21 Haunted Hotels Where You Can Actually Spend The Night

For those who crave a thrill beyond the ordinary, haunted hotels offer a chillingly unforgettable experience. Steeped in history, mystery, and ghostly legends, these eerie establishments invite the bravest of travelers to spend a night among lingering spirits, unexplained whispers, and shadowy apparitions. Whether it’s a former grand estate where tragic tales still echo through the halls, or an old inn where unseen presences make themselves known, these haunted hotels blur the line between hospitality and the paranormal. Originally, we uncovered 11 of the world’s most haunted hotels, but due to popular demand, we’ve expanded our list to 21 spine-tingling destinations where you can check in—if you dare. From ghostly brides roaming the corridors to mischievous spirits tugging at bed sheets, each location has its own terrifying tale. Are you ready to brave the night in one of these haunted havens? Pack your courage, because these haunted hotels just might have permanent guests who are eager to meet you.

1. The Stanley Hotel: Inspiration Behind a Horror Classic

Nestled in the Rocky Mountains of Colorado, The Stanley Hotel is perhaps best known as the inspiration for Stephen King’s "The Shining." Opened in 1909, this grand hotel has a storied history, with tales of paranormal activity that have captivated guests for decades. Visitors often report sightings of the hotel's founder, Freelan Oscar Stanley, and his wife Flora, who are said to linger in the halls. The most haunted room, 217, is where King himself stayed and conceived his iconic novel. The hotel embraces its eerie reputation, offering ghost tours and paranormal investigations. The Stanley is a testament to how a location's ghostly history can intertwine with popular culture, creating a mystique that draws horror enthusiasts from around the world.

2. The Queen Mary: A Haunted Voyage Across the Atlantic

Once a luxury ocean liner, the RMS Queen Mary now rests permanently in Long Beach, California, serving as a hotel and tourist attraction. During its time at sea, the ship was a marvel of engineering and elegance. However, its history is marred by tragedy, including a collision that resulted in the loss of over 300 lives. Today, the Queen Mary is renowned for its paranormal activity, with reports of ghostly apparitions, unexplained noises, and sudden temperature drops. The most famous spirit is that of a young sailor who died in the ship's engine room. Visitors can explore the ship's haunted history through guided tours, immersing themselves in the chilling tales of this floating hotel.

3. The Crescent Hotel: America's Most Haunted Hotel

Perched atop the Ozark Mountains in Eureka Springs, Arkansas, the Crescent Hotel is often dubbed "America's Most Haunted Hotel." Built in 1886, the hotel has served various purposes, including a stint as a cancer hospital run by the infamous "Dr." Norman Baker. Many of the ghostly encounters are attributed to the spirits of patients who died under Baker's care. Guests frequently report sightings of a ghostly nurse pushing a gurney and the apparition of a man in Victorian clothing. The hotel offers nightly ghost tours, allowing visitors to explore its haunted history and even visit the basement morgue. The Crescent Hotel's chilling past and its spectral residents make it a must-visit for those seeking a brush with the supernatural.

4. The Langham Hotel: London's Paranormal Hotspot

The Langham Hotel in London is a beacon of elegance and history, but beneath its opulent façade lies a reputation for being one of the city's most haunted locations. Established in 1865, the hotel has hosted royalty, celebrities, and politicians. However, it is the ghostly residents that intrigue visitors the most. Room 333 is said to be the epicenter of paranormal activity, with reports of a ghostly figure in Victorian evening wear and the spirit of a German prince. The hotel's staff and guests have also witnessed floating orbs and inexplicable cold spots. The Langham's blend of luxury and the supernatural offers a unique experience, drawing those curious about its spectral secrets.

5. The Fairmont Banff Springs: Canada's Castle of Ghosts

The Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel, located in the heart of Canada's Banff National Park, is a majestic castle-like structure known for its stunning views and ghostly legends. Built in 1888, the hotel has a rich history, with tales of tragic accidents and mysterious deaths. One of the most famous legends is that of the "Ghost Bride," a young woman who reportedly died on her wedding day. Guests and staff have reported seeing her apparition descending the staircase in her wedding gown. Another well-known spirit is that of Sam the Bellman, a former employee who continues to assist guests from beyond the grave. The Fairmont Banff Springs combines natural beauty with supernatural intrigue, making it a compelling destination for ghost hunters.

6. The Myrtles Plantation: A Southern Gothic Haunting

Located in St. Francisville, Louisiana, the Myrtles Plantation is often cited as one of America's most haunted homes. Built in 1796, this antebellum mansion is steeped in Southern Gothic charm and ghostly legends. The most famous story is that of Chloe, a former slave who is said to haunt the plantation. Visitors report sightings of her spirit, often identified by her distinctive green turban. The plantation is also rumored to be the site of numerous murders, adding to its eerie reputation. Guests can explore the haunted history through guided tours, experiencing firsthand the chilling atmosphere of this historic location. The Myrtles Plantation offers a glimpse into the past, where history and hauntings intertwine.

