The Best Haunted Hotels in America You Can Actually Stay In

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With Halloween around the corner, it’s the perfect time to plan a getaway that’s a little more exciting than your average hotel stay. And across America, there are some beautiful historic properties with fascinating pasts and plenty of ghost stories to go along with them.

Of course, whether you believe in ghosts is entirely up to you. But you don’t have to be a paranormal enthusiast to appreciate these hotels. Many are architectural landmarks with gorgeous interiors, interesting histories and excellent locations. The possibility of a ghostly encounter? That’s just an added bonus.

Here are some of America’s most famously haunted hotels where you can actually spend the night. Just don’t be surprised if you find yourself sleeping with the lights on.

1. The Stanley Hotel, Estes Park, Colorado

If you’ve ever read Stephen King’s The Shining, you already know why this hotel landed at the top of this list. Opened in 1909, The Stanley Hotel sits against the spectacular backdrop of the Rocky Mountains. It’s beautiful, historic and just eerie enough to make you think twice about wandering the hallways after dark.

The hotel famously inspired King to write The Shining after he stayed there in the 1970s. And while the property has leaned into its spooky reputation, the stories aren’t limited to its literary connection. Guests and staff have reported unexplained sounds and other unusual occurrences over the years.

If you want the full experience, the hotel offers a guided nighttime ghost tour exploring its haunted history and folklore. It even has a selection of designated “spirited” rooms for guests who want to embrace the hotel’s paranormal reputation. Learn more about the hotel’s official ghost tours here.

And if nothing supernatural happens? You’re still staying in a gorgeous mountain hotel near Rocky Mountain National Park. Not a bad consolation prize.

2. Hotel Monteleone, New Orleans, Louisiana

New Orleans has no shortage of ghost stories but few hotels combine paranormal intrigue with old-fashioned glamour quite like Hotel Monteleone. Located in the heart of the French Quarter, this elegant hotel has been welcoming guests since 1886. It’s famous for its revolving Carousel Bar, literary connections and luxurious accommodations. But it also has a reputation for some rather unusual guests.

According to the hotel’s own history, visitors have reported doors opening unexpectedly, elevators stopping on the wrong floors and mysterious sightings of children. One of its best-known ghost stories involves a young boy named Maurice, who is said to still make appearances in the hotel.

Whether those stories send a chill down your spine or simply make for entertaining conversation over cocktails, Hotel Monteleone is a fantastic place to stay. You’re within walking distance of some of New Orleans’ best restaurants, music venues and historic attractions. And really, if you’re going to encounter a ghost, you might as well do it somewhere with a fabulous bar.

3. The Marshall House, Savannah, Georgia

Savannah is often called one of America’s most haunted cities, so it makes sense that one of its most historic hotels has a few ghost stories attached to it.

The Marshall House opened in 1851 and has lived through some extraordinary chapters of American history. During the Civil War, the building served as a Union hospital, and it was also used as a hospital during yellow fever epidemics in the 19th century.

Over the years, guests have reported mysterious noises and unexplained sightings. The hotel acknowledges its haunted reputation, although it treats the stories with a healthy sense of humor.

Today, The Marshall House is a beautifully restored boutique hotel with original architectural details, antique furnishings and a wonderful location on Broughton Street. It’s an easy walk to Savannah’s charming squares, restaurants and shops.

Even if you don’t encounter anything supernatural, Savannah’s atmospheric streets and centuries-old buildings make it an especially fun destination for a Halloween getaway.

4. The Queen Mary, Long Beach, California

For something a little different, how about spending the night aboard a supposedly haunted ocean liner? The Queen Mary isn’t your typical hotel. This enormous ship first sailed in the 1930s, carried troops during World War II and eventually retired to Long Beach, where it became a floating hotel and attraction.

Over the decades, stories of ghostly encounters have become part of its identity. Visitors have reported unexplained noises, mysterious figures and strange occurrences in various parts of the ship.

One of its most notorious accommodations is Stateroom B340, which has been associated with reports of knocking sounds, lights switching on unexpectedly and doors opening or closing without explanation. The ship even offers a special B340 overnight experience for guests who are feeling particularly brave.

For Halloween 2026, the Queen Mary is also hosting its Dark Harbor event, featuring haunted mazes and spooky entertainment.

But even without the ghost stories, spending the night on a historic ocean liner is pretty memorable. The Art Deco interiors and maritime history make this a unique getaway.

5. Hawthorne Hotel, Salem, Massachusetts

If there’s one American destination that truly embraces Halloween, it’s Salem, Massachusetts. And staying at the historic Hawthorne Hotel puts you right in the middle of it all. Opened in 1925, this landmark hotel overlooks Salem Common and is within walking distance of many of the city’s best-known historic sites and attractions.

Naturally, a hotel in Salem comes with a few ghost stories. Guests have reported unusual noises, furniture that seems to move on its own and sightings of a mysterious woman. According to Historic Hotels of America, Room 325 is particularly well known for its alleged paranormal activity, while the sixth floor has also inspired ghostly tales.

The hotel itself is a little more cautious about the claims, noting that most guests enjoy perfectly peaceful nights.

The Hawthorne is also known for its Halloween celebrations, making it an especially fitting place to stay in October. Between the city’s witch-trial history, walking tours, museums and festive atmosphere, you’ll have plenty to explore.
Just be prepared for crowds. Salem is enormously popular in the weeks leading up to Halloween, so booking well in advance is a smart move.

6. 1886 Crescent Hotel & Spa, Eureka Springs, Arkansas

Some hotels try to downplay their haunted reputations. The 1886 Crescent Hotel & Spa is definitely not one of them.
Perched above the charming town of Eureka Springs in the Ozark Mountains, this grand Victorian property proudly promotes itself as “America’s Most Haunted Hotel.” And considering its history, it’s not difficult to understand why.

Originally opened as a luxury resort in 1886, the building later served as a college before becoming a hospital operated by Norman Baker, a man who falsely claimed he could cure cancer. It’s a disturbing chapter in the hotel’s past and one that continues to fuel its paranormal reputation.

Today, guests can join guided ghost tours that explore the hotel’s history and introduce some of its best-known resident spirits. The tour even visits the former morgue. For travelers who want to take things a step further, there are specialized paranormal investigations, too.

Fortunately, the modern Crescent is much more inviting than its spooky stories might suggest. It has a spa, restaurants, mountain views and plenty of historic charm. The hotel also offers overnight packages that include ghost tours, making it easy to turn a paranormal adventure into a full weekend getaway.

What to pack for a haunted hotel getaway

Whether you’re hoping to capture something mysterious on camera or just planning to enjoy a fun Halloween weekend, a few travel essentials are worth bringing along.

Start with comfortable walking shoes, especially if you’re planning to explore historic neighborhoods or join an evening ghost tour. A light jacket is also a good idea since October evenings can get chilly, particularly in destinations like Salem and Estes Park.

And don’t forget your tech. Between taking photos, recording videos, navigating unfamiliar cities and looking up the stories behind your hotel, your phone will probably get quite a workout.

A portable charger is useful for long days of sightseeing, while a compact charging block can make it easier to keep your devices powered up back in your room. A TESSAN charging station with multiple USB ports is a practical option for travelers bringing phones, cameras and other electronics, particularly when hotel rooms have limited accessible outlets.

After all, the last thing you want is for your phone battery to die just as something … interesting … happens.