If you're drawn to the paranormal or love a good ghost story, then these haunted hotels are sure to send a chill down your spine. Across the globe, from ancient castles to grand old inns, these locations are filled with eerie tales of spirits, unexplained phenomena and tragic histories. Whether you're seeking an overnight stay filled with mystery or simply intrigued by the stories behind these spooky spots, these haunted hotels promise more than just a place to sleep.
Click through this gallery for our ranking of the world's most haunted accommodations...
This grand historic hotel in Munich dates all the way back to 1858, and has gained a reputation for ghostly sightings, particularly that of a 'lady in white'. Seen wandering through the hallways and staircases by both guests and staff, her ghost is believed to be linked to a tragic love story from the 19th century, though the exact details of her identity remain unclear.
Sightings of the 'lady in white' haven't done anything to harm the hotel's popularity. Over the years Vier Jahreszeiten Kempinski Munchen has hosted royalty, politicians and celebrities looking to enjoy the range of top-class amenities on offer – including a rooftop pool with panoramic city views. It's no wonder that even the ghosts don't want to leave.
Hotel Alfonso XIII in Seville, one of Spain’s most iconic luxury hotels, is not just famous for its grandeur but also its ghostly reputation. Built in 1929, this 5-star hotel exudes timeless elegance, but lurking behind its opulent decor are eerie tales of supernatural encounters. Guests and staff have reported sightings of shadowy figures wandering the grand halls, most often described as a ghostly woman dressed in traditional Spanish attire. These unexplained sightings are believed to be linked to the hotel’s long and storied history, where it has hosted countless high-profile events and seen its fair share of drama.
Perched high above the Rhine River in Oberwesel, Germany, this stunning medieval castle-turned-hotel harbours a rich history of hauntings. Dating back to the 12th century, the castle has seen countless battles, betrayals and tragedies, all of which are believed to have left an imprint on the property. Guests have reported eerie encounters with the ghost of a knight, who is said to wander the halls, armour clinking and occasionally appear in rooms. Legend has it that he perished defending the castle, and is now eternally bound to its walls.
In addition to the knight, there are stories of other ghostly presences throughout the Burghotel. Some visitors have experienced cold drafts, flickering lights and a sensation of being watched, especially in the older, less renovated parts of the castle. Whether guests encounter the knight or not, the atmosphere of centuries-old history combined with modern comfort makes for an unforgettable stay.
Located in the Loire Valley of France, The Château de Brissac is as famous for its ghostly inhabitant as it is for being the tallest château in the country. The castle, which dates back to the 11th century and was rebuilt in the 17th century, is said to be haunted by the spirit of Charlotte de Brézé, known as the 'Green Lady'. According to legend, Charlotte, the illegitimate daughter of King Charles VII, was murdered in the castle by her husband, Jacques de Brézé, after discovering her affair. Since then, her spirit is said to roam the halls dressed in green, with a particularly ghastly face – her ghostly presence has unsettled both guests and the current owners alike.
Visitors to Château de Brissac have reported seeing the Green Lady in the tower room where she is believed to have died, and hearing eerie moaning throughout the night. The château has embraced its haunted reputation, with many guests staying there specifically hoping to catch a glimpse of its famous ghost.
In the heart of México City’s historic Zócalo district, this stunning hotel, dating back to 1899, boasts one of the largest Tiffany stained-glass ceilings in the world. However, behind its elegant façade, ghostly figures are said to lurk. Guests and staff have reported seeing shadowy apparitions and experiencing unexplained phenomena, especially in the hallways and certain rooms. These hauntings are believed to be connected to the hotel’s long history and its location on the Zócalo, an area filled with centuries of tumultuous events and transformations.
One of the most famous ghostly sightings involves the figure of a man who has been seen wandering the corridors late at night. Some say he is the spirit of a former guest or possibly tied to the city’s past, given the hotel's location near significant historical sites. Others have reported strange noises, sudden drops in temperature and an eerie feeling of being watched while staying at the hotel.
