A hospital designed for tuberculosis patients in the first half of the 20th century, Waverly Hills Sanatorium in Louiville, Kentucky has since developed a reputation as one of the world's most haunted places – leading to its appearance in episodes of Ghost Hunters, Scariest Places on Earth, Most Haunted, Ghost Adventures, Paranormal Challenge and more.
Photo: Charlie & Tina Mattingly
From 1910 to 1962, Waverly Hills was home to hundreds of TB sufferers, many of whose lives ended within its rooms... and many believe the ghosts of those less fortunate patients are still roaming the corridors. Paranormal investigators have devoted particular attention to the tunnels running beneath the main floor, through which hospital workers once transported the bodies of the dead. As you can imagine, that's where the creepiest sightings have taken place... like this chilling image of a girl apparently hiding in an alcove:
Photo: Tom Halstead
Since they purchased the property in 2001, the building's current owners, Charlie and Tina Mattingly, have welcomed legions of ghost-seeking tourists via the Waverly's official site. But this year, revenues earned from tens of thousands of annual visitors will be financing the couple's next venture: converting the hospital into a four-star hotel. Yes, soon you'll be able to spend a cozy night in the company of the dead.
Photo: New York Daily News
The owners' zoning plan was recently approved by the Louisville Metro Council, allowing the proposed renovations to begin. In addition to upgrading the building's 120 rooms, plans also include a convention center and a museum. Naturally the hotel will be targeted (in part) to paranormal tourism, capitalizing on Waverly Hills' macabre reputation.
The official Waverly Hills website has tour info, news and updates (and hopefully soon, a timeline for the hotel's grand opening).
Check out our story on another long-abandoned medical facility, now rumored to be haunted by a mythical boogeyman!