The Most Haunted Hotel in Every State (and Its Ghost Stories)
Ghost stories and hotels go together like cobwebs and dark hallways. If you get a thrill out of the unexplained, pack your bags — these hotels are stuffed with eerie tales, haunted hallways, and enough paranormal activity to keep you wide awake. Here is your guide to the spookiest hotel in every US state, each with its own bone-chilling backstory and a booking link so you can explore for yourself.
Alabama: Malaga Inn, Mobile
The Malaga Inn has been around since the Civil War, and some folks say a spectral woman in white drifts through the tunnels beneath the property. Guests report hearing footsteps, tapping, and the sound of someone whispering just out of earshot. Paranormal investigators believe the inn’s tunnels amplify spirit activity, increasing ghost sightings late at night. You can check it out at the Malaga Inn website.
Alaska: Hotel Captain Cook, Anchorage
This classic hotel is famous for an apparition haunting rooms on the third floor. Overnight guests have described seeing a woman in a white dress who vanishes when spoken to. Some even say their TV turns on in the middle of the night on its own. People also feel icy chills and sudden drops in temperature when the spirit appears. Visit the Hotel Captain Cook to learn more.
Arizona: Hotel Monte Vista, Flagstaff
A favorite with movie stars and outlaws, this hotel has ghost stories galore. The most famous spirit is a phantom bellboy who knocks on guests’ doors in the wee hours. Others talk about room 305, haunted by a long-term guest who stayed (and died) there. The bellboy is known to greet confused guests before vanishing, adding an unsettling touch to midnight encounters. Read the full story at Hotel Monte Vista.
Arkansas: 1886 Crescent Hotel & Spa, Eureka Springs
Often called America’s Most Haunted Hotel, the Crescent boasts a colorful history as a hospital and girls’ college. Expect to meet “Michael” the Irish stonemason and sightings of nurses and former patients in the hallways. Many claim objects move on their own and cool drafts fill the rooms without warning. Explore the mysteries at the 1886 Crescent Hotel & Spa.
California: Queen Mary Hotel, Long Beach
This retired ocean liner is now permanently docked and open for guests. Visitors hear unexplained knocking, catch glimpses of “The Lady in White,” and sometimes see wet footprints leading nowhere. The Queen Mary’s haunted stories have even led to televised investigations. Some say the ship’s pool area is a hotspot for ghost sightings and ghostly giggles. Plan a visit at the Queen Mary Hotel.
Colorado: The Stanley Hotel, Estes Park
Famous as the inspiration for Stephen King’s “The Shining,” The Stanley is notorious for ghostly kids running the halls, a phantom piano player, and the friendly but mischievous former owner, F.O. Stanley, who’s said to roam the lobby. Guests often hear piano keys playing by themselves and find their belongings mysteriously rearranged. Book a stay at The Stanley Hotel.
Connecticut: 1754 House (The Curtis House Inn), Woodbury
Connecticut’s oldest inn has its fair share of resident spirits. Guests speak of shadow figures, flickering lights, and disembodied whispers. Employees have even heard their names called out in empty rooms. Sometimes guests see faces appear in old mirrors when no one else is present. Read about the legends at 1754 House.
Delaware: Hotel du Pont, Wilmington
Since 1913, this grand hotel has entertained presidents — and perhaps a few ghosts. Staff and visitors mention doors opening and closing and catching glimpses of a shadowy figure on the 11th floor late at night. Security guards sometimes hear ghostly laughter and see lights flicker in vacant hallways. Visit the stunning Hotel du Pont.
Florida: The Don CeSar, St. Pete Beach
This “Pink Palace” is the stomping ground for the ghost of its founder, Thomas Rowe, who’s seen walking with a mysterious lady in white. Many say there’s an unmistakable chill in some suites, even on the hottest day. Some staff believe Thomas Rowe is searching eternally for his lost love, causing items to shift in certain rooms. Learn about the hauntings at The Don CeSar.
Georgia: Marshall House, Savannah
Used as a hospital during the Civil War, Marshall House guests see soldiers and doctors in Civil War uniforms. Some have reported water faucets turning on by themselves and the cries of invisible children in the halls. Cold spots often appear suddenly, making visitors shiver even in the humid summer. Find out more at the Marshall House website.
