“Room 217 always has a guest—whether you’ve booked it or not.” – Ancient hotel keeper’s whisper
Did you know 45% of Americans believe in ghosts, with one in five claiming to have encountered a spirit while traveling? Along America’s winding highways and forgotten byways, a different kind of hospitality lurks—haunted roadside hotels where some guests never truly check out.
These haunted roadside hotels serve as eerie monuments to the past, their creaking halls and flickering lights hiding secrets darker than the midnight sky. Nestled near desolate intersections and quiet small towns, they offer more than rest—they invite you to experience the unexplained.
From Victorian grand dames to Route 66 motels, each property reveals eerie tales—meanwhile, footsteps echo and shadows appear mysteriously.
Ready for a road trip unlike any other? We’ve mapped out 15 of America’s most haunted roadside hotels, where the past refuses to stay buried and every creak, whisper, and cold spot might be a brush with the supernatural. Pack your courage—you’ll need it for these spine-tingling stays where your roommates could be from another realm entirely.
Note: Paranormal activity not guaranteed, but strongly suspected
What Makes a Roadside Hotel Haunted? Understanding Paranormal Attractions
A haunted roadside hotels are more than just a place to stay—it’s a doorway into history and mystery. These haunted roadside hotels have unique features that set them apart from ordinary motels.
- Historical Significance: Most haunted hotels are over 50 years old and have witnessed tragic events, crimes, or disasters.
- Isolated Locations: They are situated on forgotten highways or in remote towns, creating an environment conducive to supernatural activities.
- Original Architecture: These hotels still have their historical features intact, such as Victorian-era furniture, antique mirrors, or original wooden floors, which are believed to hold spiritual energy.
What Do Ghost Hunters Discover?
Ghost hunters and paranormal investigators document various manifestations in these properties. Ghost hunting often reveals:
- Apparitions in period clothing drifting through hallways
- Disembodied voices echoing in empty rooms
- Objects moving without explanation
- Cold spots and unexplained temperature fluctuations
- Electronic equipment malfunctions
- Phantom footsteps on creaking floors
How Do Historical Events Shape Paranormal Reputation?
The paranormal reputation of these hotels often comes from documented historical events:
“Every haunted hotel tells a story—whether it’s a tragic death, unsolved murder, or dark chapter in American history. These walls don’t just hold memories; they hold souls.”
Which Areas Become Hotspots for Paranormal Activity?
Specific rooms or areas within these hotels become known for paranormal activity:
- Basement morgues from former hospital conversions
- Rooms where documented deaths occurred
- Ballrooms where celebrations turned tragic
- Staff quarters with reported paranormal activity
Why Do Modern Travelers Seek Out Haunted Hotels?
Modern travelers have different reasons for seeking out these haunted places:
- Thrill-seekers looking for an adrenaline rush
- History enthusiasts exploring preserved American culture
- Amateur ghost hunters testing their bravery
- Photographers capturing mysterious phenomena
- Paranormal researchers conducting investigations
These haunted roadside hotels blend historical preservation with ghostly intrigue, offering more than just shelter. Furthermore, every creaky floorboard and flickering light enhances the eerie vibe, attracting curious travelers from across the country.
The Top 15 Haunted Roadside Hotels in America You Must Visit
Across the U.S., haunted roadside accommodations invite brave guests seeking spirits, tragic lore, and unforgettable, ghost-filled overnights.
1. The Stanley Hotel
Nestled in Colorado’s mountains, The Stanley Hotel—built in 1909—inspired The Shining and remains steeped in haunted history.
Guests and staff have reported eerie piano music playing in empty ballrooms, mysterious footsteps echoing through hallways, and apparitions of former guests and employees. Consequently, the hotel’s eerie reputation draws thrill-seeking guests who hope to experience its chilling atmosphere firsthand.
2. Crescent Hotel
Located in the foggy Ozark Mountains of Eureka Springs, Arkansas, the Crescent Hotel’s impressive Victorian architecture hides a dark history that earned it the title “America’s Most Haunted Hotel.”
A Sinister Transformation
Built in 1886, this grand establishment served first as an exclusive girls’ school before transforming into something far more sinister—a cancer hospital run by the notorious charlatan Norman Baker. His fraudulent “cures” led to countless deaths, with many victims taking their final breaths within these walls.
Haunting Tales from Within
- Room 218 hosts Michael, a stonemason who plunged to his death during construction.
- Guests report their belongings mysteriously rearranged and an unseen presence sitting on their beds.
- The spirit of a nurse pushing a gurney haunts the third floor.
- Room 419 echoes with the cries of a cancer patient named Theodora.
Chilling Discoveries Below
The hotel’s most chilling attraction lies below—a basement morgue where Baker stored bodies. Modern-day visitors brave enough to descend these stairs encounter cold spots, unexplained shadows, and the lingering scents of antiseptic that drift through the dim corridors.
