William Randolph Hearst might not look anything like Willy Wonka — but to movie stars of in the 1920s, an invitation to the Hearst Castle was perhaps even better than finding a coveted golden ticket.

Instead of chocolate waterfalls, the champagne flowed. Instead of boat rides, you might ride a horse through Hearst’s private zoo. And instead of oompa-loompas, you might be surrounded by the most elite of the glittering Hollywood set: David Niven, Joan Crawford, Charlie Chaplin, Errol Flynn, and Cary Grant just to name a few.

The general public could only read about the mysterious palace on the hill. If, for some reason, you found yourself experiencing your 15 minutes of fame, you might be lucky enough to get an invitation. Hearst was in the publishing world, after all. He loved to meet the people that made headlines. 

Now, Hearst Castle is a State Park. For the fee of $25 per tour, you can enter the place that once upon a time, was ensconced in mystery, only accessible to very few. People often ask which Hearst Castle tour is the best. I personally prefer the evening tours of the grounds. But if you go inside, you do encounter a rather mysterious room with an interesting ghost story to boot.

A classic HOLLYWOOD GHOST STORY: the love of MARION DAVIES AND WILLIAM RANDOLPH HEARST

You might think that William Randolph Hearst was above such working-class wories as, you know, debt. But Marion Davies, one of the most iconic movie stars of the 1920s and the love of Hearst’s life, once used her own considerable wealth to help her boyfriend out of a jam—to the tune of over $1 million dollars. She did so by liquidating some of her stocks, and selling some of her jewelry.

After Hearst passed away, he left the entire estate to Marion as a sign of gratitude. Her reaction? To sell it back to the Hearst Family for the hefty amount of...

One dollar.

If that isn't selflessness and true devotion in action, I don't know what is. The real Marion Davies seems a far cry from the Citizen Kane representation of her.

So where does the ghost story come in, you might ask? Well—whenever the tour guides tell this story, in the room pictured below, they say that those gorgeous hanging lanterns begin to swing.

They might be reticent to tell you such a tale, however, as it is forbidden by management. Why? According to our tour guide, it became policy when one guest claimed that a ghost had followed her home, full-on Disneyland Haunted Mansion style. She even wanted the estate to cover the cost of a full-blown exorcism.

sorry, HEARST CASTLE is not a hotel

Travelers searching for hotels near Hearst Castle might lament that the estate itself is not available for overnight rental, no matter how much money you might be willing to pay. To stay overnight, you would need to be a member of the Hearst Family.

It is interesting to note that the Hearst family retains a few privileges in regard to the estate. Though Hearst Castle was gifted to the state of California, the Hearst family retained the Casa Mar guest house. It is the most coveted guest house with a view of the ocean. Ultimately though, the Hearst estate relinquished control and donated it back to the state which means no overnight stays for anyone, anywhere. No matter how much money you pay, the tour guide said, "... this will never be the most expensive Airbnb in the world."

Nonetheless, Hearst family members can swim in the historic Hearst Castle pools, which are off-limits to everyone else. And they host a wedding from time to time, including that of their very own Amanda Hearst. 

Movie stars of the 1920s loved the place. Who knows, perhaps the ghosts of Marion Davies, Clark Gable, and Cary Grant still linger behind, martinis in hand, drinking a toast to the happy couple. 

If you want to know more about the love story William Randolph Hearst and Marion Davies, you can read it, in her own words.

Love Ghost Stories and Movie Stars of the 1920s? Read on!