They look stunning on the outside, but their walls whisper secrets you’ll never forget.
Some hotels welcome you with crystal chandeliers, velvet lounges, and postcard-worthy views. But behind all that glamour, a few carry a darker legacy. These aren’t just pretty places to stay—they’re where unsettling stories have unfolded, often hidden just beneath the surface. It’s the kind of beauty that lures you in before you realize something doesn’t feel quite right.
Guests have checked in for decades, snapping selfies and sipping cocktails, without realizing their luxurious suite may have once been a crime scene or home to a tortured soul. These hotels are gorgeous, yes—but they’re also eerie in a way that sticks with you long after checkout. If you’re someone who enjoys travel with a touch of the bizarre, this list is for you. Just be careful where you lay your head.
1. The Cecil Hotel in Los Angeles once hosted both celebrities and serial killers.
The Cecil Hotel has a striking façade, standing tall in the heart of downtown Los Angeles, Mehdi E. at Medium.com mentioned. It once attracted travelers with its budget-friendly rates and convenient location, but its history is anything but friendly. Over the years, it earned a disturbing reputation for suicides, mysterious disappearances, and violent crimes. Infamous serial killer Richard Ramirez, known as the “Night Stalker,” lived there during his murder spree in the 1980s. Guests would later report odd smells and noises coming from his room.
The most well-known case was the tragic death of Elisa Lam in 2013. Security footage showed her behaving strangely in an elevator just before she disappeared—her body was later found in the hotel’s rooftop water tank. The footage went viral, and the story has since become the subject of countless documentaries. Despite renovations and a rebrand, the Cecil’s grim legacy remains part of its mystique.
2. The Stanley Hotel in Colorado inspired Stephen King’s The Shining for good reason.
At first glance, the Stanley Hotel in Estes Park looks like the perfect mountain retreat—elegant, peaceful, and surrounded by nature. But after spending one eerie night there in 1974, Stephen King dreamed up the story that would become The Shining, as stated by Julie Tremaine of Travel + Leisure. The hotel’s isolation and history of unexplained activity reportedly left a lasting impression. Guests have described hearing piano music when no one is in the ballroom and feeling sudden chills in otherwise warm hallways.
Room 217, where King stayed, has become infamous. Staff and visitors alike have shared stories of items being mysteriously moved, faucets turning on by themselves, and shadowy figures appearing at night. Despite its creepy reputation, the Stanley leans into its spooky fame, offering ghost tours and themed events. It’s the kind of place where you half-expect the walls to whisper as you walk by—but somehow, that’s exactly what draws people in.
3. The Queen Mary in Long Beach carries more than maritime memories.
Docked permanently in Long Beach, California, the Queen Mary is a retired ocean liner that now serves as a floating hotel. With its art deco interiors and sweeping views, it’s easy to forget you’re stepping aboard a vessel with a chilling backstory. During World War II, it served as a troopship and was nicknamed the “Grey Ghost.” Tragedy struck in 1942 when it accidentally collided with the HMS Curacoa, splitting the smaller ship in two and killing over 300 sailors.
Guests have since reported unexplained noises, ghostly apparitions, and footsteps echoing down empty hallways. One of the most haunted areas is the now-sealed-off swimming pool, where several drownings occurred. Many say they’ve seen wet footprints appear out of nowhere or heard phantom splashing. Despite—or because of—its eerie vibe, the Queen Mary draws ghost hunters and history buffs alike. Staying overnight feels more like entering a time warp laced with something sinister, according to John Champion of Skeptical Inquirer.
4. The Crescent Hotel in Arkansas is charming by day, but deeply disturbing at night.
Nestled in the Ozark Mountains, the Crescent Hotel in Eureka Springs, Arkansas, looks like a dream destination. Victorian architecture, cozy fireplaces, and panoramic views make it a favorite among romantic travelers. But dig into its past, and the charm starts to feel a little more sinister. In the 1930s, the hotel was repurposed into a hospital by a man named Norman Baker—who falsely claimed to have a cure for cancer. Instead of healing people, he performed gruesome, unlicensed treatments.