3. The Mizpah Hotel
Rising five stories above the dusty Nevada desert, The Mizpah Hotel stands as a haunting testament to Tonopah’s mining glory days. Built in 1907, this architectural marvel earned its title as “the finest stone hotel in the desert” and Nevada’s first skyscraper.
Among the spirits, the most infamous is the “Lady in Red,” tragically murdered on the hotel’s fifth floor. Guests have reported seeing her figure dressed in crimson gliding through the hallways and leaving behind pearl necklaces on their pillows. As a result, Room 504—where she died—is believed to radiate intense and lingering paranormal energy.
Dark shadows can be found lurking in the basement, where miners lost their lives in underground tunnels. Staff members have whispered about hearing children’s laughter echoing through empty corridors and mysterious knocks on doors at 3 AM. The hotel’s violent history, marked by gambling disputes and mining accidents, adds to its reputation for supernatural activity.
Some strange occurrences include:
- Unexplained drops in temperature in the gaming room
- The vintage elevator operating on its own
- Wine glasses sliding off tables in the restaurant
- Objects disappearing from locked rooms
4. The Myrtles Plantation
Located in St. Francisville, Louisiana, the Myrtles Plantation stands as a haunting reminder of the past. Built in 1796, this former mansion turned inn has witnessed countless tragedies over the years, earning it the title of “America’s Most Haunted Home.”
The Legend of Chloe
One of the plantation’s most notorious ghosts is Chloe, a slave who allegedly poisoned her master’s family. According to legend, she roams the grounds wearing a green turban, and many guests have reported catching glimpses of her spirit in photographs or witnessing her shadowy figure moving through the mansion’s opulent rooms.
Eerie Encounters
Visitors to the Myrtles Plantation have shared spine-chilling accounts of their experiences:
- Ghostly children playing on the porch at midnight
- Mysterious piano music resonating through vacant hallways
- Blood-curdling screams cutting through the night
- Unexplained handprints appearing on mirrors
Interestingly, these ghostly encounters have led some families to consider visiting haunted locations with their children. If you’re wondering about the appropriate age for such an adventure, there are insights available that might help you decide.
Unexplained Phenomena
The plantation is also known for its peculiar occurrences that defy explanation:
- The French chandelier swinging without any breeze on calm nights
- Guests capturing orbs and indistinct figures in their photographs
- Each room possessing its own dark history—such as the parlor where a Union soldier bled out and the children’s room where yellow fever claimed young lives
Exploring the Myrtles
For those brave enough to spend a night here, the Myrtles offers mystery tours and accommodations for those willing to coexist with its permanent ghostly residents.
5. Hotel Monte Vista
Located on the famous Route 66 in Flagstaff, Arizona, the Hotel Monte Vista attracts travelers with its bright red neon sign and stories of ghostly guests who never left. Built in 1927, this historic landmark is said to be haunted by a bank robber who died in Room 210, with his ghostly coughs still heard in the hallways.
Room 305 sends shivers down guests’ spines with its rocking chair ghost—an unknown elderly woman who sits knitting in the darkness. Meanwhile, staff often hear a baby crying in Room 220, tied to a chilling tale of abandonment and death.
The hotel’s basement cocktail lounge is filled with supernatural energy. Ghostly bartenders serve drinks at empty bars, while unseen hands tap shoulders and move barstools. Even John Wayne claimed to have encountered spirits here during his regular visits in the 1940s.
Modern guests have shared experiences of televisions turning on by themselves, footsteps echoing in vacant hallways, and an overwhelming feeling of being watched—especially during the quiet hours when traffic on Route 66 comes to a halt.
6. The Marshall House
Located in the heart of Savannah’s Historic District, The Marshall House is a testament to the city’s haunted history. Built in 1851, this antebellum treasure served as a hospital during the Civil War and yellow fever outbreaks, leaving behind traces of its sorrowful past.
Chilling Encounters and Unexplained Footsteps
Guests have reported spine-tingling encounters with Confederate soldiers limping through the hallways at midnight. Moreover, the hotel’s vintage balconies and hardwood floors frequently creak with ghostly footsteps no one can explain.
Ghostly Figures and Mysterious Activity
Room 214 has garnered special attention, with visitors describing ghostly figures in military uniforms appearing near the window. The paranormal activity reaches its peak in the basement, where surgical tools from its hospital days were discovered during renovations.
Whispers of Laughter and Slamming Doors
Staff members share whispers about hearing children’s laughter in empty corridors and witnessing doors slam shut without any explanation.
7. The Shanley Hotel
Located near the Shawangunk Mountains, the Shanley Hotel in Napanoch, New York is known for its haunted reputation and Victorian charm. Originally built in 1845 and rebuilt after a fire in 1895, this historic hotel is said to be home to over 30 ghosts.
The current owners, Kim Vitale and Kelly Hammerling, offer guests the opportunity to participate in private ghost hunts. Equipped with specialized tools like REM Pods and EVP recorders, visitors may come across:
- A ghost cat named Sweet Thing roaming the hallways
- Voices of former mafia members resonating through the building
- Mischievous spirits of children playing on the staircases
- Unexplained footsteps in vacant rooms
One particular room of interest is Room 18, where guests have experienced unusual cold spots, doors opening by themselves, and personal belongings being moved without explanation during their stay. The hotel’s extended ghost hunts uncover various instances of paranormal activity, making it a must-visit spot for those interested in connecting with the supernatural.
