1. The Stanley Hotel, Estes Park, Colorado
Nestled in the Colorado Rockies, The Stanley Hotel is infamous for its eerie history, especially after inspiring Stephen King’s The Shining. Opened in 1909, it was meant to be a luxurious retreat, but it quickly became a site of strange happenings. Locals claim that the sounds of piano music drift through the empty halls at night, and reports of ghostly apparitions have haunted guests for years. The hotel’s grandeur is undeniable, but its chilling atmosphere often keeps people away.
Over the years, numerous paranormal investigations have taken place at The Stanley, confirming its reputation as one of the most haunted hotels in the country. Visitors have described encounters with the spirits of former guests, including a haunting presence in the ballroom and the lingering laughter of children. Whether it’s the history of the hotel or the spirits that still roam its halls, this abandoned landmark remains a spot that locals avoid after dark.
2. The Crescent Hotel, Eureka Springs, Arkansas
The Crescent Hotel has a dark past that stretches back to its opening in 1886. What was once a grand resort quickly became a notorious sanitarium for cancer patients under the supervision of a fraudulent doctor. The doctor, who allegedly conducted horrific experiments, left behind a legacy that haunts the hotel to this day. Locals whisper of the ghostly figures of former patients who never checked out, roaming the halls.
Visitors who brave a stay often report strange occurrences like flickering lights, voices, and the feeling of being watched. The hotel’s old operating theater and the morgue, now repurposed into a “haunted” attraction, are prime spots for those searching for an unsettling experience. Locals steer clear of the Crescent Hotel, especially at night, due to its notorious past and the lingering spirits of those who perished within its walls.
3. The Hotel Nacional, Havana, Cuba
Once a symbol of Cuban luxury and opulence, the Hotel Nacional now stands as a crumbling relic of a bygone era. Opened in 1930, the hotel has witnessed countless historic events, including battles, political upheavals, and visits from infamous figures like Winston Churchill and Frank Sinatra. However, its current state, with many areas abandoned and decaying, has earned it a spooky reputation. Locals speak of strange lights flickering in the windows, despite the building being largely uninhabited.
Though it remains a popular tourist attraction during the day, the hotel’s eerie atmosphere at night is enough to deter many from coming near. Stories circulate of ghostly figures appearing in the hotel’s hallways and the feeling of an unnatural chill in certain rooms. The Hotel Nacional’s decline, paired with its rich and tumultuous history, makes it a site locals would rather avoid after sunset.
4. The Elsinore Hotel, Salem, Oregon
The Elsinore Hotel, located in the heart of historic Salem, Oregon, has earned its spooky reputation over the years. Originally opened in 1926, the hotel was once a thriving establishment known for its elegance and charm. However, after a series of strange occurrences and the passing of several former owners, the hotel fell into decline and was eventually abandoned. Its decaying structure and eerie silence have made it a point of fascination for ghost hunters and locals alike.
Witnesses claim that strange noises—such as footsteps, doors creaking, and whispers—can often be heard coming from the empty hallways. One of the most unsettling reports involves the ghost of a woman in white, said to wander the hotel’s upper floors, looking for something she lost long ago. Despite being located in one of the most picturesque towns in Oregon, locals avoid the Elsinore Hotel, especially after dark, when its haunted history seems to come alive.
5. The Queen Mary, Long Beach, California
Once a luxury ocean liner, the Queen Mary now sits docked in Long Beach, California, as a hotel and museum, but it has earned a notorious reputation for its ghostly activity. The ship, which served as a troop transport during World War II, was involved in several tragic incidents, including a deadly collision with another ship. Many believe the spirits of soldiers and former passengers haunt its haunted hallways. Visitors report strange occurrences like cold spots, eerie sounds, and the sensation of being watched.
The most famous hauntings occur in the ship’s old first-class pool area, where a ghostly woman in a white dress has been spotted. Other reports tell of the apparitions of crew members who perished in a fire on board, as well as voices and footsteps echoing in empty rooms. Despite its historical allure, locals avoid staying overnight on the Queen Mary due to its creepy atmosphere and the unsettled spirits that continue to haunt its decks.
6. The Hotel York, York, Pennsylvania
The Hotel York, located in the heart of York, Pennsylvania, has a long and eerie history that locals can’t seem to shake off. First opened in the 1800s, the hotel was once a glamorous spot for politicians and travelers, but after falling into disrepair, it became infamous for its dark reputation. The abandoned building is said to be haunted by spirits of former guests who met untimely deaths in the hotel. Many visitors claim to have heard strange voices, footsteps, and whispers echoing through the empty hallways.
One particularly chilling encounter involved the ghost of a woman who is believed to have died in the hotel after a fall down the stairs. Her spirit is said to roam the staircase, and guests often hear her crying late at night. Locals, aware of the hotel’s haunted past, tend to avoid it, especially after dark, as the building’s decaying structure and supernatural presence continue to unsettle anyone who dares to enter.
7. The Hotel Cecil, Los Angeles, California
The Hotel Cecil, now known as Stay on Main, has become infamous due to its dark history and eerie reputation. Located in downtown Los Angeles, the hotel opened in 1927 as a luxury destination but soon became known for its connection to tragic and mysterious events. Over the years, the Cecil has been the site of numerous deaths, suicides, and disturbing occurrences, earning it a reputation as one of the most haunted hotels in the U.S.
One of the most notorious events involved the tragic death of Elisa Lam in 2013, whose body was found in one of the hotel’s water tanks under strange circumstances. Many people report hearing unexplained noises, such as footsteps and knocking sounds, especially in the upper floors. The hotel is also linked to several infamous figures, including serial killers Richard Ramirez and Jack Unterweger, who stayed there during their criminal activities. Due to its unsettling past, the hotel has been avoided by locals and visitors alike, who often share stories of feeling uneasy while near the building.