The Most Haunted Hotels in America You Can Actually Stay In
Imagine checking into a beautiful old hotel, key in hand, only to realize you might be sharing your room with someone—or something—that never left. Across the United States, historic hotels carry ghostly legends that blend history, mystery, and just the right touch of fear. These aren’t just spooky tales told around a campfire; they’re real places where guests still stay, hoping to experience a brush with the unknown. If you love traveling with a twist, these haunted hotels in America promise a stay you won’t forget.
Why Haunted Hotels in America Captivate Us
Ghost stories have always drawn us in. They connect the living with the past, blurring the line between imagination and truth. According to recent polls, a surprising number of Americans believe in spirits—or at least admit to being open to the idea. For many travelers, spending a night in a haunted hotel isn’t about being scared; it’s about stepping into history and feeling the atmosphere of a place where time seems to stand still.
Haunted hotels tell stories through creaky floors, flickering lights, and whispers of history. Each visit becomes a living encounter with the past—and for some guests, a chance to test just how brave they really are.
How We Chose America’s Most Haunted Hotels
Not all hotels with a ghost story make this list. Each property here was selected for its mix of credible history, guest experiences, and accessibility. To qualify for being haunted, hotels in America had to meet a few key criteria:
- A well-documented history of hauntings or paranormal activity
- A significant connection to historical events or past residents
- On-site ghost tours or opportunities for exploration
- Availability for overnight stays
These hotels don’t rely on rumors—they embrace their haunted heritage as part of their charm.
1886 Crescent Hotel & Spa – Eureka Springs, Arkansas
Known as “America’s Most Haunted Hotel,” the Crescent Hotel has earned its reputation over more than a century. Built in 1886, it has served as a luxury resort, a women’s college, and later, a notorious “cancer hospital” run by a con man named Norman Baker. In 2019, workers unearthed jars filled with preserved medical specimens—grim proof of the hotel’s dark past.
Guests often request Room 218, said to be haunted by “Michael,” a stonemason who died during construction. Others swear they’ve seen “Theodora,” a ghostly woman in Room 419. The hotel offers nightly ghost tours, including special midnight investigations. If you want one of the haunted rooms, book well ahead—they’re among the most sought-after in the country.
The Stanley Hotel – Estes Park, Colorado
Famous for inspiring Stephen King’s The Shining, The Stanley Hotel is one of the most well-known haunted hotels in America. In 1974, King and his wife stayed there alone at the end of the season, and the eerie emptiness inspired his classic novel.
Room 217 remains the most requested. Legend says Elizabeth Wilson, a housekeeper who survived a 1911 gas explosion, haunts the hotel. Guests report that she unpacks their luggage, flicks the lights, and opens doors on her own. Some even hear a piano playing late at night—said to be Flora Stanley, the hotel’s original owner. Guided night tours take visitors through dimly lit halls, sharing eerie stories that unsettle even the most skeptical guests.
Hotel del Coronado – Coronado, California
Built in 1888, the Hotel del Coronado is an icon of California luxury—with a chilling legend. The hotel’s most famous spirit, Kate Morgan, checked into Room 302- now known as 3327 alone in 1892 and never checked out. Her mysterious death remains unsolved, and her ghost is said to wander the corridors near her former room.
Guests have reported flickering lights, cold drafts, and a woman in black appearing at the end of hallways. The hotel embraces its haunted past, especially during the Halloween season. Those seeking a brush with the supernatural can request rooms near Kate’s suite or join a historical tour that highlights her enduring story.
The Driskill Hotel – Austin, Texas
Opened in 1886, The Driskill is as much a piece of Texas history as it is a ghost hunter’s dream. With its Romanesque architecture and rich past, it’s a hotel that practically invites stories. The most famous haunting centers on Room 525, where guests report whispers, temperature drops, and flickering lights.
Some tales mention the ghost of a young girl chasing a ball through the corridors, while others describe cigar smoke drifting through empty rooms. Whether or not you believe, the Driskill’s ambiance alone can make your imagination run wild. Even Austin locals admit—it’s hard to tell where history ends and haunting begins.
