Some guests never check out. Haunted hotels around the world are more than just spooky accommodations—they’re legendary landmarks where ghosts linger, whispers echo, and history bleeds into every creaky floorboard. Whether you believe or not, these haunted hotels invite the curious, the brave, and the thrill-seeking to spend a night where the living and the dead might cross paths.
"Sleep tight... if you can."
In this globe-spanning guide, we’ll visit the most notoriously haunted hotels, revealing their ghostly residents and the terrifying tales that keep guests awake at night.
🏨 The Stanley Hotel – Colorado, USA
Inspiration for Stephen King's The Shining
Room 217: Said to be haunted by a former housekeeper, Mrs. Wilson, who still tidies up—ghostly style
Guests report bags unpacking themselves, lights flickering, and ghostly children playing in hallways
Nightly ghost tours and a thriving paranormal reputation make it a must-stay for horror fans.
:::tip 👁️ Stephen King himself had a nightmare during his stay here that inspired the entire Overlook Hotel. :::
🕯️ The Langham Hotel – London, England
Dating back to 1865, this five-star hotel hosts at least five ghosts
Most famous: a man in Victorian attire seen in Room 333
Other spirits include a German prince who jumped to his death and a ghostly butler who knocks before entering
Even members of the BBC have claimed sightings.
🪞 Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel – Alberta, Canada
Known as the "Castle in the Rockies"
Haunted by the "Ghost Bride," who died on the staircase before her wedding
A bellhop named Sam is said to help guests... and then vanish
Elegance and terror blend beautifully here.
🧤 Hotel del Coronado – California, USA
Haunted by Kate Morgan, who checked in but never left
Guests in Room 3327 report flickering lights, strange breezes, and faint weeping
Her death was ruled a suicide, but mystery surrounds the case
She’s often seen walking along the beach at dusk.
🧳 Ballygally Castle Hotel – Northern Ireland
Built in 1625, haunted by Lady Isobel Shaw, who was locked in a room and starved by her husband
She now knocks on doors and appears in period dress
The hotel offers a dedicated "ghost room" where the activity is strongest
Despite its haunted status, it’s a popular wedding venue.
"She waited at the door for centuries. No one ever opened it."
🛎️ Roosevelt Hotel – Hollywood, California
Marilyn Monroe reportedly haunts her former suite, Room 1200
Guests have seen her reflection in mirrors long removed
A ghostly trumpet player also roams the halls
The hotel embraces its haunted reputation with tours and themed events.
🕯️ Dragsholm Castle – Denmark
One of Denmark’s oldest castles, now a luxury hotel
Home to the White Lady, a noblewoman imprisoned by her own father
Skeletons were found during renovations—corroborating the legend
The hotel offers gourmet dining... and ghost stories at the table.
👗 The Russell Hotel – Sydney, Australia
Room 8 is known for ghostly activity—especially by a sailor who reportedly appears at the foot of the bed
Whispers and footsteps are commonly reported when no one is around
Staff avoid certain areas after dark
The energy in the room is said to change dramatically at night.
👻 Hotel Burchianti – Florence, Italy
Once a favorite of Mussolini, now a favorite of ghost hunters
Guests report children laughing, icy drafts, and a woman knitting in a chair that’s always empty
The Fresco Room is the most paranormally active
Ghostly figures have been caught on thermal cameras.
🕯️ Karosta Prison Hotel – Liepāja, Latvia
Former military prison turned into an extreme hotel experience
Guests sleep in cells, follow strict routines, and sometimes encounter screaming apparitions
Cell doors slam on their own, and some report feeling physically restrained
Not for the faint-hearted—part performance, part true terror.
Haunted hotels offer more than just a bed—they offer a story you might not forget. If you’re lucky, you’ll leave with just goosebumps. If not, you might bring something... back.
