WASHINGTON--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Oct 8, 2025--
Historic Hotels of America ®, the official program of the National Trust for Historic Preservation for recognizing and celebrating the finest historic hotels from across the United States of America, is excited to announce its annual October report on historic hotels ghost lore and Halloween experiences: The 2025 Top 25 Historic Hotels of America Most Haunted Hotels list. For some historic hotels, the past is not only present through historic architecture and authentic character, but also in the legends that hotel staff and locals tell about the ghostly spirits attracted to the historic hotel. To celebrate this folklore, every October Historic Hotels of America provides travelers with information about historic hotels that want to share their ghost stories and offer guests experiences related to the season.
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Fairmont San Francisco (1907) San Francisco, California (historic image). Credit: Historic Hotels of America and Fairmont San Francisco.
Casa Monica Resort & Spa (1888) St. Augustine, Florida. Photo credit: Historic Hotels of America and Casa Monica Resort & Spa.
1886 Crescent Hotel & Spa (1886) Eureka Springs, Arkansas. Photo credit: Historic Hotels of America and 1886 Crescent Hotel & Spa.
Hotel del Coronado (1888) San Diego, California. Photo credit: Historic Hotels of America and Hotel del Coronado.
Jekyll Island Club Resort (1887) Jekyll Island, Georgia. Photo credit: Historic Hotels of America and Jekyll Island Club Resort.
Le Pavillon, New Orleans, a Tribute Portfolio Hotel (1907) New Orleans, Louisiana. Photo credit: Historic Hotels of America and Le Pavillon, New Orleans, a Tribute Portfolio Hotel (1907) New Orleans, Louisiana.
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The historic hotels highlighted in The 2025 Top 25 Historic Hotels of America Most Haunted Hotels list are places where generations of staff and guests pass along the tales of spectral Revolutionary War soldiers, smoky silhouettes of U.S. presidents, melancholy spirits of tragic brides, unexplained footsteps, and parties that never stopped, as well as friendly phantom bellhops and engineers. For believers and skeptics alike, these hotels offer legends of guests who never want to leave, and staff who never stop helping. Some historic hotels celebrate October with special packages, pumpkin carving contests, ghost story readings, haunted history tours, and specialty cocktails. Thrill-seekers and cultural travelers interested in a local legend need to look no further than the grand hotels, legendary luxury resorts, and iconic inns across the United States that have been inducted into Historic Hotels of America.
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Historic Inns of Annapolis (1727) Annapolis, Maryland
The Maryland Inn, one of the Historic Inns of Annapolis in Annapolis, Maryland, is reportedly haunted by a variety of specters since it was established in 1772. Supposed ghostly sightings by employees and guests include glimpses of shadowy figures dressed in either Revolutionary War-era uniforms or 19th-century clothing. Unexplained noises, scents, and missing objects–as some employees have experienced–are thought to have supernatural explanations, at least according to some believers. Local legend suggests that at least two of the ghosts that haunt the inn are Navy Captain Charles Campbell and his intended bride, known only today as The Bride. According to the tale, Captain Campbell and The Bride were separated while he was away at sea, during which time The Bride waited for him at the Maryland Inn. Campbell was killed by a horse-drawn carriage as he was returning from sea to be reunited with his love at the inn, and she took her own life minutes later, both dying right outside the historic inn. Both The Bride and Captain Campbell are rumored to haunt the Maryland Inn to this day. According to authors Michael Carter and Julia Dray in Haunted Annapolis: Ghosts of the Capital City (2012), The Bride paces around the fourth floor, and Captain Campbell has been seen in his naval uniform in the basement taproom. Guests encountering the ghosts in-residence is an uncommon occurrence, but is not unheard of; some guests staying in the fourth-floor guestrooms have felt a cold presence. Historic Inns of Annapolis was inducted into Historic Hotels of America in 1996 and dates to 1727.
Nassau Inn (1756) Princeton, New Jersey
At the historic Nassau Inn in Princeton, New Jersey, guests and staff alike have shared stories of unexplained happenings within its walls for many years. From temperature changes to accounts of full-body apparitions, the inn’s lore creates an atmosphere that is both enchanting and eerie during this time of year. One of the inn’s most famous ghost stories features Kurt Gödel, Albert Einstein’s close friend and colleague. When they were both living in Princeton, Gödel and Einstein often ended their walks at Nassau Inn to enjoy a cup of tea. Today, many believe that Gödel’s presence still lingers in the second-floor lobby, near the iconic red chairs where he was known to sit with Einstein. Paranormal investigators reported that their equipment responded most intensely when a photograph of Gödel’s wife, Adele, was displayed while recounting Kurt Gödel’s story. The staff say that they like to think that his spirit takes comfort in knowing that his beloved Adele continues to be honored. The second-floor lobby is also where visitors or staff are most likely to report unusual temperature changes, and some claim to have seen an apparition of a woman in period dress gliding down the nearby staircase. For guests who want a Halloween wedding experience, the hotel leans into its haunted legacy, selecting black linens, chandeliers, and tall candlesticks for the décor, and serving seasonal “spirited” cocktails at the bar. Want to learn more? Princeton Tour Company, a local business known for its Princeton history walks, features Nassau Inn in its ghost tours. With its perfect blend of historic charm and haunting, mysterious atmosphere, Nassau Inn dates to 1756 and was inducted into Historic Hotels of America in 2024.