Hundreds of patients died under his care, many of them buried in the surrounding woods or hidden within the property. Paranormal investigators say the hotel is a hotspot for ghost sightings, especially around Room 218, where guests have reported being touched or hearing whispers. The Crescent now offers nightly ghost tours, but even if you skip the storytelling, you might find the hair on your neck rising for no apparent reason.
5. The Lizzie Borden House lets you sleep where the murders happened.
Located in Fall River, Massachusetts, the Lizzie Borden House is now a cozy-looking bed and breakfast—but don’t let the quaint exterior fool you. This is the actual home where Lizzie Borden was accused of brutally murdering her father and stepmother with an axe in 1892. Though she was acquitted, the mystery still lingers, and many believe the spirits of the victims never left.
Guests can sleep in the same rooms where the murders took place. Some report hearing faint cries, footsteps when no one is there, and even seeing ghostly figures standing at the foot of the bed. The owners embrace the creepy atmosphere, offering murder mystery nights and detailed historical tours. It’s an experience that’s part macabre history lesson, part supernatural sleepover. You might go for the novelty, but don’t be surprised if you leave with a deeper chill than you expected.
6. The Congress Plaza Hotel in Chicago has decades of dark energy.
The Congress Plaza Hotel stands proudly along Michigan Avenue, just steps from Grant Park. Known for its stunning architecture and historic charm, the hotel has also earned a reputation as one of the most haunted places in Chicago. It opened in 1893 to accommodate visitors to the World’s Columbian Exposition and has since collected a long list of unsettling incidents. Alleged mob ties, suicides, and disappearances are all part of the lore.
Room 441 is considered the epicenter of strange activity. Guests have reported seeing a shadowy woman standing at the foot of the bed or felt someone kick the mattress in the middle of the night. Others claim elevators move on their own or lights flicker without explanation. The hotel doesn’t shy away from its spooky side and has become a favorite for ghost tours. You might book it for the views, but the memories you leave with could be far darker.
7. The Hotel Monte Vista in Arizona hosts spirits who refuse to check out.
Located in the heart of Flagstaff, Arizona, the Hotel Monte Vista has hosted everyone from Hollywood stars to outlaws. Built in 1927, it’s a charming throwback to a different era—with red velvet chairs, classic cocktails, and reportedly a handful of lingering spirits. One of the most talked-about ghosts is a former long-term guest known as the “Meat Man,” who was found dead in his room with raw meat hanging from the chandelier.
Guests have reported phantom bellboys knocking on doors, TVs turning on by themselves, and cold spots that seem to follow you through the hallway. One room is said to be haunted by a woman who sings softly at night, her voice fading the closer you get. Despite its eerie tales, the Monte Vista remains a popular stay. It feels like a place frozen in time, where something unspoken lingers just beneath the surface.
8. The Biltmore Hotel in Miami mixes glamor with gangster ghosts.
The Biltmore Hotel in Coral Gables, Miami, is all Mediterranean elegance—arched windows, lush gardens, and luxury dripping from every chandelier. But behind the glamor lies a murky past. During Prohibition, the hotel was a hotspot for gangsters and shady deals. One of the most notorious incidents occurred in the 1930s, when mobster Thomas “Fatty” Walsh was shot dead during a gambling dispute in what is now the hotel’s 13th floor.
Guests and staff have claimed to see his ghost roaming the halls or catching glimpses of a shadowy figure in mirrors. The old elevator sometimes stops at the 13th floor, even when no one has pressed the button. Some say they’ve heard phantom conversations or glasses clinking in empty ballrooms. The Biltmore still hosts weddings and events, but there’s a lingering sense that not all the party guests are among the living.