Lapped by Lake Vidöstern, this former 14th-century manor house in southern Sweden looks perfectly idyllic. But as with many historic hotels, it's riddled with rumours of spooky goings-on. Numerous guests have reported hearing chilling noises at night and seeing windows seemingly open by themselves. Rumour has it that the charming hotel is haunted by the ghost of a young man who hung himself here after his love, the daughter of the baron who owned the house, was forced to marry another.
Jöns Skötta, the founder of Toftaholm, transformed it into a manor house upon becoming nobility. His grandson later fortified the property, integrating it into Sweden’s defence system against Denmark. According to legend, an underground passage once connected the fort to the northern wing of the manor house, adding to its intriguing history. Today, the hotel attracts visitors with its country house charm and picturesque lakeside spa, while also embracing its eerie past by hosting regular murder mystery evenings.
Another haunting apparition at the hotel is said to be the spirit of a doomed 1930s bride. Legend has it that her dress caught fire from a candle as she descended a winding stone staircase to celebrate her wedding in the grand ballroom. Her tragic spectre has been seen moving up and down the stairs and floating through the ballroom in her wedding gown. The hotel's resident historian is well-versed in sharing these eerie tales with curious visitors.
Built by Scotsman James Logan in 1884 and named after the governor of the Cape at the time, the Lord Milner Hotel is reportedly riddled with spooks and spectres. The stunning building was used as a military hospital during the Anglo-Boer War with its turrets functioning as enemy lookouts. The hotel apparently has a long-term resident ghost nurse from this era called Katie, who likes to play cards at night in her room.
On the other hand, the ghost of Lucy – who died here during the Anglo-Boer war – likes to roam around and is apparently fond of rattling guests' door knobs at night. Lady Milner, meanwhile, is also often seen wafting about the place in her long white dress. Beyond these eerie tales, the historic hotel is also a charming destination for those looking to experience the old-world atmosphere of the Victorian-era town of Matjiesfontein. This small, heritage-listed spa town lies on the edge of South Africa's vast and remote Karoo region, offering a unique blend of history and haunting intrigue.
Guests may be in for some unexpected company when sipping their aperitif on the veranda in this grand Warwickshire hotel. Lady Emma, the country pile’s most frequently spotted ghost, likes to lurk about here at dusk. Thought to be the ghost of a former governess at the manor house, she’s also known to glide along the corridors of Ettington Park Hotel at night in her long white gown before vanishing into the walls.
Owned by one of Warwickshire’s oldest families for years, the Shirleys, Ettington Park became a nursing home in 1935 and later a prisoner of war camp. After an extensive fire in 1979, the building was derelict for several years before being restored and reopening as a hotel in the 1980s. It’s not surprising that with such an intriguing past, the house is surrounded by tales of ghostly goings-on. Sightings include the apparition of a monk within the hotel’s extensive grounds, which feature an old Norman chapel, and two young boys from the Shirley family who drowned in the nearby Stour River in the 1800s.
With stone lions guarding its doors and preening peacocks roaming its parklands, this formidable fort in north Wales makes for a grand getaway. Steeped in grim tales of bloody battles and betrayals, the castle was originally known as The Red Castle in the Great Marsh. Built in 1277 for King Edward I by Dafydd, the brother of Prince Llewellyn ap Gruffudd, it was part of Edward’s effort to control Wales. Despite his loyalty, Dafydd was later executed for high treason after being captured by Reginald de Grey, who was subsequently granted control of Ruthin Castle.
Among the 13th-century ruins of the original castle are the remains of its dungeons, a drowning pool and whipping pit. Along with harrowing tales of tortured prisoners, it’s said the spurned spectre of Lady Grey has haunted the halls, chambers and battlements of Castle Ruthin ever since she was put to death for murdering her husband’s mistress. Other spectral sightings reported by guests of the now gentile country escape include the shadowy figures of a little girl and a soldier.
The Jekyll Island Club was founded in 1886 by members of an exclusive hunting and recreational club, who purchased the barrier island as a private retreat. During the early 20th century, it flourished, attracting some of America's wealthiest families, including the Morgans, Rockefellers and Vanderbilts. The club remained a social hotspot for decades before falling on hard times during the Great Depression and World War II. In 1948, the state of Georgia purchased the island and opened it as a park. The hotel’s clubhouse was later restored and reopened as the luxurious Jekyll Island Club Resort in 1987.
