The 19 Most Haunted Hotels in America

by ShermansTravel Editorial Staff

The 19 Most Haunted Hotels in America

by ShermansTravel Editorial Staff

Ah, October—when the air begins to chill, the leaves begin to fall, and the ghosts come out to play. Not a believer? Spend the night at one of these historic hotels, and you might just change your mind.

Ah, October—when the air begins to chill, the leaves begin to fall, and the ghosts come out to play. Not a believer? Spend the night at one of these historic hotels, and you might just change your mind.

19
Horror landscape / Techa Tungateja/istock
doncesar_ed.jpg
1 of 19
The Don Cesar

The famed “Pink Palace” in St. Petersburg, Florida, was built by Thomas Rowe in 1928 for his lost lover, Lucinda, who died after her father forbid her to marry Rowe. The ghosts of a man in a suit and panama hat—believed to be Rowe—accompanied by a woman with dark hair are said to wander the second, fifth, and sixth floors. From $206/night

The famed “Pink Palace” in St. Petersburg, Florida, was built by Thomas Rowe in 1928 for his lost lover, Lucinda, who died after her father forbid her to marry Rowe. The ghosts of a man in a suit and panama hat—believed to be Rowe—accompanied by a woman with dark hair are said to wander the second, fifth, and sixth floors. From $206/night



equinox_dubackphotography_ed.jpg
2 of 19
Equinox Resort & Spa

This more than 200-year-old luxury resort in Manchester, Vermont, was favored by many U.S. presidents, including William Howard Taft and Theodore Roosevelt. But it’s former first lady Mary Todd Lincoln and her son—also frequent guests—who employees repeatedly claim to see wandering around the hotel. From $180/night



This more than 200-year-old luxury resort in Manchester, Vermont, was favored by many U.S. presidents, including William Howard Taft and Theodore Roosevelt. But it’s former first lady Mary Todd Lincoln and her son—also frequent guests—who employees repeatedly claim to see wandering around the hotel. From $180/night



heathman_istock_ed.jpg
3 of 19
The Heathman Hotel

At the Heathman in Portland, Oregon, only brave souls should check into a room ending in “03” (especially 703). Guests report repeated ghost sightings, supposedly linked to a suicide not long after the property opened. The man is said to have jumped to his death from room 703 and his spirit haunts the rooms he passed on the way down. From $167/night

At the Heathman in Portland, Oregon, only brave souls should check into a room ending in “03” (especially 703). Guests report repeated ghost sightings, supposedly linked to a suicide not long after the property opened. The man is said to have jumped to his death from room 703 and his spirit haunts the rooms he passed on the way down. From $167/night

roosevelt2_ed.jpg
4 of 19
Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel

This historic L.A. establishment, with its iconic red neon rooftop sign, is where the first Academy Awards ceremony was held. Some A-list ghosts also think it’s still the place to be seen: It’s reportedly haunted by both Marilyn Monroe and Montgomery Clift. From $248/night



This historic L.A. establishment, with its iconic red neon rooftop sign, is where the first Academy Awards ceremony was held. Some A-list ghosts also think it’s still the place to be seen: It’s reportedly haunted by both Marilyn Monroe and Montgomery Clift. From $248/night

coronado_ed.jpg
5 of 19
Hotel del Coronado

Speaking of Monroe, San Diego’s Hotel del Coronado is famous for its appearance in Some Like It Hot. But the beachfront Victorian resort’s star ghost is a woman named Kate Morgan, who checked in on November 24, 1892 only to be discovered in the stairwell with a gunshot to the head. The hotel offers ghost tours ($30) and spooky bonfires with fireside treats ($150). From $299/night

Speaking of Monroe, San Diego’s Hotel del Coronado is famous for its appearance in Some Like It Hot. But the beachfront Victorian resort’s star ghost is a woman named Kate Morgan, who checked in on November 24, 1892 only to be discovered in the stairwell with a gunshot to the head. The hotel offers ghost tours ($30) and spooky bonfires with fireside treats ($150). From $299/night

hotelmonteleone_ed.jpg
6 of 19
Hotel Monteleone

If any city is ghost-central, it’s New Orleans, and this French Quarter hotel—open since 1886—is said to be home to a dozen, including former employees and playing children. Creepiest of all is the door to Criollo restaurant, which mysteriously opens and closes on its own even when locked. From $189/night

If any city is ghost-central, it’s New Orleans, and this French Quarter hotel—open since 1886—is said to be home to a dozen, including former employees and playing children. Creepiest of all is the door to Criollo restaurant, which mysteriously opens and closes on its own even when locked. From $189/night

kehoehouse2_ed.jpg
7 of 19
Kehoe House

This 1892 Savannah mansion turned posh B&B serves up a double whammy of frights: Not only did it spend most of the 20th century as a funeral parlor, but all the fireplaces have been blocked and decorated with angels—due perhaps to a legend that young twins died playing in one—and most of the ghost sightings are of children. From $171/night