Hawaii: Moana Surfrider, Waikiki
This hotel’s most famous ghost is Jane Stanford, co-founder of Stanford University. It’s said she haunts the guest rooms and likes to rearrange items at night. Guests feel icy breezes and sometimes wake up to find their belongings mysteriously misplaced. Visit the historic Moana Surfrider.
Idaho: The Idanha Hotel, Boise
Guests report odd happenings such as flickering lights and mysterious footsteps, especially on the upper floors. Legend says a woman who fell to her death here never truly left. Her presence is felt in elevators, which stop on random floors with no one inside. Read about the hauntings at The Idanha Hotel.
Illinois: The Congress Plaza Hotel, Chicago
Known for shadowy figures and cold spots, this historic hotel has been called the most haunted in the Midwest. Some guests tell of seeing playful children and a mysterious woman in black in the hallways. Items are found moved, and whispered voices echo in empty corridors at night. Discover more at the Congress Plaza Hotel.
Indiana: The Story Inn, Nashville
The “Blue Lady” legend comes alive here, with guests spotting a woman in blue in the garden and rooms. Staff say they find blue items mysteriously moved overnight. Many believe she’s looking for a lost loved one, her presence always marked by the scent of violets. Learn more at the Story Inn.
Iowa: Hotel Blackhawk, Davenport
This glamorous spot has had a few celebrity hauntings. The most noted is a bellhop in old-fashioned uniform, who appears near the elevators, asking guests if they need assistance. Some even report finding vintage suitcases left outside their door with no explanation. Check out the Hotel Blackhawk.
Kansas: Eldridge Hotel, Lawrence
Destroyed and rebuilt several times, the Eldridge is said to house ghosts who never checked out. Cold breezes and unexplained voices are common, especially in room 506. Lights flicker, and guests feel an unseen presence brush past in the halls. Visit the Eldridge Hotel.
Kentucky: The Seelbach Hilton, Louisville
The “Lady in Blue” wanders the hotel searching for her lost husband. Employees have seen her in the ballroom, always vanishing before anyone can approach. Guests often report feeling watched and hearing faint sobs in empty corridors. Find details at The Seelbach Hilton.
Louisiana: Hotel Monteleone, New Orleans
This French Quarter gem is home to several ghosts, including a playful child spirit named Maurice. Guests often encounter elevator doors that open on floors without anyone pushing the button — or see ghostly children playing in the halls. Lights flicker, and footsteps echo on marble floors when no one is near. More on Hotel Monteleone.
Maine: The Kennebunk Inn, Kennebunk
Co-owner Steve is said to roam the property, and books sometimes topple from shelves at night. Guests mention cold spots and odd tapping noises in the wee hours. Some even report ghostly figures gliding past dimly lit hallways. Explore The Kennebunk Inn.
Maryland: Lord Baltimore Hotel, Baltimore
Be on the lookout for little Molly, a ghostly girl who lingers on the 19th floor and in the lobby. Many say she holds a red ball and looks for her parents. Guests hear her giggling and sometimes feel a tug on their clothing when alone. Visit the famous Lord Baltimore Hotel.
Massachusetts: Hawthorne Hotel, Salem
It’s no surprise that Salem, ground zero for all things spooky, has a famous haunted hotel. The Hawthorne is said to be visited by a woman who knocks on doors and calls for her lost child. Guests sometimes see shadowy figures pass through locked doors. Discover Hawthorne Hotel.
Michigan: Mission Point Resort, Mackinac Island
The ghost of Harvey, a heartbroken student, is said to roam the grounds. Staff and guests have heard singing late at night, even when the resort is empty. Harvey’s silhouette is often seen gazing out over the water, lost in thought. Read more on Mission Point Resort.
Minnesota: Palmer House Hotel, Sauk Centre
This inn is crawling with ghostly activity—doors slamming on their own, children’s laughter, and even sightings of a former maid in period dress. Visitors sense cold drafts and see lights flicker when no one is nearby. Details at The Palmer House Hotel.
Mississippi: The Duff Green Mansion, Vicksburg
Used as a Civil War hospital, the property is haunted by soldiers and a spectral bride. Many mention the sound of marching boots echoing on the staircases. Apparitions are often seen looking out from bloodstained windows. Find stories at The Duff Green Mansion.
