Ever notice how ghosts tend to haunt old dwellings where many tortured souls lived? Such is the case of the historic Hotel Chelsea in New York City. The Chelsea was built in 1883, when that particular area was the center of the theater district. Maybe that is why it always seemed to attract talented, yet troubled artists. It was first divided into private apartments, and then turned into a hotel, but regardless, it has seen its share of celebrities.
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Sir Arthur C. Clarke penned “2001: a Space Odyssey” while at the Chelsea. Mark Twain stayed there as did Tennessee Williams, Eugene O’Neill, Gore Vidal, Thomas Wolfe, and William S. Burroughs. Beat Generation writers Allen Ginsberg, Jack Kerouac, and Gregory Corso all spent time reflecting at the Chelsea. It was also loved by the film world (Stanley Kubrick, Ethan Hawke, Elliot Gould, Eddie Izzard, and Jane Fonda) and musicians (The Grateful Dead, Joni Mitchell, Madonna, Jimi Hendrix, Janis Joplin, and Dee Dee Ramone).
Andy Warhol directed Chelsea Girls about his Superstars, many of whom lived at the Chelsea including Edie Sedgwick, Viva, Holly Woodlawn, Ultra Violet, and Brigid Berlin. There have been numerous songs, films, and books that refer to the Chelsea.
But, it seems to be the Chelsea’s sad stories that capture the interest of many people. Author Charles R. Jackson (“The Lost Weekend”) committed suicide in his Chelsea room in 1968. Charles James, often referred to as America’ first couturier, died in his room in 1978, after living there for fourteen years.
Poet Dylan Thomas met his tragic end at the Chelsea. Thomas had a fondness for drinking and died of chronic alcohol poisoning in 1953. One of the most notorious stories however was that of Sex Pistol guitarist Sid Vicious and girlfriend Nancy Spungen. After a drug binge, Nancy was found stabbed to death on October 12, 1978. Sid had no idea if he did it or if someone broke in and killed Nancy. Before he could stand trial, Sid overdosed on heroin, an injection some believe his mother gave him because he told her he couldn’t stand going back to jail.
So, with all these sad stories, you would expect ghosts at the Chelsea. It is said that the ghosts of Dylan Thomas, Eugene O’Neill, Thomas Wolfe, and Sid Vicious have all been seen at the Chelsea. Sid’s ghost has been seen in or around the first floor elevator and Wolfe’s ghost is said to make his presence known on the 8th floor. Even the Star Lounge in the basement has seen paranormal activities such as a power outage caused by wires in the drywall being switched. There have also been cases of the furniture being rearranged and strange noises.
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