Sleep with the Spirits: Haunted Hotels You Can Actually Stay In (2025 Guide)
Haunted hotels you can stay in are more than just places to sleep – they’re where history, mystery, and imagination collide. Imagine checking into a centuries-old castle where candlelight dances against stone walls, or hearing footsteps echo through a moonlit corridor long after midnight. These are not just accommodations; they are living stories, filled with whispers from the past.
In this article, we’re going to explore some of the most haunted hotels you can stay in around the world – real places where guests have reported chills, knocks, flickering lights, and ghostly encounters that blend seamlessly with warm hospitality. From eerie European castles to elegant American inns and atmospheric Asian landmarks, these destinations offer travelers a unique chance to step inside the world’s most fascinating haunted legends.
As Halloween approaches, our team decided to uncover the most spine-tingling and story-filled stays around the world – haunted hotels you can actually check into this season.
Whether you’re a believer in the paranormal or simply intrigued by the romance of old-world stories, this guide reveals where to spend a night with history – and maybe a ghost or two – this Halloween season. So, pack your curiosity (and maybe a flashlight) as we check into the world’s most unforgettable haunted hotels.
Why We’re Drawn to Haunted Hotels
There’s something timeless about our fascination with haunted places. Maybe it’s the thrill of the unknown – or maybe it’s the quiet realization that every ancient building has a memory it refuses to let go of. Haunted hotels bridge that delicate space between history and imagination, offering travelers not just a place to rest, but a story to become part of.
Across the world, “ghost tourism” has grown into a curious form of cultural travel. Visitors aren’t only seeking fear – they’re chasing connection. These haunted hotels aren’t attractions built for Halloween; they’re preserved pieces of heritage, where local legends and architecture come together to tell a living story. Whether it’s a castle that once housed royalty or a Victorian inn that has seen generations come and go, each of these places feels like stepping into another century.
It’s not the specters that attract us most – it’s the humanity in the hauntings. The echo of laughter in an empty ballroom, the gentle brush of air on a grand staircase, or the story of a forgotten guest who never checked out. Staying overnight in such places isn’t just about superstition – it’s about curiosity, courage, and the beauty of travel that awakens all the senses, even the ones that question what’s real.
Haunted Hotels You Can Stay In: Europe
Europe wears its history like a shadow – beautiful, storied, and just a little haunted. Between its medieval castles and centuries-old inns, travelers will find no shortage of places where the past still whispers after dark. These haunted hotels you can stay in combine the romance of old-world charm with the thrill of the supernatural, offering a stay that’s as unforgettable as the destinations themselves.
Ballygally Castle Hotel, Northern Ireland
Perched along the Antrim coast, Ballygally Castle Hotel has been greeting guests – and ghosts – since 1625. Its ivy-covered towers and seaside views might look serene, but locals tell tales of Lady Isabella Shaw, a noblewoman said to wander the halls searching for her lost child. Guests report strange knocking sounds, cold spots, and flickering lights in what’s now known as The Ghost Room.
Today, the castle welcomes curious travelers with luxurious suites, cozy fireplaces, and storytelling evenings by candlelight. For Halloween 2025, the hotel will host its annual “Ghostly Gathering,” a mix of folklore, food, and fireside tales. Early bookings are essential – this haunt fills up fast.
Parador de Cardona, Spain
High above the Catalonian countryside stands Parador de Cardona, a fortress-turned-hotel that dates back to the 9th century. Beneath its grand stone towers lie stories of imprisoned nobles, forbidden love, and restless spirits said to roam the old keep. Guests staying in Room 712 – known for mysterious cold drafts and footsteps – have described the atmosphere as both eerie and enchanting.
Today, the Parador offers medieval-style rooms, candlelit dinners, and nighttime tours that recount the castle’s darker past. It’s the perfect blend of history and haunt – where every corridor feels like a gateway to another century.
Hotel Schwarzer Bock, Germany
In the quiet Bavarian town of Ansbach, the Hotel Schwarzer Bock has been serving guests since the 16th century – long enough to collect its share of legends. Soldiers, nobles, and travelers have all passed through its doors, but not all of them may have left. Guests and staff alike have reported faint voices, moving shadows, and sudden chills that seem to drift from nowhere.
Despite its eerie reputation, Schwarzer Bock is a charming stay for travelers who appreciate comfort with character. The hotel’s central location makes it perfect for exploring Ansbach’s baroque streets by day and returning to its ghostly warmth by night. Ask the staff – they’ll happily share the town’s haunted tales over a late-night drink.
Haunted Hotels You Can Stay In: North America
From fog-covered coasts to candlelit corridors, North America offers some of the most legendary haunted hotels – each one blending history, elegance, and a touch of the supernatural. Here, the past feels close enough to whisper, and every creak in the floorboards tells a story of its own.
The Stanley Hotel, Colorado, USA
Few haunted hotels are as iconic as The Stanley Hotel, nestled in the scenic mountain town of Estes Park, Colorado. Built in 1909, it inspired Stephen King’s The Shining, a fact that alone draws ghost hunters and literary fans from around the world. Guests and staff alike have reported flickering lights, piano music in empty rooms, and apparitions wandering the hallways late at night.
The Stanley embraces its spectral fame with nightly ghost tours, paranormal investigation experiences, and Halloween events that sell out months in advance. The hotel’s old-world charm and mountain views add an unexpected serenity to its spine-chilling atmosphere – proof that fear and beauty can coexist under one roof.