Beekman Arms and Delamater Inn (1766) Rhinebeck, New York
For over 250 years, the charming Beekman Arms of the historic Beekman Arms and Delamater Inn in Rhinebeck, New York, has been a resting place for weary travelers. Famous for hosting American Revolution figures like George Washington and Alexander Hamilton, the inn is known today not only for its prestigious guest list, but also for its ghost stories. Guests and staff alike report ghostly footsteps, cold breezes, strange smells, and whispers, especially in Rooms 21 and 22. Paranormal investigators and influencers have documented numerous eerie encounters throughout the inn. The Tavern at Beekman Arms is the oldest part of the inn and frequently the location where reports of strange sightings occur. The most consistent story told by employees is the sighting of a black figure that emerges from the wine cellar. This figure has also been seen walking around the kitchen. Visitors and staff alike have photographed orbs in the Tavern’s dining room and attic. But it is the basement, a location with stories that tie the inn to the Underground Railroad and Prohibition, that staff consider to be the most haunted area of the inn. During autumn, the inn hosts ghost storytelling events in the basement, where a storyteller regales guests with tales of unexplained phenomena, and The Tavern at Beekman Arms hosts an annual Halloween party featuring themed cocktails and food. With centuries of continuous operation, Beekman Arms remains a living—and possibly haunted—piece of American history. Beekman Arms and Delamater Inn was inducted into Historic Hotels of America in 2006 and dates to 1766.
Tubac Golf Resort and Spa (1789) Tubac, Arizona
The modern history of Tubac Golf Resort and Spa in Tubac, Arizona, can be traced back to 1789, when the Spanish crown granted hundreds of acres of land to Don Toribio de Otero for his family to settle. The resort is located on the former Otero cattle ranch, operated by generations of Oteros before they were forced to sell, and the core of the estate was reinvented as a luxury resort in the 1950s. Harkening back to the days of the Otero Family, employees and guests have claimed to hear, see, and experience unexplainable activity. In recent decades, resort guests have reported at least four unique ghosts including a boy, a lady in gray, a very active gentleman, and a cowboy. Some of these spirits are believed to date back to the early days of the resort when it was the Otero Ranch. The paranormal activity has been investigated by the Phoenix Arizona Paranormal Society. Guests can learn more about the Tubac hauntings in Haunted Otero: Ghost Tales From the American Southwest (2014) by Diana Hinojosa-DeLugan, who has given ghost tours of Tubac Golf Resort and Spa. Tubac Golf Resort and Spa was inducted into Historic Hotels of America in 2008 and dates to 1789.
The Sayre Mansion (1858) Bethlehem, Pennsylvania
The spirits at The Sayre Mansion in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, are—according to eyewitness reports—mischievous in nature. Employees and guests report experiencing tugs on their clothing that cannot be explained, as well as televisions that mysteriously turn off. A maintenance technician was alone repairing a toilet when a small washer suddenly disappeared and ended up across the room underneath the bathmat; it seems as if a playful ghost wanted to play a game of hide-and-seek. The standing theory is that these playful spirits are the ghosts of Sayre Family members. The Sayre Mansion saw more than its fair share of tragedy in its early days. The Sayre Family moved into the Gothic Revival-style mansion in Bethlehem’s prestigious Fountain Hill borough in 1858. Mr. Sayre resided here for nearly 50 years, raising eight children with four different wives. Tragically, some of his children passed away at the mansion, as did three of his four wives. In 1907, Mr. Sayre passed away in the home. Over the years, staff and guests have reported unexplained encounters in the mansion. Recently, a team of ghost hunters conducted a paranormal investigation at The Sayre Mansion and detected significant supernatural activity. Their findings corroborated the experiences of staff and visitors. Several times a year, including around Halloween, The Sayre Mansion offers a Paranormal Experience package. The overnight stay features a paranormal presentation and investigation led by a team of ghost hunters. Guests also enjoy a catered dinner served in the basement, which was refurbished into a private meeting room and event space. The Sayre Mansion also periodically offers evening Ghost Tours. Upcoming guided tours are scheduled for October 13 and October 14,and visitors can contact the hotel to learn more. The Sayre Mansion was inducted into Historic Hotels of America in 2013 and dates to 1858.
