Most Haunted Hotels Around the World hold a special appeal for travelers who crave a touch of the supernatural. Whether you seek genuine ghost encounters or are simply curious about eerie tales, these destinations promise plenty of thrills. If budget constraints, lack of time, or plain old fear are keeping you from booking a night in these spine-chilling establishments, perhaps reading their ghost stories will be enough to send a shiver down your spine.
So, dim the lights, settle in, and prepare for some of the most haunting legends you’ll ever read. Watch out for that midnight knock at the door, though—it might not be room service!
For more unsettling travel ideas, check out our Spooky Travel Destinations page (placeholder link). And if you want to dive deeper into famous ghost sightings, this resource from the Travel Channel provides plenty of eerie inspiration.
1. Ballygally Castle Hotel
Welcome to Northern Ireland, where medieval charm and ghostly lore collide. Situated in County Antrim, this enchanting castle-turned-hotel has stood for over four centuries. Originally built by James Shaw, the castle soon became the setting for a heartbreaking tragedy. Shaw’s wife, Isabella, either fell—or, as rumors suggest, may have been pushed—from the tower’s window.
Today, the Ballygally Castle Hotel is rumored to be Isabella’s eternal residence, as guests and staff have frequently reported seeing a mysterious woman roaming the halls. The hotel even pays tribute to her with a special “ghost room” dedicated to her memory. Although Isabella is the main spirit, there are stories that other apparitions occasionally wander the corridors, making this one of the Most Haunted Hotels Around the World for anyone seeking an otherworldly atmosphere.
Why Stay Here? Beyond the paranormal intrigue, Ballygally Castle offers a beautiful coastal location near picturesque Belfast beaches. During the day, you can explore the stunning Northern Irish countryside. At night, you might just witness a ghostly figure drifting through the quiet hallways.
Website: Ballygally Hotel
2. Bisbee Grand Hotel
Arizona’s Wild West heritage runs deep, and the Bisbee Grand Hotel is a shining example. Constructed in 1906 as a lodge for mining professionals visiting the copper-rich region of Bisbee, this hotel has witnessed the comings and goings of many travelers who worked grueling shifts in local mines.
By the late 1980s, the property underwent extensive renovations, transforming it into an elegant Victorian-style destination. Despite its makeover, some original residents seem to have never checked out. Guests have reported sightings of two ghosts: a male spirit typically wandering downstairs and a female ghost believed to roam the upper levels. The encounters are generally described as peaceful—no poltergeist-level frights here. Many visitors even rate Bisbee Grand among the Most Haunted Hotels Around the World due to its Old West charm and pleasant, if spectral, residents.
What to Expect: If you’re hunting for ghosts, keep your camera and ears ready at night. Expect possible footsteps in hallways or subtle changes in the air. Outside of supernatural pursuits, Bisbee offers lively art galleries, quaint restaurants, and desert scenery for day trips. It’s a haven for travelers intrigued by history, the paranormal, or both.
Website: Bisbee Grand Hotel
3. Castello Della Castelluccia
Italy’s rich history is often linked with art, cuisine, and romance, but it also harbors stories of ghosts and restless spirits. Castello Della Castelluccia, located near Rome in a region known for its rolling hills and ancient ruins, is reputedly haunted by none other than Emperor Nero himself. Famously, Nero is said to have played the fiddle while Rome burned, and according to local lore, his spirit wanders between his tomb and this castle, seeking solace he never found in life.
In addition to the imperial apparition, guests have reported seeing phantom horses. Legends suggest that centuries ago, a nobleman sold his beloved steeds to settle gambling debts. Those horses may still roam the castle grounds, echoing the heartbreak of their abrupt departure. It’s no wonder that Castello Della Castelluccia ranks high among the Most Haunted Hotels Around the World, blending Renaissance elegance with chilling legends.
What Makes It Special: If you visit, you’ll be treated to traditional Italian hospitality, lush gardens, and regal interiors. Between sampling local wine and pasta, keep an eye out for spectral riders or the looming figure of a Roman emperor. For more amazing Italian destinations, explore our Best Beaches in Italy guide.
Website: Castello Della Castelluccia
4. Hotel Queen Mary
Watch a video tour of the Queen Mary’s haunted past here.
Once a grand ocean liner, the Queen Mary now serves as a floating hotel permanently docked in Long Beach, California. Her history includes a stint as a WWII troop transport ship, known as the “Grey Ghost,” and she has reportedly claimed the lives of at least 49 individuals during her service. One of the most tragic episodes involved an accidental collision with an escort ship, causing around 300 men to be lost at sea.
