KEY TAKEAWAYS
- The most haunted hotels you can stay in combine overnight accommodations with well-known ghost stories and documented history.
- Several properties offer guided ghost tours or allow guests to reserve rooms linked to reported paranormal activity.
- These hotels range from city landmarks and beachfront resorts to remote castles, giving travelers options at different destinations.
- Rooms connected to famous ghost stories often fill quickly, so booking early is especially important for an October stay.
Footsteps in empty hallways. Sudden cold spots with no obvious cause. Reports like these have kept travelers curious for generations, but the history behind the properties can be just as compelling as their paranormal reputations. This guide covers some of the most haunted hotels you can stay in across the United States and abroad. Each property is open for overnight bookings and backed by documented history or established ghost lore. You’ll also find practical hotel booking hacks to help you secure popular rooms and tours before they sell out.
| Hotel | Location | Ghost tours available | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| The Stanley Hotel | Estes Park, Colorado | Night tours | A mountain getaway |
| Hotel Del Coronado | San Diego, California | Haunted history tours | Beachfront luxury |
| 1886 Crescent Hotel | Eureka Springs, Arkansas | Nightly ghost tour | Paranormal experiences |
| Bourbon Orleans Hotel | New Orleans, Louisiana | Partner ghost tours | A French Quarter stay |
| The Menger Hotel | San Antonio, Texas | Partner ghost tours | Alamo sightseeing |
| The Hollywood Roosevelt | Los Angeles, California | Nearby tours | Old Hollywood glamour |
| Hotel Chelsea | New York City, New York | No on-site tour | Arts and culture |
| The Hawthorne Hotel | Salem, Massachusetts | Nearby tours | Salem sightseeing |
| The Marshall House | Savannah, Georgia | Nearby tours | A boutique city stay |
| Congress Plaza Hotel | Chicago, Illinois | Nearby tours | Downtown sightseeing |
| The Adolphus Hotel | Dallas, Texas | Nearby tours | A luxury city stay |
| The Biltmore Hotel | Coral Gables, Florida | No dedicated tour | Golf and relaxation |
| La Fonda on the Plaza | Santa Fe, New Mexico | Ghost tour package | Southwestern culture |
| Hotel Apache | Las Vegas, Nevada | Nearby tours | Downtown Vegas nightlife |
| Copper Queen Hotel | Bisbee, Arizona | Nearby tours | Mining-town history |
| Fairmont Banff Springs | Banff, Alberta, Canada | No dedicated tour | Mountain luxury |
| The Langham | London, UK | No on-site tour | Historic European luxury |
| Ballygally Castle | Ballygally, Northern Ireland | Tours by request | A coastal castle stay |
| Dalhousie Castle | Bonnyrigg, Scotland | Castle ghost tours | Spa castle escape |
| Note: Ghost tour offerings and schedules may change. Check with the hotel or tour provider for current availability before booking. | |||
1. The Stanley Hotel
Location: Estes Park, Colorado
Built: 1909
Haunted highlight: Room 217
The Stanley Hotel opened in 1909 as an upscale mountain retreat created by inventor Freelan Oscar Stanley and his wife, Flora. Its reputation as one of the most famous haunted hotels in Colorado grew after Stephen King stayed there and found inspiration for The Shining. Much of the hotel’s ghost lore centers on Room 217, where housekeeper Elizabeth Wilson survived an explosion in 1911 and where guests have since reported unexplained activity.
Visitors can explore these stories on a guided hotel tour, then enjoy Rocky Mountain views and restorative spa treatments. The Stanley Hotel’s historic accommodations and convenient location near Rocky Mountain National Park make it an atmospheric base for exploring Estes Park.
2. Hotel del Coronado
Location: San Diego, California
Built: 1888
Haunted highlight: Kate Morgan’s third-floor guestroom
Opened in 1888, Hotel del Coronado (also known as The Del) is a Victorian beachfront landmark and one of the best-known haunted hotels in California. Its ghost story centers on Kate Morgan, a 24-year-old woman who checked into the hotel alone in 1892 and died five days later. Guests staying in her original third-floor room have since reported flickering lights and unexplained footsteps, while others claim to have seen her apparition around the property. Beyond its haunted history, The Del offers direct beach access, heated pools, oceanfront dining, and a full-service spa, making it an appealing choice for a relaxing San Diego getaway with a supernatural twist.