Hotel del Coronado, California, USA
On the sunlit shores of San Diego’s Coronado Island stands the legendary Hotel del Coronado, a Victorian masterpiece built in 1888. Behind its iconic red-tiled roof lies one of California’s most famous ghost stories – the spirit of Kate Morgan, a young woman who checked in but never checked out. Guests claim to have seen her wandering the halls, and some rooms are said to carry her lingering scent of lavender.
Far from gloomy, this beachfront hotel radiates old-Hollywood glamour, having hosted everyone from Marilyn Monroe to world leaders. For Halloween 2025, visitors can join evening “Haunted History Tours” or enjoy themed dinners under its softly glowing chandeliers. Whether you come for the hauntings or the heritage, Hotel del Coronado offers a timeless stay that’s both elegant and eerie.
Haunted Hotels You Can Stay In: Asia
Asia’s haunted hotels offer something different – not just ghost stories, but encounters steeped in spiritual beliefs, folklore, and history that span centuries. These hotels combine world-class hospitality with legends that make each night unforgettable. Here, the supernatural isn’t always sinister – sometimes it’s simply part of the culture’s deep respect for the unseen.
Grand Hyatt Taipei, Taiwan
Rising above the city’s skyline, the Grand Hyatt Taipei is known for its luxury, style, and – if you believe the stories – its restless spirits. Locals claim the hotel was built on the site of a former wartime prison camp, and guests have reported strange noises, flickering lights, and an eerie sense of being watched.
In response to these rumors, the hotel has embraced its reputation with grace, emphasizing peace and modern comfort. Many visitors find the atmosphere calm and inviting, though they can’t deny a certain chill that lingers after dark. During Halloween 2025, expect themed cocktails in the hotel bar and guided storytelling evenings that explore Taiwan’s ghostly traditions – all in the heart of Taipei’s dazzling nightlife.
Asia Hotel, Bangkok, Thailand
Just a short walk from the bustle of Siam Square, the Asia Hotel Bangkok is one of the Thai capital’s most enduring landmarks – and one with an unusually haunted reputation. Locals whisper about mysterious figures reflected in mirrors, phantom footsteps in empty corridors, and unexplained sobs late at night. Some guests have even requested specific “quiet” floors after hearing strange noises during their stay.
Despite the eerie tales, the Asia Hotel remains a favorite among travelers for its central location, affordability, and nostalgic charm. For the brave, staff can share old ghost stories linked to Bangkok’s history and temples, turning an ordinary overnight stay into a cultural adventure that touches both spirit and tradition.
Tips for Staying Overnight in Haunted Hotels
If you’re brave enough to spend a night in one of these haunted hotels, a little preparation can make the experience both thrilling and comfortable. Whether you’re hoping for a ghostly encounter or simply want a good night’s rest surrounded by history, these travel-tested tips will help you make the most of your stay.
1. Book Early – Especially for Halloween
Haunted hotels are surprisingly popular – especially in October. Rooms in famous locations like The Stanley Hotel or Ballygally Castle can sell out months in advance. If you’re planning a Halloween getaway, aim to reserve at least 2-3 months ahead to secure your spot (and maybe even your favorite haunted room).
2. Ask for the “Haunted” Room
Many hotels with ghostly reputations have specific rooms where most sightings or experiences have been reported. If you’re looking for a story to take home, ask the staff politely when booking. Most will happily share their legends – and sometimes even arrange a late-night tour.
3. Pack for Comfort and Atmosphere
Even the bravest travelers sleep better with familiar comforts. Bring a small flashlight, earplugs (for noisy spirits or creaky floors), and maybe a comforting playlist or sleep mask. A journal is also a great addition – you never know what you might want to record if something unusual happens.
4. Respect the History and the Spirits
Every haunted hotel is a historical site first and foremost. Treat the property – and its stories – with respect. Avoid mocking legends or sneaking into restricted areas. Remember, for locals and staff, these tales are often tied to family heritage and community identity.
5. Learn Local Ghost Etiquette
Beliefs about spirits vary from country to country. In Ireland, people leave a light on for friendly ghosts; in Thailand, offerings of incense are seen as respectful gestures. Before your stay, research the customs associated with your destination’s folklore – it’s both polite and fascinating.
6. Keep an Open Mind – and a Sense of Humor
Not every bump in the night is a ghost. Old plumbing, shifting air, or your own imagination can all play tricks. But that’s part of the fun. Approach your haunted stay with curiosity, not fear, and you’ll come away with a story you’ll tell for years.
Dare to Check In – If You’re Brave Enough
There’s something unforgettable about spending the night in a place where history refuses to rest. These haunted hotels invite travelers to experience the beauty of old architecture, the power of storytelling, and the thrill of the unknown – all wrapped into one night’s stay. Whether you find yourself in a misty Irish castle, an elegant Californian resort, or a ghostly high-rise in Asia, each destination proves that travel is about more than just seeing the world – it’s about feeling it.
For some, the allure lies in chasing ghosts. For others, it’s about connecting with the echoes of time – the laughter, love, and loss that have soaked into the walls for centuries. These haunted hotels offer that rare blend of comfort and curiosity that only true travelers appreciate: a reminder that even the past can be part of the journey.
If you enjoyed exploring these haunted stays and the stories behind them, we invite you to keep wandering with us. Discover more of our travel guides, hidden gems, and destination stories on Hellomyholiday.com – where every journey has a story, and sometimes, a spirit or two.
