Some travelers book hotels for the thread count. Others book them for the ghosts. If you fall into the second camp, this guide to the most haunted hotels in america is for you. From a grand Colorado resort that inspired a horror classic to a retired ocean liner where the engine room reportedly never sleeps, these 15 hotels are famous not just for their history and architecture, but for the spirits guests claim never checked out.
A quick note on how to read this list: every haunting described below is a reported haunting — the famous ghost stories, legends, and guest accounts that have made these hotels legendary in paranormal circles. We are not claiming the ghosts are real; we are reporting the stories that made these places famous. Whether you are a true believer, a curious skeptic, or just love a great story, these hotels deliver atmosphere by the bucketful.
Ready to spend a night somewhere with a little extra history? Here are 15 of the most haunted hotels in America, plus tips for booking your own haunted stay at the end.
How We Chose the most haunted hotels in america
America has no shortage of hotels that claim a ghost or two, so we set a high bar. Every hotel on this list is famous well beyond its hometown — the kind of place that shows up on national “most haunted” lists, has been investigated by paranormal teams, or inspired books and films. We looked for hotels with documented histories (many date to the 1800s), specific named spirits rather than vague “cold spots,” and a steady stream of guest reports over the years.
We also made sure the hauntings come with great hotels attached. Several of these properties are members of Historic Hotels of America, the official program of the National Trust for Historic Preservation recognizing the country’s most storied places to stay — which means you get genuine historic grandeur along with your ghost stories. A haunted stay should be a great stay first.
Finally, we spread the list across the country, from a Boston landmark that hosted literary giants to a Wild West hotel in Tucson with a gangster past. If you want to turn your haunted hotel bucket list into a bigger adventure, our guide to the best family road trips in the USA can help you string several spooky stops into one unforgettable drive.
The 15 Most Haunted Hotels in America
1. The Stanley Hotel — Estes Park, Colorado
No list of haunted hotels is complete without the Stanley. This grand 1909 hotel overlooking the Rockies famously inspired Stephen King to write The Shining after his own unsettling stay in Room 217. Guests and staff have long reported the spirits of founder F.O. Stanley and his wife Flora — Flora is said to still play the piano in the music room, while F.O. reportedly haunts the billiard room and lobby. Room 217 remains the most requested room in the hotel, with guests reporting luggage unpacking itself and lights flickering on and off. The hotel leans into its reputation with night ghost tours, and the combination of stunning mountain setting and genuinely eerie history makes it the undisputed heavyweight champion of haunted American hotels.
2. The Crescent Hotel — Eureka Springs, Arkansas
Perched atop Crescent Mountain in the Ozarks, the 1886 Crescent Hotel is often called “America’s most haunted hotel” — and it has the stories to back it up. The most famous spirit is reportedly “Michael,” an Irish stonemason said to have died during the hotel’s construction, whose apparition has been reported near Room 218. In the 1930s, the building served as a fraudulent cancer hospital run by Norman Baker, and guests report the lingering presence of patients who suffered there, particularly around the old morgue area. The hotel offers nightly ghost tours and has been featured on numerous paranormal television programs. Even skeptics admit the place has an atmosphere you can feel the moment you walk in.
3. The Queen Mary — Long Beach, California
The Queen Mary is not just a haunted hotel — it is a haunted ship. The retired 1930s ocean liner, permanently docked in Long Beach, served as a luxury liner and a WWII troopship before becoming a hotel, and its long, dramatic history reportedly left plenty of spirits aboard. The most famous is said to be “John Pedder,” an 18-year-old crewman reportedly crushed by a watertight door (Door 13) in the engine room, where visitors report strange sounds and apparitions. Guests also report a mysterious woman in white, phantom footsteps in empty corridors, and unexplained splashing sounds near the drained first-class pool. Sleeping aboard a haunted ship is an experience unlike any other hotel stay.
4. Hotel del Coronado — Coronado, California
The iconic “Hotel Del” has hosted presidents and celebrities since 1888, but its most famous long-term guest reportedly never left. In 1892, a young woman named Kate Morgan checked in under an alias and was found dead on the hotel’s steps days later — and guests have reported her presence ever since, particularly around Room 3327. Reported phenomena include flickering lights, unexplained breezes, a television turning on by itself, and the scent of perfume in empty rooms. The hotel’s Victorian beachfront grandeur makes it a stunning stay regardless, but Room 3327 remains its most requested — and most talked-about — accommodation.