The hotel and wider historic isle, which has National Historic Landmark District status, are said to be rife with lingering spirits. One of its most famous ghost stories revolves around Edwin Gould's son, who tragically died in a hunting accident on the island in 1917. He was known for bringing roses to his grandmother at Cherokee Cottage, where guests today still claim to smell the faint scent of flowers at dusk, the time of his death. Another well-known apparition is that of a bellman, who is often spotted on the hotel’s second floor. For those interested in the paranormal, the resort hosts an annual ghost-hunting weekend, complete with tours led by a paranormal researcher.
This isolated old coaching inn on Cornwall's bleak and treacherous Bodmin Moor claims to be one of England's most haunted pubs. Horses' hooves are often heard late at night on Jamaica Inn's cobblestones and a man in a tricorne hat has been witnessed striding through doors. Strange voices can sometimes be heard whispering about the place too, in what’s thought to be old Cornish.
Built in 1750, this historic inn was once a notorious hub for smugglers, using hidden moorland tunnels beneath Bodmin Moor to move contraband across the West Country. It famously inspired Daphne du Maurier’s novel Jamaica Inn, set amidst Cornish pirates and smugglers, and today houses a museum that delves into the darker side of Cornwall’s history, also featuring the author's original writing desk.
Immersed in the wilds of Colorado’s Estes Park, the secluded Stanley Hotel opened in 1909 as a grand mountain retreat for wealthy urbanites. It still draws guests with its old-world charm – its grand lobby has vast fireplaces, an elegant staircase and original ornate brass elevator – but it's also a magnet for ghost hunters. Famous as the inspiration for Stephen King’s haunted hotel in The Shining, this Colorado institution has spooky stories by the book-full. The fourth floor in particular is said to be oppressive with the presence of spirits – the sound of balls bouncing down the hallway and ghostly giggles have been heard in the dead of night.
Room 217, where Stephen King and his wife stayed during a snowy night – sparking his inspiration for the ominous Overlook Hotel – is said to be the most haunted room. Legend has it that a housekeeper who tragically died on the hotel grounds still lingers there. Other popular rooms for ghost hunters include 401, 407, 428 and 1302, each with its own eerie reputation. The Stanley Hotel offers guided ghost tours for those not scared easily, giving visitors a chance to explore its haunted history and infamous paranormal activity.
Dating back to the 12th century, The Skirrid Mountain Inn is one of the oldest pubs in Wales and is believed to be deeply haunted. The inn has a grisly history, having once been used as a courthouse where criminals were sentenced to death by hanging. The spirits of those hanged, as well as other apparitions, are said to roam the inn. Guests have reported ghostly figures, sudden drops in temperature and the feeling of a noose tightening around their necks, making this a spine-chilling location for paranormal enthusiasts.
This historic inn still operates today as both a pub and a bed-and-breakfast, welcoming guests eager to experience its eerie past. With comfortable rooms that let you immerse yourself in its rich history – and perhaps even its paranormal legends – it’s sure to be an unforgettable stay.
The Queen Mary, a retired ocean liner that now functions as a hotel, is known for its ghostly past. Multiple deaths occurred aboard the ship, including accidents and wartime casualties, which are said to have contributed to the numerous ghost sightings. Guests and staff alike have reported eerie encounters, particularly around the ship's first-class swimming pool. Visitors have claimed to see wet footprints appear mysteriously on the pool deck, even though the pool has been empty for years, and some have witnessed the ghostly figure of a young woman in a 1930s swimsuit wandering the area.
Cabin B340 is another infamous spot for paranormal activity. This cabin has been the source of numerous unsettling reports over the years, including guests experiencing unexplained knocking, flickering lights and even bed covers being pulled off during the night. The activity became so intense that the cabin was closed off to the public for years, but has since reopened for those brave enough to stay.
With over 150 years of history, the hotel has seen its share of eerie occurrences. One of the most famous ghostly figures said to haunt the Langham is a man dressed in Victorian evening wear, often spotted in Room 333. Guests who have stayed in the room have reported strange sensations, including feeling a sudden drop in temperature, the sight of floating orbs and even the apparition of the Victorian man hovering by the bed before disappearing into the wall.
