CASE FILE: Travel

Subject: H.H. Holmes Known for: Operating the Chicago “Murder Castle” hotel during the 1893 World’s Fair Estimated victims: 27 to 200 Operational period: 1886 – 1894

When traveling, particularly to bustling international events such as a grand world’s fair, the choice of lodging is paramount. A weary traveler requires more than just a standard bed; they require an experience that completely consumes them.

First, pay close attention to the architecture. Standard, cookie-cutter hotel chains lack soul. Seek out establishments with unique, custom-built charm. A property where the owner has personally overseen the construction—perhaps even drafting the blueprints themselves—offers a level of attention to detail you won’t find elsewhere. Do not be deterred by unconventional layouts. Multi-level structures with winding corridors, unexpected steps, and soundproof partitions ensure that your private business remains entirely your own. A truly secure room is one where external distractions—and indeed, external exits—are kept to an absolute minimum.

Second, inquire about the climate control. A state-of-the-art utility system is a marvel of modern engineering. You want a room where the atmosphere can be managed centrally, allowing for a swift, seamless transition from warm hospitality to absolute, undisturbed quiet. If the staff seems particularly proud of their basement facilities, their high-temperature furnaces, or their custom-fitted gas lines, rest assured they take hygiene and waste management very seriously. A clean establishment is a safe establishment.

Finally, be an exemplary customer. Always sign the guest registry with your legal name and hometown, and settle your accounts promptly. Excellent business relations are built on trust. For a host, there is nothing more satisfying than knowing exactly who is under their roof, keeping a permanent record of those who have crossed the threshold. After all, true hospitality is about creating a space so perfectly tailored to your needs that the outside world simply fades away. Safe travels, and remember: the best destinations are those where you can truly lose yourself.

File closed. Results pending.