When most travelers book a hotel, they’re looking for spa treatments, rooftop pools, or elegant turndown service. But for a special group of adventurous guests, the allure isn’t just luxury—it’s the paranormal activity that comes with the stay. From creaky hallways to phantom footsteps at 3 AM, these properties around the globe have earned reputations as much for their ghostly legends as for their world-class service.

If you’re curious about where you can find haunted hotels with history, atmosphere, and luxury, here are 13 destinations where you’ll find as many goosebumps as you will comfortable pillows.

The Stanley Hotel, Estes Park, Colorado

Few haunted properties are as famous as The Stanley Hotel, the Rocky Mountain retreat that inspired Stephen King’s novel The Shining. Built in 1909 by inventor F.O. Stanley, the hotel quickly developed a reputation for unexplained activity. Guests in Room 217 report odd phenomena, while the fourth floor is said to host playful phantom children.

But despite its paranormal fame, The Stanley is also known for sweeping alpine views, modern comforts, and historic architecture. It remains one of the most iconic haunted hotels in America.

Dalhousie Castle, Scotland

Dating back to the 13th century, Dalhousie Castle is Scotland’s oldest continuously inhabited castle. Its Grey Lady ghost, believed to be Lady Catherine, roams the corridors after her tragic death in the 1500s. Medieval dungeons and misty battlements add to the eerie vibe.

Yet the castle is also a destination for luxury travelers, offering spa treatments, fine dining, and grand feasts fit for knights. Staying here means you’ll experience both haunting history and Scottish hospitality.

The Russell Hotel, Sydney, Australia

Located in Sydney’s historic Rocks district, The Russell Hotel has served many roles: sailor hostel, hospital, and even rumored brothel. But its most enduring identity is as one of Australia’s most haunted hotels.

Room 8 is infamous for reports of a murdered sailor’s restless ghost. Guests claim to feel an unnerving presence or wake suddenly at night. Thankfully, there’s comfort in cozy rooms and stylish cocktails, making it a blend of haunted history and urban charm.

Lizzie Borden Bed & Breakfast, Fall River, Massachusetts

This inn may be the most notorious murder house in America. The Lizzie Borden Bed & Breakfast invites guests to stay in the very home where Lizzie was accused of brutally killing her parents with an axe in 1892.

Visitors often report chills, shadowy figures, and a strange heaviness in certain rooms. The inn embraces its eerie reputation with themed suites, ghost tours, and murder mystery dinners. For history buffs and thrill-seekers, it’s one of the ultimate paranormal hotels.

The Langham Hotel, London, England

Since opening in 1865, The Langham Hotel has been the scene of countless ghost stories. Guests and staff have reported encounters with a Victorian doctor, a German prince, and even Napoleon III.

Room 333 is especially active, with reports of strange figures appearing during October. Despite these spooky legends, The Langham remains a symbol of luxury London living, complete with world-class dining and indulgent afternoon tea.

Toftaholm Herrgård, Sweden

This lakeside manor in Sweden carries a tragic love story: a young man, forbidden from marrying his beloved, took his own life here centuries ago. Guests of Toftaholm Herrgård report flickering lights, cold drafts, and strange noises.

Still, the hotel is known for warm Scandinavian hospitality, traditional cuisine, and tranquil surroundings. It’s a reminder that even the most serene retreats can have a ghostly side.

Taj Mahal Palace, Mumbai, India

Opened in 1903, the Taj Mahal Palace Hotel is one of India’s most famous luxury landmarks. But its legend is tinged with sadness—the architect is said to have died by suicide after discovering a design flaw. Many claim his ghost still walks the corridors.

Despite its haunted reputation, the Taj Mahal Palace is renowned for flawless service, world-class dining, and stunning Arabian Sea views. Guests come for the history, stay for the hospitality, and sometimes leave with a ghost story.

Fairmont Empress, Victoria, Canada

The Fairmont Empress, built in 1908, is one of Canada’s most iconic hotels—and one of its most haunted. Ghost sightings include former staff, wandering children, and the architect himself. Guests often report unexplained piano music drifting through the halls.

At the same time, the Empress is a hub of luxury travel in Victoria, best known for its famous afternoon tea service and castle-like architecture. For those who love both grandeur and goosebumps, this hotel offers the best of both worlds.

The Queen Mary, Long Beach, California

This former transatlantic ocean liner is now permanently docked as a hotel—and is considered one of the most haunted places in the U.S. Tragic accidents, World War II service, and decades of passenger stories have fueled tales of ghostly children, phantom sailors, and the Lady in White.

Visitors can book overnight stays, join paranormal tours, or explore the ship’s haunted engine room. It’s a unique blend of nautical history and paranormal mystery.

Prince of Wales Hotel, Alberta, Canada

Perched above Waterton Lake, the Prince of Wales Hotel is famous for both its dramatic winds and its haunted legends. Guests report doors slamming, lights flickering, and faint piano music at odd hours.

Still, it remains a jewel of Canadian mountain hospitality, offering panoramic views and a rustic-chic atmosphere. The mix of natural beauty and ghostly folklore makes it a must-visit for adventurous travelers.

La Fonda on the Plaza, Santa Fe, New Mexico

As the oldest hotel in the oldest U.S. capital city, La Fonda on the Plaza has a long history of strange happenings. From spectral gunmen to restless spirits, guests often feel the weight of unfinished stories in its adobe walls.

But during daylight hours, it’s a showcase of Southwestern charm, offering art galleries, fine dining, and cultural history. A stay here blends Santa Fe’s heritage with a touch of haunting mystery.

Hotel El Convento, San Juan, Puerto Rico

Once a Carmelite convent dating back to 1651, Hotel El Convento mixes Spanish colonial elegance with ghostly whispers of nuns who never left. Some guests report hearing chanting or seeing fleeting figures in habits.

Today, it’s one of the most beloved historic hotels in Puerto Rico, with courtyards, classic tile work, and vibrant culture. It’s ideal for those who appreciate romantic architecture—with a supernatural twist.

Dragsholm Slot, Denmark

This fortress-turned-hotel is one of Denmark’s most haunted. Dragsholm Slot is said to house over 100 spirits, including the White Lady, entombed centuries ago for a forbidden romance, and the Earl of Bothwell, who reportedly rides his spectral horse through the halls.

Yet it’s also a luxurious destination, offering Michelin-starred cuisine and elegant accommodations. Guests may come for the fine dining, but they leave with unforgettable tales of Denmark’s most famous ghosts.

Why Haunted Hotels Captivate Travelers

The allure of haunted hotels lies in their unique combination of history, luxury, and legend. While some travelers seek only comfort, others crave an experience that stirs the imagination. Staying in a hotel with centuries of history means sharing space not just with fellow guests, but with echoes of the past.

For some, the idea of seeing a ghost is terrifying. For others, it’s the highlight of the trip. Whether you leave with nothing more than a comfortable night’s sleep or a chilling story to tell, one thing is certain: these hotels deliver memories that last far longer than a vacation.