Ever wonder if ghosts really exist and if you could actually encounter one during a stay at a hotel? The allure of haunted places has captivated many travelers looking for a spine-tingling experience. Staying in a haunted hotel can offer a unique mix of history, mystery, and perhaps, a brush with the supernatural.
In this article, we’ll guide you through some of the best-haunted hotels you can stay in, filled with eerie stories, historical significance, and reported hauntings.
1. The Stanley Hotel, Estes Park, Colorado
The Stanley Hotel is perhaps one of the most famous haunted hotels, thanks in part to Stephen King’s novel “The Shining.” Opened in 1909 by Freelan Oscar Stanley, this hotel not only boasts breathtaking views and luxurious accommodations but is also believed to be haunted by multiple spirits. Guests have reported hearing piano music coming from the ballroom and sightings of Freelan and his wife Flora Stanley.
Room 217 is particularly notorious, where King himself stayed and experienced paranormal activities which later inspired his book.
Key Details:
- Location: Estes Park, Colorado
- Known For: Inspiration for “The Shining”
- Notable Room: Room 217
- Reported Hauntings: Ghostly piano music, sightings of Freelan and Flora Stanley
If you’re a paranormal enthusiast, the Stanley Hotel offers ghost tours to share stories about the many spirits believed to roam its halls.
2. The Crescent Hotel, Eureka Springs, Arkansas
Dubbed “America’s Most Haunted Hotel,” the Crescent Hotel was opened in 1886 and has a long history filled with mysterious events. It originally operated as a luxury resort before becoming a school and, later, a hospital. It’s said that Dr. Norman Baker, a charlatan who claimed to have a cure for cancer, haunts the hotel—his patients reportedly never left the hospital alive. Visitors and staff have reported sightings of ghostly figures, strange noises, and eerie occurrences.
Key Details:
- Location: Eureka Springs, Arkansas
- Known For: Dr. Norman Baker’s Haunted Hospital
- Notable Room: Room 218
- Reported Hauntings: Ghostly figures, strange noises
Guests can participate in nightly ghost tours or even visit the hotel’s morgue to get a full sense of its creepy past.
3. The Queen Mary, Long Beach, California
The Queen Mary is not a hotel in the traditional sense but a retired British ocean liner now converted into a floating hotel. During its time as a functioning ship, it transported troops during World War II and was known as the “Grey Ghost.” This ship has a long history of deaths and supposed hauntings, with more than 150 spirits reported to still roam its decks. Cabin B340 is particularly infamous for being haunted, so much so that it was closed off for a long time until recently reopening for the bravest of guests.
Key Details:
- Location: Long Beach, California
- Known For: World War II troop transport
- Notable Area: Cabin B340
- Reported Hauntings: Over 150 spirits, haunted cabin
The Queen Mary offers historical and paranormal tours to give you the full experience of what it’s like aboard this haunted vessel.
4. The Marshall House, Savannah, Georgia
Savannah is one of America’s most haunted cities, and The Marshall House is a prime example of its rich, spooky history. This 19th-century hotel served as a hospital during the Civil War and yellow fever epidemics, leaving behind numerous ghost reports. Guests have experienced everything from faucets turning on by themselves to actual ghostly apparitions. Some children have even claimed to see ghost children playing in the hallways, adding an extra element of eerie charm.
Key Details:
- Location: Savannah, Georgia
- Known For: Civil War hospital
- Notable Features: Historical architecture
- Reported Hauntings: Faucets turning on, ghostly apparitions
Staying here offers a deep dive into Savannah’s haunted past and brings an aura of historical richness mingled with chilling paranormal activity.
5. The Myrtles Plantation, St. Francisville, Louisiana
The Myrtles Plantation is said to be one of America’s most haunted homes, with numerous ghostly sightings and mysterious occurrences. Built-in 1796, the plantation is steeped in history and tragedy. One of the most famous spirits said to inhabit the plantation is Chloe, a slave girl who was allegedly hanged for poisoning the plantation owner’s family. Numerous guests have reported seeing her ghost, as well as other apparitions, unexplained noises, and odd occurrences.
Key Details:
- Location: St. Francisville, Louisiana
- Known For: Numerous hauntings
- Notable Spirit: Chloe, the slave girl
- Reported Hauntings: Ghostly sightings, unexplained noises
You can take a guided historical and haunted tour of The Myrtles Plantation, giving you the chance to explore its haunted halls.
6. The Lizzie Borden Bed and Breakfast, Fall River, Massachusetts
For those fascinated by true crime and the supernatural, the Lizzie Borden Bed and Breakfast offers a unique, albeit chilling, experience. This was the site of the infamous 1892 axe murders of Andrew and Abby Borden, and many believe their spirits still linger. Guests have reported various supernatural occurrences, from cold spots and disembodied voices to full-blown apparitions. You can even stay in the actual rooms where the murders took place.