Deerfield Inn (1884) Deerfield, Massachusetts
In the heart of one of the country’s most beautifully preserved Colonial villages, Deerfield Inn has long been known for its history. Less famous, but well-known to the staff and lucky guests, are three playful resident spirits who are said to roam the inn, each with their own distinct personality. Some unexplained occurrences are credited to the spirit of Cora Carlisle, a former innkeeper who sold Deerfield Inn to Henry and Helen Flynt, founders of Historic Deerfield, in the 1940s. Cora was known to hold séances to consult her late husband on important decisions—including the sale of the inn. Her spirit is most often felt near two second-floor guestrooms, quietly checking on doors and ensuring that guests are safe for the night. A recent innkeeper described sensing Cora’s benign presence watching over her shoulder, as if still keeping tabs on the inn she once ran. Another story tells of a spirit called Chester, named by the inn’s staff, who is a shadowy figure occasionally spotted on the back kitchen stairwell. He tends to appear late at night, particularly to employees cleaning up after events. Chester never causes harm, but his quiet appearances have startled more than a few employees. The third spirit, Herschel, is described by the staff as playful. Guests have reported the sound of running footsteps in empty hallways, pages of books fluttering in the night, and even blankets being tugged from sleeping guests—believed by some to be Herschel’s harmless pranks. Embracing its ghost lore with enthusiasm, Deerfield Inn has welcomed several paranormal investigations over the years. Surrounded by rolling farmland, historic homes, and cultural landmarks, Deerfield Inn offers visitors a peaceful retreat steeped in early American history. Deerfield Inn was inducted into Historic Hotels of America in 2025 and dates to 1884.
1886 Crescent Hotel & Spa (1886) Eureka Springs, Arkansas
Among several restless spirits believed to haunt 1886 Crescent Hotel & Spa in Eureka Springs, Arkansas, is Theodora. In the 1930s, the hotel was a hospital for the treatment of cancer patients. Unfortunately, a con man, "Dr." Norman Baker, claimed to be a licensed physician and charged unsuspecting families their life savings to "treat" patients in his hospital. Tour guides, hotel staff, and guests alike allege that Theodora, one of Baker's patients, who passed away on-site, makes her presence known by folding guests’ clothes, organizing their closet, or arranging personal items that had been scattered around the guestroom. In recent years, a couple purposefully scattered their loose change around the guestroom on tabletops and nightstands shortly before leaving for dinner downstairs in the Crystal Dining Room. Upon their return, they were overjoyed to find that their coins had been neatly reorganized in stacks of quarters, dimes, nickels, and pennies atop their dresser. Guests have also reported seeing Norman Baker in the hotel lobby. He is described as a man in a purple shirt and white linen suit matching photographs of the infamous entrepreneur. Some of the most haunting stories about 1886 Crescent Hotel & Spa are recounted during the hotel’s ghost tour by the tour guides. Year-round, 1886 Crescent Hotel & Spa offers a cocktail named Theodora's Spicy Secret in honor of the eternal guest. 1886 Crescent Hotel & Spa was inducted into Historic Hotels of America in 2000 and dates to 1886.
Jekyll Island Club Resort (1887) Jekyll Island, Georgia
Jekyll Island Club Resort on Jekyll Island, Georgia, has seen many families come and go since the resort opened in 1887. Since that time, there have been seven different ghosts that reportedly haunt this resort. One story is about the ghost of a former president, who walks along the veranda at sunset. A woman in a blue party dress has also been seen dreamily dancing and looking for her lost love, a handsome hotel waiter with whom she had spent a flirty evening dancing with. She passed on not long after, but perhaps never left the resort. Another ghost is a bellman dressed in a period uniform from the 1920s, with a cap and suit, who is said to regularly deliver freshly pressed suits to bridegrooms. More than one soon-to-be-married groom, who had not ordered this service, has asked the hotel staff about the ghostly bellman. Another such encounter involves industrialist J.P. Morgan, who stayed at the resort's Sans Souci Cottage. Mr. Morgan was a lover of cigars. As the story goes, one could tell where he was by following the trail of smoke. To avoid criticism of his favorite hobby, he would rise early every morning, by 5 a.m., to enjoy a cigar on the porch. While most contemporary guests are not rising at such an early hour for a cigar, those who have stayed in the historic Morgan apartment swear that they have awakened to the faint smell of cigar smoke wafting about when there is absolutely no one else awake. Jekyll Island Club Resort was inducted into Historic Hotels of America in 1994.
Hotel del Coronado (1888) San Diego, California
According to medium James Van Praagh, Hotel del Coronado is “besides being gorgeous and completely unique, extremely haunted.” Van Praagh, who held a 2018 séance at Hotel del Coronado in San Diego, California, was especially impressed by the paranormal activity he perceived in the lobby of the grand resort hotel. Over a century of unexplained phenomena have occurred throughout the resort, where there have been sightings of a small Victorian-era girl, a man in period clothing, and a woman in white. Pots and pans rattle in the kitchen, and objects move in the historic gift shop. The hotel’s most famous ghost is the tragic Kate Morgan, age 24, who died at the hotel on Thanksgiving Day in 1892, and is rumored to have never left. According to hotel employees, she said she was waiting for a gentleman to join her. After five lonely days, Kate took her own life. At the time of her death, police could find nothing to positively identify her, so a description of the woman was telegraphed to police agencies around the country. As a result, newspapers began to refer to her as the “beautiful stranger.” Eventually, she was identified as Mrs. Kate Morgan, a domestic worker in a wealthy Los Angeles household. The tragic tale of Kate Morgan continues to intrigue hotel visitors, and Kate’s original third-floor guestroom is the most-requested room at the resort. In it, guests have experienced flickering lights, a television that turns itself on and off, breezes coming from nowhere, items moving of their own accord, doors that randomly open and close, abrupt changes in room temperature, and unexplained footsteps and voices. Another room, Room 3519, is also the subject of ghostly reports. This October, the hotel is hosting several spooky season events, including "An Evening with the Spirits" Victorian seance, Halloween pumpkin carving, and a “Ghost Roast” bonfire on the beach with s’mores. Hotel del Coronado was inducted into Historic Hotels of America in 2007 and dates to 1888.
