Haunted Hotels and Inns across America
Across the vast expanse of the United States, history whispers from every corner, imbuing countless locations with tales of the past. Among these, hotels and inns stand as particularly intriguing repositories of stories, their walls having witnessed countless lives, loves, tragedies, and even deaths. It is perhaps no surprise, then, that many of these establishments are rumored to be haunted, their spectral residents lingering long after their earthly departures. This article explores a selection of these Haunted Hotels and Inns across America, each with its own unique history and ghostly lore.
The allure of these haunted establishments lies not only in the possibility of encountering the supernatural but also in the opportunity to step back in time, to connect with the echoes of a bygone era. These Haunted Hotels and Inns across America offer a unique blend of history, mystery, and perhaps, a touch of the paranormal, attracting ghost hunters, history buffs, and curious travelers alike.
Arizona
Connor Hotel, Jerome: Perched high on Cleopatra Hill, the Connor Hotel in Jerome, Arizona, offers stunning views and a chilling history. Originally built in 1898, it has survived fires and the tumultuous life of a copper mining boomtown. Guests have reported strange occurrences, including disembodied voices, unexplained noises, and the feeling of being watched. Some believe the resident ghost is a former miner who met an untimely end.
Ghost City Inn, Jerome: Another Jerome landmark, the Ghost City Inn, lives up to its name. This charming bed and breakfast is said to be haunted by several spirits, including a mischievous woman who enjoys playing pranks on guests and a former owner who still keeps a watchful eye on the property. The inn’s history, combined with its location in a town known for its paranormal activity, makes it a popular destination for ghost enthusiasts.
Hotel Weatherford, Flagstaff: The Hotel Weatherford in Flagstaff, Arizona, boasts a rich history dating back to 1900. This historic hotel is said to be haunted by several spirits, including the hotel’s founder, John Weatherford, and his wife. Guests have reported seeing apparitions, hearing unexplained noises, and experiencing objects moving on their own. The hotel’s elegant architecture and vintage furnishings add to its eerie atmosphere.
Jerome Grand Hotel, Jerome: Once the United Verde Hospital, the Jerome Grand Hotel is considered one of the most haunted locations in Arizona. Built in 1926, the imposing structure has witnessed countless deaths and tragedies. Guests and staff alike have reported a wide range of paranormal phenomena, including disembodied voices, unexplained footsteps, and objects moving on their own. Some believe the spirits of former patients and staff still roam the halls.
Mile High Inn, Jerome: In the heart of Jerome, the Mile High Inn is another location with a reputation for ghostly activity. With a history dating back to Jerome’s mining days, guests have reported encounters with apparitions and unexplained phenomena.
Monte Vista Hotel, Flagstaff: The Monte Vista Hotel in Flagstaff, Arizona, has hosted numerous celebrities and historical figures since its opening in 1927. However, it is also known for its ghostly residents. Room 210 is said to be haunted by a former guest who was murdered, while other rooms are reportedly haunted by a mischievous spirit who enjoys playing pranks on guests.
Oatman Hotel, Oatman: In the historic mining town of Oatman, the Oatman Hotel is known for its friendly ghosts. Clark Gable and Carole Lombard supposedly spent their honeymoon here, and some believe their spirits remain. Guests have reported feeling cold spots, hearing unexplained noises, and even seeing apparitions.
Red Garter Bed & Bakery, Williams: Built as a saloon and brothel in 1897, the Red Garter Bed & Bakery in Williams, Arizona, has a colorful past. Guests have reported seeing the apparition of a former prostitute named "Lillian," who is said to still roam the halls.
Arkansas
Crescent Hotel, Eureka Springs: The Crescent Hotel in Eureka Springs, Arkansas, is often called "America’s Most Haunted Hotel." Built in 1886, the hotel has served as a resort, a women’s college, and even a cancer hospital run by a charlatan doctor. Countless deaths have occurred within its walls, and many believe the spirits of former guests, patients, and staff still linger. Common reports include apparitions, unexplained noises, and objects moving on their own. The hotel offers ghost tours that delve into its macabre history and paranormal activity.
California
Amargosa Hotel, Death Valley Junction: Located in the desolate landscape of Death Valley Junction, the Amargosa Hotel is a unique and intriguing destination. Created by Marta Becket, a dancer and artist, the hotel is known for its elaborate murals and its reported paranormal activity. Guests have reported seeing apparitions, hearing unexplained noises, and feeling a sense of unease.
