Hotels

Five Haunted Hotels You Need to Stay In

By Angel Gierisch Oct 3, 2017 9:00am

Halloween only comes once a year but these haunted hotels are open year-round. From a small inn in Louisiana to a large hotel that inspired Stephen King's The Shining, there are so many ways to catch a glimpse of the paranormal. And we have the low-down on which rooms are the most haunted for anyone looking for a fright.

The Stanley Hotel in Estes Park, Colorado

The Stanley Hotel is one of the most famous hotels for paranormal activity. It’s supposedly so haunted, Stephen King based his popular book The Shining on it after just one night.

Some rooms are more haunted than others, however, and guests can choose to stay in those rooms. The Stephen King Suite 217, is one of the most popular, as is the SyFy network’s Ghost Hunters favorite room, No. 401. Other active rooms include 407, 428 and 1302. Make sure to book early as availability is limited.

Tours are also available for guests. The 90-minute Historic Stanley Tour takes guests through the history of the hotel and all its hidden secrets. Guests are even taken to secret hallways off limit to the public. Or there’s the evening tour that takes guests to the most active spots on the property. There are also lessons on how to interact with and encourage paranormal activity.

For those planning a stay during Halloween, there are special adults-only events happening on the property. Guests can take part in a murder mystery dinner, the Shining Ball, or the Masquerade Party the weekend before Halloween. Make sure to book soon as events sell out.

Omni Shoreham Hotel in Washington, D.C.

This luxury DC hotel has an aptly named Ghost Suite where it’s said to be haunted by two ghosts: the former executive housekeeper and a young girl, both of whom died in the suite. Sound complaints often come from the room, even when no one is staying there. And supposedly hotel staff has witnessed flickering lights and furniture moving on its own.

Reservations for the Ghost Suite cannot be booked online; they must be made by calling (202) 234-0700.

Even if guests don’t witness any ghostly activity, the 1930s hotel is still one of the best in the D.C. area. The property offers an outdoor heated pool, backyard hammocks and fire pit, bike rentals, and four dining locations and bars. It’s also within walking distance to the National Zoo and close by to the White House, National Cathedral, National Mall, and U.S. Capital.

Crescent Hotel in Eureka Springs, Arkansas

Considered one the most haunted hotels in America, the Crescent Hotel has an entire website for guests to share their paranormal experiences at the property. There is also a regularly updated ghost photo and video gallery to check out before arrival.

Multiple spirits are said to haunt the hotel including: Michael, the Irish stonemason who fell to his death while building the hotel in 1885; Theodora, who looks for her lost key; Norman Baker, who appears in a white suit and lavender shirt; Morris the cat; and a mysterious hospital patient in a white nightgown who appears in the luxury suites.

For a full overview of ghost sightings and the history of the hotel, take a ghost tour of the property.

The Ozark mountaintop spa resort is surrounded by 15 acres of both pristine woodlands and formal gardens. The property offers full-service and casual dining, a swimming pool, hot tub and the most expansive spa facility in Eureka Springs. For the ultimate luxury stay, we recommend the Governor’s Suite or one of two Penthouse rooms. For more private accommodations, the Cottages in Crescent Park are multi-bedroom, lodge-style units complete with living rooms, kitchens, and private decks just steps away from the main building.

The Driskill Hotel in Austin, Texas

The Driskill Hotel is pretty well known to be one of the most haunted places in Austin. The original building dates to 1890 and has since experienced a fair share of mysterious suicides and deaths. When booking, ask for room 525 – the most active room. Supposedly two brides committed suicide in that bathroom 20 years apart. If that room is booked, the entire fifth floor is said to have activity. Also make sure to ask the doorman about what they’ve seen. We hear they have good stories.

Celebrity guests have also had run ins with the spirits. According to the hotel, Concrete Blonde lead singer Johnette Napoliatno met the ghost of the original hotel owner Col. Jesse Driskill during her stay. Her bedside lamp supposedly kept turning on and the closet doors opened by itself. The experience inspired the 1992 hit, “Ghost of a Texas Ladies Man.”

The luxury hotel is part of the Historic Hotels of America and Associated Luxury Hotels International. There are 189 rooms and suites, including a newer (non-haunted) section, as well as a spa and fitness center. The hotel is also pet friendly and allows dogs under 50 pounds.

Battery Carriage House in Charleston, South Carolina

Like many old southern cities, ghosts are just part of the history. The Battery Carriage House is no exception and is known as “Charleston’s most haunted inn.”

The property opened in 1843 and since had multiple reports of ghost sightings. Guests in room No. 3 saw a glow coming from different areas of their room, while another woman saw a shadow of a man walk through her room.

The small inn has only nine rooms and serves as a quiet retreat. The ground-level suite has a garden tub and shower combo for two while the king bed room has access to an outdoor patio area.

It’s also nearby the historic Calhoun Mansion and Edmondson-Alton House, the Carolina Yacht Club, and White Point Garden.