Missouri: Hotel Savoy, Kansas City
The Savoy has spooky tales of a ghostly woman in room 505 and unexplained voices in the hallways. Staff sometimes hear doors slamming when no one’s around. Feelings of dread and cold, invisible hands are reported by the bravest guests. Visit Hotel Savoy.
Montana: The Pollard Hotel, Red Lodge
The mysterious Lady in Red is the star spirit here. She’s been glimpsed in the ballroom, often accompanied by a strong perfume scent. Some guests have felt the brush of her gown and sudden chills. Learn more at The Pollard Hotel.
Nebraska: Hotel Deco, Omaha
Room 505 is infamous for unexplained banging noises and visions of a man in 1920s attire. Some see cigar smoke appear, only to disappear seconds later. Guests have spotted spectral figures peering from behind curtains at night. See details at Hotel Deco.
Nevada: Mizpah Hotel, Tonopah
The “Lady in Red,” murdered by a jealous lover, reportedly appears in hallways and rooms. Guests have even awoken to the scent of rose perfume on their pillows. Her heels are sometimes heard clacking on empty floors in the dead of night. Plan a night at Mizpah Hotel.
New Hampshire: Omni Mount Washington Resort, Bretton Woods
Room 314 is the haunt of Carolyn Stickney, who reportedly sits at the edge of beds and brushes her hair. Visitors sometimes see her reflection in mirrors and sense gentle touches on their face as they sleep. Find more at Omni Mount Washington Resort.
New Jersey: Hotel Macomber, Cape May
Built in 1911, this historic hotel is home to a phantom woman in vintage attire who leaves cold spots in her wake. She has been seen waving from upstairs windows and whispering secrets in guests’ ears. Read about the Hotel Macomber.
New Mexico: St. James Hotel, Cimarron
With over 26 documented deaths, the St. James is packed with poltergeist happenings—slamming doors, cold rushes of air, and the sound of gunfights from empty rooms. Bullet holes in the ceiling add to the eerie atmosphere. Read the legend at St. James Hotel.
New York: The Algonquin Hotel, New York City
Famous for its literary ghosts, the Algonquin is said to be prowled by former writers, actors, and the original owner. Guests speak of shadowy figures slipping through the bar late at night. Some claim to hear old typewriters clicking away on their own. See more at The Algonquin Hotel.
North Carolina: The Omni Grove Park Inn, Asheville
The Pink Lady is the friendly spirit here, seen floating the halls in a pink ballgown. She’s said to be helpful to lost children and guests. Sometimes, a sweet floral scent fills rooms before she makes an appearance. Visit The Omni Grove Park Inn.
North Dakota: Rough Riders Hotel, Medora
Staff and visitors have spotted a mysterious cowboy who nods politely before disappearing into thin air. Doors open on their own, and the faint sound of boots is heard in empty corridors. Read more from Rough Riders Hotel.
Ohio: The Buxton Inn, Granville
Said to be haunted by several former innkeepers and a ghost cat, the Buxton charms guests with flickering lights and chilly drafts. Mysterious blue orbs are often seen floating near the garden at night. Learn about the Buxton Inn.
Oklahoma: Skirvin Hilton, Oklahoma City
Built in 1911, the Skirvin is home to the ghost of Effie, a maid said to have leapt from the tenth floor. Guests and NBA players alike share stories of unexplained wailing, hotel room doors slamming on their own, and sudden cold bursts in otherwise cozy suites. Rumor has it Effie’s apparition has been spotted rocking a baby. Visit the Skirvin Hilton.
Oregon: The Heathman Hotel, Portland
The Heathman is packed with tales of shadowy figures appearing in mirrors and luggage moving by itself. Many say haunted rooms—especially those ending in “03”—leave you feeling watched at night. Apparitions are said to stand silently in corners until guests turn on the lights. See more at The Heathman Hotel.
Pennsylvania: The Gettysburg Hotel, Gettysburg
Given its prime Civil War location, guests report chilling encounters with soldiers, a ghostly nurse named Rachel, and cold hands touching theirs in the dark. Some even claim to wake up to the sounds of marching boots passing by. Shadowy figures are seen gliding across the floor in historic ballrooms. Learn more at The Gettysburg Hotel.