Casa Monica Resort & Spa (1888) St. Augustine, Florida
Built as a labor of love and as an ode to Moorish Revival-style architecture by Franklin W. Smith, this majestic St. Augustine, Florida, resort has been a landmark of the historic city since 1888. Unfortunately for Smith, financial troubles forced him to sell the hotel to his business rival after only a year in operation—a dream ending in despair. In 1911, Smith died in anonymity and poverty. Did his spirit return to haunt his beloved Casa Monica Resort & Spa? Some guests and staff believe that it did. From glowing lights on the third floor, to mischievous pillow fights in rooms staged for photography, the hotel decided to bring in a paranormal expert. A local tour guide accompanied a medium to witness the haunting, and on the top floor of the Kessler Suite, the medium reported seeing a man with big bushy sideburns pacing back and forth. She encouraged the tour guide to approach the man, who was clearly in despair. The guide only remembers being completely frozen, a feeling unlike any other that she had felt in the ten years of leading tours, and the medium saw a confusing vision of broken tiles crashing outside the window. Later, while researching the history of the hotel, they discovered that not only did the medium describe the physical characteristics of Franklin W. Smith, but they surmised that he would have been heartbroken to know that the building's original terra cotta roof had been replaced. Perhaps after a life full of hardships, Franklin W. Smith has returned to the source of his greatest heartbreak. Guests can discover more haunted history by joining a St. Augustine ghost tour. Casa Monica Resort & Spa was inducted into Historic Hotels of America in 2001.
The Brown Palace Hotel and Spa, Autograph Collection (1892) Denver, Colorado
With over 130 years of history, as Denver, Colorado’s Grande Dame, The Brown Palace Hotel and Spa, Autograph Collection has witnessed many dramatic events unfold within its walls—from romances and scandals, to murders and fatal accidents. Some staff and guests claim that the former guests involved in those moments may still linger, long after their bodies were laid to rest. The legends even point to the hotel’s architecture as a conduit for spirits: the hotel’s right-triangular design, said to be rooted in Masonic geometry, and the 720-foot-deep artesian well at its center, have led some to believe that the hotel was conceived as a spiritual portal. Paranormal activity has been reported throughout the hotel, although the Brown Palace Club—perched directly above the well—remains the most active. Floors eight and nine, once long-term apartments, are also notorious: the deceased resident of Suite 904 was said to place phone calls to the switchboard long after her passing. Founding hotelier Henry C. Brown himself is believed to linger near his office, and other sightings have been credited to the spirits of a sommelier and a housekeeper. Each October, the hotel embraces this haunted legacy with its popular Spirits of the Brown Haunted History Tour, Monster Brunch, Autumn in the Atrium: Halloween Tea Series for Afternoon Tea, and the inaugural Gilded Masquerade Ball on Halloween. These elegant experiences invite guests to step into the mysteries of the season within its storied halls. The Brown Palace Hotel and Spa, Autograph Collection was inducted into Historic Hotels of America in 2023 and dates to 1892.
Hotel Colorado (1893) Glenwood Springs, Colorado
Hotel Colorado in Glenwood Springs, Colorado, is recognized not only for its historical significance, but also for its stories that defy a mundane explanation. The most famous ghost who is said to roam Hotel Colorado goes by the name Walter, affectionately named after Walter Devereux, the hotel’s founder. His presence has been reportedly sensed in the hotel’s halls and lobby during the evening, where witnesses have claimed to smell cigar smoke, even though the hotel has not allowed smoking inside for years. Another notable ghost is Bobbie, who, according to legend, was a nurse when the hotel served as a naval hospital during World War II. She was allegedly killed by a jealous lover, an officer stationed at the hotel. Over the years, a variety of unexplained phenomena have been attributed to Bobbie, especially in the dining room during lunch and dinner times. Guests and staff have reported smelling a specific perfume trailing from Bobbie’s favorite table. Some guests have identified the scent as Gardenia, a perfume from the 1930s and 1940s that is no longer in production. But it is not just the common areas of the hotel that have been shrouded in mystery — some of the guestrooms have been the location of strange sightings as well. Guests can get into the spooky spirit at the hotel’s second annual Halloween Costume Ball on Friday, October 24. Complete with music, dancing, a costume contest, spooky movies, and ghost tours, it promises to be a frighteningly good time. Tickets are available separately for the event or with a room package that includes 15% savings off standard rates. Hotel Colorado, which dates to 1893, was listed in the National Register of Historic Places in 1977 and inducted into Historic Hotels of America in 2007.
