13 Historic Hotels Across America Where Ghost Stories Still Linger
For years, travelers have been drawn to hotels with tales of ghostly encounters. These places carry a sense of both allure and mystery, where the past and present collide in unexpected ways. Whether it is the creak of an old floorboard or the sight of a shadowy figure, the stories surrounding these historic hotels have captivated visitors.
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The Stanley Hotel – Estes Park, Colorado
The Stanley Hotel is one of the most famous haunted hotels in the U.S., located in Estes Park, Colorado. Built in 1909, this grand hotel is often linked to Stephen King’s The Shining, as it inspired the novel. Guests have reported hearing strange sounds, seeing ghostly figures, and even experiencing unexplained cold spots. The hotel is known for its eerie atmosphere, particularly in its hallways and guest rooms.
Many of the spirits said to haunt the Stanley Hotel are believed to be former employees and guests. One of the most famous apparitions is that of F.O. Stanley, the hotel’s original owner. Many visitors join ghost tours to explore the hotel’s haunted past, adding to its reputation as a must-visit for paranormal enthusiasts.
The Queen Mary – Long Beach, California
The Queen Mary, once a luxury ocean liner, now serves as a hotel in Long Beach, California. This retired ship, which sailed from 1936 until 1967, is known for its ghostly sightings. Many visitors report hearing disembodied voices and seeing shadows move through the ship’s hallways. The ship’s haunted history is tied to both its time as a military transport during World War II and its years of service as a cruise liner.
Among the spirits said to haunt the Queen Mary is a crew member who died in a tragic accident. Ghost tours are available, giving guests a chance to learn about the ship’s past and the paranormal activity reported aboard. The Queen Mary remains one of the most famous haunted ships in the world.
The Myrtles Plantation – St. Francisville, Louisiana
The Myrtles Plantation is a plantation house in St. Francisville, Louisiana, with a dark and tragic history. Built in 1796, the plantation is reportedly haunted by the ghosts of former slaves and former owners. One of the most infamous spirits is that of Chloe, a woman said to have murdered the plantation’s owner’s wife. Over the years, many guests have reported hearing footsteps and seeing apparitions on the grounds.
The plantation’s haunting stories make it a popular spot for ghost tours. The Myrtles is often referred to as one of the most haunted locations in the U.S., drawing visitors who are curious about its mysterious past. Its beautiful grounds contrast with the chilling tales of its haunted history.
The Hotel Monte Vista – Flagstaff, Arizona
The Hotel Monte Vista, built in 1927, is a historic hotel located in Flagstaff, Arizona. Known for its charming architecture, it also has a long history of paranormal activity. Guests have reported hearing voices, doors opening and closing on their own, and seeing ghostly figures in the hallways. One of the most famous spirits is a bellboy who passed away under mysterious circumstances.
The hotel offers a mix of historic charm and supernatural intrigue. Many visitors stay at the Monte Vista for its eerie atmosphere and stories from its past. It is a favorite for both history buffs and thrill-seekers alike.
The Crescent Hotel – Eureka Springs, Arkansas
The Crescent Hotel, built in 1886, is a grand Victorian hotel perched on a hill in Eureka Springs, Arkansas. It was once a hospital and later a college before becoming a hotel. Over the years, the hotel has become known for its ghostly activity, with sightings of apparitions and strange noises. One of the most famous spirits is that of a nurse who worked at the hospital when it was operating as a cancer treatment center.
Many guests report feeling the presence of these spirits and have heard unexplained sounds during their stay. The Crescent Hotel offers ghost tours and is often regarded as one of the most haunted locations in the U.S. Its combination of history and supernatural occurrences makes it a must-visit destination.
The Hollywood Roosevelt – Los Angeles, California
The Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel, built in 1927, is a glamorous hotel in Los Angeles that has a spooky side. It has hosted many celebrities over the years, including Marilyn Monroe and Charlie Chaplin. The hotel is known for its haunted reputation, with reports of ghostly figures, mysterious sounds, and sightings of Monroe herself. The most famous ghost is that of Marilyn Monroe, who is said to appear in the hotel’s mirror.
The Roosevelt remains a popular spot for tourists, offering a mix of history, luxury, and paranormal intrigue. Its connection to Hollywood’s golden age and its eerie reputation make it an interesting destination for those seeking a unique experience. Visitors can enjoy the hotel’s stunning décor and perhaps encounter a ghost along the way.
The Omni Shoreham Hotel – Washington, D.C.
