Scandals and Newsworthy Events at Hotels I’ve Visited

Earlier this year, I was watching a scandalous story on 20/20 TV show. I was shocked to see a hotel I stayed at featured as part of the story. It made me curious to know what other scandals or newsworthy events happened at hotels I’ve visited. Here are a few I discovered.

Affair at Sheraton Sand Key

My family stayed at Sheraton Sand Key Resort on points a few years ago on spring break. You can see my review here. Rooms are small, but the beach and location are fantastic. We thoroughly enjoyed our stay there.

So I was shocked to see the hotel featured on the 20/20 special titled “Unfaithfully Yours” about televangelists Jim and Tammy Faye Bakker. Jim Bakker had his famous affair with Jessica Hahn at the Sheraton Sand Key Resort. With all the money he had, I’m surprised he wasn’t staying at a much fancier resort.

Nixon’s Lies at Disney’s Contemporary Resort

A few years ago, my family stayed at Disney’s Contemporary Resort as part of a group trip. Being so close to the Magic Kingdom via the monorail was great! We enjoyed watching the fireworks show from the resort.

Years before we stayed there, President Nixon gave one of the most famous press conferences in U.S. history. On November 17, 1973, in the middle of the Watergate scandal, Nixon declared “I’m not a crook!” from Disney’s Contemporary Resort.

Breaking Up the Beatles at Disney’s Polynesian Resort

A couple of years ago, my family spent one night at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort before embarking a cruise. We loved the lagoon beach and the view of the castle. The pool area was spectacular! One of our favorite characters meals is at ‘Ohana restaurant inside, and the monorail is very convenient.

But on December 29, 1974, a more serious event took place at the hotel. On this day, John Lennon finally signed the documents that would break up The Beatles. He was at Disney World on vacation with his son. Photos of the trip show him outside of a ground floor corner room looking out at the Seven Seas Lagoon.

“Riot at the Hyatt” at Hyatt Regency Vancouver

Before our Alaska cruise, my family stayed a few nights at Hyatt Regency Vancouver. It is a great location for exploring the city, and we could walk right to the cruise terminal. We enjoyed the outdoor pool and hot tub as well as the mall next door. See my full review here.

But in December 1998, this hotel was the scene of the pre-planned “Riot at the Hyatt”. The Prime Minister of Canada was staying there, and a thousand people showed up to protest. Some protesters were beaten with wooden sticks, and an investigation into the police force ensued.

Republican Party Headquarters at the Hilton Anatole

Almost two years ago, my family did a winter staycation at the Hilton Anatole in Dallas. We booked the hotel to go to the family Christmas activities at Peppermint Park. But, we also enjoyed the art work (including a piece of the Berlin wall), the pool and the food at the executive lounge. See my review here.

But back in 1984, the Republican National Convention took place in Dallas. That is the only time in history that a pollical party’s national convention was held in Dallas. The Hilton Anatole served as the headquarters for the Reagan-Bush campaign during that convention.

Have you stayed at a hotel that had a famous scandal or newsworthy event?

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