15 Historic Inns Where Past Guests Never Seem to Leave

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Old Talbott Tavern

Located in Bardstown, Kentucky, Old Talbott Tavern has been standing since 1779, making it one of the oldest inns in America. The tavern has witnessed countless travelers throughout the centuries, including famous figures like Abraham Lincoln and Jesse James.

The building’s worn wooden floors and stone walls seem to hold onto the energy of its past guests. Some visitors report feeling as though the space is occupied by more than just the living, with strange occurrences, like flickering lights and unexplained sounds, adding to its eerie atmosphere. The rich history and long-standing presence of the tavern make it feel as if the spirits of former guests have never quite left.

Moravian Sun Inn

The Moravian Sun Inn in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, was built in 1758 and is one of the oldest inns in the United States. It was a significant stop for travelers during colonial times and has been hosting guests for over 250 years.

The inn’s connection to key historical events, such as the American Revolution, imbues the space with a sense of timelessness. Many who stay there report an almost tangible presence of past guests, with some mentioning unexplained noises and sightings of former visitors, making it clear that the inn’s history lives on in the walls.

Lawrence’s Hotel

Nestled in Sintra, Portugal, Lawrence’s Hotel opened its doors in 1764, making it one of the oldest operating hotels in Europe. The building was once a retreat for British aristocrats seeking solace in Portugal’s scenic beauty.

The hotel has seen centuries of history, from the Napoleonic Wars to the flourishing of the Portuguese monarchy. Guests often describe the inn as having an ethereal quality, with past residents seemingly still lingering. The presence of former guests, including famous writers and artists, can be felt in its charming rooms and antique-filled corridors.

Bear Hotel

The Bear Hotel in Woodstock, Oxfordshire, has been serving travelers since the 13th century. Once a humble coaching inn, it became a haven for weary travelers along the old Oxford to London road.

The hotel’s history is rich with legends of ghosts and spirits, with many reports of strange occurrences in its rooms. Some claim that the spirits of past visitors still make their presence known, whether through unexplained footsteps or flickering lights. The hotel’s rustic charm and long history add to the sense of continuity, where past and present seem to intertwine.

The Stanley Hotel

The Stanley Hotel in Estes Park, Colorado, opened in 1909 and is famous for inspiring Stephen King’s The Shining. The hotel’s majestic architecture and scenic views make it a popular destination for those seeking both luxury and history.

Guests have long claimed that the Stanley Hotel is haunted, with reports of paranormal activity ranging from objects moving on their own to ghostly apparitions. The hotel’s rich history and connection to famous figures seem to make it a place where past guests continue to walk the halls, lingering long after their stays have ended.

The Greenbrier

Situated in White Sulphur Springs, West Virginia, The Greenbrier opened in 1778 and has since hosted a variety of high-profile guests, from U.S. presidents to world leaders. Known for its luxurious accommodations and expansive grounds, it became a retreat for the nation’s elite.

The hotel’s history extends beyond its grand façade, with reports of a hidden Cold War-era bunker beneath the building. Guests often mention a lingering presence of past visitors, from famous personalities to everyday guests, whose stories still echo through the halls. The Greenbrier is a place where history feels palpable, and the past seems to coexist with the present.

The Crescent Hotel

This stunning hotel in Eureka Springs, Arkansas, was built in 1886 and has seen a colorful history, including serving as a fraudulent hospital during the 1930s. The Crescent Hotel’s Victorian architecture and picturesque setting make it a prime destination for those looking for charm and history.

Many visitors report strange happenings throughout the hotel, including ghostly apparitions and unexplained noises. The building’s haunted reputation, coupled with its deep connection to past patients and staff, makes it a place where past guests may never truly leave. The hotel’s history is woven into its atmosphere, and the spirits of those who once stayed there seem to remain present.

Napa River Inn

Located in Napa, California, this historic inn was once a mattress factory in 1886 before being transformed into a charming hotel. The inn offers a mix of old-world charm and modern amenities, making it a popular choice for those visiting wine country.

