A history steeped in tradition:
A Yosemite staple for over one hundred and fifty years.
The Groveland Hotel has occupied a cherished and special place in California history; having served adventurers, gold seekers, outdoorsmen, and more for over a hundred years. Having served as a town that housed thousands of miners and their families, the city of Groveland was able to survive the collapse of the first gold boom when it was able to quickly adopt deep shaft mining techniques that led it into a second gold rush. It was one of the first cities in the area that was able to adapt hydroelectric power, and residents were resourceful and far-seeing enough to adapt with the times and slowly shift from mining to tourism and outdoor activities for travelers as the mines dried up.
As a result, the Groveland, built in 1849, has been home to people from all over the country and the world, either seeking their fortunes, a new start, or just a simple place to rest their head in California’s beautiful Yosemite region. Located next doors to the Iron Door Saloon, the oldest operating bar in California, this is a hotel full of the adventurous spirit of the wild west.
Say hello to our oldest long-standing guest.
A hotel with this much history would be nothing without its more interesting guests! We affectionally call room 15 “Lyle’s Room,” for the gold panner who lived in our hotel for a number of years while digging for gold in the surrounding mountains. In 1927, our poor dear guest Lyle passed away peacefully in his sleep, and the cleaners found him in his bed with a box of dynamite under it, a remnant of his life’s work that was left unfinished. Since then, he has cheerfully haunted that room in our hotel.
Ghost hunters and guests have seen doors opening and closing of their own accord, cosmetics on the counter pushed onto the floor, lights turning off and on for no reason, or even the water faucets turning off and on without anyone around. Don’t be alarmed though, Lyle is a friendly ghost and keeps his activities minimal. We like to think he’s just welcoming you to our hotel with a friendly little prank!
The Legend of Lyle
Step into Room 15 at the Groveland Hotel, and you may find yourself sharing quarters with Lyle, a prospector from the 1920s who has never quite checked out. Lyle, a quiet and somewhat eccentric miner, first arrived at the hotel after searching for gold in the nearby Spring Gulch region. He was known for his peculiar habits—like sleeping with a case of dynamite under his bed—and for his fondness for the Groveland, where he lived until his peaceful passing in 1927. But death didn’t deter Lyle from his beloved room. To this day, guests report that Lyle remains a steadfast, if somewhat finicky, resident, ensuring his room remains just as he likes it.
Ghostly Quirks
Visitors to Room 15 often experience Lyle’s presence through small, mysterious occurrences. He’s known for rearranging items on the dresser, particularly disliking women’s cosmetics, which he frequently moves to the sink. Lyle is also fastidious about hygiene, as evidenced by faucets that mysteriously turn on and off. He’s not a fan of bright lights, either - those who try to read late at night might find their lights dimmed without explanation. Yet, despite his ghostly quirks, Lyle’s presence is more playful than menacing, adding a touch of supernatural charm to the room.
A Haunting Attraction
Far from scaring guests away, Lyle’s ghostly antics have made Room 15 the most sought-after suite at our haunted hotel in Northern CA. From reports of locked doors refusing to open to late-night calls from an empty room, Lyle’s activities have become part of the hotel’s unique appeal. Some guests even claim to have seen Lyle himself, a tall, slender figure with a beard, who occasionally makes appearances late at night. While the Groveland Hotel’s elegant décor, cozy bar, and first-class dining are reason enough to stay, it’s Lyle’s enduring presence that gives the hotel its singular, unforgettable character.