5. The Myrtles Plantation — St. Francisville, Louisiana
The Myrtles Plantation is routinely described as one of the most haunted homes in America, and its bed-and-breakfast rooms let you sleep inside the legend. The most famous reported spirit is “Chloe,” said to have been an enslaved woman on the plantation whose apparition guests claim to have seen — and even photographed — on the grounds. Visitors report mysterious handprints on mirrors, a grand piano that reportedly plays by itself, and apparitions in period clothing. The 1796 plantation’s moss-draped oaks and antebellum architecture create an atmosphere so thick you could cut it with a knife. This is Southern Gothic at its most intense.
6. Omni Parker House — Boston, Massachusetts
America’s longest continuously operating hotel has had plenty of time to collect ghosts. The Parker House, opened in 1855, reportedly hosts the spirit of its founder, Harvey Parker, whose apparition guests claim to have seen wandering the halls. The hotel’s literary history adds to the mystique — Charles Dickens once lived here, and his mirror is said to still reflect more than it should. Guests have reported unexplained laughter, objects moving on their own, and a general sense of being watched in the older parts of the building. Between the Boston cream pie (invented here) and the ghosts, the Parker House is a two-for-one historic experience.
7. The Menger Hotel — San Antonio, Texas
Right next to the Alamo, the Menger Hotel has been hosting history — and reportedly, ghosts — since 1859. Its most famous spectral guest is said to be Theodore Roosevelt, who recruited his Rough Riders in the hotel’s bar in 1898 and is reportedly still spotted there, ordering drinks that never arrive. Guests also report the spirit of Sallie White, a chambermaid reportedly seen carrying towels through the halls decades after her death. With its Victorian lobby, Civil War history, and location on the most historic ground in Texas, the Menger delivers atmosphere whether or not you meet a ghost.
8. The Hollywood Roosevelt — Los Angeles, California
The Hollywood Roosevelt has been at the center of Tinseltown glamour since 1927 — and reportedly, some of its stars never left. Guests claim the ghost of Marilyn Monroe still haunts her old suite, with reports of her apparition appearing in the room’s mirror. The spirit of actor Montgomery Clift is also reportedly seen pacing the ninth-floor hallway, rehearsing lines from a film long finished. The hotel hosted the first Academy Awards and has welcomed everyone from Charlie Chaplin to modern A-listers, so its corridors are thick with Hollywood history. For film buffs who love a good ghost story, there is no better address.
9. The Pfister Hotel — Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Milwaukee’s grand Pfister Hotel, opened in 1893, is famous among baseball fans for all the wrong — or right — reasons: visiting Major League players have been reporting strange encounters here for decades. The most commonly reported spirit is that of founder Charles Pfister himself, said to still roam the halls of his hotel. Athletes have described hearing unexplained knocking, seeing apparitions, and feeling an unseen presence in their rooms — stories that have made the Pfister a legend in sports media every baseball season. The hotel’s Victorian elegance and top-tier service make it a luxury stay with a delightfully spooky bonus.
10. Hotel Monteleone — New Orleans, Louisiana
In a city famous for ghosts, the Hotel Monteleone stands out. This French Quarter landmark, a favorite of literary greats like Hemingway, Faulkner, and Tennessee Williams, reportedly hosts several spirits — including children said to be heard playing on the 14th floor, long after the hotel stopped having one (the floor numbering skips, as old hotels do). Guests report doors opening on their own, lights flickering, and the sound of an elevator arriving with no one inside. The famous Carousel Bar, slowly revolving as you sip, is the perfect place to swap ghost stories with fellow guests after a day of exploring the Quarter’s haunted history.
11. Farnsworth House Inn — Gettysburg, Pennsylvania
If any town in America is haunted, it is Gettysburg — and the Farnsworth House Inn sits at the heart of it. The 1810 brick house served as a Confederate sharpshooters’ nest during the 1863 battle, and it reportedly still hosts the spirits of soldiers who died there. Guests report apparitions in period uniforms, the sounds of battle, and unexplained touches in the night. The inn leans into its history with period-authentic rooms and a tavern that feels straight out of the 19th century. For Civil War history buffs, pairing a stay here with a visit to Gettysburg National Military Park is the ultimate immersive experience.
