Imagine embarking on an adventure that’s not just about sightseeing, but about experiencing the thrilling shivers down your spine as you tread the corridors of history and mystery.
Across America, there are hotels renowned not just for their luxurious amenities and architectural beauty but also for their ghostly residents and spine-tingling tales. These places, steeped in history, offer more than a comfy bed to sleep in; they promise an encounter with the past, wrapped in the cloak of the supernatural.
For those who dare, staying at one of these haunted hotels can be a playful plunge into the realm of the eerie and the uncanny. Each room and hallway holds whispers of long-gone guests who checked in but never quite checked out.
Whether you’re a ghost hunting enthusiast or just looking for a unique twist to your vacation, these hotels provide an unforgettable experience where every creak and echo might just have a story to tell. So, pack your bags and prepare for a stay that promises to be anything but ordinary.
Most Haunted Hotels in America
La Fonda on the Plaza, New Mexico
La Fonda on the Plaza, New Mexico
Nestled in the heart of Santa Fe, La Fonda on the Plaza carries the distinction of being one of the oldest hotel corners in America, with a history that extends back to 1607. This historic hotel is more than just a place to stay; it’s a portal to the past, where guests report encounters with the supernatural.
Among the resident spirits, the ghost of Judge John P. Slough, known for his long black coat and tragic death in 1867, is often seen pacing the hallways and stairwells.
Additionally, the spirit of a despairing salesman who ended his life in the hotel’s courtyard well continues to haunt the area, now transformed into the La Plazuela restaurant. This spectral figure is said to vanish into the ground at the very spot where the well once stood, a chilling reminder of his untimely demise.
Visitors to La Fonda can enjoy the beautifully preserved Pueblo-style architecture and perhaps a ghostly encounter, with frequent sightings in guest rooms, the bar, and the dining areas. Despite its eerie residents, the hotel remains a beloved landmark, offering a unique glimpse into both the historic and paranormal allure of Santa Fe.
The Equinox, Vermont
The Equinox, Vermont
The Equinox Hotel in Manchester, Vermont, carries with it a rich history and chilling tales of paranormal activity, earning its reputation as one of Vermont’s most haunted hotels.
Built in 1769, this landmark has been a grand retreat with guests including Mary Todd Lincoln, who visited in 1864 and had planned further visits with her husband, President Abraham Lincoln, before his assassination.
Today, many believe that Mary Todd Lincoln’s spirit still roams the hotel, with reports of her apparition accompanied by a small child seen in the hallways and whispers heard in the dead of night. The hotel’s historic charm is matched by these eerie encounters, making it a fascinating destination for those intrigued by the supernatural.
1886 Crescent Hotel & Spa, Arkansas
1886 Crescent Hotel & Spa, Arkansas
Perched atop Crescent Mountain in Eureka Springs, the 1886 Crescent Hotel & Spa boasts a storied past that continues to enchant visitors. Originally built as a luxurious retreat, it later served as a college and a controversial cancer hospital under the direction of Norman Baker, a charlatan who claimed to have a cancer cure.
Today, it’s renowned as one of America’s most haunted hotels. Guests report sightings of former patients and a stonemason named Michael, who fell to his death during construction and is now said to frequent Room 218.
The hotel embraces its haunted reputation, offering nightly ghost tours that explore its eerie hallways and the infamous morgue.
The Stanley Hotel, Colorado
The Stanley Hotel, Colorado
Nestled in the stunning Rocky Mountains, the Stanley Hotel in Colorado is as famous for its ghostly residents as it is for its historic architecture. Infamous for inspiring Stephen King’s “The Shining,” the hotel offers an array of haunted rooms, with Room 217 at the center of its ghostly lore.
This room was the site of a nearly fatal accident in 1911 when an explosion injured a chambermaid named Elizabeth Wilson, whose spirit is said to linger, tidying up after guests or even separating unmarried couples as they sleep.
Beyond Room 217, the fourth floor buzzes with supernatural activity, once housing female employees and children whose laughter and footsteps are still heard today. For the adventurous, the hotel hosts nightly ghost tours and special events like the annual Shining Ball, immersing guests in its eerie ambiance.
