10 spine-chilling stays in the u.s.
Who doesn’t love a little thrill with their travel? Whether you're a paranormal enthusiast or just enjoy a good ghost story, staying at a haunted hotel can turn your vacation into an unforgettable adventure. From historic inns to grand hotels with mysterious pasts, these haunted stays will have you sleeping with one eye open—if you sleep at all! Here are some of the most haunted hotels in the U.S. for those brave enough to check in.
1. The Stanley Hotel — Estes Park, Colorado
This might just be the most famous haunted hotel in the country, thanks to Stephen King’s stay here inspiring his novel The Shining. Nestled in the beautiful Rocky Mountains, The Stanley Hotel has been around since 1909 and has had its fair share of ghostly encounters. Guests report hearing piano music echoing from the ballroom and have seen apparitions of children running through the halls. If you’re feeling especially brave, room 217 is the place to book—it’s where King himself had some paranormal experiences.
2. Hotel Del Coronado — Coronado, California
This seaside gem might be beautiful by day, but at night it has an eerie vibe that ghost hunters can’t resist. The most famous spirit said to linger here is Kate Morgan, a woman who checked in alone in 1892 and never checked out. Her tragic story of love and loss seems to echo through the hotel, and guests often report cold drafts, flickering lights, and even seeing her ghost wandering the halls.
3. The Crescent Hotel — Eureka Springs, Arkansas
Dubbed "America's Most Haunted Hotel," The Crescent has a spooky history dating back to its opening in 1886. It served as a hotel, a college, and even a hospital where a shady doctor claimed to cure cancer. The souls of patients who passed away under his care are said to still roam the hotel. Rooms 218 and 419 are hotspots for paranormal activity, with guests reporting everything from voices and shadows to objects moving on their own.
4. The Marshall House — Savannah, Georgia
Savannah is often called one of the most haunted cities in America, and The Marshall House adds to that reputation. During the Civil War, this historic hotel was used as a hospital, and its past is palpable. Guests often report seeing soldiers from another time wandering the halls. Even more chilling are the sounds of babies crying—echoes from when the building was also used as a children’s hospital.
5. The Queen Mary — Long Beach, California
While technically not a hotel in the traditional sense, The Queen Mary, a retired ocean liner, is one of the most haunted places where you can book a room. Docked permanently in Long Beach, this massive ship has seen its share of death and despair, especially during its time as a troop transport during World War II. Guests often report phantom footsteps, cold spots, and sightings of a little girl near the pool area—said to have drowned there.
6. The Myrtles Plantation — St. Francisville, Louisiana
For a true Southern ghost story, Myrtles Plantation is a must-visit. Known as one of America’s most haunted homes, the spirits that haunt this plantation don’t seem to stay just in the house—they wander the grounds and even the rooms of the inn. The legend of Chloe, a former enslaved woman, is the most famous. Guests report seeing her ghostly figure, hearing footsteps on the creaky stairs, and smelling phantom scents like sweet perfume.
7. The Emily Morgan Hotel — San Antonio, Texas
Overlooking the historic Alamo, The Emily Morgan Hotel is both elegant and eerie. Before becoming a hotel, the building served as a hospital, and many believe some of the patients never left. Paranormal activity is most often reported on the 7th, 9th, and 14th floors, with guests seeing strange figures in mirrors, hearing voices, and feeling sudden drops in temperature. For those who want to combine history with a bit of haunting, this is the place to stay.
8. The Pfister Hotel — Milwaukee, Wisconsin
For sports fans and ghost hunters alike, The Pfister Hotel has gained a reputation as one of the spookiest places to stay in the Midwest. Built in 1893, this grand hotel is a frequent stop for MLB and NBA teams, but many athletes claim they’ve had eerie experiences. Reports include strange noises, flickering lights, and even sightings of the original owner, Charles Pfister, who seems to still be overseeing the hotel. Some players are so spooked they now refuse to stay here!
9. The Omni Parker House — Boston, Massachusetts
As one of the oldest coxntinuously operating hotels in the U.S., The Omni Parker House is steeped in history—and haunted by it, too. Literary greats like Charles Dickens and Nathaniel Hawthorne once stayed here, but it’s the ghost of the hotel’s founder, Harvey Parker, who guests often encounter. People report seeing his ghostly figure checking in on guests, making sure everything is up to standard. With its prime location in historic Boston, it’s the perfect spot for history buffs and ghost enthusiasts alike.
10. The Driskill Hotel — Austin, Texas
The Driskill Hotel, with its opulent décor and rich history, is one of Austin’s most luxurious spots—but it’s also known for its haunted reputation. Built in 1886 by cattle baron Jesse Driskill, the hotel is said to be haunted by his spirit, along with a young girl who tragically fell to her death on the grand staircase. Guests often hear disembodied laughter and the sounds of children running through the halls. Room 525 is rumored to be particularly active, with lights flickering and a heavy feeling in the air.
Ready to plan your ghostly getaway? At The Lazy Dog Travel Co., we want to help you create memorable travel experiences—whether you’re after some chillingly-relaxing R&R or the thrill of a haunted hotel stay. Contact us today to start planning your spooky adventure!
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