair attended by over 10,000 people, including local dignitaries and celebrities.

The hotel's luxurious amenities were considered ahead of their time and included hot and cold running water in every room, air conditioning throughout the building, telephones in each suite with long-distance calling capabilities and radios built into the walls. The hotel's modernity made it an instant hit among travelers looking for the latest conveniences.

Design & Architecture

The architecture of Hilton Netherland Plaza is one of its most significant features. The building was designed by several well-known architects including Walter W. Ahlschlager who drew inspiration from Parisian Art Deco style which emphasizes geometric shapes and patterns.

In addition to its eye-catching exterior design, Hilton Netherland Plaza boasts one of the most impressive ballrooms in the country - The Hall of Mirrors ballroom. It features four-story high ceilings adorned with chandeliers that sparkle like stars when lit up at night.

The ballroom's walls are covered in floor-to-ceiling mirrors that give it a breathtaking infinity effect. Another notable feature is Palm Court which used to be an open-air courtyard but has since been enclosed with glass windows providing a comfortable space for guests year-round to listen to live music while enjoying their drinks or afternoon tea.

Surviving Changing Times

Since opening its doors almost 90 years ago, Hilton Netherland Plaza has survived changing times and economic downturns without losing its iconic status as a top luxury hotel in Cincinnati. The building has gone through several renovations to adapt to modern times, but the original architecture and design have been preserved and are still admired by visitors today.

The hotel is now owned by Columbia Sussex Corporation and is part of the Hilton Hotels & Resorts chain. Despite being renamed several times over the years, its historical significance and reputation as an iconic landmark remain unchanged.

The Ghost Story of Hilton Netherland Plaza

No hotel is complete without its own ghost story, and the Hilton Netherland Plaza in Cincinnati, Ohio has one of the best. The legend of the Green Lady has been circulating among guests and employees for decades and has become an integral part of the hotel's history. According to the story, a woman dressed in a green gown haunts the Mezzanine level of the hotel.

She is said to appear suddenly and then disappear just as quickly, leaving behind only a cold breeze or an eerie feeling in her wake. Some guests have even reported seeing a green mist that surrounds her ghostly figure.

How The Green Lady Haunts The Mezzanine Level

The Mezzanine level is considered to be the most haunted area of Hilton Netherland Plaza due to its connection with the Green Lady legend. Guests who dare venture up there are warned to be mindful of strange noises or sudden temperature drops. The story goes that this female spirit roams around aimlessly - opening doors that shouldn't be opened, rustling curtains, and making herself known through her cold presence.

Those who have had encounters with her report feeling like they're being watched by an unseen entity. The apparition appears at random times during daylight hours but mostly during nighttime when it's quiet and relatively dark up there.

Her ghostly presence seems strongest during winter months when wind howls around corners creating eerie sounds. She doesn't seem malevolent though; instead, she appears like she has some unfinished business on this earth.

The History Of The Green Lady Legend

There are many theories surrounding who this mysterious woman might have been in life - some say that she was a former guest who tragically died while staying at the hotel while others suggest that she may have worked there as a maid or housekeeper before meeting her untimely end. One popular version of the story goes that she was a bride whose wedding took place in the hotel in the 1930s.

Tragically, she died on her wedding day and has been haunting the hotel ever since. Despite numerous attempts to uncover the truth behind this ghostly legend, no concrete evidence has ever been found to prove or disprove its existence.

But many guests who have seen or felt her presence would argue that it doesn't really matter - because for them, the Green Lady is very real indeed. If you decide to stay at Hilton Netherland Plaza and want to catch a glimpse of this legendary ghost, head up to the Mezzanine level at night - just be careful what you wish for!

Who Was The Green Lady?

Theories on Identity

The identity of the Green Lady has been the subject of much speculation over the years, with several theories circulating about who she might have been in life. One possibility is that she was a former employee of Hilton Netherland Plaza who died at the hotel under mysterious circumstances.

Others believe that she may have been a guest who perished while staying at the hotel. Some even suggest that she was a woman who committed suicide nearby and whose spirit now haunts the premises.

Evidence from Historical Records

While there is no definitive proof as to the Green Lady's true identity, there are some historical records that support various theories. For example, there are accounts of a young woman named Patricia Wilson who worked as a switchboard operator at Hilton Netherland Plaza in the 1930s and died tragically in an elevator accident. Her death is said to have left an imprint on the hotel, with visitors reporting strange occurrences around elevators and stairwells.

Another possible candidate for the Green Lady's identity is Mary Crowe, a former guest of Hilton Netherland Plaza who passed away during her stay in 1945. Some believe her ghostly presence lingers on as a result of her untimely death, which has been attributed to natural causes or suicide depending on whom you ask.