The Napa River Inn retains its historical integrity, with reports of past employees and guests still making their presence known. Some visitors describe the feeling of walking alongside those who occupied the space long ago, particularly in the older sections of the building, where the past seems to linger in every corner.

Gunter Hotel

Opened in 1909 in San Antonio, Texas, the Gunter Hotel is steeped in history, having hosted numerous notable guests and dignitaries. The hotel’s beautiful architecture and rich history make it a beloved part of the city’s past.

Guests often feel as though the hotel’s past visitors are still with them, with reports of strange occurrences like flickering lights and the sounds of footsteps echoing through the hallways. The Gunter Hotel’s longstanding presence in San Antonio gives it an air of continuity, where past and present seem to intertwine seamlessly.

The Brown Palace Hotel

The Brown Palace Hotel in Denver, Colorado, opened in 1892 and remains a symbol of luxury and history in the city. Its grand architecture and exceptional service have drawn numerous high-profile guests over the years, from royalty to presidents.

The hotel’s opulent design and long-standing history seem to attract more than just human guests. Many people report a feeling of an invisible presence in the halls, especially in the quieter parts of the hotel. The energy of past guests, particularly those who stayed during the hotel’s early years, seems to linger in the rooms, making it a place where history is felt as much as it is seen.

The Hawthorne Hotel

Located in Salem, Massachusetts, the Hawthorne Hotel was built in 1925 and has since become a cornerstone of the town’s rich history. Its location near the site of the infamous Salem witch trials adds an extra layer of intrigue and historical significance.

Guests often speak of the inn’s unique atmosphere, where it feels as though the past has not quite left. With its antique furnishings and proximity to Salem’s dark past, many believe the spirits of past guests still haunt the hotel, with unexplained noises and sights reported in the rooms. Staying at the Hawthorne feels like walking through history, where every corner tells a story.

The Inn at the Presidio

The Inn at the Presidio, located in San Francisco, offers a rare blend of nature, history, and luxury. The building was originally constructed in 1903 as military housing for officers stationed at the Presidio Army base.

Many guests report that they feel the presence of former soldiers, especially in the rooms that once housed military personnel. The historical significance of the property, combined with its scenic views of the Golden Gate Bridge, creates an atmosphere where past and present are intertwined, making it feel like history is still alive in the building.

The Monte Vista Hotel

The Monte Vista Hotel in Flagstaff, Arizona, opened in 1927 and quickly became a popular stop for movie stars and travelers on Route 66. Known for its distinctive Spanish Colonial Revival style, the hotel was a staple of the area during the early 20th century.

The hotel’s long list of past guests, including Hollywood legends like John Wayne and Bing Crosby, contributes to the feeling that past visitors never really left. Stories of ghostly apparitions and strange noises have made this hotel a popular spot for those interested in paranormal activity. The combination of old Hollywood glamor and eerie occurrences makes the Monte Vista feel like it’s still occupied by its past stars.

The Driskill Hotel

Located in Austin, Texas, the Driskill Hotel opened its doors in 1886 and quickly became a landmark in the city’s skyline. The hotel’s ornate architecture and lavish interiors have hosted presidents, entertainers, and wealthy travelers.

Visitors often comment on the strong presence of past guests, particularly in the hotel’s older rooms. Some claim to have seen figures from the hotel’s past, while others report hearing faint voices or footsteps in the hallways. The hotel’s rich history and the continued presence of those who once stayed there make it a place where the past feels ever‑present.

The Ponce de Leon Hotel

The Ponce de Leon Hotel in St. Augustine, Florida, opened in 1888 and became a symbol of the city’s Gilded Age prosperity. The hotel is famous for its stunning Spanish Renaissance architecture and its role as a luxury retreat for the wealthy elite.

Today, visitors to the Ponce de Leon Hotel still report feelings of connection to its early guests. Some claim to feel the spirits of former patrons walking the halls, while others experience unexplained cold spots and eerie noises. The hotel’s grand history and architectural beauty add to its allure, creating a space where the past feels close, and its history never fades.

This article originally appeared on Avocadu.