Guide
Haunted Hospitality: 10 Haunted Historic Hotels of America
More than 300 historic hotels have been inducted into Historic Hotels of America since it was first created in 1989. While many fascinating and famous patrons have visited these hotels, it's rumored that some spirited guests never checked out. Before you make your final arrangements to visit one of these spooky sites, explore this selection of 10 haunted Historic Hotels of America ... if you dare.
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, please check local and state travel restrictions, along with the hotel's website, for up-to-date operating information.
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Photo By: Courtesy Moana Surfrider
Moana Surfrider, A Westin Resort and Spa (Honolulu, Hawaii)
On February 28, 1905, the untimely death of Jane Stanford, co-founder of Stanford University, made headlines everywhere. Stanford, who was vacationing in Hawaii following a strychnine poisoning attempt on her life, died in her room at the Moana. Guests and staff have seen her walking at night, trying to find her room.
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Photo By: Jen Judge
La Fonda (Santa Fe, New Mexico)
Shot to death in 1867 in the hotel lobby, John P. Slough, Chief Justice of the Territorial Supreme Court, is said to have never left. Meanwhile, a distraught salesman—who jumped into the hotel well after losing a card game—has been seen emerging from the fountain.
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Photo By: 1886 Crescent Hotel
1886 Crescent Hotel and Spa (Eureka Springs, Arkansas)
Some of the Crescent Hotel's most famous permanent guests include Michael, the Irish stonemason who helped build the hotel in 1885; Theodora, a patient of Baker's Cancer Curing Hospital in the late 1930s; and the unknown "lady in the Victorian nightgown" who frequents Room 3500.
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Photo By: Historic Hotels of America
The Don CeSar (St. Pete Beach, Florida)
After Thomas Rowe met his beloved Lucinda abroad in the 1890s, her Spanish parents forbade the relationship and a saddened Rowe returned to America. He built the Don CeSar in 1925, complete with a replica of the courtyard and fountain where the lovers would meet. Although the fountain is gone today, staff still see a ghostly couple appear, walking hand-in-hand through the hotel.
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Photo By: Historic Hotels of America
The Omni Grove Park Inn (Asheville, North Carolina)
For nearly half a century, the Pink Lady has haunted the hallways of this inn. This young woman in a flowing pink gown was a guest in room 545, and it's believed that she either jumped or was pushed to her death in the Palm Court, five floors below.
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Photo By: Green Park Inn
Green Park Inn (Blowing Rock, North Carolina)
This 1891 hotel keeps a "Ghost Log" in the lobby for its guests to peruse and add to when they have their own encounters to share. Pay attention to notes regarding room 318, where the daughter of the inn's founding family died; she and her would-be groom continue to be seen on the third floor.
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Photo By: Omni Shoreham Hotel
Omni Shoreham Hotel (Washington, D.C.)
Three people died unexpectedly in suite 870 during the hotel's early years. Occupied at the time by owner Henry Doherty, the family's housekeeper died there unexpectedly, later followed by Doherty's daughter and wife. Mysterious noises, doors slamming shut, and furniture moving late at night can still be heard in the suspicious suite.
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Photo By: Kimberly Vardeman/Flickr/CC BY 2.0
Omni Parker House (Boston, Massachusetts)
This hotel was first opened by Harvey Parker, who was involved with the building's operations until his death in 1884. Over the years, many guests have reported seeing him asking about their stay—he has remained a most hospitable hotelier, even after his death.
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Photo By: Red Lion Inn
Red Lion Inn (Stockbridge, Massachusetts)
The fourth flour of this hotel is said to contain the majority of its paranormal activity. Staff and guests have claimed to see a "ghostly young girl carrying flowers" and a "man in a top hat." Guestroom 301 is also known to be a haunted hot spot.
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Omni Mount Washington Resort (Bretton Woods, New Hampshire)
Caroline Foster, known affectionately as "the princess," was the wife of railroad tycoon Joseph Stickney, who built the hotel in 1902. Today, an elegant woman in Victorian dress is often spotted in the hotel's hallways and in room 314, where guests report seeing her sitting at the edge of their bed.