3. 1886 Crescent Hotel & Spa
Location: Eureka Springs, Arkansas
Built: 1886
Haunted highlight: Michael, the stonemason of Room 218
Built as an upscale Ozark retreat, the 1886 Crescent Hotel later served as a women’s college before con man Norman Baker transformed it into a fraudulent cancer hospital in 1937. Its unsettling history and reports of unexplained activity have earned it a prominent place among haunted hotels in Arkansas. Room 218 is said to be haunted by Michael, an Irish stonemason who died during the hotel’s construction. His story is among those shared on nightly ghost tours, which take visitors through the property and into its former morgue.
Guests can balance the chills with a treatment at New Moon Spa or a meal overlooking Eureka Springs. Historic accommodations and a scenic hilltop setting make the Crescent an appealing base for exploring the surrounding Ozarks.
4. Bourbon Orleans Hotel
Location: New Orleans, Louisiana
Built: 1817
Haunted highlight: The ghost dancer in the Orleans Ballroom
The Bourbon Orleans Hotel traces its history to 1817, when the property housed the Orleans Theatre and Ballroom before later serving as a convent and orphanage. The building’s many former lives have fueled stories of a mysterious 19th-century debutante with long dark hair who is said to dance beneath the ballroom chandelier. Guests have also reported hearing unexplained footsteps in the corridors.
Now considered one of the best-known haunted hotels in New Orleans, the property offers renovated rooms and a courtyard pool, while its central French Quarter location places guests near Jackson Square and Bourbon Street. Nightly live music at Bourbon “O” Bar adds to its appeal as a convenient base for experiencing the city’s history and nightlife.
5. The Menger Hotel
Location: San Antonio, Texas
Built: 1859
Haunted highlight: The ghost of chambermaid Sallie White
Opened in 1859 beside the Alamo, the Menger Hotel is the oldest continuously operating hotel west of the Mississippi. The property frequently appears in guides to haunted hotels in San Antonio because of the legend of Sallie White, a chambermaid who died at the Menger in 1876 after being shot by her husband. The hotel reportedly covered her funeral expenses, leaving behind records that connect her to later sightings of a woman in a maid’s uniform carrying towels through the halls. Other hotel legends involve former guest Captain Richard King and President Theodore Roosevelt.
During a stay at the Menger Hotel, travelers can cool off in the outdoor pool or visit the historic Menger Bar, where Roosevelt once recruited Rough Riders. Its preserved architecture gives the property a grand atmosphere that sets it apart from many haunted hotels in Texas. The location near the River Walk also makes it a convenient base for exploring San Antonio.
6. The Hollywood Roosevelt
Location: Los Angeles, California
Built: 1927
Haunted highlight: Marilyn Monroe’s reported reflection
The Hollywood Roosevelt opened in 1927 and hosted the first Academy Awards two years later, cementing its place in Hollywood history. Marilyn Monroe lived at the hotel early in her career, and staff members have reportedly seen her reflection in a mirror that once hung in her room. Room 928 is associated with actor Montgomery Clift, who lived there for several months while filming From Here to Eternity and practiced the bugle for his role. Guests have since reported hearing unexplained bugle music and footsteps near the room, leading some to attribute the activity to Clift.
The Hollywood Roosevelt combines the paranormal intrigue of haunted hotels in LA with an Old Hollywood setting known for its glamorous pool and celebrity history. Its David Hockney-painted pool and restored Cinegrill Theater provide distinctive on-site experiences. Guests can pair dinner at Shirley with cocktails at the Library Bar, making it easy to spend an entire evening at the hotel.
7. Hotel Chelsea
Location: Manhattan, New York City
Built: 1884
Haunted highlight: Reported spirits of Sid Vicious and Dylan Thomas
Built in 1884 as a cooperative apartment building, Hotel Chelsea later became a creative refuge for generations of artists and writers. Its darker history includes the 1978 death of Nancy Spungen, who was found fatally stabbed in the room she shared with Sex Pistols bassist Sid Vicious. Vicious was charged with her murder but died of an overdose elsewhere before standing trial, and hotel lore later linked his spirit to the property. Welsh poet Dylan Thomas also fell gravely ill while staying at the Chelsea in 1953 and died several days later at a nearby hospital, inspiring another of the hotel’s enduring ghost stories.
