23 Haunted Hotels in the U.S. Where Guests Check In but Can’t Sleep

Travelers exploring the U.S. often find themselves drawn to places with more than historical charm—some destinations carry stories that echo long after dark. Haunted hotels have become a compelling topic in American tourism, offering both adventure and a brush with the unexplained. Guests who check into these legendary properties seek more than soft pillows and room service; they crave encounters with the mysterious energy lingering in old hallways and forgotten rooms. Below is an in-depth look at 23 haunted hotels in the U.S. Where Guests Check In but Can’t Sleep.

Stanley Hotel – Estes Park, Colorado

One of the most famous haunted hotels in U.S. travel, the Stanley Hotel gained worldwide attention after inspiring Stephen King’s The Shining. Guests often report hearing piano music drifting through the empty ballroom or children running in the hallways when no families are staying on the floor. Many claim to experience flickering lights and items that move on their own. The elegant architecture combined with unexplained activity makes this hotel a prime destination for anyone seeking a supernatural getaway.

Hotel Monteleone – New Orleans, Louisiana

This historic hotel in the French Quarter has been the center of countless paranormal stories. Visitors share experiences of ghostly children playing in the hallways and mysterious orbs appearing in photographs. Some staff members talk about a former restaurant worker who reportedly still roams the building after hours. With New Orleans being such a spiritual and culturally rich U.S. travel hotspot, Hotel Monteleone stands out as one of the most atmospheric places for a haunted stay.

The Queen Mary – Long Beach, California

The Queen Mary is an ocean liner turned hotel known for eerie legends and unsettling occurrences. Guests have reported cold spots and shadowy figures around the former first-class pool area. Many also claim to hear phantom footsteps echoing along the ship’s metal corridors. Because it blends maritime history with paranormal intrigue, this iconic vessel has become a staple for travelers looking to add a haunting twist to their California adventure.

The Menger Hotel – San Antonio, Texas

The Menger Hotel is located near the Alamo and is believed to be one of the most haunted hotels in Texas. Guests regularly report seeing a woman in an old-fashioned dress wandering the hallways and disappearing without warning. Others describe strange voices in empty rooms or a chilling sensation that follows them through the lobby. The combination of rich history and ghostly tales has made the Menger a must-see stop on U.S. travel itineraries through the Southwest.

The Brown Palace Hotel – Denver, Colorado

This luxury hotel has a long history of strange occurrences, from phantom musicians to spirits that appear during quiet moments in the hallways. Housekeepers have reported hearing knocks from inside rooms that were confirmed to be empty. Many travelers come specifically for the chance to witness these ghostly encounters. The Brown Palace offers both grand architectural beauty and a compelling haunted reputation that attracts visitors from across the country.

The Drake Hotel – Chicago, Illinois

The Drake Hotel is known for its glamorous past and eerie stories that add a haunted flair to the Chicago skyline. One of the most famous legends involves the “Woman in Red,” who is said to appear on the Gold Coast side of the building. Guests also report flickering lights, cold drafts, and items that vanish and reappear. With its timeless elegance and storied paranormal history, The Drake remains a top destination for travelers exploring U.S. urban haunts.

The Marshall House – Savannah, Georgia

Savannah’s reputation as one of the most haunted cities in America makes the Marshall House a natural centerpiece for ghost stories. Visitors share accounts of flickering lights, inexplicable noises, and apparitions of Civil War-era soldiers. Some report hearing footsteps pacing in hallways late at night. The hotel’s deep historical roots combined with its documented paranormal activity make it one of the most chilling U.S. travel stays in the South.

The Crescent Hotel – Eureka Springs, Arkansas

Often called the most haunted hotel in America, the Crescent features ghost stories involving former patients from the era when it operated as a hospital. Guests have seen apparitions dressed in old medical uniforms and heard disembodied voices near the old morgue area. Many travelers visit hoping to capture photos of orbs and shadows. With its striking architecture and chilling past, the Crescent Hotel offers unforgettable paranormal experiences.

The Roosevelt Hotel – Hollywood, California

The Roosevelt Hotel links Hollywood glamour with supernatural encounters. Guests say the spirit of Marilyn Monroe has been spotted near her old suite’s mirror, while others report mysterious phone calls with no one on the line. Shadows and strange reflections often appear in photographs taken in the lobby. This iconic property blends celebrity history with eerie tales, drawing curious travelers fascinated by Hollywood’s darker side.

The Omni Parker House – Boston, Massachusetts

The Omni Parker House is known for its long history and unexplained occurrences that guests still encounter today. Reports include flickering lights, chilly hallways, and apparitions of former guests appearing suddenly before vanishing. Some travelers say they’ve heard whispered conversations in empty rooms. Its age and historical significance make it one of the most fascinating haunted destinations on the East Coast.