The Pfister Hotel – Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Elegant and grand, the Pfister Hotel has hosted presidents, celebrities, and even a few unnerved baseball players. Several Major League Baseball stars have shared stories of strange occurrences. Objects moving, lights turning on and off, and inexplicable voices. Some players have gone so far as to stay elsewhere rather than risk a night with the unknown.
Guests often describe cold spots, phantom footsteps, and shadows in their peripheral vision. The Pfister’s beauty and quiet refinement make it a fascinating setting for a haunting—one that’s more chilling for its subtlety than its spectacle.
Hotel Monte Vista – Flagstaff, Arizona
Since opening in 1927, Hotel Monte Vista has been a favorite stop along Route 66—and a magnet for ghost stories. Rumor has it Room 305 is home to a long-term spirit, a woman dressed in old-fashioned clothes who appears in mirrors or sits quietly at the edge of the bed.
Other guests report hearing voices in empty hallways or feeling someone touch their shoulder when no one is there. Staff often share ghost stories with curious visitors, and local tours make it a highlight of haunted Arizona. It’s an ideal destination for travelers who like a little supernatural flair with their road trip nostalgia.
Why We Seek Stays at Haunted Hotels in America
There’s a reason haunted hotels in America continue to draw visitors from around the world. They offer a thrill that’s equal parts fear and fascination—a safe way to experience the unknown. Psychologists say it’s about curiosity and connection: ghost stories let us explore mortality and memory without real danger. According to a recent RealClear Opinion Research poll, 61.4% of people say they believe in ghosts.
In the travel industry, “paranormal tourism” has become a growing niche. Historic hotels that once struggled for attention now find new life through their haunted reputations. For guests, the reward isn’t just seeing a ghost—it’s feeling part of a living legend.
Planning Your Haunted Getaway to Haunted Hotels in America
If you’re ready to spend the night in one of these storied hotels, keep a few things in mind:
- Book early. Haunted rooms, especially at places like the Stanley or Crescent, sell out months in advance.
- Ask for specific rooms. Don’t be shy, staff are used to ghost enthusiasts and often share stories.
- Check accessibility. Older hotels may have limited mobility accommodations.
- Take a tour. Even skeptics love hearing the history that fuels the folklore.
- Stay respectful. Many hauntings stem from real people and real tragedies.
A little curiosity—and courtesy—goes a long way. Ready for a thrill? Check out our travel blog post and join us on a haunted road trip through some of the eeriest, most mysterious locations around! From abandoned asylums to ghostly inns, it’s the perfect adventure for anyone who loves a good scare with their sightseeing. Buckle up—this road trip isn’t for the faint of heart!
A Word for Skeptics
You don’t need to believe in ghosts to enjoy these hotels. Many visitors come simply for the architecture, history, or atmosphere. Scientists point out that cold spots, flickering lights, and strange sounds often have logical explanations. Still, even skeptics agree that something is enchanting about these places—something that lingers beyond reason.
Belief aside, ghost stories keep the past alive. They give old buildings new purpose and invite travelers to look at history through a more imaginative lens.
Final Thoughts: Would You Spend the Night?
These hotels offer more than just a bed and breakfast—they offer a story. Whether you’re drawn by curiosity, courage, or pure fascination, staying in one of America’s haunted hotels means stepping into the pages of living history.
Would you dare to sleep in Room 217 at The Stanley Hotel or face the spirits of the Crescent Hotel’s infamous rooms? Perhaps your experience will become part of the legend.
If you’ve stayed in a haunted hotel or plan to, share your story below. And when you’re ready for your next adventure, keep an open mind—you never know who might be waiting down the hall.
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Haunted Road Trips: Eerie Stops for Your Next Adventure
If you love a road trip with a side of chills, America’s haunted landmarks won’t disappoint. Sleep where the axe fell at the Lizzie Borden House, wander the endless halls of the Winchester Mystery House, and sip spirits (literally) at Arizona’s Hotel Monte Vista. End your ghostly getaway at the St. Augustine Lighthouse, where shadows still climb the stairs. Buckle up — these haunted highways will give you the ride of your life.
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