Ghostly Getaways: 18 Historic U.S. Hotels That Are Said to Be Haunted

Travelers across the United States often seek out charming inns and grand hotels rich in history and character. But for those who crave a touch of the supernatural, some historic lodgings come with more than antique furniture and classic architecture—they come with ghostly guests. Across the country, many travelers claim to have encountered unexplained footsteps, flickering lights, and eerie presences that linger long after checkout. If you love haunted history and U.S. travel with a twist, here are 18 Historic U.S. Hotels That Are Said to Be Haunted.

The Stanley Hotel – Estes Park, Colorado

Famous for inspiring Stephen King’s The Shining, The Stanley Hotel is one of America’s most well-known haunted destinations. Guests and staff have reported hearing piano music in empty rooms and laughter echoing through deserted hallways. Paranormal investigators often cite cold spots and ghostly apparitions throughout the property. With its stunning Rocky Mountain backdrop and eerie charm, this Colorado landmark remains a must-visit for thrill-seekers who love blending history with spine-chilling U.S. travel experiences.

The Queen Mary – Long Beach, California

Once a luxury ocean liner and later a World War II troopship, The Queen Mary now serves as a floating hotel in Long Beach. Guests have described hearing ghostly cries near the ship’s old swimming pool and seeing shadowy figures in the corridors. Many believe these spirits are passengers or sailors who met untimely ends at sea. Today, this maritime legend attracts visitors from across the United States eager to experience one of the most famous haunted hotels in California.

The Crescent Hotel – Eureka Springs, Arkansas

The Crescent Hotel, built in 1886, proudly calls itself “America’s Most Haunted Hotel.” Originally a luxury resort, it later became a hospital run by a fraudulent doctor who promised miracle cancer cures. Spirits of patients are said to wander the halls, and guests frequently capture strange orbs in photos. This Victorian-era structure remains a highlight for travelers exploring Arkansas’s history and paranormal folklore, making it an unforgettable stop on any U.S. travel adventure.

The Omni Parker House – Boston, Massachusetts

Founded in 1855, The Omni Parker House is Boston’s oldest continuously operating hotel and has hosted literary legends like Charles Dickens and Nathaniel Hawthorne. Many guests have reported seeing the ghost of Harvey Parker, the original owner, checking on visitors in their rooms. Mysterious elevators and flickering lights add to the ghostly allure. For anyone traveling through New England, this elegant Boston landmark offers both historic luxury and a chance for a chilling encounter.

The Menger Hotel – San Antonio, Texas

Located near the Alamo, The Menger Hotel opened in 1859 and is steeped in Texas history. Guests claim to see the ghost of President Teddy Roosevelt recruiting Rough Riders in the bar or the apparition of Sallie White, a murdered chambermaid. The Menger’s old-world charm and proximity to historic sites make it a favorite among travelers exploring haunted places in the American South. It’s a perfect mix of history, hospitality, and haunting legend.

Hotel Monteleone – New Orleans, Louisiana

In the heart of the French Quarter, Hotel Monteleone has hosted writers like Truman Capote and Ernest Hemingway—and, reportedly, several ghosts. Guests and staff have seen children’s spirits playing in hallways and elevators that stop mysteriously on the wrong floors. The hotel’s revolving Carousel Bar adds to its mystique, making it an icon of both Southern elegance and supernatural lore. For lovers of haunted U.S. travel destinations, few cities rival New Orleans.

The Pfister Hotel – Milwaukee, Wisconsin

Built in 1893, The Pfister Hotel blends opulent architecture with eerie encounters. Major League Baseball players staying there have shared tales of flickering lights and malfunctioning electronics, attributing them to the ghost of Charles Pfister, the hotel’s founder. Some claim to see him observing guests from the grand staircase. This Milwaukee gem showcases the perfect balance of Midwestern hospitality and haunting history—an irresistible draw for paranormal enthusiasts touring the United States.

The Marshall House – Savannah, Georgia

Savannah is known as one of America’s most haunted cities, and The Marshall House stands as a prime example. Opened in 1851, it once served as a Civil War hospital, and guests have reported hearing phantom footsteps and children laughing late at night. Some even claim to see soldiers’ spirits wandering the halls. The blend of Southern charm and supernatural whispers makes The Marshall House a staple for ghost hunters and U.S. travel fans alike.

The Brown Palace Hotel – Denver, Colorado

Since 1892, The Brown Palace has epitomized Denver luxury—and paranormal mystery. Staff members have reported seeing the ghost of a former maid and hearing music from a phantom string quartet. With its lavish architecture and timeless style, this hotel offers a glimpse into both Denver’s Gilded Age and its haunted past. For travelers eager to explore Colorado’s most historic hotels, The Brown Palace promises sophistication and a hint of the supernatural.