This 1892 Savannah mansion turned posh B&B serves up a double whammy of frights: Not only did it spend most of the 20th century as a funeral parlor, but all the fireplaces have been blocked and decorated with angels—due perhaps to a legend that young twins died playing in one—and most of the ghost sightings are of children. From $171/night

lafona_fullsize_ed.jpg
8 of 19
La Fonda Hotel

Built in 1922 on a corner that has housed an inn (or “fonda”) for 400 years, this Santa Fe landmark property is haunted by the ghosts of a mid-19th-century judge who was shot in the lobby and a failed salesman who jumped down an adjacent well. From $159/night

Built in 1922 on a corner that has housed an inn (or “fonda”) for 400 years, this Santa Fe landmark property is haunted by the ghosts of a mid-19th-century judge who was shot in the lobby and a failed salesman who jumped down an adjacent well. From $159/night

sagamore2_ed.jpg
9 of 19
The Sagamore Resort

This gabled resort on Lake George, NY, opened in 1883 and fell into disrepair a century later. It was eventually restored to its former glory, but its ghosts never left. They include a couple in Victorian attire who try to dine in the Trillium restaurant and a young boy who throws errant golf balls back at golfers. From $229/night

This gabled resort on Lake George, NY, opened in 1883 and fell into disrepair a century later. It was eventually restored to its former glory, but its ghosts never left. They include a couple in Victorian attire who try to dine in the Trillium restaurant and a young boy who throws errant golf balls back at golfers. From $229/night

stanleywintermtn_ed.jpg
10 of 19
The Stanley Hotel

If a hotel can inspire Stephen King (he wrote The Shining after a night in room 217), then it’s got to be spooky. Opened in 1909 in Estes Park, Colorado, this Rocky Mountain landmark celebrates its notoriety as one of the country’s most haunted hotels (especially the ballroom) with ghost tours and appearances on TV shows such as Ghost Hunters. From $199/night

If a hotel can inspire Stephen King (he wrote The Shining after a night in room 217), then it’s got to be spooky. Opened in 1909 in Estes Park, Colorado, this Rocky Mountain landmark celebrates its notoriety as one of the country’s most haunted hotels (especially the ballroom) with ghost tours and appearances on TV shows such as Ghost Hunters. From $199/night

Hotel Ottumwa
11 of 19
Hotel Ottumwa

Built in 1917 in Ottumwa, Iowa, the charming Hotel Ottumwa abruptly shut down in 1973 and reopened in 1982. Since then, some guests have said they hear strange noises, like the sound of heavy breathing. There's also been reports of shadowy figures roaming the halls, and it's rumored that a female ghost in a white dress haunts the basement. 

Built in 1917 in Ottumwa, Iowa, the charming Hotel Ottumwa abruptly shut down in 1973 and reopened in 1982. Since then, some guests have said they hear strange noises, like the sound of heavy breathing. There's also been reports of shadowy figures roaming the halls, and it's rumored that a female ghost in a white dress haunts the basement. 

Hamilton-Turner Inn
12 of 19
Hamilton-Turner Inn

This Savannah mansion was built in 1873 as a home for the Hamilton family, who hosted many parties here. While the adults mingled upstairs, the children were sent to the billiards room to play. Today, guests and employees often hear billiard balls rattling and rolling throughout the building. On some nights, you may spot a mysterious man smoking a cigar on the rooftop. 

This Savannah mansion was built in 1873 as a home for the Hamilton family, who hosted many parties here. While the adults mingled upstairs, the children were sent to the billiards room to play. Today, guests and employees often hear billiard balls rattling and rolling throughout the building. On some nights, you may spot a mysterious man smoking a cigar on the rooftop. 

The Cornstalk Hotel
13 of 19
The Cornstalk Hotel

The Cornstalk Hotel was built in 1816, and it's believed that Harriett Beecher Stowe once stayed here. Many a celebrity also frequented the hotel, including Elvis Presley, Paul Newman, Elizabeth Taylor, Paul Newman, and Bill and Hillary Clinton. The property is no stranger to paranormal activity, either: guests have reported seeing a woman in a lace-collared black dress standing by the window. 

The Cornstalk Hotel was built in 1816, and it's believed that Harriett Beecher Stowe once stayed here. Many a celebrity also frequented the property, including Elvis Presley, Paul Newman, Elizabeth Taylor, Paul Newman, and Bill and Hillary Clinton. The hotel is no stranger to paranormal activity, either: guests have reported seeing a woman in a lace-collared black dress standing by the window. 

The Salem Inn
14 of 19
Salem Inn

It's fitting that this family-owned, haunted b&b is located in spooky Salem, Massachusetts. According to guests and employees, the property is home to three ghosts: a woman named Katherine; a little boy who runs up and down the stairs; and a cat, which haunts the parlor. Thrill seekers should request a stay Room 17, where many have reported hearing strange noises. 

It's fitting that this family-owned, haunted b&b is located in spooky Salem, Massachusetts. According to guests and employees, the property is home to three ghosts: a woman named Katherine; a little boy who runs up and down the stairs; and a cat, which haunts the parlor. Thrill seekers should request a stay Room 17, where many have reported hearing strange noises. 