The Algonquin Hotel Times Square, Autograph Collection (1902) New York, New York
The Algonquin Hotel Times Square, Autograph Collection, a historic landmark in New York City since it opened in 1902, is characterized by a rich tapestry of literary history and ghostly tales. Staff and guests often recount spine-tingling stories of ghostly apparitions, particularly in the lobby and dining room, where literary legends like Dorothy Parker, F. Scott Fitzgerald, and George S. Kaufman once gathered for spirited discussions. Many have reported hearing footsteps in empty hallways, suggesting that the echoes of past conversations linger, creating an atmosphere where the past feels palpably present. The hotel's enchanting ambiance, filled with creativity and nostalgia, seems to invite these spirits to partake in its ongoing narrative. To enhance this otherworldly experience, the hotel offers the Hex and the City package, allowing guests to connect with spirits through personalized Tarot readings, energy healing, and numerology insights from celebrity energy reader, Cardsy B. Throughout the month of October, The Algonquin Hotel embraces its haunted heritage with special events and offerings, making it a perfect destination for those intrigued by the supernatural and the rich stories that echo within its walls. The Algonquin Hotel Times Square, Autograph Collection was inducted into Historic Hotels of America in 2023.
Fairmont San Francisco (1907) San Francisco, California
The tales from California’s "City by the Bay” Grande Dame, Fairmont San Francisco, highlight the often-complicated relationship between ghost lore and recorded history. In 1902, silver mine heiresses Theresa “Tessie” Fair Oelrichs and Virginia “Birdie” Fair Vanderbilt began construction of Fairmont San Francisco as a tribute to their father, James Graham Fair. The sisters sold their interest in the hotel just days before the 1906 earthquake and they went on to fund other personal projects and philanthropic causes. The hotel was redesigned to be earthquake-proof and construction finished in 1907. Despite these facts, strange folklore passed on at the hotel tells a different story: the sisters perished in the earthquake, their spirits forever tied to the grand hotel they envisioned but—at least according to the legend—never saw completed. Today, there are reports of a gentle and protective presence in the hotel that is attributed to the sisters. A few guests have reported feeling a soft, caring caress on their cheek while sleeping. These benevolent spirits are said to roam the halls, ensuring that everything is in place, as tender guardians of Fairmont San Francisco. Hotel staff describe the phenomena as a “haunting with a heart.” The legend adds an alluring layer of mystery to Fairmont San Francisco, making its haunted reputation every bit as rich as its storied luxury. This October, Afternoon Tea at Fairmont San Francisco takes a delightfully haunting turn with spooky-yet-spirited pastries and sandwiches. From hauntingly sweet confections to eerie-elegant bites, each tier offers a whimsical nod to the month’s festive charms. Guests are invited to embrace the spirit of the season with festive attire. Fairmont San Francisco was inducted into Historic Hotels of America in 2001.
Le Pavillon, New Orleans, a Tribute Portfolio Hotel (1907) New Orleans, Louisiana
Since 1907, Le Pavillon, New Orleans, a Tribute Portfolio Hotel has upheld the honorary title of the “Belle of New Orleans” with its breathtaking lobby, featuring marble floors, statues, spectacular Czech crystal chandeliers, and an array of American and European antique furnishings and artwork. But every grand hotel has its secrets, and Le Pavillon has Phillipe, a playful spirit who has been credited with pranks on the third floor for decades. Guests have experienced sheets tugged from their beds in the middle of the night, and bellmen have witnessed suitcases stack themselves neatly on carts. The housekeeping team stopped blaming each other for misplaced equipment, realizing instead that Phillipe simply enjoys a good prank. Far from frightening, Phillipe has become a charming part of the Le Pavillon legend, and a reminder that the past never truly leaves us; it simply lingers, in style. To celebrate the season, the hotel offers a Boo’z & Beads package for guests that includes two tickets for a walking ghost tour, two cocktails with snacks, and a set of black, orange, and purple beads. Additionally, the hotel's complimentary peanut butter and jelly sandwiches are cut into Halloween shapes this season. Le Pavillon, New Orleans, a Tribute Portfolio Hotel was inducted into Historic Hotels of America in 1994 and is listed in the National Register of Historic Places.
The Gunter Hotel San Antonio Riverwalk (1909) San Antonio, Texas
From haunted tours to themed packages, The Gunter Hotel San Antonio Riverwalk in San Antonio, Texas, keeps its spooky legends alive every Halloween season, drawing thrill-seekers and history buffs alike. If guests ask a staff member about the hotel’s ghost stories, they will likely want to tell guests about Room 636. This room has long been shrouded in mystery. Since the 1960s, guests and staff alike have reported unsettling phenomena, including unexplained cold spots, flickering lights, and the sound of faint whispers or footsteps when no one is present. Some claim to have seen a shadowy figure lingering near the doorway, or catch the faint scent of cigar smoke, despite smoking being prohibited. Housekeepers have shared stories of entering the room only to feel watched, or to find objects mysteriously moved. Beyond Room 636, other guests have described seeing a woman in white drifting through the hallways, hearing phantom piano music in now-empty spaces that were once filled with music, and even catching the scent of cigar smoke in non-smoking areas. Security guards have reported dark figures moving in the ballroom and basement areas after hours, only to vanish upon closer inspection. These layered accounts from both staff and visitors have become part of the hotel’s folklore. In past years, the hotel has leaned into its century-old stories by highlighting Room 636 in local ghost tours, partnering with San Antonio’s haunted history groups, and participating in citywide Halloween festivities. Guests sometimes book stays in October specifically, for those hoping to experience the paranormal side of the historic hotel. The hotel embraces the season with themed cocktails at Bar 414 and the new Keystone Club, live music with a moody flair, and occasional Halloween-inspired packages created to spotlight its haunted legacy. The Gunter Hotel San Antonio Riverwalk was inducted into Historic Hotels of America in 2025 and dates to 1909.