One of the more detailed stories surrounding this fixture among haunted hotels in New York comes from actor Michael Imperioli, who said he encountered a woman in 19th-century clothing crying in a hallway. A lightbulb popped behind him, and when he turned back, she had vanished. Residents later identified the figure as Mary, a spirit associated with the Titanic. Following an extensive restoration, the hotel now pairs its preserved bohemian character with stylish accommodations, acclaimed restaurants, and a penthouse spa. Its location on West 23rd Street also gives guests convenient access to galleries and other Manhattan attractions.
8. The Hawthorne Hotel
Location: Salem, Massachusetts
Built: 1925
Haunted highlight: Unexplained activity in Room 325
In 1925, The Hawthorne Hotel opened as a modern lodging option for visitors to Salem and later took its name from local author Nathaniel Hawthorne. Guests in Room 325 have reported hearing a child crying and seeing bathroom fixtures operate on their own, while a woman in white is said to appear near Room 612. The hotel even hosted a séance in its Grand Ballroom in 1990 in an unsuccessful attempt to contact Harry Houdini. For travelers comparing haunted hotels in Salem, Massachusetts, the Hawthorne provides elegant New England accommodations with two on-site restaurants. Its downtown location across from Salem Common places guests within walking distance of the Salem Witch Museum, making the hotel a convenient stop on a New England road trip.
9. The Marshall House
Location: Savannah, Georgia
Built: 1851
Haunted highlight: Reported spirits of Civil War soldiers
Founded by Mary Marshall in 1851, The Marshall House is Savannah’s oldest hotel. Union forces used the building as a hospital during the final months of the Civil War, and it also treated patients during yellow fever epidemics. Artifacts uncovered during its restoration remain on display, giving the property a documented historical connection that distinguishes it among haunted hotels in Savannah, Georgia. This medical past has fueled reports of ghostly soldiers in the hallways, while other guests claim to have heard children laughing when no one was nearby.
Original wood floors and exposed brick preserve the building’s historic character, while breakfast and an evening wine reception add value to each stay. The hotel’s Broughton Street location also puts River Street and Savannah’s historic squares within an easy walk. With its historic rooms and central Savannah location, The Marshall House also appeals to travelers searching for the best boutique hotels with a distinctive sense of place.
10. Congress Plaza Hotel
Location: Chicago, Illinois
Built: 1893
Haunted highlight: The female apparition in Room 441
The Congress Plaza Hotel was built in 1893 to accommodate visitors attending the World’s Columbian Exposition and later hosted several U.S. presidents. Room 441 anchors its reputation among haunted hotels in Chicago, with reports of an unidentified shadowy woman who shakes the bed. Visitors have also described seeing a one-legged figure known as Peg Leg Johnny wandering the halls. The hotel offers spacious rooms with Lake Michigan views and several on-site dining options. Its Michigan Avenue location across from Grant Park also provides easy access to the Art Institute of Chicago.
11. The Adolphus Hotel
Location: Dallas, Texas
Built: 1912
Haunted highlight: The jilted bride of the 19th-floor ballroom
Beer magnate Adolphus Busch opened The Adolphus in 1912, bringing Beaux-Arts grandeur to downtown Dallas. According to hotel folklore, a bride whose groom failed to appear at their 1930s wedding died by suicide in the 19th-floor ballroom. Guests have since reported seeing a woman dressed in white wandering the halls. Guests have also reported hearing unexplained music and windows opening without warning.
The Adolphus adds polished downtown appeal to the paranormal reputation that places it among haunted hotels in Dallas. Guests can relax beside the rooftop pool or book a treatment at Spa Adolphus. The ornate French Room provides an elegant setting for dining, while the nearby AT&T Discovery District gives visitors an easy starting point for exploring the city.
12. The Biltmore Hotel
Location: Coral Gables, Florida
Built: 1926
Haunted highlight: Mobster Thomas “Fatty” Walsh on the 13th floor
The Biltmore Hotel opened in 1926 as a glamorous Mediterranean Revival resort before serving as a military hospital during World War II. Its paranormal reputation largely stems from the 1929 murder of mobster Thomas “Fatty” Walsh, who was shot during a party in a 13th-floor suite. Guests have since reported seeing a man in period clothing and experiencing elevators that stop on random floors. An expansive outdoor pool and 18-hole golf course give The Biltmore the feel of a full resort, an uncommon offering among haunted hotels in Florida. Guests can also book a spa treatment or dine beside the elegant courtyard. Its Coral Gables location provides a relaxing base near Miami.