Bella Maggiore Inn, Ventura: The Bella Maggiore Inn in Ventura, California, is a charming Italian-style hotel with a reputation for being haunted. Guests have reported seeing the apparition of a woman in white, believed to be the ghost of a former owner.
Georgian Hotel, Santa Monica: The art deco-style Georgian Hotel in Santa Monica, California, has a glamorous history. However, some guests have reported paranormal activity, including unexplained noises and apparitions.
Queen Mary, Long Beach: The RMS Queen Mary, now permanently docked in Long Beach, California, is a historic ocean liner with a long and storied past. During its service as a troop transport ship during World War II, a sailor was killed in the engine room. Numerous deaths occurred onboard throughout its history, and it is now considered one of the most haunted locations in the United States. Guests and staff have reported a wide range of paranormal phenomena, including apparitions, unexplained noises, and cold spots. The ship offers ghost tours that explore its haunted history.
Colorado
Baldpate Inn, Estes Park: Situated near Rocky Mountain National Park, the Baldpate Inn in Estes Park, Colorado, is known for its unique collection of keys from around the world. However, it is also rumored to be haunted. Guests have reported strange occurrences, including unexplained noises and apparitions.
Brown Palace Hotel, Denver: The Brown Palace Hotel in Denver, Colorado, is a luxurious historic hotel that has hosted numerous dignitaries and celebrities since 1892. However, it is also said to be haunted. Guests have reported seeing apparitions, hearing unexplained noises, and experiencing objects moving on their own.
Gilpin Hotel, Black Hawk: In the historic gambling town of Black Hawk, the Gilpin Hotel is said to have its share of spectral guests. Reports include unexplained sounds and visions.
Hotel Colorado, Glenwood Springs: The Hotel Colorado in Glenwood Springs, Colorado, is a grand historic hotel with a fascinating past. Opened in 1893, it has hosted presidents and other notable figures. However, it is also rumored to be haunted. Guests have reported seeing apparitions, hearing unexplained noises, and experiencing objects moving on their own.
Hotel St. Nicholas, Cripple Creek: Located in the former gold mining town of Cripple Creek, the Hotel St. Nicholas is said to have paranormal activity. Guests have reported unexplained sounds and visions.
Imperial Hotel, Cripple Creek: Another Cripple Creek hotel, the Imperial Hotel, is rumored to have its share of ghostly residents.
Lumber Baron Inn, Denver: The Lumber Baron Inn in Denver, Colorado, is a historic Victorian mansion with a dark past. The site of a double murder in the 1970s, the inn is said to be haunted by the spirits of the victims. Guests have reported seeing apparitions, hearing unexplained noises, and feeling a sense of unease.
Stanley Hotel, Estes Park: Perhaps the most famous haunted hotel in Colorado, the Stanley Hotel in Estes Park, served as the inspiration for Stephen King’s novel "The Shining." Built in 1909, the hotel has a long history of paranormal activity. Guests have reported seeing apparitions, hearing unexplained noises, and experiencing objects moving on their own. The hotel offers ghost tours and paranormal investigations for those seeking a thrill.
Victor Hotel, Victor: In the historic town of Victor, the Victor Hotel is said to be haunted by miners and other figures from the town’s past.
Illinois
Inn at 835, Springfield: The Inn at 835 in Springfield, Illinois, is a beautifully restored historic mansion with a reputation for being haunted. Guests have reported seeing apparitions, hearing unexplained noises, and feeling a sense of unease.
Kansas
Eldridge Hotel, Lawrence: The Eldridge Hotel in Lawrence, Kansas, has a turbulent history, having been burned down twice during the Civil War. The hotel is said to be haunted by the spirit of its original owner, Colonel Shalor Eldridge, who is said to still roam the halls. Guests have reported seeing his apparition, hearing unexplained noises, and feeling a cold presence.
Louisiana
Myrtles Plantation, St. Francisville: While technically a plantation and not a hotel, the Myrtles Plantation in St. Francisville, Louisiana, offers overnight accommodations and is considered one of the most haunted locations in the United States. Numerous ghost stories surround the plantation, including tales of a former slave named Chloe who poisoned the owner’s family. Guests have reported seeing apparitions, hearing unexplained noises, and experiencing objects moving on their own.