7. The Omni Parker House: Boston's Historic Haunt

The Omni Parker House in Boston is a historic hotel with a rich legacy and a reputation for hauntings. Established in 1855, it is the longest continuously operating hotel in the United States. The hotel has hosted literary giants like Charles Dickens and Nathaniel Hawthorne, but it is the ghost of Harvey Parker, the hotel's founder, that intrigues guests. Parker is said to wander the halls, ensuring his guests are well cared for. Other reported phenomena include elevators stopping on their own and the spirit of a young woman who appears in the mirrors. The Omni Parker House blends history, literature, and the supernatural, offering guests a unique glimpse into Boston's haunted past.

8. The Chateau Marmont: Hollywood's Haunted Hideaway

The Chateau Marmont in Los Angeles is synonymous with Hollywood glamour and mystery. Since its opening in 1929, the hotel has been a favorite among celebrities, but it also harbors a darker side. The Chateau is rumored to be haunted by the spirits of former guests, including actor John Belushi, who died in one of the hotel's bungalows. Guests and staff report strange occurrences, such as unexplained noises and objects moving on their own. The hotel's enigmatic atmosphere and its celebrity hauntings make it a fascinating destination for those interested in the intersection of fame and the supernatural. The Chateau Marmont remains a symbol of Hollywood's allure and its haunted history.

9. The Skirrid Mountain Inn: A Welsh Tale of Ghosts and Gallows

The Skirrid Mountain Inn in Wales claims to be one of the oldest inns in Britain, with a history dating back to the 12th century. This ancient establishment is steeped in legend, with tales of ghostly apparitions and a dark past. The inn was reportedly used as a courtroom, with hangings carried out on the premises. Guests have reported seeing the spirit of a former judge and hearing the footsteps of condemned souls. The inn's rich history and its spectral inhabitants offer a unique glimpse into the past, where justice and the supernatural converge. The Skirrid Mountain Inn is a must-visit for those seeking a haunting experience steeped in history.

10. The Ballygally Castle Hotel: Ireland's Enchanted Enigma

Ballygally Castle Hotel in Northern Ireland is a picturesque castle with a reputation for hauntings. Built in the 17th century, the castle is said to be haunted by the spirit of Lady Isabella Shaw, who fell to her death from a tower. Guests often report seeing her ghost wandering the halls and hearing unexplained noises. The castle embraces its haunted history, offering guests the chance to stay in the "Ghost Room" and explore the tower where Lady Isabella met her fate. Ballygally Castle combines the charm of an Irish castle with the intrigue of the supernatural, making it a captivating destination for those seeking a ghostly getaway.

11. The Dragsholm Slot: Denmark's Castle of Spirits

Dragsholm Slot in Denmark is a historic castle with a reputation for being one of the most haunted places in Europe. Built in the 12th century, the castle has a long and storied history, with tales of love, betrayal, and tragedy. The most famous ghost is the "White Lady," believed to be the spirit of a noblewoman who was imprisoned and died within the castle walls. Guests and staff report seeing her apparition and hearing unexplained noises. The castle offers guided tours, allowing visitors to explore its haunted history and experience the chilling atmosphere. Dragsholm Slot is a testament to the enduring allure of haunted castles and their spectral stories.

12. The Driskill Hotel – Austin’s Phantom Aristocrat

A historic gem in downtown Austin, Texas, The Driskill Hotel is as elegant as it is eerie. Founded in 1886 by cattle baron Jesse Driskill, guests and staff have reported strange occurrences, including flickering lights, disembodied whispers, and shadowy figures lurking in the hallways. The most famous ghost is that of a little girl who tragically fell down the grand staircase in the late 1800s. She’s often spotted bouncing a ball down the dimly lit corridors. Another frequent spirit sighting is that of Jesse Driskill himself, ensuring his legacy lingers long after death.

13. Hotel del Coronado – The Mysterious Fate of Kate Morgan

Overlooking the Pacific Ocean in San Diego, Hotel del Coronado has been a luxurious retreat since 1888—but it’s also home to one of California’s most famous ghost stories. In 1892, a young woman named Kate Morgan checked in, waiting for a lover who never arrived. Days later, she was found dead on the hotel steps under mysterious circumstances. Since then, guests have reported eerie activity in Room 3327, where she stayed—flickering lights, sudden temperature drops, and ghostly apparitions. The hotel's timeless elegance contrasts with the unsettling presence of its most famous lost soul.

