Haunted Hotels Where Guests Check In but Don’t Always Check Out

When the sun sets and the shadows deepen, some hotels seem to vibrate with a palpable energy—a history that echoes through the walls. Whether they whisper of tragic love stories or violent endings, these haunted hotels carry tales that captivate the imagination. In this article, we’ll explore some of the world’s most notorious haunted hotels where guests check in, but don’t always check out.

1. The Stanley Hotel, Estes Park, Colorado

Famous for inspiring Stephen King’s 1977 novel “The Shining,” the Stanley Hotel isn’t just notable for its literary connection. Guests have reported numerous paranormal activities, including the sound of piano music echoing from an empty ballroom and ghostly children playing in the hallways.

**History:**
Opened in 1909, the Stanley Hotel has long been a retreat for the rich and famous. Its rich history is accompanied by accounts of guests seeing the spirits of F.O. Stanley and his wife, Flora, often interacting with guests in a friendly manner. Whether it’s Flora making sure guests are comfortable or F.O. tinkering with the hotel’s systems, many have felt their presence.

2. The Queen Mary, Long Beach, California

This former ocean liner, now transformed into a hotel, has earned a reputation as one of America’s most haunted locations. Visitors often report mysterious sounds, apparitions, and disembodied voices.

**History:**
With its launch in 1936, the Queen Mary ferried countless travelers across the Atlantic. During World War II, it was transformed into a troopship, and many souls are believed to have been lost aboard. One of the most reported ghostly encounters is that of a young girl, said to haunt the ship’s pool area. Many guests have claimed to hear her laughter echoing through empty corridors.

3. The Lizzie Borden Bed & Breakfast, Fall River, Massachusetts

This infamous bed and breakfast is the site of the gruesome 1892 murders of Andrew and Abby Borden. Guests can take tours and spend the night in the very room where Lizzie’s parents met their fateful end.

**History:**
Despite being acquitted of the crime, Lizzie Borden’s name has become synonymous with the dark lore of this location. Visitors often report the feeling of being watched, mysterious cold spots, and even encounters with the spectral figures of the Borden family. The bedroom where Andrew was killed seems to be particularly active, with unexplained noises and shadowy figures reported frequently.

4. Hotel Del Coronado, Coronado, California

Known locally as “The Del,” this stunning beachfront hotel has welcomed celebrities and dignitaries since its opening in 1888. Among its guests is the ghost of Kate Morgan, who is rumored to have died under mysterious circumstances.

**History:**
Kate Morgan checked into the hotel in 1892, only to be found dead days later on the beach. Guests and staff have reported sightings of a woman in a white dress wandering the hallways, experiencing cold breezes despite the warm coastal climate, and feeling an inexplicable sense of sadness when in her presence. Kate’s story continues to haunt the Del, with her ghost seeking solace among the living guests.

5. The Hotel Nacional, Havana, Cuba

The Hotel Nacional, a prime spot of Cuban history, is not just famous for its architecture and views but also for its haunted reputation. Ghost sightings, laughter, and whispers often fill its halls as if the echoes of the past linger in the present.

**History:**
Opened in 1930, it became a hotspot for celebrities and gangsters alike. Guests have reported seeing apparitions, especially in the ballroom and the gardens, where it’s said that a famous ghost of an unknown woman enjoys dancing to the music from the hotel’s bar.

6. The Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel, Alberta, Canada

Nestled in the Rocky Mountains, the Fairmont Banff Springs is a luxurious hotel that has been the setting of many chilling tales. The spirit of a bride who died under tragic circumstances tends to roam its halls.

**History:**
On her wedding day, the bride fell down the grand staircase. Now, numerous guests have reported seeing her wandering the halls and even appearing in wedding attire at the hotel’s ballroom, along with mysterious flickering lights and sounds of laughter.

7. The Biltmore Hotel, Los Angeles, California

Rich in glamour and history, the Biltmore has long been associated with Hollywood glamour—and ghostly happenings. Celebrities and socialites have frequently experienced unexplainable occurrences during their stay.

**History:**
Opened in 1923, the Biltmore has been rumored to host spirits of former guests, including a mysterious woman in a white dress often reported near the hotel’s famous swimming pool and ballrooms. Guests also describe hearing soft whispers and footsteps in the night.

Conclusion

These haunted hotels are not just places to stay; they are doors to the past, embracing the living while harboring the souls of the deceased. For those with an adventurous spirit or just a fascination with the paranormal, these hotels provide an unforgettable experience filled with mystery and tales of the supernatural. Whether you’re seeking a good night’s sleep or a haunting encounter, these locations ensure that your journey will leave you with memories that linger long after you check out.

In conclusion, whether it’s the lingering energy of a bride, a child’s laughter, or the heavy silence of a tragic past, haunted hotels offer not just hospitality but an eerie encounter with history. Are you ready to dare the unknown and check into one of these haunted locales?