La Fonda on the Plaza (1922) Santa Fe, New Mexico
After dark, Santa Fe, New Mexico, promises to enchant visitors with paranormal legends and ghost stories from its 400-year history, and La Fonda on the Plaza offers guests a firsthand look at the myths surrounding Santa Fe Plaza. This October, the historic hotel offers a ghost tour and a special room package. On the tour, guests are invited to listen for mysterious harp music in the historic plaza, and to watch for the spectral echoes of tragic brides, mournful mothers, and headless horsemen. Of course, the hotel itself is no stranger to ghosts: several apparitions have reportedly been seen at the hotel, including one thought to be John P. Slough, Chief Justice of the New Mexico Territorial Supreme Court. Slough frequented La Fonda, then the Exchange Hotel, and was shot and fatally wounded in the hotel lobby in 1867. Another ghost sighting at the hotel is attributed to the spirit of a distraught salesman, who jumped into the hotel’s well after losing a card game; guests have claimed to see his form emerging from the fountain. This time of year, La Fonda embraces the region’s rich cultural traditions, which are tied to the spirit world. Each year, the hotel combines Halloween with Día de los Muertos celebrations, creating a beautiful ofrenda in the hotel lobby to honor the departed. Guests can enjoy celebratory cocktails inspired by the season, and a professional face painter is often available in the lobby to create traditional Día de los Muertos designs. This annual celebration ties the hotel’s haunted history to the local culture, providing a memorable and immersive experience for visitors. La Fonda on the Plaza was inducted into Historic Hotels of America in 1991 and dates to 1922.
The George Washington Hotel (1922) Washington, Pennsylvania
Since opening in 1922 in downtown Washington, Pennsylvania, The George Washington Hotel has developed a reputation for being haunted. In fact, many contemporary ghost hunters have conducted regular investigations of the historic building. Their visits have often turned up a wealth of evidence, with much of the paranormal activity supposedly focused on the fourth floor, and the rest of the paranormal activity spread out between the eighth and tenth floors. Staff and guests have recounted dozens of paranormal encounters. For instance, visitors have spotted the grand piano in the hotel lobby playing by itself, with disembodied voices echoing in the background. Some have even stated that the lobby’s paintings of George and Martha Washington possess a captivating stare, their eyes following guests intently throughout the lobby. Spectral figures can sometimes be seen drinking in Bradford’s Lounge, the hotel’s bar. Staff have reported hearing children’s laughter on the fourth floor, housekeepers have told stories of seeing ghostly figures glide across various floors, and maintenance workers have observed shadows near the boilers. Perhaps these spirits are just trying to help at this historic hotel. Guests can rest assured, as the spirits that allegedly roam the halls are friendly. Happy to share these spooky legends, the hotel has offered ghost tours and proudly displays a photograph of orbs that was taken at the hotel. The George Washington Hotel was inducted into Historic Hotels of America in 2023.
The Royal Sonesta Chase Park Plaza St. Louis (1922) St. Louis, Missouri
Located in the heart of St. Louis, Missouri, The Royal Sonesta Chase Park Plaza St. Louis opened in 1922 and, if guests ask a staff member about its history, they may regale guests with tales of famous guests like Count Basie and Ella Fitzgerald, or the quirks of the U.S. presidents who have visited the hotel. But if you ask about the hotel’s ghost stories, you will learn about The Bride. The story goes, many years ago, a bride tragically died after falling from the 19th-floor terrace on her wedding night, sparking decades of speculation that unexplained phenomena in the hotel may be attributed to her spirit. Her mysterious death—no note left behind, an unconscious husband, and swirling rumors—became the foundation for ghostly sightings reported at the hotel, especially on the third floor where she tragically landed. The legend deepened in 1979 when a new hotel director, unaware of the floor’s haunted reputation, resigned after seeing The Bride’s reflection while shaving. These accounts have cemented The Bride’s ghost as a permanent part of the hotel’s haunted legacy. This October, The Royal Sonesta Chase Park Plaza St. Louis is organizing several activities to help guests celebrate the season, including a Halloween Pumpkin Carving Contest—designed by staff and voted on by guests—and the Chef's Chocolate Tasting Dinner on October 24. The dinner is a ticketed event, featuring a five-course tasting menu that incorporates Felchlin Swiss chocolate and a chocolate expert to guide diners through their meal. The Royal Sonesta Chase Park Plaza St. Louis was inducted into Historic Hotels of America in 2025.