9. The Pfister Hotel in Milwaukee freaks out even professional athletes.
The Pfister Hotel in Milwaukee is known for its opulence and art collection, but it’s also infamous among visiting sports teams—particularly Major League Baseball players. Several athletes have gone on record about unexplained occurrences during their stays, including flickering lights, strange knocking sounds, and electronics behaving strangely. Some are so disturbed they now refuse to stay there.
One player described waking up to find his iPod playing music he never loaded. Another said his clothes were moved around while he slept. Staff say the hauntings could be tied to the hotel’s founder, Charles Pfister, who was passionate about hospitality and might still be checking in on guests. While most visitors experience a perfectly lovely stay, others leave feeling watched or unsettled in ways they can’t quite explain. It’s proof that even luxury can’t always hide a ghost or two.
10. The Marshall House in Savannah survived wars—and possibly brought something back.
Savannah, Georgia, is already known as one of the most haunted cities in the U.S., and the Marshall House fits right in. Opened in 1851, it served as a hospital during both the Civil War and yellow fever epidemics. Human remains were found beneath the floorboards during renovations, adding a gruesome layer to its history. The building’s past seems to have seeped into its walls.
Guests have reported faucets turning on, children laughing in the hallways late at night, and doors opening without anyone there. Some have even spotted Union soldiers wandering through rooms, still tending to the wounded. Staff are open about the building’s paranormal activity, and many travelers come specifically to experience it. With antique decor and flickering candlelight, the Marshall House feels like stepping into another time—one that might not have fully ended.
11. The Driskill Hotel in Austin hides sorrow behind Southern charm.
The Driskill Hotel in Austin, Texas, is all grand staircases, oil paintings, and old-school charm. Built in 1886, it’s hosted presidents and rock stars—but it also holds a few heartbreaking secrets. One of the most persistent ghost stories involves a little girl who tragically fell down the stairs while chasing a ball. Guests have claimed to hear her laughter echoing through the halls or to see a ball slowly rolling down the corridor on its own.
Room 525 is another hotspot for spooky activity. Two brides are said to have taken their lives in that room decades apart, and many guests report overwhelming feelings of sadness or unease while staying there. Some even claim mirrors fog up with handprints when no one is nearby. Despite its haunting stories, the Driskill remains a top-tier stay in Austin. The spirits may not mean harm—but they certainly don’t want to be forgotten.
12. The Omni Parker House in Boston is haunted by its long-departed host.
The Omni Parker House is a historic gem in the heart of Boston, known for its literary ties and refined elegance. But it’s also home to some persistent paranormal activity. Founder Harvey Parker, who died in the hotel in the 1800s, is said to still roam the halls. Guests often report seeing a distinguished older man near Room 1078 who disappears before they can speak to him.
Other stories include strange noises, lights flickering, and elevators that seem to have minds of their own. Some say they’ve felt a tap on the shoulder only to turn around and find no one there. Despite the strange occurrences, the hotel’s charm hasn’t faded—it just comes with an extra layer of intrigue. Dining where Charles Dickens once read A Christmas Carol is thrilling enough, but sharing a space with a ghostly founder? That’s the kind of unexpected guest that keeps people talking.
13. The Hotel Chelsea in New York is full of ghosts and gritty glamour.
Few places capture the grit and glory of old New York like the Hotel Chelsea. Once a haven for artists, musicians, and writers, it also witnessed its share of tragedy. The most famous is the death of Nancy Spungen, allegedly murdered by Sex Pistols bassist Sid Vicious in Room 100. But long before that, the Chelsea had already developed a reputation for attracting troubled souls.
Guests report shadowy figures, unexplained voices, and the feeling of being watched. Some say the elevator behaves erratically, or that doors lock and unlock by themselves. Though the hotel has gone through renovations and ownership changes, it still clings to its reputation as a place where the line between genius and madness blurs. The Hotel Chelsea isn’t just haunted by ghosts—it’s haunted by decades of intense creativity, heartbreak, and unsolved mysteries that still hang in the air.