In the 1940s, there were two ways to cross Utah on a transcontinental trip: on the Lincoln Highway (US 30) through northern Utah or on US 40 through Vernal Utah. Vernal at that time had few accommodations. In fact, the Vernal newspaper reported about a national (?) broadcast recommending that tourists travel US 30, rather than US 40 since “there were not enough hotel and cabin accommodations at Vernal” (Part of Vernal Hotel).

And from that perspective, the Vernal Hotel was born. In November 1945 planning began for a 60-room, $150,000 hotel located across from the courthouse. It was capitalized by the Hotel Vernal Corporation, a group of Vernal citizens led by mayor B.H. Stringham (Mayor Stringham). At that time, Ashton & Evans was identified as the architectural firm for the hotel which was to include a dining room, coffee shop, private dining room, and beauty shop (Old Coltharp). Three months later (February 1946) when plans were submitted to the corporation the price tag had grown to $250,000 (Plans submitted).

In the brick and steel building each room had aluminum window frames, bathing facilities, and a telephone. KJAM, a new radio station, was located in the building, along with a barber shop/beauty parlor, haberdashery, fountain, coffee shop, restaurant, and dining room seating 125 (Notables to witness).

There was a soft opening of 20 rooms on June 12, 1947 “to accommodate the many tourists now passing through Vernal who are unable to locate overnight lodging at other hostelries” (Part of Vernal). The grand opening “of the $350,000 Vernal Hotel” was held on June 28 (Notables to witness). [Notice that the $150,000 project had grown to $350,000 in 18 months.]

“For decades, the hotel was ‘the place to be’ in Vernal. The hotel hosted plush banquets, large weddings, prom pictures, and famous guests.” Over the years, the commercial enterprises included a jewelry store, Chamber of Commerce, and the Emerald Club (Hotel Vernal history).

The Hotel Vernal Corporation was profitable: the debt was paid off in 1952 and stockholders received 8% dividends that year (Hotel Vernal holds). In 1972, the building was sold to Weston Motels and operated as the Weston Lamplighter until 1991 at which time it closed. “Only dust has stayed in the rooms … or is there more? Ask the long-time employees about the Hotel – the desk clerks, bell-hops, housekeeping, or maintenance – they insist the hotel is haunted” (Hotel Vernal history).

And for many years, the empty hotel has served as the Hotel Vernal Haunt venue. In 2023, the October Haunt event raised and donated $73,000 to local non-profit charities (Hotel Vernal history).