Would you dare?! I recently had the opportunity to stay in room 711 at Union Station Nashville Yards Hotel. Why 711? Because it’s haunted!
For anyone who’s known me awhile, you know this is right up my alley. I used to give ghost tours in Old Town Alexandria, Virginia, and it was one of the most fun jobs I’ve ever had. The chance to stay in a haunted hotel–a haunted room!–was too tempting to pass up. Here’s what it was like, just in case you want to stay here, too!
The Story
The building that is now this gorgeous hotel was once a grand train station, dating back to 1900. During World War II, many soldiers passed through Nashville’s Union Station on their way to serve. Many mothers, sisters, and young women also came here to say goodbye to their sons, brothers, husbands, and boyfriends.
When the war ended, many of those same women came back to welcome their boys home. A 20-year-old woman named Abigail was one of the unlucky girls whose boyfriend did not come home. She was so distraught when she realized she would never see him again that she threw herself from what is now room 711 (then an office) onto the tracks in front of an oncoming train.
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The Room: 711
Abigail lives on, however, in a way. She seems to have taken up residence in room 711. People often say they’ve heard or seen or experienced strange things there. The window does not open (for obvious reasons), so no one has followed Abigail into the afterlife, but once on Halloween night, a woman specifically booked the room, then had to be escorted out of the hotel because she seemed to have a nervous breakdown. That’s Halloween for you!
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Did I See Abigail?
Maybe! As I sat on the bed and worked on editing photos and blog posts, I looked up and saw what I would called a “wobble.” Kind of like a mirage where it looks like the air is dancing. In all fairness, I had walked nearly 12 miles (25,889 steps!) that day, ate too much edible cookie dough from NoBaked Cookie Dough for dessert, and I was mighty tired!
Also, as I was getting ready for bed, I walked around to the side of the bed closest to the interior wall, and there was a distinct cold spot on the carpet. It was odd. It was also gone the next day. (I slept on the other side of the bed, just in case.)
Finally, and most strangely. I kept hearing things coming from above my room. Why is that strange? I was on the top floor! I heard banging, a shower running, and other strange noises. Not super loud, just definitely coming from above my ceiling. BOO!
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How You Can Book this Room
Do you want to stay in Abigail’s room? You can! Book your reservation for a Standard King Room online through your preferred hotel booking website, or directly at the Union Station Nashville Yards’s website. Then, call the hotel and let them know that your preference is room 711. Just note, it’s not guaranteed! Book at least a month or two in advance, and even further in advance if you want to stay on or around Halloween, as it is first-come, first-served!
Get the whole story: What It’s Like to Stay at Union Station Hotel, Nashville
Want more? Get all the best info on Nashville on my United States Page, and read all my hotel reviews on my dedicated Accommodations Page!
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Oh wow, brave! I definitely won’t be staying anywhere with ghosts. However I do live in England so I’m not sure I can stick to that statement – they are probably everywhere!
Oh, you have definitely been sharing space with ghosts! 👻 😜