Haunted Hotels: A Night in the World's Spookiest Stays

From ghostly apparitions to unexplained noises, these hotels offer more than just a comfortable stay—they promise an encounter with the paranormal.

The Stanley Hotel: Whispers in the Rockies

Nestled in the heart of Estes Park, Colorado, The Stanley Hotel stands as a beacon of history and mystery. Built in 1909 by Freelan Oscar Stanley, the hotel quickly gained fame not only for its stunning architecture but also for its alleged paranormal activity. Perhaps most famously, it served as the inspiration for Stephen King’s iconic novel, The Shining, after King and his wife spent a night there in the early 1970s. The hotel's remote location and eerie atmosphere ignited King's imagination, leading to the creation of one of the most terrifying stories ever told.

Room 217 is the most requested accommodation, though its haunted reputation is largely anecdotal. The haunting of Room 217 is one of the hotel’s most enduring legends. It began in 1911 when a gas leak caused an explosion, severely injuring housekeeper Elizabeth Wilson. Though she survived, guests have reported strange occurrences in the room ever since. Some guests have shared stories of waking up to find their belongings neatly organized, while others have felt an unseen presence. Unmarried couples have even reported feeling a cold force between them in the bed. It is said that Mrs. Wilson, not a fan of unmarried couples, will move the man's luggage outside the room. Actor Jim Carrey reportedly fled the room in the middle of the night during the filming of Dumb and Dumber, refusing to speak about what he encountered.

But Room 217 isn't the only place where ghostly encounters occur. Guests have reported hearing the sounds of children laughing on the fourth floor, even when no children are present. The hotel's grand staircase, known as “The Vortex,” is said to be a paranormal portal where visitors often experience cold spots and dizziness. Some have even claimed to see apparitions of Mr. and Mrs. Stanley themselves, watching over the hotel from the staircase. Phantom piano music is another common phenomenon, attributed to Flora Stanley, who is believed to still play her beloved Steinway. The Stanley Hotel offers ghost adventure packages, assigning guests rooms on the fourth floor, equipped with ghost hunting equipment.

Queen Mary: Ghosts on the Grand Liner

Moored in Long Beach, California, the Queen Mary is a historic ocean liner with a storied past and a reputation for being one of the most haunted places in the world. Launched in 1934, the Queen Mary was the height of luxury, transporting celebrities, dignitaries, and wealthy individuals across the Atlantic. During World War II, she was transformed into a troopship, earning the nickname “The Grey Ghost”. The ship transported thousands of soldiers but also saw its share of tragedy, with at least 47 deaths reported during her time at sea.

Today, the Queen Mary serves as a hotel and museum, but many believe that the spirits of those who died on board still linger. One of the most famous ghostly residents is a young girl named Jackie, who is said to haunt the first-class swimming pool. Visitors have reported hearing her laughter and splashing, even though the pool has been drained for decades. Others have seen wet footprints leading away from the pool area. Another frequently reported apparition is a “lady in white,” often seen dancing alone in the Queen’s Salon, accompanied by the sounds of phantom music and laughter.

Room B340 is known as the most haunted room on the ship. In 1948, a passenger named Walter J. Adamson died in the room, and ever since, guests have reported numerous paranormal experiences. One story tells of a female passenger who woke to find a shadowy figure standing at the end of her bed, pulling off her covers before vanishing. The engine room is another hotspot for paranormal activity. A 17-year-old sailor named John Pedder was crushed to death by a watertight door during a drill. His apparition has been seen near the door where he died, and some have reported hearing him ask if they’ve seen his wrench before disappearing. Up to 150 ghosts haunt the spooky ship.

Château de Brissac: Echoes of a Green Lady

Located in the Loire Valley, France, the Château de Brissac is not only the tallest castle in the country but also one of the most haunted. Originally built in the 11th century, the castle has been home to the Dukes of Brissac for centuries. However, it is the tragic story of Charlotte de Brézé, also known as the “Green Lady,” that has cemented the château’s reputation as a paranormal hotspot.

In the 15th century, Charlotte was murdered by her husband after he discovered her affair. Legend says that her spirit, clad in a green dress, now roams the halls of the castle, forever seeking justice. Guests and residents have reported seeing her in the tower rooms and the chapel, often described as a sorrowful figure with hollow eyes. Some have claimed to hear her moaning in the early hours of the morning, while others have felt cold spots and whispers in the corridors.

