Top 10 Most Haunted Hotels In The World
I remember one time I unknowingly stayed at a creepy motel and I swear I saw a shadowy figure in the mirror. No one believed me until I randomly saw that place in the list of the most haunted motels. Now I have a ghost story to share with my friends! If you’re a fan of spine-chilling ghost stories, these hotels might be the destinations for your next travel adventure. Some of these eerie inns have a reputation for paranormal activities, sightings of ghostly figures, or even disturbing past events that make them the most haunted hotels in the world.
If you’ve ever wondered what is the most haunted hotel in the world, we have got you covered. From New York’s ghostly hotels to cursed castles in Denmark, here’s a look at the ten scariest hotels in the world that promise a stay you won’t soon forget.
1. The Stanley Hotel, Scariest Hotel In Colorado
The Stanley Hotel in Colorado is a well-known ghost house that inspired Stephen King’s iconic horror novel, The Shining. The story is based on his own experience of staying in the haunted room 217. This historic Rocky Mountains hotel is perhaps the most famous haunted hotel in the United States and also has the title of the number one most haunted hotel in the world.
Legend has it that in 1911 a gas leak caused an explosion in Room 217, when the hotel’s chief maid, Elizabeth Wilson was in the room. She miraculously survived the explosion but returned to haunt the place after she eventually died in the 1950s.
The original owners of the hotel, Flora and F.O Stanley also occasionally pay a visit. Guests and employees have reported hearing piano music playing in the empty ballroom, seeing ghostly figures on the grand staircase, and experiencing doors that open and close on their own.
Room 217 is not the only haunted room in The Stanley. Many guests have also claimed that they heard strange noises and children laughing in room 418. With such an eerie history, this haunted resort has attracted countless visitors that come with a hope of sighting the ghosts.
2. Hotel Chelsea, Haunted Hotel In New York City
Hotel Chelsea is not just a historical landmark in New York City; it’s a place with a tragic and haunted legacy. The hotel is known to host an eclectic clientele of legendary writers, musicians, and artists like Andry Warhol, Jackson Pollock and Madonna to name a few. Before booking a hotel room here, know that the famous hotel has seen darker days and some bizarre events.
Poet Dylan Thomas was staying at the Chelsea Hotel in 1952 when he fell into a coma. He died just a few days later at a nearby hospital. It is said that since then, his spirit has visited room 206, the room he stayed in.
Another one of its most notable ghostly inhabitants is the spirit of Sid Vicious’ girlfriend, Nancy Spungen. It is said that the Sex Pistols bassist stabbed Nancy to death in room 100 in 1978. Some visitors claim to see her spirit wandering the halls and some have seen Sid Vicious’ ghost as well.
But that’s not it. The ghost of a Titanic survivor named Mary has also been spotted in the hotel. She apparently took her own life after her husband didn’t survive the Titanic’s drowning. She is sometimes seen in the hotel checking her appearance in the mirrors.
3. The Langham Hotel, Most Haunted Hotel In London
The Langham Hotel in London is known as one of the most haunted hotels in Europe. Built in 1865, this luxurious establishment has a reputation for paranormal activity, with Room 333 being the most famous.
Guests who have dared to stay in this creepy hotel room have reported seeing spirits of different ghosts. Some have claimed to see the ghost of a man wearing Victorian evening wear in the middle of the night. This is said to be the spirit of a Victorian-era doctor who apparently killed his wife before offing himself whilst on their honeymoon!
Other frequent ghost visitors include a German prince who jumped to his death from the fourth floor of the building. People have also spotted a shoeless butler and emperor Napoleon III who haunt the basement. You can’t make this stuff up!
With its royal connections and spooky history, The Langham continues to be a hotspot for those intrigued by the paranormal.
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4. The Emily Morgan, Scariest Hotel In Texas
The Emily Morgan Hotel, a historic building in downtown San Antonio, is built on what used to be a hospital and a morgue. As a Medical Arts Building, it housed doctors and nurses who used floors 12 and 14 as surgery areas. The hotel might have seen its fair share of blood but these ghosts take things to a whole new level.
Widely considered the scariest hotel in Texas, the Emily Morgan is said to host a number of ghostly visitors from its hospital days. Guests have reported seeing a woman dressed in white roaming around the halls and unexplained shadowy figures around the hotel.
According to the hotel’s website, there have been many unexplained occurrences. From mysterious phone calls in the middle of the night to bathtubs being filled with blue water, there have been many unexplained events that will give you the creeps. There even seems to be a distinct smell of antiseptic on the 14th floor!
If that wasn’t enough to cancel your bookings, the hotel is also located next to The Alamo—a graveyard site of fallen soldiers of the deadly Battle of the Alamo.
The hotel has often dismissed these claims stating that there are always explanations behind all the coincidences. However, like most hotels, they follow the good luck superstition of skipping the 13th floor! Nonetheless, as one of the most haunted hotels in the United States, this place is sure to give you chills from the moment you step through its doors.
5. The Russell Hotel, Creepiest Hotel In Sydney
Australia’s Russell Hotel in Sydney’s historic Rocks district is one of the oldest and most haunted hotels in Australia. During the 1800s, the area was popular for sailors who docked in the Sydney Harbour. The Russell also served as a hospital during the bubonic plague.
Guests have reported the eerie presence of ghosts in The Russell hotel, especially of a colonial era sailor who roams the halls. The sailor fondly occupies Room 8 and is known to give “special attention” to the female guests. Many residents have claimed to encounter his presence.