14. The Hollywood Roosevelt – Celebrity Spirits on Sunset Boulevard

A landmark on the Sunset Strip, The Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel has hosted some of the biggest names in entertainment. But while many celebrities checked out in life, some seem to have stayed behind. The ghost of Marilyn Monroe is said to appear in the mirror of her old suite, while Montgomery Clift’s spectral presence lingers in Room 928, where guests report hearing an unseen visitor pacing the floor. Flickering lights, cold drafts, and inexplicable whispers in the hallways have only fueled the hotel’s haunted reputation.

15. The Bourbon Orleans Hotel – Echoes of New Orleans’ Past

New Orleans is no stranger to hauntings, and The Bourbon Orleans Hotel is one of the city’s most paranormally active locations. Originally a grand ballroom before becoming a convent and orphanage, the hotel has seen its fair share of history—and lingering spirits. Guests frequently report ghostly children running through the hallways, a mysterious woman in white dancing in the ballroom, and a Confederate soldier lurking in the shadows. Whether you’re staying for the city’s jazz scene or the supernatural thrills, this hotel offers both in abundance.

16. The Emily Morgan Hotel – The Ghostly Gateway to the Alamo

Located in San Antonio, Texas, just steps away from the historic Alamo, The Emily Morgan Hotel has been recognized as one of the most haunted hotels in America. Once a medical center and morgue, it’s no surprise that many believe spirits still wander its halls. Guests on the upper floors—once operating rooms—report strange smells, phantom hospital gurneys rolling down the hallways, and shadowy figures appearing in the dead of night. The eerie history of this former hospital ensures that those who check in may never truly feel alone.

17. Castle Leslie – Ireland’s Eerie Aristocratic Manor

Ireland is known for its haunted castles, and Castle Leslie, nestled in County Monaghan, is one of the most paranormally active. Built in the 1600s, this grand estate remains in the Leslie family, but some of its former residents have never left. Guests often report hearing ghostly laughter, footsteps in empty corridors, and sudden, unexplainable gusts of icy wind. The most famous ghost is Norman Leslie, a World War I soldier who appears in the Red Room, his favorite haunt, staring solemnly out the window.

18. The Hawthorne Hotel – Salem’s Supernatural Stay

Located in Salem, Massachusetts, a city infamous for its 1692 witch trials, The Hawthorne Hotel is steeped in spectral lore. Guests frequently report flickering lights, cold spots, and disembodied whispers echoing through the halls. Room 325 is said to be particularly haunted, with guests waking up to an overwhelming sense of being watched. Many believe the spirits of accused witches linger here, restless and unwilling to leave the place that condemned them.

19. Karosta Prison Hotel – A Night in Haunted Confinement

For the ultimate test of bravery, spend a night at Karosta Prison Hotel in Latvia. This former Soviet-era prison has been transformed into a chilling overnight experience where guests can sleep in cold, damp cells—often alongside something unseen. This eerie attraction is notorious for flickering lights, doors slamming shut on their own, and visitors reporting the sensation of invisible hands grabbing them. Once a place of torture and execution, the energy of those who suffered here remains deeply ingrained in its walls.

20. The Jamaica Inn – Cornwall’s Smuggler Spirits

Perched on England’s rugged Cornish coast, The Jamaica Inn is famous for its connections to smugglers and ghostly figures. This 18th-century coaching inn was a hub for illegal trade, and many of its patrons met unfortunate ends. Guests often wake to the sound of phantom hoofbeats, shadowy figures walking the grounds, and ghostly whispers in the dead of night. The most famous ghost is a man in a tricorn hat, seen vanishing into thin air.

21. Hotel Burchianti – Florence’s Eerie Renaissance

If you’re visiting Florence, Italy, and craving both beauty and the bizarre, check into Hotel Burchianti. This Renaissance-era boutique hotel is stunning by day—but chilling by night. Guests report phantom children giggling, a ghostly presence watching them sleep, and even the feeling of cold breath on their faces. The most infamous sighting? A pink-walled suite where the specter of an old woman sits knitting in a chair, seemingly unaware that her time has long since passed.

Embracing the Eerie Allure of Haunted Hotels

As we conclude our spine-chilling tour of the world’s 21 most haunted hotels, it becomes evident that these establishments offer more than just a place to rest. They provide a unique experience that combines history, mystery, and the supernatural. Each hotel, with its own ghostly tales and legends, invites guests to explore the unknown and embrace the eerie allure of the paranormal. Whether it's the historical significance, the cultural impact, or the thrill of the unknown, haunted hotels continue to captivate and intrigue travelers worldwide. So, dare to check in and discover the spine-tingling stories that await in these ghostly getaways.