When it comes to haunted hotels, some travelers seek more than just luxurious accommodations—they’re looking for a brush with the supernatural. Around the world, hotels have earned a reputation not only for their historical significance and stunning architecture but for the spirits that are said to linger long after their stay.
The allure of staying in a haunted hotel lies in the thrill of the unknown. Many of these hotels embrace their haunted histories, offering ghost tours and recounting the spine-tingling tales that have been passed down through generations.
If you’re brave enough to spend a night in one of these haunted hotels, you’re in for an experience like no other.
Ballygally Castle: Ireland
Ballygally Castle, found along the Antrim Coast of Northern Ireland, is known for more than just its stunning views – it’s haunted by Lady Isabella Shaw. Legend has it that in the 17th century, Isabella was locked in a tower by her husband after giving birth. In a desperate attempt to escape, she fell to her death.
Today, her spirit is said to wander the halls of the castle, with guests often hearing mysterious knocks on their doors and the feeling of an unseen presence in their rooms. The “Ghost Room,” where Isabella is believed to have spent her final moments, is a chilling spot for any brave soul willing to visit.
Hotel Sorrento: Seattle, Washington
Built in 1909, this grand hotel is home to the spirit of Alice B. Toklas, the late partner of author Gertrude Stein. Toklas is said to haunt room 408, where her apparition has been spotted frequently. Guests and staff have described the unmistakable sensation of being watched and have seen objects move on their own in the room.
Beyond room 408, strange occurrences happen throughout the hotel. In the Fireside Room, patrons report hearing disembodied voices and the piano playing by itself.
Hotel Viking: Newport, Rhode Island
Several spirits are said to call the hotel home, including a little boy who has been repeatedly spotted by housekeeping scrubbing the floors in the older part of the hotel. Guests often experience unexplained chills and the feeling that someone is following them down the corridors, only to turn around and find no one there.
The staff has also reported hearing a huge party going on when there are no events scheduled in the hotel.
The Langham: London, England
With over 150 years of history, the grand hotel has collected a number of spirits, but the most notorious is the figure of a German prince. He allegedly jumped to his death from one of the upper-floor windows and is now frequently seen wandering the hallways.
Room 333 is the hotspot for paranormal activity – guests staying in the room have reported seeing a man with glowing eyes hovering at the foot of their bed.
The Henderson Castle Inn: Kalamazoo, Michigan
Built in 1895, the castle has long been rumored to be haunted by the spirits of its original owners, Frank and Mary Henderson. Both are said to be seen wandering the property, particularly in the master bedroom where Mary often appears. Guests have reported hearing unexplained footsteps and voices when no one is nearby.
The ghost of a Spanish-American War veteran has also been seen pacing the hallways, and the sounds of phantom music have been heard coming from the ballroom.
The Marshall House: Savannah, Georgia
During the Civil War, the hotel served as a hospital, and many believe the spirits of wounded soldiers remain. Room 414 is particularly notorious for paranormal activity – guests have awoken to the sensation of someone grabbing their hands or ankles.
The Marshall House is also said to be haunted by the spirits of yellow fever victims who passed away during an outbreak. Shadows are frequently seen darting across walls, and some guests have even reported seeing full-bodied apparitions dressed in period clothing.
Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel: Banff, Canada
One of the most well-known spirits is the “Ghost Bride,” who is said to haunt the hotel after tragically falling down the staircase on her wedding day. Guests have reported seeing her dancing in her wedding dress in the ballroom or floating down the staircases.
Another frequently spotted ghost is that of a former bellman named Sam McAuley. Staff and guests have encountered Sam offering help with luggage, only for him to vanish once the job is done.
Chateau de Marcay: Marcay, France
Built in the 15th century, the chateau is said to be haunted by the ghost of a woman who was accused of being a werewolf. She was killed after being outed, and her spirit has been spotted wandering the grounds, particularly during full moons.
Inside the chateau, guests have also experienced strange occurrences such as doors slamming shut on their own and inexplicable cold spots.
The Queen Mary: Long Beach, California
Once a luxury liner, now a floating hotel, The Queen Mary has witnessed several deaths, and many believe the spirits of those who died onboard still roam its corridors. The most famous of these is the “Lady in White,” who has been seen dancing in the first-class ballroom and appearing in mirrors throughout the ship.
There’s also the spirit of a young girl who drowned in the ship’s pool, with her laughter occasionally heard echoing through the ship’s now-empty pool area.
Tulloch Castle Hotel: Dingwall Ross-Shire, Scotland
The most famous spirit is known as the “Green Lady,” thought to be Elizabeth Davidson, a former resident of the castle who died under mysterious circumstances. Guests have reported seeing her ghost wandering the castle, particularly in the Great Hall and the corridors leading to the tower.
The Green Lady’s portrait still hangs in the castle, and visitors often feel a chill when they pass by it.
Ruthin Castle Hotel & Spa: Ruthin, Wales
The most famous ghost at Ruthin Castle is that of Lady Grey, who was executed for murdering her husband’s lover. Her restless spirit is said to wander the halls of the castle, and guests often report seeing her dressed in grey near the battlements and dungeons.
Another well-known haunting is that of a soldier who was killed in a skirmish on the grounds. His figure has been seen near the gardens and on the castle’s perimeter.
Mermaid Inn: Rye, England
The Mermaid Inn in Rye, England, dates back to the 12th century and the most famous of its hauntings is the spirit of a dueling man, said to have been killed in a sword fight. His apparition, along with his opponent’s, has been seen re-enacting their fatal duel in one of the rooms.
Guests have woken up to the eerie sound of clashing swords and the sight of shadowy figures battling, only for the room to fall silent and empty moments later.
Crescent Hotel and Spa: Eureka Springs, Arkansas
The Crescent Hotel and Spa in Eureka Springs, Arkansas, is often dubbed “America’s Most Haunted Hotel.” Built in 1886, it has a dark period in the 1930s when it operated as a cancer hospital under the infamous Norman Baker, who falsely claimed to cure the disease.
One of the most famous ghosts is a nurse, seen pushing a gurney through the hallways, while others report hearing screams and whispers from patients who never left.