Legend has it that the banging sounds occasionally heard against the hull could be the desperate pounding of these lost souls, still seeking refuge after all these years. With such a dramatic history, it’s no surprise that the Queen Mary ranks among the Most Haunted Hotels Around the World. Visitors often report phantom footsteps, sudden cold spots, and even apparitions of uniformed soldiers wandering the decks.
What to Look For: If you dare to explore the lower decks at night, keep your senses sharp. You might hear distant knocks or see fleeting shadows. Guided ghost tours on the ship delve into its murky history, offering a deep dive into the paranormal claims that have captivated travelers for decades.
Website: Queen Mary Ship Hotel
5. The Stanley Hotel
Check out a video about The Stanley Hotel’s ghostly encounters.
Perched in Colorado’s Rocky Mountains, The Stanley Hotel is a Colonial Revival masterpiece best known for inspiring Stephen King’s The Shining. In fact, King’s experience staying at The Stanley was so unsettling that he used it as the basis for the Overlook Hotel in his novel. Although some creative liberties were taken, guests insist that reality is just as chilling as fiction here.
Staff and visitors often recount hearing disembodied voices and footsteps in the long corridors. The concert hall and certain guest rooms are hotspots for paranormal activity as well. Some travelers have reported hearing children laughing or the piano inexplicably playing on its own. Whether you’re a horror buff or just appreciate architectural grandeur, a visit to The Stanley combines historic opulence with potential ghost sightings, making it a must on any list of Most Haunted Hotels Around the World.
Plan Your Stay: Reserve a room on one of the reportedly haunted floors if you’re feeling brave. Guided ghost tours are available to share the hotel’s rich history and paranormal lore. Between the backdrop of stunning mountain scenery and the hotel’s storied past, you’re in for a night of thrills and chills.
Website: The Stanley Hotel
6. The Crescent Hotel
Located in Eureka Springs, Arkansas, the Crescent Hotel & Spa proudly bears the moniker “America’s Most Haunted Hotel.” Originally built in 1886, the property has served as a resort, conservatory for young women, and even an infamous hospital run by a fraudulent doctor claiming to cure cancer.
Over the years, guests have reported encounters with at least eight distinct ghosts, including a stonemason who died during the hotel’s construction, a nurse roaming the halls, and a playful child who allegedly succumbed to appendicitis on the premises. Paranormal tours are offered regularly, guiding the curious through hidden spaces and telling tales of the spirits said to roam each floor. The dramatic history and ongoing ghost sightings justify its place as one of the Most Haunted Hotels Around the World.
Practical Tips:
What to Know Before You Go: Practical Tips:
Book a higher-floor room if you’re hoping to catch a glimpse of the Lady in Red.
7. The Langham Hotel
Constructed in 1865 in London’s West End, The Langham Hotel has long captivated visitors with its luxurious suites, grand ballroom, and famed afternoon tea service. Yet, behind its refined facade lurks an intriguing ghostly presence. According to a BBC investigation, at least five ghosts are said to roam the hotel’s corridors and guest rooms
The most frequently encountered apparition is rumored to be a German prince who leapt to his death from an upper-floor window. Guests have recounted terrifying moments of awakening to see him drifting through walls. An intense chill often accompanies these sightings. Meanwhile, Room 333 is reputedly the hotel’s spookiest chamber, where lights flicker on and off, faucets turn themselves on, and the sensation of being watched prevails.
In 2014, members of the England cricket team claimed they were so unsettled by mysterious goings-on that they requested room changes. Bowler Stuart Broad described unexplained bathroom taps turning on and off, and an overwhelming sense of dread that made rest nearly impossible. This high-profile incident solidified The Langham’s standing as one of the Most Haunted Hotels Around the World.Website: The Langham Hotel“It was so hot in the room I just couldn’t sleep. All of a sudden the taps in the bathroom came on for no reason. I turned the lights on and the taps turned themselves off. Then when I turned the lights off again the taps came on. It was very weird. It really freaked me out. I ended up asking to move rooms.” — Stuart Broad via Daily Mail“I’m telling you, something weird is going on.”
Conclusion: Dare to Book a Room?
These Most Haunted Hotels Around the World offer more than just a comfortable bed for the night. They promise goosebumps, whispered tales of tragedy, and encounters with spirits from centuries past. From medieval castles in Ireland to grand ocean liners in California, each property has a unique story woven into its foundation.Safe (and spooky) travels!