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PARKERSBURG -- The Blennerhassett Hotel and Spa has received two awards.
The downtown Parkersburg landmark has received the 2022's Best Historic Site in "WV Weddings Magazine" and was named West Virginia's Most Haunted Hotel by Thrillist, a New York-based media company.
Sydney Weber, wedding and social events coordinator at the Blennerhassett Hotel, credits its beauty among many reasons for winning the award. Couples seek the hotel for its Victorian-era architecture, which provides a popular backdrop used by local photographers, Weber said.
"Our hotel is such a breathtaking and celebrated centerpiece of downtown Parkersburg. It offers stunning architecture that takes you back in time," Weber said. "The beauty and storied history of the hotel exudes elegance. We cherish each of our couples and they become such an important part of our legacy."
Hotel Blennerhassett, as it was known in 1889 when the doors first opened, provided accommodations and event services for those in the oil and gas industries.
"We have a great team dedicated to going above and beyond to make your bridal experience stress free. We offer in-house florals, linens, decor, spa services, and so much more," Weber said.
The Thrillist article cites sightings of William Chancellor, the founder of the hotel who also was mayor of Parkersburg. The article talks about strange happenings in two rooms of the hotel.
"This comes as we're expanding our paranormal tourism efforts," said Travis Stephens, digital marketing manager at the Blennerhassett Hotel.
The hotel organized events for October both guests and locals and is working on the first Appalachian ParaCon in March, Stephens said. The paranormal convention will be held at the hotel.
In 2022, the hotel began to conduct Haunted Blennerhassett Tours on the third Friday of each month, consisting of a tour followed by a paranormal investigation with special equipment.
On Monday, Halloween, the hotel will cap the season with a two-part tour and hands-on investigation, All Hallows Eve at the Blennerhassett, starting at 9 p.m.
"We timed All Hallows Eve so attendees can hand out candy on Trick or Treat in Parkersburg, then head over to the Blennerhassett Hotel and Spa to continue their perfect Halloween night," said Stephens.
Thrillist is a digital media website specializing in travel and entertainment, owned by Vox Media.