Missouri
Elms Hotel, Excelsior Springs: The Elms Hotel in Excelsior Springs, Missouri, has a long and storied history, having burned down twice in its early years. The hotel is said to be haunted by several spirits, including a gambler who died during a card game and a woman who fell from a window. Guests have reported seeing apparitions, hearing unexplained noises, and feeling a cold presence.
Lemp Mansion, St. Louis: The Lemp Mansion in St. Louis, Missouri, is a historic mansion with a tragic past. The Lemp family, who owned a successful brewery, suffered a series of suicides within the mansion walls. The mansion is said to be haunted by the spirits of the Lemp family, and guests have reported seeing apparitions, hearing unexplained noises, and feeling a sense of unease.
New Mexico
Grant Corner Inn, Santa Fe: The Grant Corner Inn in Santa Fe, New Mexico, is a charming bed and breakfast with a reputation for being haunted. Guests have reported seeing apparitions and hearing unexplained noises.
La Fonda Hotel, Santa Fe: La Fonda Hotel on the Plaza in Santa Fe, New Mexico, is a historic hotel with a long and colorful past. The hotel is said to be haunted by several spirits, including a distraught bride who was jilted at the altar and a gambler who was shot and killed in the lobby. Guests have reported seeing apparitions, hearing unexplained noises, and feeling a cold presence.
La Posada Hotel, Santa Fe: Another Santa Fe establishment, La Posada Hotel, is also said to have ghostly residents.
Laguna Vista, Eagle Nest: The Laguna Vista in Eagle Nest, New Mexico, offers stunning views and a history that includes tales of ghostly encounters.
St. James Hotel, Cimarron: The St. James Hotel in Cimarron, New Mexico, has a wild west history and a reputation for being haunted. The hotel has witnessed numerous gunfights and deaths, and many believe the spirits of former guests and outlaws still linger. Guests have reported seeing apparitions, hearing unexplained noises, and feeling a cold presence.
Oklahoma
Skirvin Hotel, Oklahoma City: The Skirvin Hotel in Oklahoma City is a historic hotel with a long and colorful past. Opened in 1911, the hotel is said to be haunted by the spirit of a former housekeeper named Effie, who is said to have had an affair with the hotel’s owner. Guests have reported hearing her cries and feeling her presence in the hotel.
South Dakota
Bullock Hotel, Deadwood: The Bullock Hotel in Deadwood, South Dakota, is named after Seth Bullock, a famous lawman and businessman. The hotel is said to be haunted by Bullock himself, who is said to still oversee the property. Guests have reported seeing his apparition, hearing unexplained noises, and feeling a cold presence.
Texas
Gunter Hotel, San Antonio: The Gunter Hotel in San Antonio, Texas, has a dark history. A gruesome murder took place in one of the rooms in 1965, and some believe the spirit of the victim still haunts the hotel. Guests have reported seeing apparitions, hearing unexplained noises, and feeling a sense of unease.
Menger Hotel, San Antonio: Located next to the Alamo, the Menger Hotel in San Antonio, Texas, is one of the oldest hotels in the state. It is said to be haunted by several spirits, including Captain Richard King, the founder of the King Ranch, and a chambermaid named Sallie White, who was murdered by her lover. Guests have reported seeing apparitions, hearing unexplained noises, and feeling a cold presence. The Haunted Hotels and Inns across America are many and varied, each with its own stories.
Ott Hotel, Liberty: In Liberty, Texas, the Ott Hotel is said to have paranormal activity stemming from its long history.
Sheraton Gunter Hotel, San Antonio: See Gunter Hotel, San Antonio.
Washington
Thornewood Castle, Lakewood: While not a hotel in the traditional sense, Thornewood Castle in Lakewood, Washington, offers overnight accommodations and is rumored to be haunted. The castle has a long and storied past, and guests have reported seeing apparitions and hearing unexplained noises.
Wyoming
Ivy House Inn, Casper: The Ivy House Inn in Casper, Wyoming, is said to be haunted by a former owner named "Olive." Guests have reported seeing her apparition and hearing unexplained noises.
Plains Hotel, Cheyenne: The Plains Hotel in Cheyenne, Wyoming, is a historic hotel with a reputation for being haunted. Guests have reported seeing apparitions and hearing unexplained noises.
Sheridan Inn, Sheridan: The Sheridan Inn in Sheridan, Wyoming, has a Wild West history and is said to be haunted by a variety of spirits.