The Don CeSar, Florida
The Don CeSar, Florida
Nicknamed the “Pink Palace,” The Don CeSar on St. Pete Beach, Florida, has been a symbol of luxury since its opening in 1928. Its founder, Thomas Rowe, constructed the hotel and modeled it after a royal palace.
Legend has it that Rowe’s ghost still wanders the halls, mourning his lost love, Lucinda, a Spanish opera star whose parents disapproved of their relationship and who he met while traveling in Europe.
Guests and staff alike have reported seeing the couple’s apparitions strolling the grounds hand-in-hand, particularly around the fountain where they were often seen during their courtship.
The Pfister Hotel, Wisconsin
The Pfister Hotel, Wisconsin
Moving on to Milwaukee, The Pfister Hotel stands as a beacon of Victorian grandeur and ghostly whispers. Since opening in 1893, this elegant hotel has hosted numerous celebrities and dignitaries, and some say, a few spectral guests as well.
The most famous of these is the hotel’s founder, Charles Pfister, who is said to watch over the hotel’s operations from beyond the grave. Guests and Major League Baseball players staying at the hotel have reported their electronics flickering, unexplained knocks on their doors, and ghostly apparitions roaming the halls.
The Pfister’s luxurious setting provides not just a touch of historical opulence but also a possibly supernatural experience.
The Marshall House, Georgia
The Marshall House, Georgia
The Marshall House in Savannah, Georgia, is steeped in history and hauntings. Established in 1851, it served as a hospital during the Civil War and yellow fever epidemics, which contributes to its haunted reputation.
Guests and staff report mysterious children’s laughter, ghostly figures in hallways, and faucets turning on by themselves. The most notable spirit is that of a man seen walking the halls with a missing arm, harking back to the building’s days as a surgical center during the war.
This historic hotel not only offers a peek into the past with its original wood floors and antique furnishings but also provides modern comforts, ensuring a stay that is as intriguing as it is comfortable. Whether it’s the allure of history or the thrill of paranormal investigation, The Marshall House promises a memorable experience.
Omni Parker House, Massachusetts
Omni Parker House, Massachusetts
Boston’s Omni Parker House is steeped in history and hauntings, famously known as the longest continuously operating hotel in the United States. Opened in 1855, it has had several famous guests and employees, including Charles Dickens and Ho Chi Minh. However, it’s not just the living that roam the hallways.
The hotel is reputed to be haunted by its founder, Harvey Parker, who guests claim still takes a keen interest in the running of the hotel. Room 303 is particularly notorious, often reported to be the center of paranormal activity with sounds of laughter and the scent of whiskey, leading to its closure to guests.
The hotel’s opulent dining room and the tenth floor are also hotspots for ghostly sightings, where guests report seeing apparitions and experiencing eerie sensations.
Jekyll Island Club Resort, Georgia
Jekyll Island Club Resort, Georgia
Once an exclusive hunting retreat for America’s wealthiest families like the Rockefellers and the Morgans, the Jekyll Island Club Resort is now open to the public and rumored to be haunted by several past members.
The most famous ghost is said to be that of Samuel Spencer, a railroad magnate who loves to read newspapers in his former room. Other spirits include a bellman who supposedly continues his duties in the afterlife, helping unsuspecting guests with their bags.
The historic charm of the resort is matched by its ghostly tales, making it a fascinating destination for those who appreciate a touch of the supernatural with their luxury.
Hotel Chelsea, New York
Hotel Chelsea, New York
The Hotel Chelsea in New York City, with its grand gothic facade, has long been a magnet for the creative and the eccentric, and perhaps it’s this colorful history that contributes to its reputation as one of the city’s most haunted locations.
Opened in 1884, it has been home to a host of famous personalities, from Mark Twain to Bob Dylan, many of whom, some say, never left. The most chilling tale perhaps is that of Nancy Spungen, who died under mysterious circumstances in 1978 in a room she shared with Sid Vicious of the Sex Pistols.