12. The Marshall House — Savannah, Georgia
Savannah regularly tops “most haunted city” lists, and the Marshall House — which served as a Civil War hospital — is one of its spookiest stays. Guests report apparitions of soldiers, the sounds of children playing in hallways, and faucets turning on by themselves. The hotel’s 1851 bones and gas-lit historic district setting do the rest: stepping outside puts you on some of the most atmospheric streets in America. Savannah’s haunted reputation is well earned, and the Marshall House is its perfect headquarters — equal parts elegant historic hotel and genuine ghost-story generator.
13. The Skirvin Hilton — Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
The Skirvin’s most famous ghost reportedly has a name: “Effie.” According to legend, a maid named Effie had a tragic story in the hotel’s early days, and guests — including numerous NBA players in town for games — have reported hearing a woman crying, seeing apparitions, and experiencing objects moving in their rooms. The stories became so well known that visiting basketball teams have a long tradition of Skirvin ghost tales. The beautifully restored 1911 hotel is a AAA Four Diamond property, proving that luxury and a legendary haunting can share the same address quite comfortably.
14. Hotel Congress — Tucson, Arizona
The Hotel Congress earned its place in history in 1934, when a fire flushed bank robber John Dillinger and his gang out of their rooms and into the arms of waiting lawmen. That Wild West drama reportedly left a mark: guests describe apparitions, unexplained sounds, and a general sense that the old hotel remembers its rowdy past. The Congress embraces its heritage as a downtown Tucson cultural hub, with a beloved taproom and live music venue downstairs. It is less polished than some hotels on this list and all the more characterful for it — a genuine piece of the Old West you can sleep in.
15. Bourbon Orleans Hotel — New Orleans, Louisiana
Our second New Orleans entry proves the Crescent City earns its haunted reputation twice over. The Bourbon Orleans, originally built as a ballroom and later used as a convent, orphanage, and Civil War hospital, reportedly hosts spirits from every chapter of its layered past. Guests report apparitions in period dress, unexplained sounds in empty corridors, and a particularly active stretch of hallway that staff know well. Its location in the heart of the French Quarter puts the city’s famous ghost tours, cemeteries, and haunted bars quite literally at your doorstep. If you are planning a broader spooky itinerary, pair it with our roundup of the best haunted houses in the USA — and for a transatlantic twist, the best haunted houses and ghost tours in London.
Most Haunted Hotels in America: Quick Comparison
Here is every hotel on our list at a glance — the property, where to find it, and the famous ghost guests report meeting.
| Hotel | Location | Famous Ghost |
|---|---|---|
| The Stanley Hotel | Estes Park, Colorado | F.O. and Flora Stanley; Room 217 phenomena |
| The Crescent Hotel | Eureka Springs, Arkansas | “Michael” the stonemason; hospital-era spirits |
| The Queen Mary | Long Beach, California | “John Pedder” in the engine room |
| Hotel del Coronado | Coronado, California | Kate Morgan (Room 3327) |
| The Myrtles Plantation | St. Francisville, Louisiana | “Chloe” and period apparitions |
| Omni Parker House | Boston, Massachusetts | Founder Harvey Parker |
| The Menger Hotel | San Antonio, Texas | Theodore Roosevelt; Sallie White |
| The Hollywood Roosevelt | Los Angeles, California | Marilyn Monroe; Montgomery Clift |
| The Pfister Hotel | Milwaukee, Wisconsin | Founder Charles Pfister |
| Hotel Monteleone | New Orleans, Louisiana | Children on the 14th floor |
| Farnsworth House Inn | Gettysburg, Pennsylvania | Civil War soldiers |
| The Marshall House | Savannah, Georgia | Civil War hospital patients |
| The Skirvin Hilton | Oklahoma City, Oklahoma | “Effie” the maid |
| Hotel Congress | Tucson, Arizona | Dillinger-era spirits |
| Bourbon Orleans Hotel | New Orleans, Louisiana | Period apparitions from its many past lives |
Tips for Booking a Haunted Stay
Ready to book a night with the spirits? A little planning goes a long way toward making your haunted hotel stay memorable for the right reasons.
- Request the famous room — early. Rooms like the Stanley’s 217 or the del Coronado’s 3327 are the most requested in their hotels and book out months ahead, especially around Halloween. If you want the legendary room, reserve as early as possible and confirm your room number in writing.
