News Summary
The Mari Jean Hotel in St. Petersburg, originally opened in 1926, is gaining attention as reports of paranormal activity emerge post-renovation. After a recent investigation by SPIRITS of St. Petersburg, eerie encounters by guests and staff suggest a complex history intertwined with the hotel’s past transitions. Originally popular as a seasonal retreat, the hotel has undergone various transformations, contributing to its ghostly reputation. The intriguing blend of vibrant nightlife and haunted tales is elevating its status as a must-visit location.
St. Petersburg – The Mari Jean Hotel, a historic establishment located at Central and 23rd Avenue, is experiencing a resurgence of interest due in part to a recent paranormal investigation conducted by SPIRITS of St. Petersburg. Originally opened in 1926, the hotel has seen a shift from a seasonal retreat to a vibrant entertainment venue and now back to being a hotel, with recent reports of supernatural experiences adding to its eclectic history.
Since reopening in June 2023 after extensive renovations, the Mari Jean Hotel has attracted numerous guests and staff who have reported eerie encounters, suggesting a lingering presence from its storied past. The hotel features lively spaces on its first floor, including entertainment venues such as The Ball, The Wet Spot pool bar, and the nightclub COCKTail. The hotel rooms are situated on the second and third floors, decorated in distinctive neon greens and deep blacks.
The Mari Jean Hotel was unique upon its initial launch, being constructed with concrete for fireproofing, which allowed it to close during summer months until air conditioning was introduced in the 1950s. The hotel flourished during the post-World War II boom but later faced a downturn in tourism, leading to several ownership transitions and conversions. Over the decades, it was transformed into an adult living facility, a retirement home, and an assisted living center for individuals with mental health challenges, each iteration contributing to its complex and troubled history.
During its time as an assisted living facility, reports of significant instability emerged, including multiple suicide attempts, stabbings, and even an incident of arson. These events may have contributed to an atmosphere of unease within the hotel. Following years of neglect and varying ownership, local developers stepped in during the 2010s. David Fischer, initially hired as an interior designer, transitioned into a visionary role and started renovations aimed at converting the hotel back into an adults-only resort, restoring the top floors into hotel rooms.
Since the hotel’s reopening, numerous incidents indicative of paranormal activity have been reported by both guests and staff. David Fischer and staff members, including General Manager David Foxx, have recounted feelings of being watched and hearing unexplainable sounds like grunts and movement in seemingly solitary areas, particularly in the kitchen. During hurricane events in 2024, one manager even noted strange noises and movement in the hallways when no one else was present.
Additionally, the preservation of an original caretaker’s cottage, which was saved from demolition through community efforts, now serves as the LGBTQ Welcome Center, further intertwining the hotel’s history with local heritage. The recent uptick in alleged paranormal phenomena has prompted the Mari Jean to enlist SPIRITS of St. Petersburg to carry out a thorough investigation into the hotel’s haunted past, with expectations of revealing more about its history and how it might relate to the experiences reported by staff and guests.
The findings from this ongoing investigation are anticipated with eagerness as they may shed light on the enigmatic occurrences at the Mari Jean Hotel. Continued coverage is expected as SPIRITS of St. Petersburg prepares to unveil their discoveries, fueling a growing fascination with the premises and its historical significance.
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Additional Resources
- The Gabber: Are There Ghosts in St. Pete’s Mari Jean Hotel?
- St. Pete Catalyst: Paranormal Investigator Shares Stories on Haunts
- Patch: Experience the Haunted Side of St. Pete Ghost Tour
- Condé Nast Traveler: Haunted Hotels Around the World
- Crow’s Nest St. Pete: Ghosts of St. Petersburg’s Past
- Wikipedia: Ghost
- Google Search: Haunted Hotels
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Ghost
- Google Scholar: Paranormal Investigation
- Google News: St Petersburg Ghosts
Author: STAFF HERE PETERSBURG WRITER
ST PETERSBURG STAFF WRITER The ST PETERSBURG STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREStPetersburg.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in St Petersburg, Pinellas County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Grand Prix of St. Petersburg, Localtopia, and SHINE Mural Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the St. Petersburg Area Chamber of Commerce and St. Pete Downtown Partnership, plus leading businesses in finance, manufacturing, and healthcare that power the local economy such as Raymond James Financial, Jabil, and Bayfront Health St. Petersburg. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREJacksonville.com, HEREOrlando.com, HERETallahassee.com, and HERETampa.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Florida's dynamic landscape.
