What are the ghost stories of Palace Hotel in San Francisco?

There's a story about a spectral pianist. People claim to have heard the faint sound of piano music coming from an empty ballroom. Maybe it's the ghost of a long - ago musician who once played there.

One common ghost story is about a lady in a white dress who is said to roam the hallways at night. Guests have reported seeing a faint figure gliding along the corridors near the old wing of the hotel.

The apparition of a young girl is often talked about. She's been seen in the lobby, looking lost. It's said she was separated from her family decades ago and has been searching for them ever since. Some guests have tried to approach her, but she vanishes.

Another story is about a student who died tragically on campus long ago. His ghost is said to roam the grounds, especially near the spot where the accident occurred. People have reported feeling a strange chill or hearing unexplained noises in that area.

The San Francisco Maritime Museum has its own spooky legend. It's said that the ghosts of sailors who perished at sea are felt there. The creaking of the old ships on display might not all be due to the wind and age. Some believe that the spirits of those sailors are still connected to the maritime artifacts, perhaps longing for their days at sea.

Another ghost story involves the elevators. Guests have reported feeling a cold chill when using the elevators, and some say they've seen a shadowy figure inside. It could be that the building's long history has left some sort of energy imprint. Maybe it was an employee from long ago who had an accident near the elevators and now their spirit lingers there.

The Presidio in San Francisco also has its share of ghost stories. There are tales of soldiers' ghosts still lingering from the days when it was an active military post. People claim to have seen shadowy figures in military uniforms. It could be due to the long and eventful history of the place filled with battles and hardships that these spirits seem to remain.

There is also a story about a mysterious figure in an old herbal shop. People say that at closing time, a strange man in old - fashioned Chinese clothes appears in the back room. He seems to be checking the herbs as if he still owns the place. Some believe he was the original owner who passed away but still has an attachment to his beloved shop.

Common elements in San Francisco Chinatown ghost stories include the appearance of apparitions in traditional Chinese clothing. This ties in with the area's cultural heritage. Also, there are often mentions of strange sounds or smells that are out of the ordinary. These could be the sounds of old Chinese instruments or the smell of incense from a bygone era. Moreover, many of the stories involve a sense of deja vu or a feeling that the events have happened before, which is a very eerie aspect of these tales.

There are stories of a phantom butler in some palace hotels. He is often seen setting up rooms that no one has booked. Legend has it that he was a loyal servant who died on the premises and continues his duties in the afterlife. This phantom butler might move furniture around or leave fresh towels in unoccupied rooms.