Ghosts, Gays, & Gambling - Portland’s Crystal Hotel

In this spooky and delightfully unhinged episode, we’re joined by “extra special” guests Shea & Jody from Rainy Day Rabbit Holes to explore the strange history and haunted happenings of Portland’s Crystal Hotel, a pizza-slice-shaped building with a century of stories baked in.

Located in the Pearl District, this vibrant, music-themed boutique hotel—now owned by McMenamins—has a rich and colorful past. It’s been everything from an auto parts store and a hotspot for underground gambling, to a string of lively nightclubs and a men’s-only subterranean bathhouse. Today, thanks to its significance as a safe and social space for Portland’s LGBTQ+ community, it can be found on the National Register of Historic Places.

Whether you’re into true crime, paranormal encounters, or offbeat local history, this episode has something for you. Don’t miss this deep dive into one of Portland’s most fascinating hotels!

Visit our website! Find us on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Patreon, & more! If you have any true crime, paranormal, or witchy stories you'd like to share with us & possibly have them read (out loud) on an episode, email us at [email protected] or use this link. There are so many ways that you can support the show: BuyMeACoffee, Spreaker, or by leaving a rating & review on Apple Podcasts. Sources