Hotel Ändra Seattle MGallery Collection (1926) Seattle, Washington
Opening in 1926, Hotel Ändra Seattle MGallery Collection in Seattle, Washington, has lived many lives, from elegant apartments during the Jazz Age, to a transfer station for the Women’s Army Corps during World War II, to its rebirth as a Scandinavian-inspired boutique hotel. With nearly a century of history within its walls, the beloved downtown hotel has become known for more than its warm hospitality. The legends of a Prohibition Era party that never ended are based on reports from the ninth floor, where staff and guests alike allege to have heard the echoes of raucous jazz parties: unseen revelers, breaking glass, laughter, and piano music with no visible origin. This lore is more about the festive atmosphere than fright; the energy is described as lively and exuberant, evoking the vibrant spirit of the Roaring Twenties. Because of these stories of spirited partygoers, Hotel Ändra Seattle MGallery Collection is frequently cited in local haunted hotel stories, and is recognized by local media as one of the city’s most haunted sites. Far from frightening, these stories enrich the hotel’s history and charm, adding intrigue for curious travelers. Hotel Ändra Seattle MGallery Collection was inducted into Historic Hotels of America in 2023.
Hassayampa Inn (1927) Prescott, Arizona
Hassayampa Inn in Prescott, Arizona, has a reputation as an active haunt, with a variety of unexplained experiences reported since it opened in 1927. Most of its paranormal tales involve a ghost that many have called Faith. Legend has it that soon after the hotel opened, a bride (Faith) and her newlywed husband checked into Hassayampa Inn on their honeymoon. According to the story, Faith’s husband went out to buy cigarettes and never returned. Faith waited for three days and then took her own life in despair. Since then, countless hotel guests and employees have reported encounters with a young woman throughout the hotel, crying at the end of a bed, dressed in a pink gown in the hallway, and appearing and disappearing from guestrooms. One housekeeper saw a woman by a bed, holding flowers and crying. When asked if she needed help, the woman vanished. Kitchen staff have reported feeling Faith’s presence in the kitchen, right before the burners on the stove suddenly went out. Others have reported strange cold spots in Faith’s honeymoon suite. Frequently, the smell of flowers emanates from the empty room. Others have experienced lights or the television turning on in the middle of the night, or waking to find their toothbrushes missing. However, Faith never threatens in these encounters; the heartbroken ghost simply appears to be unable to move on from her anguish. One recent guest, a young man, said that he sensed someone in his room when he awoke. He drifted off to sleep and awoke to someone hugging him. Then he asked if there had been incidents of ghostly encounters at the hotel. “Oh, that’s just Faith,” the front desk clerk said. Hassayampa Inn was inducted into Historic Hotels of America in 1996.
The Fairmont Sonoma Mission Inn & Spa (1927) Sonoma, California
The Fairmont Sonoma Mission Inn & Spa in Sonoma, California, welcomes guests from both the past and present, believing that their ghosts haunt where they were happiest. The inn’s tenured employees will testify that when the evenings are still and the fog rolls in from the San Francisco Bay, a beautiful woman has been seen strolling the hallways of the inn in period clothing: Victoria. One of the early European settlers of Sonoma Valley, Victoria is said to have celebrated her wedding and many anniversaries at the resort. For decades, guests have commented on the otherworldly presences at the resort. A well-appointed room in the original inn building is reportedly haunted by the ghost of an elderly man. For years, guests have noted a feeling of not being alone in their room at night. They have described hearing doors slam, catching sight of something out of the corner of their eye, or seeing something run down the hall and around the corner. The famously haunted Round Room is perhaps one of the most haunted hotel rooms in California. Guests have reported paranormal activity in the room, including flickering lights, unexplained noises, shadowy figures, running water and more. The Fairmont Sonoma Mission Inn & Spa was inducted into Historic Hotels of America in 2014 and dates to 1927.
Hotel Saranac, Curio Collection by Hilton (1927) Saranac Lake, New York
Goblins, ghouls, spirits, and specters all will be wandering the streets of Saranac Lake, New York, on Halloween night. Of course, most will be children dressed in costumes for the occasion. But deep in the heart of Hotel Saranac, Curio Collection by Hilton, there may be a distinguished man dressed in a black suit with tails and a top hat. Believers think that the man is Howard Littell; and, no, he is not in costume. Saranac Lake’s high school once stood on the grounds of Hotel Saranac, and the dearly departed Littell was the superintendent of schools for nearly 35 years. Littell was known for roaming the high school’s hallways and keeping the students in line. The high school relocated in 1926, and Hotel Saranac was built on the site the following year. Littell moved on with the new high school, but–apparently–his spirit did not; people have claimed to have seen him wandering the halls of the hotel, perhaps looking for any stray students to keep in line. Every floor has a story, from the spectral sightings near the ballroom on the second floor, to the scratching of a ghost cat on the third floor. Stories abound about guests hearing singing on the sixth floor. Of course, some report that Howard Littell is still roaming the basement. Hotel Saranac, Curio Collection by Hilton was inducted into Historic Hotels of America in 1998 and dates to 1927.