Thayer’s Historic Bed & Breakfast – Annandale, Minnesota

Thayer’s B&B has long been associated with ghostly sightings, particularly the figure of its original owner. Visitors often mention doors opening on their own, mysterious touches, and soft footsteps outside their rooms at night. Many return year after year hoping to witness more paranormal activity. This charming Midwestern property offers a unique blend of small-town warmth and chilling supernatural intrigue.

The Jefferson Hotel – Jefferson, Texas

Travelers frequently describe shadowy figures, odd scents, and voices echoing in the hallways of the Jefferson Hotel. Many believe the building’s long past contributes to its haunting ambiance. Some rooms are said to experience more activity than others, especially those associated with tragic events. As interest in haunted U.S. travel grows, this East Texas treasure remains a compelling stop for thrill-seeking guests.

The Pfister Hotel – Milwaukee, Wisconsin

Professional baseball players have famously reported paranormal encounters at the Pfister, adding to its eerie reputation. Guests describe lights that turn on by themselves, mysterious knocking sounds, and objects that move without explanation. Several visitors claim to see shadowy figures standing near their beds before vanishing. With its elegance and widely documented ghost stories, the Pfister continues to intrigue travelers seeking a supernatural adventure.

The Biltmore Hotel – Coral Gables, Florida

The Biltmore boasts decades of ghost stories, including sightings of a mobster who died on the property. Guests often mention sudden cold spots and strange whispers near the ballroom. Others claim elevators behave oddly, stopping on random floors without being called. Its glamorous history and paranormal activity make it a captivating destination for travelers exploring U.S. haunted landmarks.

The Battery Carriage House Inn – Charleston, South Carolina

This historic inn is known for two particularly active spirits: a headless torso and a friendly gentleman ghost. Both have been reported by numerous guests over the years. Visitors frequently hear soft knocks, footsteps, and rustling sounds when no one else is nearby. With Charleston being one of the most visited U.S. travel cities, this haunted property adds a thrilling edge to any coastal getaway.

Hotel del Coronado – Coronado, California

Often associated with the ghost of Kate Morgan, Hotel del Coronado remains one of the most prominent haunted hotels in Southern California. Guests describe flickering lights, sudden temperature drops, and the feeling of being watched in certain hallways. Room attendants have shared stories of items inexplicably shifting positions. The hotel’s beachfront location mixed with its eerie legends creates a memorable stay for paranormal enthusiasts.

The Jerome Grand Hotel – Jerome, Arizona

Once a hospital, the Jerome Grand Hotel retains an atmosphere charged with eerie energy. Many guests hear the wheels of gurneys rolling down empty corridors or distant cries that can’t be traced. Others report unexplained movement in their rooms and glowing figures drifting through the hall. Its dramatic setting and ghostly history make it a standout stop for travelers seeking the supernatural in the American Southwest.

The Heathman Hotel – Portland, Oregon

One of the most documented haunted hotels in the Pacific Northwest, the Heathman features a series of rooms known for unusual activity. Guests report cold spots, objects that slide across tables, and strange sounds from behind walls. Some travelers say they’ve seen translucent figures standing at the foot of their bed. Its reputation continues to attract visitors curious about the paranormal side of U.S. travel.

The Sagamore – Bolton Landing, New York

The Sagamore is renowned for ghost stories involving golfers, former employees, and mysterious children seen darting across the grounds. Guests often hear phantom voices calling their names or knocking on doors. Staff members have shared their own personal encounters with spirits in certain wings of the hotel. Its lakeside views and chilling legends combine to create an unforgettable Adirondack experience.

The Congress Plaza Hotel – Chicago, Illinois

This Chicago landmark is frequently labeled one of the city’s most haunted sites. Guests report seeing a shadowy figure nicknamed “Peg Leg Johnny,” as well as apparitions of former residents. Strange knocking, flickering lights, and cold gusts are common complaints. With its extensive history and ghostly activity, the Congress Plaza remains a top choice for thrill-seekers traveling through the Midwest.

The St. James Hotel – Cimarron, New Mexico

Built during the Wild West era, the St. James Hotel has seen shootings, outlaws, and countless dramatic events. Many rooms are said to be haunted by former guests who met violent ends. Visitors describe hearing floorboards creak under unseen footsteps or seeing misty shapes drifting through their rooms. Its frontier past makes it one of the most compelling haunted hotels for U.S. travel enthusiasts.

The Lemp Mansion – St. Louis, Missouri

The Lemp Mansion is steeped in tragedy, making it one of the most haunted establishments in the Midwest. Guests often report sensations of being touched, items disappearing, and apparitions lingering at the ends of hallways. Staff recount doors slamming shut and shadowy forms moving through the dining rooms. Its unsettling energy and deep historical roots continue to draw paranormal investigators from across the country.

The Queen Anne Hotel – San Francisco, California

This Victorian hotel is said to be haunted by a former headmistress who protects rather than frightens guests. Many travelers have felt their blankets gently pulled up or sensed a calming presence watching over them. Some claim to see her figure drifting through the hallways during quiet hours. Its elegant design and friendly ghost stories make it a charming yet mysterious stop for West Coast adventurers.