If you’re like me and love a good ghost story, then spending the night in a haunted hotel is the ultimate thrill! There’s something about wandering through old hallways, hearing whispers in the dark, and imagining the spirits of the past that gives me goosebumps—in the best way possible. Whether you’re a die-hard ghost hunter or just love the eerie charm of the paranormal, these haunted hotels will make your spine tingle. Pack your bags (and maybe some sage), because we’re about to check in to the world’s most haunted stays!
The Stanley Hotel – Estes Park, Colorado, USA
This place isn’t just haunted—it’s legendary. The Stanley Hotel, built in 1909, has an undeniable eerie charm, but it’s the ghosts that make it famous. If you’ve ever seen The Shining or read Stephen King’s novel, you can thank this very hotel for the nightmares it inspired. When King stayed here in 1974, he had a terrifying experience that sparked one of the most iconic horror stories ever.
Guests constantly report hearing phantom footsteps, ghostly piano music, and disembodied voices. The most famous spirit? Mrs. Stanley, the hotel founder’s wife, who still drifts through the ballroom as if she’s hosting one of her grand parties. Feeling brave? Book Room 217—the same room that sent chills down King’s spine. Many guests swear they’ve seen flickering lights, doors creaking open on their own, and mysterious figures lurking in the shadows.
Oh, and don’t forget to join the ghost tour. Trust me, it’s worth every spine-tingling moment.
The Queen Mary – Long Beach, California, USA
Once a glamorous ocean liner, now a permanently docked haunted hotel, The Queen Mary is one of California’s creepiest spots. This majestic ship sailed the seas for decades, even serving in World War II. But beneath its elegant exterior lies a dark, ghost-filled past.
Step into the engine room, and you might just feel an icy chill—the spirit of a crew member who met a tragic end still lingers there. Guests often hear ghostly whispers and see shadowy figures roaming the halls. The most infamous hotspot? The pool area, where people claim to have seen apparitions of women in vintage bathing suits.
If you’re up for a night of supernatural surprises, stay in one of the haunted cabins. But don’t say I didn’t warn you—many guests wake up to the sensation of unseen hands touching them in the night!
Hotel Nacional de Cuba – Havana, Cuba
Picture this: A glamorous 1930s hotel that has hosted celebrities, world leaders… and spirits from the past. The Hotel Nacional de Cuba isn’t just stunning—it’s seriously haunted.
During the Cuban Revolution, the hotel was a hotspot for spies, politicians, and even the mafia. Some of them never left. Guests report hearing eerie footsteps echoing through the hallways, and some have seen shadowy figures lingering in the grand ballroom.
One of the most chilling stories? A guest who died tragically in the 1940s supposedly haunts the hotel to this day. Visitors staying in the older rooms often wake up to find their belongings moved—or feel an unexpected cold presence beside them in bed.
Creepy? Absolutely. Worth the experience? 100%.
The Langham Hotel – London, England
London is packed with haunted places, but The Langham Hotel is next-level spooky. Since opening in 1865, this luxurious hotel has been a hotspot for the supernatural.
One of its most famous ghosts is a German prince who died under mysterious circumstances. He’s frequently spotted pacing the hallways, especially near Room 333—the hotel’s most haunted room. If you dare to stay there, prepare for eerie noises, flickering lights, and an overwhelming sense of something watching you.
Another resident ghost? A Victorian woman in a flowing dress who silently glides through the corridors. The staff? Oh, they’re used to it. The Langham embraces its ghostly reputation, and guests love the thrill of possibly encountering a spirit.
The Myrtles Plantation – St. Francisville, Louisiana, USA
Okay, this place is straight out of a horror movie. The Myrtles Plantation, built in 1796, isn’t just haunted—it’s infamous. Legends say it sits on top of an old Native American burial ground (classic haunted house vibes, right?), and its history is dark.
The most well-known ghost? Chloe, a former enslaved woman who, according to legend, poisoned the plantation owner’s family. Her spirit still roams the grounds, and countless visitors have seen her standing near the front porch or peeking through windows.
But she’s not alone. The restless spirits of children, former owners, and long-forgotten souls are said to haunt the plantation. Ghost tours run nightly, and if you’re feeling extra brave, you can stay overnight in one of the haunted rooms. Just don’t be surprised if you wake up to whispers in the dark.
The Biltmore Hotel – Coral Gables, Florida, USA
Luxury and hauntings? The Biltmore Hotel serves both. This stunning 1926 hotel in Florida oozes elegance, but its ghostly residents steal the spotlight.
One of the most frequently seen spirits is a woman who tragically drowned in the hotel’s lavish pool. Guests and staff report seeing her reflection in the water, even when no one’s there. Others hear strange noises, feel icy drafts in warm hallways, and even see flickering chandeliers.
If you’re a fan of ghost hunting, The Biltmore offers tours that dive into its eerie past. But if you book a room, just know that you might not be the only one sleeping there.
Poveglia Island – Venice, Italy
Okay, I’m bending the rules here—this isn’t a hotel. But if you’re a true ghost enthusiast, you need to know about Poveglia Island. This abandoned island near Venice is one of the most haunted places on Earth.
Once a quarantine zone for plague victims, later turned into a mental asylum (because why not add more horror?), this island is basically a paranormal hotspot. People claim to hear tortured screams, see shadowy figures lurking in the ruins, and feel an intense, almost suffocating sense of dread the moment they step foot on the island.
It’s technically off-limits, but thrill-seekers still manage to visit. Would I go? Let’s just say it’s on my maybe one day… if I’m feeling reckless list.
Would You Stay in a Haunted Hotel?
So, which one of these haunted spots would you actually spend the night in? Are you the kind of person who laughs in the face of ghosts, or would you sleep with all the lights on? Let me know—I’d love to hear your thoughts (and ghost stories, if you’ve got ‘em)!