- Visit in October, but book by summer. Haunted hotels are at their spookiest — and busiest — in October. For the best availability and rates, book your fall haunted getaway by mid-summer. Shoulder-season visits (September or November) offer a quieter, arguably eerier experience.
- Join the hotel’s ghost tour. Almost every hotel on this list offers guided ghost tours or paranormal history walks, often open to non-guests too. The guides know the best stories and the most active spots — and you will appreciate your room more afterward.
- Bring a little ghost-hunting gear. You do not need professional equipment, but a fully charged phone (for photos and audio recording), a small flashlight, and a notebook for logging anything unusual will make the night more fun. Keep expectations playful rather than scientific.
- Read the history first. Knowing the real backstory — the fire, the famous guest, the tragedy — makes every creak of the floorboards ten times more atmospheric. Each of these hotels has a genuinely fascinating past beyond the ghost stories.
- Be a respectful guest. Remember that staff deal with ghost hunters year-round, and that other guests may be there for a quiet historic getaway. Keep late-night hallway investigations discreet, follow the hotel’s tour rules, and tip well.
- Have a backup plan for scaredy-cats. If you are traveling with kids or nervous companions, book a hotel like the Stanley or the Menger where the history and scenery are spectacular even if everyone sleeps with the lights on. Haunted does not have to mean terrifying.
Watch: 25 Haunted Hotels in the US
Want to tour even more haunted properties before you book? This video counts down 25 haunted hotels across the United States, including several featured on our list, with the stories behind each one.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the most haunted hotel in America?
There is no official ranking, but the Stanley Hotel in Estes Park, Colorado, and the Crescent Hotel in Eureka Springs, Arkansas, are the two names that appear on nearly every national list. The Stanley is famous for inspiring The Shining and its Room 217 phenomena, while the Crescent is often billed as “America’s most haunted hotel” thanks to its stonemason ghost “Michael” and its dark history as a 1930s cancer hospital. Both are excellent picks for a first haunted stay.
Can you stay overnight in the most haunted hotels?
Yes — every hotel on this list is a working hotel that accepts regular reservations. That is part of the appeal: you are not visiting a museum, you are sleeping in the allegedly haunted room. Famous rooms like the Stanley’s Room 217 or the Hotel del Coronado’s Room 3327 book out far in advance, especially in October, so reserve early and confirm your room number with the hotel.
Are haunted hotels safe for kids?
Generally, yes — these are legitimate, well-run hotels, and the “hauntings” are stories, not hazards. That said, some properties lean harder into the spooky atmosphere than others. Family-friendly picks include the Stanley Hotel (stunning mountain setting, great tours), the Menger Hotel (fascinating history), and the Hotel del Coronado (a beautiful beach resort). Save the Myrtles Plantation and the Queen Mary’s engine room for when the kids are older.
Do haunted hotels cost more than regular hotels?
The famous haunted rooms sometimes command a premium, particularly in October, but most of these hotels price like the historic luxury or boutique properties they are. Booking in the shoulder season, on weeknights, or well in advance can keep rates reasonable. The ghost stories themselves are free — the hotels are happy to tell them.
What should I do if I experience something paranormal?
Stay calm, note the details (time, place, what happened), and tell the front desk or your tour guide — staff at these hotels hear it all the time and often keep logs of guest reports. Take photos if you like, but be respectful of other guests and hotel property. And remember: old buildings creak, settle, and make strange noises. Part of the fun is deciding for yourself what you experienced.
Are the ghost stories at these hotels true?
The histories behind the stories are real — these are genuinely old buildings where real, sometimes tragic, events happened. The hauntings themselves are reported phenomena: guest accounts, staff stories, and local legends passed down over decades. We present them as the famous stories that made these hotels legendary. Whether you believe is entirely up to you — and honestly, half the fun.
When is the best time to visit a haunted hotel?
October is peak season for atmosphere (and crowds), with many hotels running special Halloween events and extended ghost tours. For a quieter, arguably spookier experience, try September or November, when the hallways are emptier and the staff have more time to share stories. Avoid major holidays if you want the best rates.
From the misty halls of the Stanley to the creaking decks of the Queen Mary, the most haunted hotels in America offer something no ordinary hotel can: a night inside a legend. Pick your haunt, request the famous room, and pack your curiosity — along with a nightlight, just in case. Sleep tight… if you can.
