Introduction – Checking In… If You Dare
There’s something irresistible about the thrill of staying somewhere with a story. Not just any story—one whispered through creaking floors, hidden in shadowy corners, and carried by the chill in the air when you walk down a long, empty hallway. If you’re someone who craves goosebumps with your morning coffee, Halloween is the perfect excuse to check yourself into one of America’s most legendary haunted hotels.
Whether you’re drawn to historic elegance, creaky Victorian charm, or an abandoned-asylum-turned-inn, the United States has no shortage of haunted hotels ready to test your bravery. And the best part? You can actually book them. With October creeping closer, now’s the time to lock in your haunted getaway.
In this guide, we’ll explore the country’s most notorious haunted hotels, uncover the legends that keep guests coming back, and help you plan a Halloween trip that’s equal parts spooky and spectacular.
1. The Stanley Hotel – Estes Park, Colorado
Famous For: Inspiring Stephen King’s The Shining
Perched in the Colorado Rockies, The Stanley Hotel is a Colonial Revival beauty with panoramic mountain views—and an eerie past. Guests report hearing piano music in the dead of night, luggage mysteriously unpacking itself, and shadowy figures wandering the halls. Stephen King famously stayed here in 1974 and dreamt of his son running through endless corridors, inspiring The Shining.
Haunted Highlights:
- Take the Night Spirit Tour to explore the hotel’s most active areas.
- Visit Room 217, where housekeeper Elizabeth Wilson supposedly roams.
- Enjoy the ghostly ambience from the Cascades Restaurant’s whiskey bar.
Plan Your Stay:
- Book The Stanley Hotel on Expedia for the full haunted hotel experience.
- Join a ghost tour with Viator to uncover Estes Park’s paranormal side.
2. The Queen Mary – Long Beach, California
Famous For: Being one of the most haunted ships in the world
The Queen Mary is a retired ocean liner turned floating hotel, permanently docked in Long Beach. While it’s not on land, this floating legend is a must on any list of haunted hotels because of its endless ghost sightings. Engine Room #13, the First-Class Swimming Pool, and the old Isolation Ward are said to be especially active.
Haunted Highlights:
- Take the “Haunted Encounters” tour and visit restricted areas after dark.
- Stay in a former stateroom—many guests report phantom footsteps and knocks.
- Learn about the ship’s WWII “Grey Ghost” history.
Plan Your Stay:
- Book a Queen Mary cabin for a chilling overnight stay.
- Add a Los Angeles ghost tour with Viator to explore beyond the ship.
3. The Marshall House – Savannah, Georgia
Famous For: Civil War hospital hauntings
Savannah is one of America’s most haunted cities, and The Marshall House is often called its crown jewel of ghostly lore. Built in 1851, it served as a Union hospital during the Civil War. Guests report hearing children running through the halls (when no children are checked in), faucets turning on by themselves, and the scent of fresh flowers—believed to come from the spirit of a kind nurse.
Haunted Highlights:
- Request a room on the 4th floor, known for activity.
- Explore Savannah’s cobblestone streets on a lantern-lit ghost walk.
- Visit Colonial Park Cemetery for more eerie history.
Plan Your Stay:
- Book The Marshall House on Expedia for prime access to Savannah’s haunted charm.
- Try a Savannah ghost tour with Viator to explore beyond your hotel.
4. The Myrtles Plantation – St. Francisville, Louisiana
Famous For: The ghost of Chloe
This 1796 antebellum plantation is often called “one of America’s most haunted homes” and ranks among the most atmospheric haunted hotels in the South. According to legend, Chloe, a house servant, poisoned the family after being caught eavesdropping—only to be hanged by fellow slaves. Her ghost is often captured in photographs.
Haunted Highlights:
- Stay in one of the on-site cottages or historic rooms.
- Join the Myrtles’ Mystery Tour for after-hours chills.
- Enjoy Southern comfort food in the on-site restaurant.
Plan Your Stay:
5. Hotel del Coronado – Coronado, California
Famous For: The ghost of Kate Morgan
This grand Victorian resort has been a Southern California icon since 1888. Its most famous spirit is Kate Morgan, who checked in alone in 1892 and never checked out—her mysterious death remains unsolved. Today, Hotel del Coronado stands as one of California’s most famous haunted hotels.
Haunted Highlights:
- Stay in or near Room 3327 for the best paranormal encounters.
- Relax by the beach during the day and ghost-hunt at night.
- Learn about the hotel’s history on a self-guided tour.
Plan Your Stay:
How to Plan Your Haunted Hotel Trip This Halloween
If you’re aiming to book one of these iconic haunted hotels for October, timing is everything. Many sell out weeks in advance. Here’s how to secure your spooky getaway:
- Book Early – Use ThriftyTraveler for discounted flights to your haunted destination.
- Bundle Stays & Tours – Booking your hotel on Expedia and tours on Viator saves time and planning stress.
- Travel Midweek – Haunted hotels often have better availability and rates Monday–Thursday.
- Pack for Atmosphere – Bring a flashlight, a journal for your “sightings,” and warm clothes for those late-night chills.
- Consider a Haunted Cruise – CruiseDirect offers Halloween sailings with themed events.
A Word on Respect
Many haunted hotels are historic landmarks with ties to real tragedies. While ghost stories make them intriguing, remember these are places with deep histories. Respect the property—and any spirits that might be lingering.
Will You Make It Through the Night?
A stay in a haunted hotel is more than a bed for the night—it’s an unforgettable experience you’ll talk about for years. From the foggy mountains of Colorado to the sunlit beaches of California, these haunted hotels offer the perfect mix of luxury, lore, and late-night chills.
This Halloween, dare yourself to check in. You might just leave with a ghost story of your own—and a newfound love for America’s most haunted destinations.
Book your haunted hotel stay now, pack your courage, and prepare for a night you’ll never forget.
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