Another notable ghost at the Langham is said to be the spirit of a German prince who tragically died in the hotel before World War I. He has been seen wandering the hallways, often on the upper floors, where he met his untimely death. Guests and staff alike have also spoken of mysterious noises, the sound of doors slamming on their own and the unsettling feeling of being watched.
Ballygally Castle has earned its reputation as one of the world's most haunted hotels, thanks to centuries of eerie stories and unexplained phenomena. The most famous ghost said to haunt the castle is Lady Isobel Shaw, the wife of its builder, James Shaw. According to legend, Lady Shaw was locked in her room by her husband after she failed to produce a male heir. Desperate to escape, she is believed to have fallen – or perhaps been pushed – from a window, resulting in her untimely death. Her spirit is said to still roam the castle, particularly around the turret room, where guests have reported unexplained knocking on doors, chilling drafts and the sensation of a presence watching over them.
Another spectre said to wander Ballygally’s halls is Madame Nixon, a former resident of the castle who lived there in the 19th century. Visitors have claimed to hear her footsteps echoing through the corridors and even caught glimpses of her figure drifting through the hotel's rooms. Along with these famous hauntings, staff and guests have reported sudden strange noises and even ghostly figures appearing in photographs. Ballygally Castle offers a 'Ghost Room' tour for guests who are intrigued by its haunted history. Visitors can explore the tower room where Lady Isobel Shaw is said to have fallen, as well as other parts of the castle known for paranormal activity.
A former smuggler’s inn set on one of the oldest streets in medieval Rye, The Mermaid Inn has a turbulent history that can be traced back to 1156. It’s no surprise then that it's one of Britain’s most haunted hotels. The inn’s crooked rooms, creaking floorboards, secret stairways and hidden compartments create the perfect setting for ghostly legends to thrive. Located on the cobbled Mermaid Lane, its beamed lounge even holds carvings made by Catholic priests who sought refuge here during the Reformation, adding yet another layer to its intriguing and eerie history.
The Elizabethan bedchamber, or room 16, seems to be a hotbed of paranormal activity, with numerous guests reporting seeing ghostly figures fighting a duel. The winner allegedly throws the dead body down the oubliette (secret tunnel or chamber) in the corner of the room, which leads to the bar downstairs. Other spooky tales surround Kingsmill, room 17, which features a chill in the air and a rocking chair that moves on its own – a sight that once saw chambermaids refuse to clean the room unless in pairs.
The age-old city of Florence has more than its fair share of paranormal presence, and visitors with a penchant for ghost stories adore staying at the historic lodgings of Hotel Burchianti. Based in the old area of San Lorenzo and just steps from the Duomo and Santa Maria Novella, the boutique hotel used to be part of a Florentine palace that belonged to the old noble Castiglioni family.
For all its warmth and period charm, Hotel Burchianti has also been the site of some downright chilling goings-on. Past guests have reported seeing children skipping down the halls, an old woman knitting in a chair and the ghostly figure of a maid doing her chores in the early hours. It’s also rumoured that the Italian fascist leader Benito Mussolini once stayed here.
Hidden behind the sturdy high walls and battlements of this imposing 14th-century castle in County Durham lurk some hair-raising stories. The most famous spirit said to haunt the castle is Lady Lily Lumley, the wife of Sir Ralph Lumley, who built the castle. According to legend, Lady Lumley met a tragic end at the hands of two priests after rejecting the Catholic faith. She was thrown into a well, and her restless spirit is believed to haunt the castle to this day. Guests and staff alike have reported seeing her ghostly figure wandering the hallways, and many have experienced sudden cold spots, eerie whispers and the unnerving sensation of being watched.
Lumley Castle has several other mysterious presences that add to its haunted allure. Visitors have reported seeing shadowy figures in the corridors, doors opening on their own and unexplained footsteps echoing through empty rooms. The library is another hotspot for paranormal activity, with books mysteriously moving or falling from shelves.
As one of the most haunted cities in America, it’s no surprise that Savannah’s oldest hotel, The Marshall House, is steeped in eerie legends. Built in 1851, this historic hotel has seen its share of unsettling discoveries, including human bones found beneath the floorboards during renovations. These remains are believed to be the amputated limbs of soldiers – the hotel was used as a hospital by Union troops between 1864 and 1865 – which doesn't do much to make it any less creepy.