13. La Fonda on the Plaza
Location: Santa Fe, New Mexico
Built: 1922
Haunted highlight: The ghostly figure above La Plazuela’s former well
The current La Fonda on the Plaza opened in 1922 on a site that has accommodated travelers since Santa Fe’s earliest years. According to local legend, a businessman who lost his money gambling jumped into a well in the former courtyard, and diners have since reported seeing a figure disappear near the same spot in La Plazuela restaurant. Another apparition, believed to be Judge John P. Slough, has reportedly been seen wandering the halls in a long black coat. La Fonda offers a distinctly Southwestern take on haunted hotels in New Mexico, shaped by centuries of stories surrounding its Plaza site. Guests can enjoy sunset drinks at the Bell Tower Rooftop Bar or unwind at the heated pool, while the hotel’s location directly on the Plaza puts local galleries within easy reach.
14. Hotel Apache
Location: Las Vegas, Nevada
Built: 1932
Haunted highlight: Reported activity in Room 400
Hotel Apache opened in 1932 to accommodate workers seeking relief from the heat and demands of the nearby Hoover Dam project. Employees and guests have since reported shadowy figures and disembodied voices throughout the property. Room 400 is particularly associated with unexplained lights and apparitions, although no established story identifies the figures or explains why the activity is said to center there.
Hotel Apache openly markets itself as a historic haunted property and invites guests to share their paranormal encounters. Its restored 1930s character also gives visitors comparing haunted hotels in Las Vegas a vintage alternative to the Strip. Its period-inspired rooms connect directly to Binion’s casino, where guests can visit the rooftop pool or dine at Top of Binion’s Steakhouse. A location beside the Fremont Street Experience also places live entertainment just outside the hotel.
15. Copper Queen Hotel
Location: Bisbee, Arizona
Built: 1902
Haunted highlight: Julia Lowell in Room 315
The Copper Queen Hotel was built in 1902 by the Phelps Dodge Corporation to accommodate investors visiting Bisbee during its copper-mining boom. Its most prominent ghost story involves a woman named Julia Lowell, whose spirit is said to remain in Room 315 and make her presence known through whispered voices or unexplained touches. Guests have also reported hearing a child named Billy laughing in the halls.
The Copper Queen captures the mining history and lingering legends that define many haunted hotels in Arizona. Period furnishings preserve its Old West character, while the on-site restaurant and saloon provide convenient places to unwind. Its location in historic downtown Bisbee also gives visitors easy access to local art galleries and the Queen Mine Tour.
16. Fairmont Banff Springs
Location: Banff, Alberta, Canada
Built: 1888
Haunted highlight: The Ghost Bride
Fairmont Banff Springs opened in 1888 as a Canadian Pacific Railway hotel and became known as the “Castle in the Rockies” for its grand architecture. Its signature ghost story involves a bride who reportedly fell to her death on a marble staircase in the late 1920s. Guests have since claimed to see a woman in white descending the stairs or moving through the ballroom. The Ghost Bride legend has made Fairmont Banff Springs a recurring name in guides to haunted hotels in Canada. Guests can unwind in the mineral pools at Fairmont Spa or play the scenic golf course. The hotel sits inside Banff National Park, providing easy access to hiking trails in warmer months and nearby skiing during winter.
17. The Langham
Location: London, UK
Built: 1865
Haunted highlight: The Victorian apparition in Room 333
The Langham opened in 1865 as Europe’s first grand hotel and introduced a new level of luxury to Victorian London. Room 333 anchors its paranormal reputation, with guests reporting the apparition of an unknown man in formal Victorian clothing who appears most often during October. Other stories involve faucets turning on by themselves and sudden temperature changes. Reports surrounding Room 333 have kept The Langham in discussions of haunted hotels in London for decades. A stay can also include afternoon tea at Palm Court or time in the indoor pool at Chuan Spa. The hotel’s location near Regent Street provides convenient access to the West End.