The Hotel del Coronado – Coronado, California

This seaside resort near San Diego opened in 1888 and became famous for its beauty, and its ghost stories. The most enduring tale involves Kate Morgan, a young woman who died mysteriously on the property and is said to still wander its corridors. Guests often report flickering lights and cold drafts where she was last seen. The Hotel del Coronado remains a jewel of West Coast U.S. travel, offering beachside elegance with a supernatural twist.

Once a hospital serving the mining town of Jerome, this imposing building reopened as a hotel in the 1990s. Guests report hearing the rumble of hospital gurneys and ghostly voices echoing in empty hallways. The spirit of a maintenance man who fell to his death is also said to linger. Today, it stands as one of Arizona’s most haunted hotels, attracting travelers fascinated by the eerie side of U.S. history.

The Driskill Hotel – Austin, Texas

Opened in 1886, The Driskill combines Texas grandeur with ghostly legends. Its founder, Colonel Jesse Driskill, reportedly haunts the hotel, ensuring his legacy lives on. Guests have claimed to see the spirit of a young girl playing with a ball on the grand staircase. Whether you’re in Austin for music or mystery, The Driskill provides a perfect setting to explore both the city’s vibrant culture and its haunted history.

The Myrtles Plantation – St. Francisville, Louisiana

Though technically a plantation rather than a hotel, The Myrtles operates as a bed-and-breakfast and is often called one of America’s most haunted homes. Built in 1796, it’s said to be haunted by the ghost of a servant named Chloe and other spirits connected to its tragic history. Guests often capture mysterious images in photos. The Myrtles draws travelers from around the United States eager to explore Louisiana’s haunted heritage.

The Historic National Hotel – Nevada City, California

Opened in 1856 during the California Gold Rush, the Historic National Hotel is said to host the ghost of a young woman named Elizabeth, who died of heartbreak. Guests claim to hear weeping and soft footsteps in the hallways. This beautifully preserved hotel provides a window into the past, offering both Gold Rush charm and ghostly encounters. It’s a favorite among U.S. travelers drawn to history mixed with mystery.

The Biltmore Hotel – Coral Gables, Florida

Built in 1926, the Biltmore Hotel has a storied past that includes serving as a hospital during World War II and hosting glamorous parties in the 1920s. Guests report seeing the ghost of Thomas “Fatty” Walsh, a gangster who was murdered in the hotel. Lights flicker, doors slam, and strange sounds echo through its halls. This Florida icon remains a must-see destination for travelers who enjoy elegant architecture with a paranormal edge.

The Admiral Fell Inn – Baltimore, Maryland

Overlooking the waterfront in Baltimore’s historic Fells Point, this inn has a history dating back to the 18th century. Once a boarding house for sailors, it’s rumored to be haunted by spirits from its maritime past. Guests hear footsteps, laughter, and mysterious whispers late at night. The Admiral Fell Inn offers a perfect stop for those exploring America’s East Coast, combining historic beauty with haunting intrigue.

The Sagamore Resort – Bolton Landing, New York

This grand resort on Lake George dates back to the 1880s and is famous for its tranquil views, and its lingering ghosts. Guests have spotted the spirit of a boy who once chased golf balls on the property and never returned. Others hear footsteps in empty corridors. The Sagamore’s blend of Adirondack elegance and supernatural lore makes it a memorable stop for travelers exploring New York’s historic hotels.

The Hotel Chelsea – New York City, New York

A cultural landmark known for housing artists, writers, and musicians, the Hotel Chelsea has its share of ghost stories. Guests have reported apparitions of former residents such as Dylan Thomas and Sid Vicious’s ill-fated girlfriend, Nancy Spungen. The air of creative energy mingled with tragedy makes it one of Manhattan’s most mysterious stays. For urban explorers interested in haunted U.S. travel, the Chelsea offers a haunting slice of New York’s bohemian past.

The Congress Plaza Hotel – Chicago, Illinois

Built for the 1893 World’s Fair, Chicago’s Congress Plaza Hotel is often called one of the most haunted hotels in the Midwest. Guests have seen the ghost of “Peg Leg Johnny,” a former hobo, and a mysterious spirit known as the “Room 441 ghost.” Its grand halls and historic ballrooms hide layers of chilling tales. For those traveling through the Windy City, the Congress Plaza is a cornerstone of haunted American travel.

The Jerome Grand Hotel – Arizona

Perched on a mountainside, this former hospital turned hotel has terrified and fascinated guests for decades. Screams, footsteps, and flickering lights are common reports from overnight visitors. Some claim to see shadowy nurses making their rounds. This landmark remains one of the spookiest destinations in the American Southwest, combining breathtaking views with a bone-chilling backstory that keeps adventurous travelers returning year after year.