Specialities
The Magnolia Hotel was originally a log cabin home built in 1840. Then it became a stagecoach station with a 3 room hotel located in the back. In 1850 it became a 10 room hotel with a saloon and restaurant. The actual Alamo Bell once hung in front of the building for years before being returned to the mission. Some of its most noted guests have been Texas Ranger Captain John “Jack” Coffee Hays, Texas Ranger “Big Foot” Wallace, Governor John Ireland, President Ulysses S. Grant, and the infamous multiple murderer, William Faust. The building is incredibly historic and is known to be extremely haunted. The owners, Jim and Erin W. Ghedi offer both haunted and historic tours.
History
Established in 1840.
Featured on “2013 Texas Most Endangered Places” list by Texas Preservation the Magnolia Hotel has now been rescued by Jim and Erin Ghedi. It was once only a two room log cabin built in 1839 by Texas Ranger, James Campbell. In 1844, the cabin was made into Seguin’s first stagecoach station. Then the original limecrete building was added in the back that would become Seguin’s first hotel. In 1850 the two story wooden section was added in the middle connecting all three buildings into what is now known as the Magnolia Hotel. It flourished for nearly 60 years. 1910 the hotel was overshadowed by more modern hotels and it became a boarding house. 1930 is when it became a large home on the bottom and apartments on the second floor. By mid 1990’s the hotel had fallen into major disrepair and neglect. After remaining empty for years it was badly vandalized and became how to squatters and drug users destine for demolition. Now it is being restored to its gorgeous 1880 grandeur for all to enjoy.
- Website: http://www.sfvampiretour.com/
- Phone: (650) 279-1840
Highest Review
Covid May have slowed down this wonderful tour. Be prepared – the Tour can be really spooky! We have taken pals ( in and out-of-towners) on the Vampire Tour. (Hot TIP: It can be very windy and cold on Nob Hill- bring a cloak, coat, sweater, garlic.) We loved this tour – very fun – lots of interesting tales of San Francisco. Most Esp. loved the Grace Cathedral note – the local lore. Mina is smart and funny! We had drinks at The Big Four/Huntington Hotel thereafter.
Lowest Review
This is a awful tour. Dull, but most of all it’s totally inaccurate. I’d say a good 90% is made up “alternative” facts. That’s bad because visitors take home and retell misinformation about the city.
The tour leader seems amateurish and looks kind of tacky, but that would be okay if it was a great evening. It’s sort of boring, you mostly stand in the park and hear fake stories, and there are no chills or thrills at all. With so many great (and historical) tours here there’s no reason to waste your time and money here.
No, Emperor Norton was not a vampire, no the Gone With The Wind staircase is not in the Fairmont Hotel, no there aren’t vampires hanging around Grace Cathedral. Of the few “true” vampire tales there are in SF none were told, she should go back and do some real research.