18. Ballygally Castle
Location: Ballygally, Northern Ireland
Built: 1625
Haunted highlight: Lady Isabella Shaw and the Ghost Room
Ballygally Castle was built in 1625 by Scottish landowner John Shaw and later transformed into a hotel overlooking the Irish Sea. Its ghost story centers on Lady Isabella Shaw, who was reportedly locked in a turret room by her husband and fell to her death while trying to escape. Legend says she now wanders the corridors at night, knocking on doors as she searches for her child. Ballygally Castle turns a stay at one of the haunted hotels in Ireland into a rare opportunity to sleep inside a 17th-century castle. Guests can dine at the Garden Restaurant or relax beside the open fire in the lounge, while landscaped grounds and direct access to Ballygally Beach showcase the property’s coastal setting.
19. Dalhousie Castle
Location: Bonnyrigg, Scotland
Built: 13th century
Haunted highlight: Lady Catherine, the Grey Lady
Dalhousie Castle has stood near the River Esk for more than 800 years and served as the ancestral home of Clan Ramsay. According to castle legend, Lady Catherine was a 16-year-old woman who became romantically involved with a member of the Ramsay family around 1500. After their relationship was discovered, she was reportedly confined to a tower and left to die. Her apparition, known as the Grey Lady, is said to appear on the stairs and in the hallways, sometimes accompanied by the sound of rustling fabric. Dating to the 13th century, Dalhousie Castle is among the oldest haunted hotels in Europe featured in this guide. Guests can book a spa treatment or dine inside the vaulted Dungeon Restaurant. The surrounding parkland provides a peaceful retreat within driving distance of Edinburgh.
Tips For Booking a Haunted Hotel Stay
A haunted hotel stay requires a little extra planning, especially if you want to reserve a room linked to the property’s ghost lore. Use these tips to find a credible experience and prepare for a comfortable overnight visit.
- Research the story behind the haunting: Look for guest or employee accounts that span several years, along with documented history connected to the legend. A consistent trail of reports can help distinguish established local lore from a packaged hotel story for marketing purposes.
- Request a room associated with paranormal activity: Call the hotel directly to ask for a specific room. Be sure to confirm current room numbers before booking.
- Reserve early for October stays: Find the best day to book a hotel and reserve six to 12 months in advance if you plan to visit during the Halloween season, especially in popular destinations such as Salem or Savannah. Haunted rooms are limited and may sell out earlier than standard accommodations.
- Ask about paranormal experiences: Check whether the hotel offers ghost tours or seasonal events during your stay, and reserve them when booking your room. Tickets may be limited, and tour fees can increase your total vacation cost.
- Choose a hotel that fits your trip: Treat the ghost stories as part of the property’s atmosphere and history. Prioritize a convenient location and amenities you’ll use during your stay.
- Review the hotel’s practical details: Historic buildings may have smaller rooms or less soundproofing than modern hotels. Read recent reviews and ask about accessibility before booking, so the property’s age does not affect your comfort.
Book a Haunted Hotel Stay If You Dare
Staying at a haunted hotel offers an unusual way to experience a destination’s past through storytelling and ambiance. Choose a property that matches your travel budget and style, reserve its ghost tour in advance, and book a room tied to its most famous legend if you want the full experience. To start planning your stay, search Vogo to find the right setting for your next supernatural getaway.
FAQ
What is the most haunted hotel in the world?
There is no official ranking, but The Langham in London is frequently cited among the world’s most haunted hotels. Much of its reputation centers on Room 333, where guests have reported seeing a man dressed in Victorian evening wear.
What are the top 10 most haunted hotels in the US?
Ten frequently cited haunted hotels in the US are the Stanley Hotel, 1886 Crescent Hotel & Spa, Hotel del Coronado, Bourbon Orleans Hotel, the Menger Hotel, the Marshall House, Congress Plaza Hotel, the Hollywood Roosevelt, the Biltmore Hotel and the Copper Queen Hotel. Rankings vary because paranormal claims are based largely on hotel lore and guest accounts.
What is the most haunted hotel in America?
The 1886 Crescent Hotel & Spa in Eureka Springs, Arkansas, markets itself as “America’s Most Haunted Hotel” and offers nightly ghost tours. However, the Stanley Hotel is arguably the country’s most recognizable haunted property.
What are the most haunted historic hotels?
Frequently cited haunted historic hotels in the US include The Stanley Hotel, Hotel del Coronado, and the 1886 Crescent Hotel. International examples include Fairmont Banff Springs, The Langham, and Ballygally Castle.