Sightings of the Green Lady often include a glimpse of her disfigured face, a chilling reminder of her violent death. Despite the ghostly presence, the current Duke of Brissac and his family still reside in the château, embracing its supernatural history as part of its identity. Visitors can explore the castle’s grand halls and learn about its rich history, but it is the chance to encounter the Green Lady that draws many to this haunted destination. The Duke of Guise's ghost has also been reported in the castle.

The Langham, London: Victorian Spectres and Royal Hauntings

As one of London's first grand hotels, The Langham has a long history of hosting royalty, celebrities, and, it seems, a few restless spirits. Built in 1865, the hotel quickly became a symbol of luxury and elegance, but behind its glamorous facade lies a darker side, one filled with tales of ghostly encounters and unexplained phenomena.

The Langham is said to be haunted by several ghosts, each with their own unique story. One of the most well-known is a German prince who reportedly jumped from a fourth-floor window. Guests have reported seeing his figure standing by a window on the fourth floor or walking through walls. Another ghostly resident is a Victorian doctor who murdered his wife before taking his own life; he is most often spotted in Room 333.

Room 333 is the most haunted room in the hotel. Guests have reported hearing unexplained noises, feeling cold breezes, and seeing ghostly figures throughout the night. In 1973, a BBC radio producer named James Alexander Gordon stayed in Room 333 and woke to see a fluorescent ball of light transforming into a man in Victorian evening wear. The figure floated above the floor and stared at Gordon before he fled the room. Napoleon III, who lived at the Langham during his exile, is said to haunt the basement. Even members of the England cricket team have reported strange goings-on during their stays.

Fairmont Banff Springs: A Bride's Eternal Waltz

Located in the heart of the Canadian Rockies, the Fairmont Banff Springs is a castle-like hotel renowned for its stunning natural surroundings and its eerie legends. Opened in 1888, the hotel was built to attract travelers to the area’s breathtaking scenery, but over time, it has gained a reputation as one of Canada’s most haunted landmarks.

The most famous ghost story associated with the Fairmont Banff Springs is that of the “Ghost Bride”. According to legend, a bride died on her wedding day in the late 1920s. While descending the staircase, her dress caught fire, causing her to fall and break her neck. Guests and staff have reported seeing a ghostly figure in a wedding gown, gliding along the staircase or dancing alone in the ballroom. Some say she caught her heel in the hem of her dress.

Sam the bellman is another well-known ghostly resident. Sam McCauley worked at the hotel for many years and promised to return after his death. Guests have reported encountering an elderly bellman who matches Sam’s description, assisting them with their luggage before vanishing. Room 873 is another source of eerie tales. Guests who stayed in the room reported paranormal activity, including disembodied screams and bloody handprints on the walls. The room was sealed off, and the only thing left behind was a smooth wall where the door once stood.

Hotel Chelsea, New York City: Bohemian Spirits

The Hotel Chelsea in New York City has a rich history and a bohemian atmosphere. Since its construction in the late 19th century, the hotel has been a haven for artists, writers, and musicians. From Mark Twain to Janis Joplin, many famous figures have called the Hotel Chelsea home. However, the hotel has also been the site of numerous deaths and tragedies, contributing to its reputation as one of the most haunted places in the city.

One of the most well-known stories is that of Nancy Spungen, who was found murdered in her room while staying with her boyfriend, Sid Vicious of the Sex Pistols. Sid was arrested but died of a heroin overdose before the case could go to trial. Some claim that the spirits of Sid and Nancy haunt the corridors. Dylan Thomas, the famous poet, collapsed at the Hotel Chelsea after a night of heavy drinking and later died. His ghost has also been reportedly seen in the hotel.

Mary, a survivor of the Titanic disaster, is another famous ghostly resident. After losing her husband in the sinking, Mary is said to have taken her own life in the hotel. Her spirit is often seen on the fifth floor, particularly near the archway in the hallway. Other reported paranormal activities include unexplained noises, cold spots, and the feeling of being watched. Some report that spirits mingle in the lobby on their way to another realm.