There have been reports of unexplained footsteps on creaky floorboards and other unsettling sounds. Many guests, especially women, reportedly flee the hotel in the middle of the night due to an unsettling feeling of being watched.
The Russell Hotel’s creepy history has made it one of the top destinations for thrill-seekers and ghost enthusiasts in Australia. The hotel even offers ghost tours for those who dare to face the ghost.
If you’re looking for disturbing tales and haunted history, this eerie Sydney landmark is a must-see.
6. Dragsholm Castle, The Haunted Castle In Denmark
Dragsholm Castle, dating back to the 12th century, is one of the oldest castles in Denmark. The castle has been the site of many darkest events, and is rumored to house over 100 spirits. Among them, sightings of three ghosts in Dragsholm hotel are particularly common— the ghost of the White Lady, the spirit of the Earl of Bothwell and the ghost of Grey Lady.
Visitors have claimed to see these spirits wandering the grounds or lurking in shadows. Here are their stories:
- The Grey Lady: A spirit believed to be a former worker at the castle who suffered from a toothache that was cured by someone there. In gratitude, she continues to watch over the castle grounds, appearing at night in guests’ rooms to ensure everything is in order.
- The White Lady: This is the tragic tale of a young lady who died without seeing the light of the day. During a castle renovation, a skeleton in a white dress was found hidden in a wall, believed to be the daughter of a former owner. She was locked away by her father to end her romance with a commoner. Her spirit now roams the halls, perhaps searching for her lost love.
- The Earl of Bothwell: James Hepburn as an Earl and consort to Mary, Queen of Scots. He was imprisoned in Dragsholm Castle’s cellars, where the isolation drove him mad and he eventually died in 1578. Visitors report hearing ghostly horse sounds and even glimpsing him riding into the courtyard with a horse carriage.
With its chilling ambiance and dark history, Dragsholm Castle has earned its place as the most haunted hotel in the world.
7. The Taj Mahal Palace, The Most Haunted Hotel In India
Known for its grandeur, The Taj Mahal Palace in Mumbai is not just the most fanciest and luxurious hotel but also holds a reputation as the most haunted hotel in India.
The hotel earned its haunted reputation based on the famous story involving W.A. Chambers, the British architect behind the hotel. Legend has it he committed suicide in the hotel after learning his original designs had been altered without his consent. He apparently jumped from the fifth floor after learning that the hotel was facing the wrong direction. Talk about being dramatic?
His spirit is said to now roam the old wing of the hotel, with guests reporting sightings of a shadowy figure late at night.
For anyone fascinated by haunted history and the mysteries of India, this iconic Indian landmark is a must-visit.
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8. First World Hotel, Spooky Hotel In Malaysia
First World Hotel, the world’s largest hotel, is located in Malaysia’s Genting Highlands. It is not just famous for its size but also for being the most haunted hotel in Asia. The hotel boasts a grand casino. Due to this, many unfortunate gamblers who lose have committed suicide by jumping off the hotel.
People who have lived in the upper floors of the hotel have reported hearing footsteps, strange whispers, and even seeing ghostly apparitions roaming the hallways. Apparently, the hotel has even stopped renting out some of its haunted rooms as guests claimed to have fallen sick after staying there.
Additionally, rumor has it that the elevator never stops on the 21st floor of this cursed hotel.
Forget the jackpot – I’m not about to test my luck with the ghosts haunting this casino. Some risks just aren’t worth the gamble!
9. Ballygally Castle Hotel, The Haunted Castle In Ireland
Ballygally Castle Hotel, overlooking the sea in Northern Ireland, is known for incredible picturesque views that come with a ghostly history. Built in the 17th century and it said to be one of the most haunted hotels in the world. The story goes that the hotel is haunted by Lady Isabella Shaw, who met a tragic fate here.
Legend says she was imprisoned in the tower by her husband without her child, and she fell to her death out of a window while trying to escape. Since then, many guests report a cold, eerie presence, especially in the room known as “The Ghost Room.” The ghost of Isabella wanders around the hotel in search of her child and also goes on knocking on hotel room doors.
If you’re in Northern Ireland and looking for a frightful stay, Ballygally Castle should be at the top of your list.
10. The Driskill Hotel, Scary Hotel In Austin
A historic landmark in Austin, The Driskill Hotel is reputed to be one of the most haunted hotels in Texas. Built in 1886, the hotel is like a hot-spot for ghosts and has a long history of paranormal activities. Guests have reported flickering lights, strange voices, and ghostly figures appearing in mirrors.
One famous spirit that roams the grounds of the hotel is that of President Lyndon B. Johnson. The hotel was one of his favorite spots as he had his first date with his wife there in 1934. There also wanders the spirit of a young girl who fell to her death on the grand staircase. Guests claim they can still hear the little girl’s giggles.
The hotel is haunted by the original owner, Colonel Driskill, who is said to still roam the premises. He lost the hotel in a high-stake poker game and never recovered from the loss. He is occasionally “seen” in the hotel smoking his cigar.
There were also two brides who lived their own lives in room 329 on separate occasions a few decades apart. For a haunted experience in Austin, The Driskill offers a unique combination of luxury and fear.
Whether it’s tragic history, ghostly sightings, or the eerie feeling of being watched, these haunted hotels offer much more than just a place to sleep. From the most haunted hotel in the world to lesser-known ghostly gems, each of these sites carries a unique and chilling history. If you’re ready for a vacation full of goosebumps and ghostly experiences, book that flight today and check these destinations off your list.
So, are you brave enough to spend a night in one of these haunted hotels?