Piñon Court by La Fonda (1930s) Santa Fe, New Mexico
Situated just off historic Route 66, Piñon Court by La Fonda in Santa Fe, New Mexico, has more than its fair share of ghost stories from guests and staff. Over the years, several unusual incidents have been reported, making the historic inn one of the most talked-about stays in Santa Fe. Room 6 is often mentioned. On one occasion, the maintenance manager and a laundry representative knocked on the door only to find that the door was blocked from the inside. When they finally entered, they discovered that the entire TV cabinet, with the television still on it, was pushed against the door. Since the room is on the second floor and was unoccupied at the time, there was no clear explanation for how the cabinet could have moved. Guests have also noted strange noises and unexplained cold spots in this room. In Room 39, housekeeping staff once reported that the television suddenly shut off and was found unplugged, despite no one being in the room. And late one evening, a guest came to the front desk after seeing a woman in period clothing walk into the breakfast area. Sightings of this same figure have been reported more than once. Whether explained or unexplained, these stories have become part of the character of Piñon Court. Guests may come for the charm and history, but a few leave with a ghost story of their own. Piñon Court by La Fonda was inducted into Historic Hotels of America in 2022 and dates to the 1930s.
The Wort Hotel (1941) Jackson, Wyoming
The Wort Hotel in Jackson, Wyoming, is home to a friendly, mischievous ghost named Bob, a former engineer at the hotel who likes to play tricks on his successors. Robert “Bob” Tomingas took a job as The Wort Hotel’s maintenance engineer in 1950. Bob was a mechanical genius and, over the course of his career, he rebuilt the hotel’s heating, water, and electrical systems. During the winter nights in the 1950s, when the temperature would drop below zero and the hotel’s overworked boiler would begin to act up, Bob would arrive in the middle of the night to nurse the heating system. Hotel workers arriving in the morning would find him asleep on a blanket next to the boiler. In life, Bob was known for being able to fix the impossible. He spent his time off repairing and maintaining equipment around the valley of Jackson Hole. In his later years at The Wort Hotel, Bob was often consulted on the whereabouts of wiring, pipes, valves, and all the secrets of the historic hotel. Current engineers credit Bob for helping them solve the mysteries of burst pipes and broken wiring. On occasion, Bob also enjoys rearranging the maintenance shop, to the delight of the hotel’s engineers. While Bob never appears to hotel guests, the staff at The Wort Hotel consider him to be a valuable team member. The Wort Hotel was inducted into Historic Hotels of America in 2002 and dates to 1941.
“More than merely ghost stories, these enduring legends and folklore contribute to the unique character of the inns, resorts, and hotels inducted into Historic Hotels of America,” said Lawrence Horwitz, Executive Vice President, Historic Hotels of America and Historic Hotels Worldwide. “The spirits reported to reside within these historic hotels have been described as sad or happy, shy or friendly, slowly meandering or in a rush, in casual coveralls or elegant finery, and range from young to old. The hotels on this list embrace their ghost stories as a treasured feature of their hotels. Many of them offer seasonal activities, from elegant teas and masquerades to spooky tours and seances, for all ages throughout October.”
About Historic Hotels of America ®
Historic Hotels of America ® is the official program of the National Trust for Historic Preservation for recognizing and celebrating the finest historic hotels from across the United States of America. The National Trust for Historic Preservation was chartered by U.S. Congress in 1949 and is a private 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. The National Trust for Historic Preservation is leading the movement to save the places where our history happened. To be nominated and selected for membership in this prestigious program, a hotel must be at least 50 years old; designated by the U.S. Secretary of the Interior as a National Historic Landmark or listed in or eligible for listing in the National Register of Historic Places; and recognized as having historical significance. Of the more than 300 historic hotels inducted into Historic Hotels of America from 42 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands, all historic hotels faithfully preserve their authenticity, sense of place, and architectural integrity. For more information, please visit HistoricHotels.org.
Fairmont San Francisco (1907) San Francisco, California (historic image). Credit: Historic Hotels of America and Fairmont San Francisco.
Casa Monica Resort & Spa (1888) St. Augustine, Florida. Photo credit: Historic Hotels of America and Casa Monica Resort & Spa.
1886 Crescent Hotel & Spa (1886) Eureka Springs, Arkansas. Photo credit: Historic Hotels of America and 1886 Crescent Hotel & Spa.
Hotel del Coronado (1888) San Diego, California. Photo credit: Historic Hotels of America and Hotel del Coronado.
Jekyll Island Club Resort (1887) Jekyll Island, Georgia. Photo credit: Historic Hotels of America and Jekyll Island Club Resort.
Le Pavillon, New Orleans, a Tribute Portfolio Hotel (1907) New Orleans, Louisiana. Photo credit: Historic Hotels of America and Le Pavillon, New Orleans, a Tribute Portfolio Hotel (1907) New Orleans, Louisiana.