The Omni Shoreham Hotel, established in 1930, is located in Washington, D.C., and is known for its haunted history. The hotel has long been associated with political figures, hosting many notable events over the years. Guests have reported strange occurrences, such as hearing footsteps in empty rooms and encountering shadowy figures. The hauntings are believed to be linked to the hotel’s time as a military hospital during World War II.
The Omni Shoreham remains a popular choice for both business travelers and those interested in the paranormal. Its beautiful location and eerie atmosphere make it an intriguing spot for anyone visiting Washington, D.C. Whether for its historical significance or its ghostly presence, the hotel is a favorite among many.
The Drake Hotel – Chicago, Illinois
The Drake Hotel, built in 1920, is a historic hotel in Chicago with a long history of paranormal activity. Located in the heart of the city, it has been the site of numerous ghost sightings. Guests have reported strange sounds, ghostly apparitions, and mysterious cold spots throughout the hotel. One of the most famous spirits is that of a bride who is believed to haunt the hotel after her death.
The hotel’s prime location and beautiful views make it a popular spot for tourists, while its haunted reputation adds to its allure. Many people visit the Drake Hotel for its rich history and spooky encounters. It remains one of Chicago’s most iconic and haunted hotels.
The Bellamy Mansion – Wilmington, North Carolina
The Bellamy Mansion, built in 1861, is a historic antebellum home located in Wilmington, North Carolina. The mansion is known for its eerie atmosphere and ghostly residents, particularly the spirits of former slaves. Over the years, guests have reported hearing strange sounds, such as footsteps and whispers, coming from the upper floors. The mansion’s haunted reputation is tied to its grim history, which includes numerous deaths on the property.
The Bellamy Mansion is a favorite stop for those interested in both history and the paranormal. Visitors can tour the mansion and learn about its haunted past while admiring its beautiful architecture. The spirits that are believed to haunt the mansion add an extra layer of intrigue to this historic site.
The Hotel Del Coronado – Coronado, California
The Hotel Del Coronado is a luxurious beachfront hotel located in Coronado, California. This grand Victorian hotel is known for its ghostly history, particularly the haunting of a woman named Kate Morgan, who checked into the hotel in 1892 and mysteriously died. Her spirit is said to haunt the hotel, and many guests have reported seeing her ghostly figure walking along the hotel’s hallways or gazing out of the windows.
Despite its ghostly reputation, the Hotel Del Coronado remains one of the most popular resorts in California. Visitors come for its stunning views and luxurious accommodations, but they may also leave with a spooky story of their own. For those brave enough to experience both beauty and the supernatural, this hotel offers a unique experience.
The Bellagio Hotel – Las Vegas, Nevada
The Bellagio Hotel in Las Vegas is known for its luxurious accommodations, world-class entertainment, and haunted reputation. The hotel has been the site of several eerie occurrences, with guests reporting strange sounds and sightings of ghostly figures. Some believe the hauntings are linked to the hotel’s long history, which includes the building’s original construction on the site of a former casino.
The Bellagio remains one of the most iconic hotels on the Las Vegas Strip, drawing visitors for its opulence and haunted history. Guests can explore the hotel’s stunning features, such as the famous fountains, while keeping an eye out for any paranormal activity. The Bellagio continues to captivate tourists with both its grandeur and ghostly encounters.
The Asylum Inn – Providence, Rhode Island
The Asylum Inn in Providence, Rhode Island, is a former mental asylum turned hotel. This building has witnessed many tragic events, including deaths and suffering during its time as a mental hospital. Guests have reported eerie encounters, such as hearing disembodied voices and feeling cold spots. The spirits of former patients and staff are said to haunt the building, creating an unsettling atmosphere.
For those brave enough to spend the night, the Asylum Inn offers a hauntingly unique experience. The combination of its grim past and eerie energy makes it one of the most intriguing haunted hotels in the U.S. Guests can stay overnight or explore its haunted history on special tours.
The Chelsea Hotel – New York City, New York
The Chelsea Hotel in New York City is an iconic property that has hosted many famous artists, writers, and musicians over the years. The hotel is also known for its haunted reputation, with numerous guests reporting paranormal activity. Many believe the spirits of former residents, including Sid Vicious and Dylan Thomas, still haunt the building. Guests often report strange sounds, flickering lights, and the feeling of a ghostly presence.
The hotel’s history in the arts and its connection to legendary figures add to its allure. Whether you are visiting for its artistic significance or its haunted reputation, the Chelsea Hotel remains one of New York City’s most fascinating landmarks.
This article originally appeared on Avocadu.