When the Espy reopened in late 2018 punters were eager to check out the six-floors of bars, restaurants, band rooms and hidden finds. But as they were exploring the labyrinthine venue, what they didn’t know is that they were possibly sharing the hotel with ghosts and ghouls.
The Hotel Esplanade is hosting ghost tours to show guests a spookier side of the famous hotel. The Espy has been around for more than 140 years so it’s a prime spot for spirits to hang out (and not just the kind you find behind the bar).
Throughout the building’s lengthy history it’s been everything from a seaside resort to the home of SBS music show RocKwiz. That means a diverse cast of ghostly residents, including the spirit of arts philanthropist Alfred Felton.
The tours are led by Bo Svoronos who has a long history in the St Kilda community having co-directed and produced two St Kilda Writers’ Festivals and several Yalukit Wilum Ngargee festivals. Expect your evening to be equal parts ghosty, historical and entertaining.