Key Details:
- Location: Fall River, Massachusetts
- Known For: The Lizzie Borden murders
- Notable Features: Original rooms of the murders
- Reported Hauntings: Cold spots, disembodied voices, apparitions
The bed and breakfast offers daily tours and overnight stays where you can immerse yourself in the grisly history while potentially encountering the paranormal.
7. The Omni Grove Park Inn, Asheville, North Carolina
The elegance and charm of the Omni Grove Park Inn might disarm you from suspecting it to be haunted, but it is. This luxurious inn opened its doors in 1913 and is known to be haunted by the “Pink Lady.” Described as a young woman in a pink gown, she has been seen floating around the property, primarily in Room 545, where it is believed she fell to her death. Guests and staff have reported feeling her presence, along with instances of lights flickering and objects moving on their own.
Key Details:
- Location: Asheville, North Carolina
- Known For: Elegant yet haunted
- Notable Room: Room 545
- Reported Hauntings: The Pink Lady, flickering lights, moving objects
The Omni Grove Park Inn offers a blend of historical elegance with a touch of haunted mystery, making it an intriguing place to stay.
8. The Menger Hotel, San Antonio, Texas
Located adjacent to the Alamo and boasting over 150 years of history, the Menger Hotel is rich with stories of hauntings and ghostly encounters. The ghost of Sallie White, a chambermaid murdered by her husband, is one of the most frequently reported specters. In addition to her, guests have described seeing Confederate soldiers, mysterious figures in period clothing, and even the apparition of Theodore Roosevelt, who recruited Rough Riders in the hotel bar.
Key Details:
- Location: San Antonio, Texas
- Known For: Proximity to the Alamo
- Notable Spirit: Sallie White, Theodore Roosevelt
- Reported Hauntings: Confederate soldiers, apparitions in period wear
You can stay at the Menger Hotel and immerse yourself in its rich history while possibly encountering its many lingering spirits.
9. The Omni Parker House, Boston, Massachusetts
The Omni Parker House in Boston stands out not just for its luxurious amenities but also for its numerous ghost stories. Opened in 1855, this hotel has seen its share of famous guests and eerie events. The ghost of Harvey Parker, the hotel’s original owner, is frequently sighted, as well as Charles Dickens, who stayed there during his American tour. Many guests have reported flickering lights, cold spots, and odd noises during their stays.
Key Details:
- Location: Boston, Massachusetts
- Known For: Historical significance
- Notable Spirits: Harvey Parker, Charles Dickens
- Reported Hauntings: Flickering lights, cold spots, odd noises
A stay at the Omni Parker House provides a luxurious experience wrapped with historical and ghostly intrigue.
10. The Driskill Hotel, Austin, Texas
The Driskill Hotel opened in 1886, is a cornerstone of Austin’s historical charm and paranormal activity. One of the most famous hauntings involves the ghost of a little girl who died after falling down the grand staircase. Guests have also reported seeing the apparition of Jesse Driskill, the hotel’s original owner. Eerie occurrences, such as mysterious shadows and unexplained sounds, are commonly reported by those who stay here.
Key Details:
- Location: Austin, Texas
- Known For: Ghost of a little girl
- Notable Spirits: Jesse Driskill
- Reported Hauntings: Mysterious shadows, unexplained sounds
The Driskill Hotel offers a blend of old-world elegance and ghost stories that make your stay a memorable experience.
11. The Fainting Goat Island Inn, Nichols, New York
Despite its charming and somewhat whimsical name, the Fainting Goat Island Inn is reputed to be haunted. Originally a railroad hotel built in the 1850s, it is said to be home to several spirits, including a young girl named Emma. Guests have reported hearing soft giggles, and footsteps, and even catching glimpses of shadowy figures. The inn retains much of its original charm and offers a unique if slightly eerie, overnight experience.
Key Details:
- Location: Nichols, New York
- Known For: Historical railroad hotel
- Notable Spirit: Emma, the young girl
- Reported Hauntings: Soft giggles, footsteps, shadowy figures
A stay at the Fainting Goat Island Inn is sure to be a delightful yet haunted experience, perfect for those seeking a touch of the supernatural.
12. Hotel Chelsea, New York City, New York
The Hotel Chelsea has been the residence of many famous writers, musicians, and artists, including Mark Twain, Bob Dylan, and Janis Joplin. Opened in 1884, it’s not just known for its artistic history but also its ghostly inhabitants. The ghost of writer Dylan Thomas, who died in the hotel, is said to roam its halls. Guests have described seeing fleeting glimpses of apparitions and experiencing unexplained events.
Key Details:
- Location: New York City, New York
- Known For: Artistic residents
- Notable Spirit: Dylan Thomas
- Reported Hauntings: Apparitions, unexplained events
If you’re looking to blend history, culture, and hauntings, Hotel Chelsea offers a fascinating stay.