Visitors have reported seeing her spirit, as well as that of poet Dylan Thomas, who also met a tragic end after staying at the hotel. The Chelsea is also said to be haunted by a woman named Mary, linked tragically to the Titanic disaster, whose presence is often noted in reflections and whispers throughout the hotel.
The Driskill, Texas
The Driskill, Texas
The Driskill in Texas offers not just luxury but also a brush with the supernatural. Built in 1886 by cattle baron Jesse Driskill, the hotel is rumored to host several spirits, including Driskill himself, who is said to wander the hotel ensuring his guests are well taken care of.
Children’s laughter is often heard echoing through the halls when no children are present, particularly around the grand staircase. The most haunting story is that of a young girl who fell to her death down the grand staircase; guests and staff claim to hear her bouncing ball late into the night.
The hotel embraces its eerie past, with ghost tours that detail these stories and more, making it a must-visit for anyone seeking a stay with a side of spooky.
The Hollywood Roosevelt, California
The Hollywood Roosevelt, California
In the heart of Hollywood, The Hollywood Roosevelt has been a beacon of glamour since 1927, hosting celebrities and spirits alike. Legend has it that Marilyn Monroe’s ghost haunts the mirror in her former suite, where guests report seeing her reflection.
Another spectral resident, actor Montgomery Clift, is said to practice his trumpet in Room 928, where he once stayed during the filming of “From Here to Eternity.” The hotel’s Blossom Ballroom, original site of the first Academy Awards, also has its share of paranormal activity, with reports of cold spots and apparitions in 1920s attire.
The Hollywood Roosevelt combines luxury with mystery, offering guests a glimpse into Hollywood’s golden era and possibly an encounter with its ghostly past.
Emily Morgan Hotel, Texas
Emily Morgan Hotel, Texas
The Emily Morgan Hotel in San Antonio, Texas, which serves as the official hotel of the Alamo, also serves up some spine-tingling experiences. Recognized as one of the most haunted hotels in the United States, it was formerly a medical facility, which included a morgue and a psychiatric ward.
Guests at the Emily Morgan report strange occurrences such as phones ringing in the middle of the night with no one on the other end, TVs turning on by themselves, and eerie figures seen in the halls and rooms.
The hotel’s gothic architecture and proximity to the historic Alamo provide a perfect backdrop for these ghostly tales, making it a must-visit for those chasing the paranormal.
Omni Shoreham Hotel, Washington, D.C.
Omni Shoreham Hotel, Washington, D.C.
The Omni Shoreham Hotel in Washington, D.C., has its own share of ghostly tales, dating back to its opening in 1930. The most famous haunting is attributed to the “Ghost Suite,” where a former owner’s maid, daughter, and wife all died under mysterious circumstances.
Guests staying in this suite have reported strange noises, sudden cold spots, and unexplained malfunctions of electronic devices.
Beyond the paranormal, the Omni Shoreham offers luxurious accommodations and a rich history that includes hosting numerous celebrities and political figures over the decades.
Its beautiful setting adjacent to Rock Creek Park adds a natural charm to the historic elegance, making it a preferred choice for those seeking both luxury and mystery in the heart of the nation’s capital.
Kimpton Hotel Monaco, Washington, D.C.
Kimpton Hotel Monaco, Washington, D.C.
Kimpton Hotel Monaco in Washington, D.C. stands out with its unique blend of history and luxury. This site was originally the General Post Office, one of the oldest government buildings in the city, which perhaps explains the ghostly sightings reported by guests.
The most active specter is said to be a former postmaster who still roams the halls. Additionally, the spirits of Civil War soldiers are said to make their presence known, a nod to the building’s use during a tumultuous period in American history.
Staff and guests report unexplained noises, eerie feelings, and ghostly sightings, particularly on the fourth floor, adding a layer of intrigue to every stay.
Final Thoughts
The haunted hotels in America offers more than just a night’s stay; it’s a journey through the corridors of history tinged with the supernatural. Whether you’re a ghost hunting enthusiast or simply a lover of unique historical sites, these hotels provide an unforgettable blend of fright and delight.
So pack your bags and prepare your nerves for an adventure that just might include a ghostly room companion.