Eyewitness Accounts

Eyewitness accounts offer further testimony to the existence and identity of this elusive specter. Hotel staff members have reported seeing a green mist or apparition on numerous occasions around the Mezzanine level where she is said to haunt. Guests have also reported feeling cold drafts or sensing something ethereal nearby when passing through this area.

One particularly eerie incident involved a maid named Mary Dye who claimed to encounter what she believed was the ghostly presence of the Green Lady while cleaning one of the hotel's rooms. According to Dye, she saw an apparition of a woman dressed in green who vanished into thin air before her very eyes.

The Truth Behind The Legend?

Despite the wealth of anecdotal evidence surrounding the Green Lady, there is no way to know for certain whether or not this ghostly apparition actually exists. Some skeptics have suggested that these sightings may be nothing more than tricks of light or imagination, while others believe that the truth behind this legend will forever remain shrouded in mystery.

Regardless of whether or not you believe in ghosts, there is no denying that Hilton Netherland Plaza has a rich and fascinating history that is worth exploring. From its unique Art Deco design to its haunting reputation, this iconic hotel offers a glimpse into a bygone era that continues to captivate visitors from around the world.

Encounters with The Green Lady

Personal Stories from Guests and Employees

People who have stayed at Hilton Netherland Plaza have often reported seeing or sensing the presence of the Green Lady. Some guests say they saw a woman in a green dress wandering through the Mezzanine level, while others have felt a chill or heard footsteps behind them.

Several employees have also claimed to see her, including one who said she felt a cold breeze and saw an apparition of a woman in green walk right through her. One former bartender shared his story of seeing the ghostly figure: "I was working late one night when I saw this woman in a green dress walking towards me. At first, I thought it was just a guest that I hadn't seen before, but as she got closer, she started to disappear. It was like she wasn't really there."

Another employee recalled feeling someone tap on her shoulder while she was doing inventory in the Mezzanine level. When she turned around, no one was there except for what appeared to be a green mist hovering near the ceiling.

Details about Specific Sightings

One guest claimed that they were awakened by their bed shaking violently and then looked up to see the ghostly image of the Green Lady standing at the foot of their bed. Another guest reported hearing strange noises coming from their bathroom at night and when they turned on the light, they saw what appeared to be footprints leading away from them. Some people who have worked at Hilton Netherland Plaza believe that certain rooms are more haunted than others.

For example, Room 1708 is said to be particularly active with paranormal activity. Many guests report feeling an unnerving presence in this room even though there is no logical explanation for it.

Perhaps most chillingly, several staff members claim that they've seen blood stains appear out of nowhere on the Mezzanine level, which is where the Green Lady is said to roam. It's no wonder that many people who visit Hilton Netherland Plaza say that it's one of the most haunted hotels they've ever stayed at.

Do You Believe in Ghosts?

Some people are skeptical about ghosts and dismiss these stories as mere superstitions or hoaxes. However, for those who have experienced paranormal activity firsthand, it can be difficult to deny that something strange is happening at Hilton Netherland Plaza.

Whether you're a believer or a skeptic, there's no denying that the legend of the Green Lady has become an integral part of Hilton Netherland Plaza's history and charm. So if you find yourself visiting Cincinnati anytime soon, why not book a room - and see if you can spot her for yourself?

Conclusion

Recap of Hilton Netherland Plaza's history and haunted reputation

Built in 1931, the Hilton Netherland Plaza hotel in Cincinnati, Ohio is a true gem of Art Deco architecture. With its intricate design and grandeur, it's no wonder that this hotel has become a beloved landmark in the city.

However, what makes it truly unique is its haunted reputation. Legend has it that the ghostly figure of a woman - known as the Green Lady - roams its halls to this day.

So who was the Green Lady? Theories range from her being a former employee or guest who died on site, to a woman who committed suicide nearby and now seeks to haunt those she blames for her death.

While there may not be any concrete evidence to support these theories, they certainly add to the hotel's spooky charm. Numerous guests and employees have claimed encounters with the Green Lady over the years.

Some report feeling an unexplained chill or seeing a green mist in their presence. Others swear they have seen her apparition walking through walls or wandering down hallways late at night.

Final thoughts on whether or not you believe in ghosts

Whether you believe in ghosts or not, there is no denying that stories like those surrounding Hilton Netherland Plaza add an extra layer of intrigue and fascination to historical sites like this one. The legends of haunted hotels and buildings often stem from real-life tragedies and events that took place long ago.

While some may scoff at these tales as mere superstitions, there are countless others who swear by their authenticity. Perhaps it is simply human nature to seek out mystery and wonder where we can find it.

Whatever your beliefs may be, there is no denying that Hilton Netherland Plaza stands as an enduring testament to both architectural ingenuity and eerie folklore alike. It remains one of Cincinnati's most beloved landmarks, and will likely continue to draw visitors for many years to come.