13. The Hawthorne Hotel, Salem, Massachusetts
No list of haunted hotels would be complete without mentioning Salem, famous for the witch trials of 1692. The Hawthorne Hotel, named after author Nathaniel Hawthorne, fits right into the city’s eerie ambiance. Guests have reported numerous paranormal activities, such as unexplained noises, flickering lights, and ghostly apparitions. Room 612 is particularly noted for its haunted happenings.
Key Details:
- Location: Salem, Massachusetts
- Known For: Salem Witch Trials proximity
- Notable Room: Room 612
- Reported Hauntings: Unexplained noises, flickering lights, ghostly apparitions
Staying at the Hawthorne Hotel gives you a chance to feel the chilling history of Salem while encountering potential hauntings.
14. The Buxton Inn, Granville, Ohio
The Buxton Inn has been in continuous operation since 1812 and carries a rich history alongside its ghost stories. Guests often report sightings of Orrin Granger, the original owner, and Major Buxton, after whom the inn is named. Others have claimed to see a ghostly cat wandering the property. From eerie footsteps to ghostly appearances, the Buxton Inn offers a wealth of paranormal experiences.
Key Details:
- Location: Granville, Ohio
- Known For: Long history
- Notable Spirits: Orrin Granger, Major Buxton
- Reported Hauntings: Footsteps, ghostly appearances
If a blend of long-standing charm and ghostly occurrences intrigues you, the Buxton Inn should be on your list.
15. Hotel del Coronado, San Diego, California
Since opening its doors in 1888, the Hotel del Coronado has attracted visitors with its picturesque setting and luxurious accommodations. Yet, it is also known for being haunted, particularly by the ghost of Kate Morgan, a young woman who died under mysterious circumstances in 1892. Guests report sightings of her apparition, mysterious footsteps, and moving objects.
Key Details:
- Location: San Diego, California
- Known For: Mysterious death of Kate Morgan
- Notable Spirit: Kate Morgan
- Reported Hauntings: Apparitions, footsteps, moving objects
The Hotel del Coronado offers a mix of seaside luxury and ghostly lore, making it an intriguing destination.
16. Hotel Monteleone, New Orleans, Louisiana
New Orleans is famous for its ghostly tales, and Hotel Monteleone stands as a noteworthy haunt. Established in 1886, this hotel has been the site of many unexplained phenomena. The ghost of a young boy named Maurice Begere is one of the most frequently reported spirits. Guests often experience flickering lights, cold spots, and moving furniture.
Key Details:
- Location: New Orleans, Louisiana
- Known For: Numerous hauntings
- Notable Spirit: Maurice Begere
- Reported Hauntings: Flickering lights, cold spots, moving furniture
Staying at Hotel Monteleone gives you a taste of New Orleans’s rich history and paranormal intrigue.
17. Summary Table of Haunted Hotels
To help you choose your next spooky stay, here’s a summary table of the mentioned haunted hotels:
| Hotel Name | Location | Notable Spirit(s) | Notable Room/Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| The Stanley Hotel | Estes Park, Colorado | Freelan and Flora Stanley | Room 217 |
| The Crescent Hotel | Eureka Springs, Arkansas | Dr. Norman Baker | Room 218 |
| The Queen Mary | Long Beach, California | Over 150 spirits | Cabin B340 |
| The Marshall House | Savannah, Georgia | Various apparitions | Historical architecture |
| The Myrtles Plantation | St. Francisville, Louisiana | Chloe | Various hauntings |
| The Lizzie Borden B&B | Fall River, Massachusetts | Lizzie Borden’s victims | Original rooms |
| The Omni Grove Park Inn | Asheville, North Carolina | The Pink Lady | Room 545 |
| The Menger Hotel | San Antonio, Texas | Sallie White, Theodore Roosevelt | Various hauntings |
| The Omni Parker House | Boston, Massachusetts | Harvey Parker, Charles Dickens | Various hauntings |
| The Driskill Hotel | Austin, Texas | Jesse Driskill | Grand staircase |
| The Fainting Goat Inn | Nichols, New York | Emma | Various hauntings |
| Hotel Chelsea | New York City, New York | Dylan Thomas | Various hauntings |
| The Hawthorne Hotel | Salem, Massachusetts | Various apparitions | Room 612 |
| The Buxton Inn | Granville, Ohio | Orrin Granger, Major Buxton | Various hauntings |
| Hotel del Coronado | San Diego, California | Kate Morgan | Mysterious death |
| Hotel Monteleone | New Orleans, Louisiana | Maurice Berger | Various hauntings |
Choosing to stay in a haunted hotel offers a unique adventure. Whether you’re a believer in the supernatural or just intrigued by the stories, these hotels provide a mix of rich history and eerie encounters to enhance your experience. Each of these destinations invites you to not only enjoy their aesthetic and historical significance but also to potentially experience something otherworldly. Would you dare to spend a night in any of these haunted hotels?