8 HAUNTED HOTELS FOR SPOOKY SEASON STAYS
Spooky season is the best season, and it has officially arrived. I’ve stayed at a haunted spot or two in my day, and there is honestly something thrilling about staying somewhere that might not be entirely vacant. Okay, it’s also a little weird, but still a bit thrilling. Haunted hotels across the world are beckoning the brave, the curious, and the thrill-seekers alike right now. Whether you’re into a historic inn with a tragic past, a Gothic castle shrouded in mist, or a chic New York stay with lingering spirits (or a live-in poltergeist), these destinations promise goosebumps and unforgettable nights. From ghostly apparitions to strange sounds in the dead of night, these hotels blur the line between luxury and the paranormal…if you dare to check in.
The Hollywood Roosevelt
Los Angeles, California
Of course, a hotel nestled on Hollywood Boulevard would have a few glitzy ghosts hanging around. The Hollywood Roosevelt reportedly has a few ghostly ties to old silver-screen legends. Its most famous spirit roaming the halls is allegedly Marilyn Monroe, who will appear in mirrors, especially in Suite 1200, or be spotted in corridors. Another famous guest is Montgomery Clift, who will manifest as random trumpet playing or footsteps, and has even been known to touch guests in room 928 or its nearby halls. But that’s not all of the hotel’s ghostly happenings. Many guests claim to hear music from nowhere, cold spots, ghostly phone calls, and fleeting shadowy figures. The Hollywood Roosevelt leans into its spookier side by hosting Hollywood ghost tours, which let visitors see whether the glitz and glamor of the famous spot actually comes with a ghost or two.
Hotel Chelsea
New York City
A bohemian landmark and former home to the likes of Dylan Thomas, Janis Joplin, and Leonard Cohen, the Hotel Chelsea carries a creative energy that refuses to fade. Unfortunately, not all of its stories are glamorous. Dylan Thomas died here in 1953, and many guests have since reported paranormal encounters. From unexplained temperature drops to sightings of the late poet, the Chelsea’s spirits seem to linger in harmony with the artistic legacy. The hotel is now beautifully restored and remains one of New York’s most iconic (and haunted) stays.
Jerome Grand Hotel
Jerome, Arizona
Perched above the ghost town of Jerome, and one of my personal favorites, this former hospital-turned-hotel is said to be one of Arizona’s most haunted places. Built in 1926 as the United Verde Hospital, it saw countless patients and many deaths during its years of operation. Guests and staff have reported disembodied voices, flickering lights, and the sound of gurney wheels rolling through empty halls. Today, the Jerome Grand offers a fully restored stay with panoramic desert views, perfect for those who like a little paranormal activity with their scenic getaway - especially at sunset. The restaurant even suggests you leave an empty seat at the table in case a guest would like to join you.
The Stanley Hotel
Estes Park, Colorado
This might be one of the most famous and obvious ones, but still worth mentioning. Made famous by Stephen King’s The Shining, The Stanley Hotel has earned its place among America’s most haunted destinations. Guests have reported hearing piano music echoing from empty rooms, seeing shadowy figures in hallways, and even spotting Steven King’s muse in Room 217. Yes, the very room that inspired the horror masterpiece. Despite its eerie reputation, The Stanley Hotel’s grand architecture and mountain views make it a stunning and spine-tingling getaway. They also offer paranormal tours and ghost-hunting packages that let guests fully lean into the experience.
Lizzie Borden Bed and Breakfast
Fall River, Massachusetts
Few stories in American history are as infamous as Lizzie Borden. Today, the Borden family home operates as a bed and breakfast where guests can stay in the very rooms where the crimes occurred. Paranormal enthusiasts often report cold spots, mysterious whispers, and shadowy figures near the site of the attacks. It’s an eerie blend of history and hauntings that attracts both true crime buffs and ghost hunters year-round.
Castello della Castelluccia
Rome, Italy
This 11th-century castle is located just outside of Rome and is the stuff of European legend. Once home to nobles, knights, and even ancient alchemists, Castello della Castelluccia is said to host several spirits, including a horse that gallops across the grounds at night. Guests may catch a glimpse of a Roman emperor’s ghost wandering the corridors. Beyond the hauntings, Castello della Castelluccia is breathtaking. Surrounded by olive groves and vineyards, it offers old-world charm for those who like their luxury with an extra side of lore.
The Bowery Hotel
New York City, New York
While newer than most haunted hotels, The Bowery’s location rests on deeply haunted ground. The area was once home to flophouses and burial sites. Guests have reported everything from ghostly figures and strange noises to elevators moving on their own around 1 am and silhouettes floating in the hallways. Legend ties many of these occurrences to the adjacent Marble Cemetery, whose graves underlie the hotel, but the hotel doesn’t mind. They lean into their ghostly reputation and embrace their live-in poltergeist, who delights in flickering lights, moving objects, and being generally mischievous, especially at night.
Tulloch Castle
Dingwall, Scotland
Scotland’s Tulloch Castle dates back to the 12th century and has centuries of ghost stories to show for it. The most famous of the apparitions is the Green Lady. She is said to be the ghost of Elizabeth Davidson, who met a tragic end in the castle. Guests report doors opening on their own, flickering candles, and unexplained footsteps echoing through the stone halls. Despite its paranormal and spectral residents, Tullock is a cozy Highland escape, complete with roaring fireplaces and a warm Scottish welcome.
Final Thoughts
Chasing thrills or just a good story, haunted hotels offer more than just a place to rest. They’re living and often restless pieces of history. Each ghostly encounter adds to the mystique, turning every creak and whisper into part of the experience. So this spooky season, skip the standard getaway and book a night where the past might just come knocking at your door. Just don’t forget to leave a light on.