The Crescent Hotel
15 of 19
Crescent Hotel

The Crescent Hotel in Eureka Springs, Arkansas is known for its hauntings. (Don't believe us? Check out the website for photos.) In 2019, while digging on the hotel grounds, the Arkansas Archeological Survey found 500 bottles holding what appear to be medical specimens. They are thought to have belonged to Norman Baker, who ran the property as a cancer hospital in the 1930s. Guests have reported seeing ghosts of children in the basement, which served as the morgue; a ghost of a  patient lingering around Room 419; and the ghost of a nurse pushing a gurney with a corpse. Today, the property hosts its own ghost tours.

The Crescent Hotel in Eureka Springs, Arkansas is known for its hauntings. (Don't believe us? Check out the website for photos.) In 2019, while digging on the hotel grounds, the Arkansas Archeological Survey found 500 bottles holding what appear to be medical specimens. They are thought to have belonged to Norman Baker, who ran the property as a cancer hospital in the 1930s. Guests have reported seeing ghosts of children in the basement, which served as the morgue; a ghost of a  patient lingering around Room 419; and the ghost of a nurse pushing a gurney with a corpse. Today, the property hosts its own ghost tours. 

Hotel Alex Johnson
16 of 19
Hotel Alex Johnson

This Rapid City, South Dakota hotel is mentioned in the classic Hitchcock film North by Northwest; the film's stars also stayed here while filming the famous Mount Rushmore scene. The erie mood doesn't stop there, though. The During the 1970s, it was reported that a young bride committed suicide in room 812, but it's rumored that foul play was involved. Today, her ghost wanders the eighth floor. You may also spot the ghost of Alex Johnson himself; the late railroad tycoon and hotel owner reportedly likes to stay on-site to ensure that the property is running smoothly.

This Rapid City, South Dakota hotel is mentioned in the classic Hitchcock film North by Northwest; the film's stars also stayed here while filming the famous Mount Rushmore scene. The erie mood doesn't stop there, though. The During the 1970s, it was reported that a young bride committed suicide in room 812, but it's rumored that foul play was involved. Today, her ghost wanders the eighth floor. You may also spot the ghost of Alex Johnson himself; the late railroad tycoon and hotel owner reportedly likes to stay on-site to ensure that the property is running smoothly.

The Lord Baltimore Hotel
17 of 19
The Lord Baltimore Hotel

Built in 1928 in downtown Baltimore, The Lord Baltimore Hotel was one of the tallest structures in the city during the Great Depression. During this time, at least 20 people had committed suicide from the 19th floor roof deck. It's believed that a couple had visited the property with their daughter before jumping to their deaths. Their daughter, known as Molly, can be seen roaming the halls wearing a white dress and playing with a red ball.

Built in 1928 in downtown Baltimore, The Lord Baltimore Hotel was one of the tallest structures in the city during the Great Depression. During this time, at least 20 people had committed suicide from the 19th floor roof deck. It's believed that a couple had visited the property with their daughter before jumping to their deaths. Their daughter, known as Molly, can be seen roaming the halls wearing a white dress and playing with a red ball.

Bourbon Orleans Hotel
18 of 19
Bourbon Orleans Hotel

This New Orleans hotel is the perfect place to stay in honor of Halloween. In the late 1800s, the site was home to the historic Orleans Ballroom and Theater, which was then converted into a convent. On the third and sixth floors, you may find the ghost of a Confederate soldier; on the sixth floor, there's a chance you'll spot the ghost of a little girl rolling a ball. Additionally, the ballroom is home to a lonely ghost who dances underneath the chandelier. 

This New Orleans hotel is the perfect place to stay in honor of Halloween. In the late 1800s, the site was home to the historic Orleans Ballroom and Theater, which was then converted into a convent. On the third and sixth floors, you may find the ghost of a Confederate soldier; on the sixth floor, there's a chance you'll spot the ghost of a little girl rolling a ball. Additionally, the ballroom is home to a lonely ghost who dances underneath the chandelier. 

Tarrytown House - King Mansion
19 of 19
Tarrytown House Estate

Located near the haunted village of Sleepy Hollow, this 214-room property is comprised of several 19th century-era buildings, with The King Mansion being the oldest. The mansion served as the home of Thomas King, a railroad magnate in the 1800s. Today, several guests have reported supernatural sightings on the second floor, including the ghost of Sybil Harris King (Thomas' daughter-in-law), who can be heard pacing up and down the hallways. 

Located near the haunted village of Sleepy Hollow, this 214-room property is comprised of several 19th century-era buildings, with The King Mansion being the oldest. The mansion served as the home of Thomas King, a railroad magnate in the 1800s. Today, several guests have reported supernatural sightings on the second floor, including the ghost of Sybil Harris King (Thomas' daughter-in-law), who can be heard pacing up and down the hallways. 

Up next...

The 15 Best Budget Destinations in Winter

Go Back
Find The Best Cruises
Find a cruise

Find the best deals!

Click on multiple sites to get the lowest prices

Click on multiple sites to get the lowest prices