The Hotel Bel-Air in Los Angeles is one of my frequent haunts. It is a beautifully landscaped property run by a top-notch staff. Never one to rest on its laurels, the Hotel Bel-Air has undergone renovations of its suites and is adding a luxury spa to the property, set to be complete in 2009. The spa is located on the site of the former Marilyn Monroe cottage at the north end on the sprawling property. The Marilyn cottage was demolished this year, and the site was prepared for construction. Front-end loaders had to delicately level the ground and move debris without disturbing the surrounding grounds and gardens. The day the cottage was leveled, the front desk received a call. The caller ID display read “Marilyn Monroe Cottage.” All the phone lines had been severed, and not only was the phone gone from the cottage, but the entire cottage was demolished! When the phone was answered, no one was on the other line. This repeated several times throughout the day. Last week, a beautiful display of the proposed spa was in the reception area. It was displayed and framed, then enclosed in glass. Without warning, the display came crashing down, spewing shards of glass all over the floor near the concierge. Can this all be the work of the spirit of Marilyn? You can add the Hotel Bel-Air to your list of properties with questionable permanent guests! -Fran Gallagher, publisher and CEO