8. The Pfister Hotel
The grand Pfister Hotel in Milwaukee is a symbol of Gilded Age luxury—and its otherworldly guests. Although built in 1893, this Victorian gem holds ghost stories that starkly contrast with its polished beauty.
MLB players staying at the hotel have reported strange experiences:
- Objects moving on their own
- Flickering lights in empty rooms
- Electronic devices turning on mysteriously
- Unexplained knocking sounds
The hotel’s most famous ghost, a woman in flowing white, roams the ninth floor hallways. Guests have captured her ghostly figure in photographs, adding to the Pfister’s haunted reputation. The spirit of Charles Pfister himself, the hotel’s original owner, is said to watch over his beloved establishment from a grand staircase, ensuring everything remains perfect—even from beyond.
Ghost tours take visitors through the beautifully decorated hallways, sharing stories of ghostly piano music coming from empty ballrooms and invisible footsteps following guests through the art-filled corridors. The combination of luxury and lingering spirits creates an atmosphere where elegance meets the unknown.
Interestingly, the Pfister Hotel isn’t alone in its haunted reputation. Many hotels across the country share similar stories of paranormal activity. For instance, some haunted hotel employees have recounted their spine-chilling experiences while working in such establishments. Moreover, if you’re looking for more eerie adventures, Seneca Falls is known for its haunted places that are definitely worth exploring.
9. The Queen Mary (Docked Hotel)
Located in Long Beach, California, the Queen Mary is a historic ocean liner that has been transformed into a hotel. Over the years, its spooky reputation has grown, with many claiming it’s haunted by numerous lingering spirits.
Haunted History
The ship’s B Deck holds stories of a young sailor who met a tragic fate, with his ghostly presence still felt in the engine room. Guests have reported experiencing sudden drops in temperature and hearing mysterious knocks echoing through the narrow hallways. Room B340 gained such a notorious reputation for paranormal activity that it remained off-limits to guests for many years.
Playful Spirits
The First Class Swimming Pool is said to be home to the mischievous spirits of two children who drowned on board, leaving behind wet footprints on the otherwise dry concrete surface. In the Queen’s Salon, a ghostly woman dressed in 1930s evening attire has been spotted gliding across the dance floor.
Active Hauntings
The ship’s boiler room is known to be particularly active, with reports of disembodied voices and shadowy figures moving between the massive machinery. Ghost hunters consider the Queen Mary as a prime location for paranormal investigations, with numerous electronic voice phenomena (EVP) recordings and unexplained occurrences documented throughout its haunted areas.
10. Silver Queen Hotel
Located in the historic district of Virginia City, the Silver Queen Hotel is a place that tells stories from Nevada’s silver mining days. Built in 1876, this three-story brick building stands as a reminder of the rise and fall of the American West.
The highlight of the hotel is a stunning 15-foot painting of the “Silver Queen” that overlooks guests from behind the vintage bar. However, it’s Room 11 that attracts paranormal investigators from all over the country. This is where a young prostitute named Rosie met her tragic fate in 1872, leaving behind a powerful energy that causes guests to see her ghostly figure in the mirror or feel an unexplained chill by the window.
The narrow hallways of the hotel are filled with mysterious footsteps, while the old-fashioned rooms have period furnishings that sometimes move on their own. Visitors have recorded EVP sounds of children’s laughter and captured strange orbs in photographs, especially around the original wooden staircase.
Ghost hunters highly value the Silver Queen for its direct connection to the past—where it seems like there is a thin barrier between this world and the next. The current owners of the hotel embrace its haunted reputation by keeping detailed records of paranormal encounters and offering special rates for overnight investigations.
Embracing the Haunted Highway Experience
These haunted roadside hotels come with rich histories, where every room holds a chilling tale. From Nevada’s ghostly miners to Southern plantation spirits, these haunted stays offer more than a typical roadside stop.
Why These Hotels Matter:
- Each property preserves a slice of American history through their haunted halls
- Ghost hunters gain access to active paranormal investigation sites
- Local economies benefit from supernatural tourism
- Travelers create unique memories that transcend typical road trip experiences
Your next road trip through America’s haunted highways might lead you to:
- Abandoned mining settlements frozen in time
- Remote towns where legends still live
- Historic districts with active paranormal activity
- Places where day and night tell different stories
The thrill of spending the night in haunted roadside hotels goes far beyond ordinary lodging—it’s a chance to join a living ghost story. Whether it’s phantom footsteps in Virginia City or shadows in Savannah, these eerie hotels reveal the darker side of American history.
Pack your courage, bring your EMF meter, and prepare for an unforgettable journey through America’s most haunted roadside hotels. Just remember – some guests check out, but others choose to stay forever.
Ready to explore? The spirits are waiting.
