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If you're craving a side of terror with your continental breakfast, then you're in luck. There are a whole bunch of purportedly haunted hotels across the U.S. that you can actually stay at ... forever. Just kidding. Or are we?
Stepping into the dimly lit corridors of these renowned establishments, one might feel a palpable energy from a bygone era. Staff and guests alike have shared tales of encountering unexplained sights and sounds that defy logical explanation. Whether it's the flicker of lights, the sensation of a spectral presence or the echo of footsteps in empty hallways, these occurrences spark a chilling allure that captivates thrill-seekers and paranormal enthusiasts.
Carefully preserved architecture and vintage decor transport visitors to another time, fostering an environment where the lines between past and present blur. From ballrooms that resonate with phantom laughter to rooms that seem to have retained the essence of their long-departed occupants, these hotels offer an invitation to explore the inexplicable.
Staying at these haunted hotels becomes an invitation to partake in a shared experience — one that transcends the ordinary and delves into the enigmatic. For those daring enough to embrace the unknown, a night at these establishments promises not just a getaway but also an encounter with the spectral side of history.
Here are 12 haunted hotels in the U.S. currently accepting brave guests.
The Stanley Hotel, Colorado
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The Stanley Hotel in Estes Park, Colorado, is famous for being the hotel that inspired The Shining, one of best novels of Stephen King, who wrote it after experiencing a nightmare while staying in the hotel. In the demented dream, a firehose came to life and began attacking his son. Other people say they've seen and heard strange things lurking in the halls, such as ghostly piano music and figures that aren't really there. The hotel's first owners, Mr. and Mrs. Stanley, are even said to still be around.
The Hollywood Roosevelt, California
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The Hollywood Roosevelt in California carries an intriguing haunted history alongside its glamour. Whispers of spectral sightings and eerie occurrences have intrigued guests for years. From Montgomery Clift's phantom playing trumpet notes to Marilyn Monroe's ghostly figure in a mirror, the hotel is a hot spot for supernatural tales. The spirit of a little girl giggling on the ninth floor and a mysterious figure in a tuxedo add to its mystique. Blending ghostly lore with its famed reputation, The Hollywood Roosevelt offers an unforgettable, paranormal-infused stay
Omni Shoreham Hotel, Washington, D.C.
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The Omni Shoreham Hotel, a Washington, D.C., landmark, boasts a captivating haunted history. Built in 1930, it's rumored to host ghostly guests from the past. The specter of a bride who tragically perished in a staircase accident has been glimpsed, and the sounds of a weeping woman echo through its halls. President Franklin D. Roosevelt's lingering presence is said to be felt in the room where he once stayed. These eerie tales intertwine with the hotel's elegance, offering visitors a spine-tingling blend of history and the paranormal
The Marshall House, Georgia
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The Marshall House, entrenched in the tapestry of Savannah, Georgia, is a historic and haunted haven. Serving as a Civil War hospital, its walls harbor residual echoes of agony. Guests often recount mysterious footsteps, flickering lights and objects that move on their own. The spirit of a young girl named Mary, a yellow fever victim, is believed to play tricks.
La Fonda on the Plaza, New Mexico
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La Fonda on the Plaza, a treasured landmark in Santa Fe, New Mexico, exudes not only Southwestern charm but also a haunting aura. Dating back to 1922, the hotel holds tales of paranormal occurrences. The ghost of John P. Slough, a historical figure shot in a duel, reportedly roams the premises. Guests have experienced unexplained noises and ghostly apparitions.
Emily Morgan Hotel, Texas
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The Emily Morgan Hotel, residing in San Antonio, Texas, is a beguiling blend of history and hauntings. Once a medical facility, its walls are believed to contain lingering residual energy. The 13th floor, often skipped due to superstition, harbors strange occurrences. Guests report flickering lights, disembodied voices and unsettling shadows. The hotel's namesake, Emily Morgan, is said to be a spectral presence, adding to its eerie reputation.
The Pfister Hotel, Wisconsin
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Nestled in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, The Pfister Hotel stands as a testament to both opulence and the paranormal. Since 1893, it has embraced a haunted reputation. Guests share tales of encountering the ghostly spirit of its original owner, Charles Pfister, who seems to oversee the establishment. The seventh floor in particular is a hub for supernatural activity, with unexplained sounds and objects moving.
The Equinox, Vermont
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The Equinox — a Manchester, Vermont, retreat since 1769 — holds a captivating haunted legacy. Behind its charming facade, stories of ghostly encounters abound. The ethereal Lady in Blue, said to be the wife of a British soldier, is often spotted. Mysterious laughter and inexplicable gusts of wind have left guests intrigued. The Marsh Tavern, a part of the inn, echoes with whispers of its spectral past.
Jekyll Island Club Resort, Georgia
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Enveloped by Georgia's coastal beauty, the Jekyll Island Club Resort weaves a tale of history and haunting. Once an exclusive retreat, it retains an eerie aura. The grand turret room, where a tragic love story ended, is now rumored to host ghostly apparitions. The sounds of a piano playing and inexplicable whispers echo through its corridors. The spirit of Samuel Spencer, a railroad magnate, is said to linger in his former room.
The Don CeSar, Florida
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The Don CeSar, an elegant icon on Florida's St. Pete Beach, blends luxury with spectral intrigue. Built in 1928, it embraces a history steeped in ghostly legends. The "Pink Lady," a mysterious apparition in 1920s attire, is often encountered in its hallways. Guests recount unexplained footsteps and phantom voices. With its breathtaking ocean views, the hotel's haunted tales add an enigmatic layer to its allure
1886 Crescent Hotel & Spa, Arkansas
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Perched in the Ozark Mountains of Arkansas, the 1886 Crescent Hotel & Spa harbors tales of the supernatural. The "Lady in the Victorian Nightgown," a tragic patient from its days as a Eureka Springs hospital, is said to wander the halls. Guests report unexplained cold spots and eerie apparitions. The former morgue's ghostly echoes contribute to its chilling reputation.
Omni Parker House, Massachusetts
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As the oldest continuously operating hotel in the U.S., the Omni Parker House embraces a rich haunted history. The ghost of Harvey Parker, its founder, is said to wander the halls. Eerie elevator pranks and mysterious footsteps have been reported by guests. Authors such as Charles Dickens and Edgar Allan Poe once graced its rooms, leaving an aura of literary mystique. Amid its historic charm, the Omni Parker House invites visitors to delve into Massachusetts' haunted heritage.