Rhode Island: The Biltmore, Providence
Known for its ties to Prohibition-era parties and a history of dark legend, the Biltmore is brimming with tales of spirits that wander the halls, elevators that act on their own, and the faint sound of laughter wafting from empty ballrooms. Some say late-night guests have glimpsed a ghostly man in a suit lurking in doorways. Visit the Biltmore.
South Carolina: 20 South Battery, Charleston
This historic mansion-turned-inn welcomes visitors and its resident ghosts. Folks tell stories of the “Gentleman Ghost” who appears by guests’ beds, and a headless torso that silently glides through the rooms. Cold spots and eerie shadows are a nightly occurrence in certain rooms. Learn more at 20 South Battery.
South Dakota: Hotel Alex Johnson, Rapid City
Locals call this place “the most haunted hotel in South Dakota.” Staff see women in white gowns, hear unexplained sobbing, and swear some rooms just never warm up, no matter what. Locked doors sometimes burst open in the middle of the night. Visit Hotel Alex Johnson.
Tennessee: Read House Hotel, Chattanooga
Room 311 is famous for a spirit named Annalisa Netherly, who died under mysterious circumstances in the 1920s. Guests report water running by itself and the sound of a woman’s sobs so real, you’d think someone was in the room next door. The hotel has a reputation for lights flickering just before apparitions appear. Stay if you dare at Read House Hotel.
Texas: The Emily Morgan Hotel, San Antonio
Located across from the Alamo, the Emily Morgan is packed with ghost stories. Care to spend a night? Guests talk about ghostly apparitions, feeling watched, and even seeing hospital-gowned spirits in the old surgical wing. Mysterious knocking and whispers echo through the walls at dusk. Read more about the Emily Morgan Hotel.
Utah: Ben Lomond Hotel, Ogden
The Ben Lomond’s haunted reputation comes from decades of guests seeing a woman in white, phantom footsteps echoing in empty hallways, and calls to the front desk with nobody on the other end. Cold breezes fill the stairwells, and lights turn off for no reason at all. See details at Ben Lomond Hotel.
Vermont: The Equinox, Manchester
This classic resort is said to be haunted by Mary Todd Lincoln and her son. Staff regularly sense cold spots and see fleeting figures in the windows, especially during thunderstorms. Apparitions often float down grand staircases in the darkness. Learn about The Equinox.
Virginia: Martha Washington Inn & Spa, Abingdon
The Martha boasts Civil War apparitions and a spirit violinist that many have heard playing at midnight. Guests sometimes report hearing eerie music in empty corridors. Footsteps and ghostly shadows are spotted in the candlelit library at night. Visit Martha Washington Inn & Spa.
Washington: Hotel Andra, Seattle
This boutique hotel, set inside a 1926 building, has long been rumored to house a few lingering ghosts. People say they’ve had their beds shaken and glimpsed shadowy figures in the corners of their rooms. Scratches on the walls and mysterious noises often leave guests restless. See more about Hotel Andra.
West Virginia: The Blennerhassett Hotel, Parkersburg
Staff and guests share tales of footsteps and children’s laughter, as well as a woman in Victorian garb seen floating through closed doors. Candles are often found extinguished, and toys are moved overnight. Discover The Blennerhassett Hotel.
Wisconsin: Pfister Hotel, Milwaukee
The Pfister spooks major league baseball players and regular guests alike. Many say electronics malfunction, doors open on their own, and a ghostly man in Victorian clothes appears at the foot of the bed. Cold air and the scent of old cologne often accompany these sightings. Find more at Pfister Hotel.
Wyoming: The Irma Hotel, Cody
Founded by Buffalo Bill himself, the Irma is known for its cowboy ghosts and a mysterious woman who walks the stairs. Some hear phantom boots on wooden floors and whispers late into the evening. Midnight visitors claim to see shadowy figures gathered near the antique bar. Explore The Irma Hotel.
Wrap-Up: Ready for a Haunted Stay?
There you have it — the most haunted hotel in every state, each loaded with its own legends and spine-tingling stories. Some of these spots offer regular ghost tours, others just let you test your courage with an overnight stay. Whether you’re a ghost hunter or a curious traveler, booking a night at any of these hotels could land you a story you’ll never forget. Sweet dreams — and don’t forget your night light!