Guests at The Marshall House often report eerie encounters, from the ghostly figure of a Union soldier roaming the halls at night to the unsettling sound of children's footsteps echoing through the corridors. Taps have even been seen turning on by themselves, as if by invisible hands. With many original 19th-century features, including antique-filled rooms and claw-foot tubs, the hotel’s haunting atmosphere lingers. The beautiful wrought-iron balcony, a replica of the original veranda, provides a perfect, if eerie, view of Savannah’s storied streets.
Legend has it that the spirits of Dr. Baker’s wronged patients still haunt the long corridors of the 1886 Crescent Hotel, their restless figures wandering alongside ghostly nurses seen pushing gurneys toward the basement. Adding to the eerie atmosphere, the hotel maintains a fascinating archive of its dark past on the fourth floor. For those brave enough, the Crescent offers regular ghost tours, including a visit to the basement, where an old autopsy table remains as a chilling reminder of the hotel's haunted history.
A proliferation of phantoms have been spotted prowling around the grand rooms and halls of French Quarter grande dame, the Bourbon Orleans Hotel. Originally built as a ballroom and theatre in the early 19th century, the building later became a convent and orphanage run by the Sisters of the Holy Family. Over the years, countless reports of ghostly activity have emerged, with guests claiming to have seen apparitions of Civil War soldiers, nuns and orphaned children roaming the hallways. One of the most famous ghostly encounters is of a lonely dancer, seen swirling across the grand ballroom floor late at night, her ethereal figure vanishing as quickly as it appears.
The most unsettling activity is said to occur in the hotel’s upper floors, where guests often hear the faint laughter of children or spot shadowy figures in nun-like attire. Some have reported the eerie sensation of being watched or followed as they walk through the corridors. The spirit of a confederate soldier is another frequent sighting, often spotted near the hotel’s iconic staircases.
Karosta Prison Hotel in Latvia is widely regarded as one of the most haunted places in Europe, with a history as chilling as its paranormal reputation. Once a brutal military prison used by both the Nazis and Soviets, its dark past has left behind countless ghost stories. Many visitors and former staff have reported seeing the spirits of prisoners who were tortured and executed within its walls. Shadowy figures have been spotted moving through the corridors, disembodied footsteps echo in the night and unexplained bangs and knocks are often heard in empty cells. The most famous ghost sighting is that of a woman in a white dress, thought to be the spirit of a prisoner who tragically took her own life here.
Even for those who don’t believe in ghosts, the atmosphere of Karosta Prison is undeniably eerie. Guests who brave an overnight stay often report feelings of unease, with many claiming they felt watched or even touched by unseen hands. Some have woken to find their cell doors open, despite having been locked in for the night, while others have witnessed lights flickering and sudden cold drafts in rooms with no windows. The prison’s grim history and lingering spirits make it a magnet for paranormal enthusiasts and thrill-seekers alike, offering a haunting experience that few dare to repeat.
Q Station Retreat in Australia, formerly known as the Quarantine Station, is one of the most haunted locations in the world. Situated on the shores of Sydney Harbour, the station was used in the 19th and early 20th centuries to isolate passengers arriving by ship who were suspected of carrying infectious diseases. Thousands of people died within its walls, and many believe their restless spirits remain. Guests and staff have reported frequent paranormal encounters, from eerie whispers and disembodied voices to shadowy figures moving in the dark. The infamous 'Gravedigger’s Cottage' is a hotspot for ghost sightings, with visitors often feeling an overwhelming sense of dread when they enter.
The hospital and morgue are also key areas for spooky goings-on, with sudden drops in temperature and unexplained flickering lights making many believe they’re not alone. One of the most terrifying experiences reported is the sensation of being touched or grabbed by unseen hands while walking through the old isolation rooms. Ghost tours of Q Station offer a glimpse into its unsettling past, allowing visitors to explore its most haunted corners, while overnight stays add an extra layer of terror for those brave enough to sleep among the spirits of this historic quarantine site.
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