Jade Small
Jade Small
January 20, 2025 ·  7 min read

Step Into the World’s Most Spine-Chilling Hotels

Hotels are meant to provide comfort and rest, yet some have earned chilling reputations for being anything but relaxing. Around the globe, certain establishments have become infamous for paranormal activity, unexplained events, and grim histories. These haunted hotels are steeped in tales of lingering spirits, tragic events, and sinister mysteries that draw the attention of ghost hunters and thrill-seekers alike. From eerie apparitions to unsettling noises, their stories continue to captivate and terrify visitors. If you’re brave enough to check in, prepare for a night you’ll never forget.

The Infamous Cecil Hotel: A History of Horror

Los Angeles, CA/USA - April 9, 2020: Historic Hotel Cecil in LA now known as Stay on Main
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Located in downtown Los Angeles, the Cecil Hotel is a notorious hotspot for eerie and tragic events. Since its grand opening in 1927, it has been the site of 16 murders, numerous suicides, and countless unsettling stories. One of its most infamous residents, Richard Ramirez—the “Night Stalker”—used the hotel as his base while carrying out a killing spree in the 1980s. Less than a decade later, Australian serial killer Jack Unterweger followed suit, solidifying the Cecil’s dark legacy. The tragic story of Elisa Lam, whose mysterious death in a water tank in 2013 baffled investigators, added another layer of infamy.

Guests and staff alike have reported strange happenings, from ghostly figures in the hallways to sudden cold drafts. Some claim the building itself exudes a foreboding energy that’s impossible to ignore. While the Cecil has undergone rebranding efforts, its history continues to overshadow its present. Paranormal investigators flock to its halls, hoping to capture evidence of the spirits rumored to still reside there. Despite its dark past, the hotel’s eerie allure attracts those seeking a night in one of the world’s most haunted locations.

The Stanley Hotel: The Inspiration for The Shining

Lumpy Ridge Historic Stanley Hotel
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Perched in Estes Park, Colorado, the Stanley Hotel is as breathtaking as it is eerie. Its grandeur and isolation served as the perfect inspiration for Stephen King’s The Shining, a story that has haunted readers and viewers for decades. Guests often report encounters with spectral figures, including the ghost of Flora Stanley, who is said to still play the piano in the ballroom. The hotel also boasts numerous cold spots, unexplained noises, and reports of shadowy figures moving through its long hallways.

Room 217, where King stayed, is particularly infamous, with many claiming to feel an unshakable sense of dread while inside. Other areas, like the concert hall and basement, are also hotbeds of paranormal activity. Visitors often recount objects moving on their own, disembodied laughter, and lights flickering for no apparent reason. The Stanley Hotel capitalizes on its haunted reputation, offering ghost tours and special events for paranormal enthusiasts. Its haunting beauty and chilling tales make it a bucket-list destination for anyone intrigued by the supernatural.

The Mermaid Inn: England’s Haunted Hideaway

Rye, East Sussex, England, UK - 24.05.2022. Mermaid Inn hotel and restaurant view. Mermaid street view in Rye, Charming medieval street in old town Picturesque countryside Old cozy tudor half timbered
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The Mermaid Inn in Rye, England, is a centuries-old establishment that oozes history and ghostly charm. Built in the 15th century, its past is as colorful as it is dark, having once served as a hub for smugglers. Today, it is renowned for its many ghostly sightings, including a lady in white and a duel between two spectral figures. Guests have reported beds shaking in the middle of the night, mysterious whispers in empty rooms, and objects inexplicably moving on their own.

One of the most chilling accounts involves the “ghost room,” where visitors claim to see a woman silently rocking in a chair before vanishing into thin air. The inn’s ancient beams, uneven floors, and flickering candlelight add to its eerie atmosphere. Despite—or perhaps because of—its haunted reputation, the Mermaid Inn attracts history buffs and paranormal enthusiasts alike. Those who dare to stay overnight often leave with spine-tingling tales of their own. For many, a visit to this haunted hideaway is like stepping into a bygone era—and a supernatural realm.

The Bhangarh Fort Hotel: India’s Cursed Landmark

A part of the ruins of 16th century Bhangarh fort at Alwar, Rajasthan, India
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Situated near the infamous Bhangarh Fort in Rajasthan, India, a small hotel shares the region’s dark reputation. The fort itself is steeped in legend, said to be cursed by a vengeful sorcerer after his unrequited love for a princess. The curse supposedly left the area haunted, with many locals refusing to stay after dark. Visitors to the nearby hotel report hearing eerie whispers, footsteps in empty hallways, and ghostly apparitions.

The surrounding atmosphere is equally unnerving, with the fort looming ominously in the background. Guests who have stayed overnight often describe feelings of being watched and unexplained drops in temperature. While the area is popular among thrill-seekers, many leave convinced that the legends hold more truth than myth. Despite the ominous tales, the hotel offers a rare opportunity to experience the supernatural amidst India’s rich cultural history. For those who dare, it promises a night unlike any other.

Hotel del Salto: Colombia’s Suicide Palace

Aerial panorama view of Bogota river waterfall Salto del Tequendama with haunted renovated Falls Hotel Museum in Soacha Cundinamarca Colombia South America
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The Hotel del Salto, perched dramatically above the Tequendama Falls in Colombia, is both a haunting and breathtaking sight. Originally built in the 1920s as a luxurious retreat, it fell into disrepair and gained a reputation as a site of suicides. The combination of its abandoned state and tragic history has given rise to countless ghost stories. Visitors report hearing cries and whispers carried on the wind, as well as sightings of shadowy figures near the edge of the falls.

The hotel’s isolated location and decaying structure only add to its eerie allure. Paranormal investigators have claimed to capture strange orbs and unexplained phenomena on camera. Some locals believe the spirits of those who jumped into the falls remain trapped, unable to find peace. Despite its tragic history, the site has become a popular destination for those seeking both beauty and the paranormal. The hauntingly beautiful Hotel del Salto stands as a testament to the intersection of history, tragedy, and mystery.

The Banff Springs Hotel: Canada’s Castle of Ghosts

Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel, in Banff, Canada
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Nestled in the heart of the Canadian Rockies, the Banff Springs Hotel is both an architectural marvel and a hub for paranormal activity. Known as the “Castle in the Rockies,” its luxurious halls are said to be haunted by a variety of spirits. The most famous is the “Ghost Bride,” who reportedly wanders the ballroom after dying tragically on her wedding day.

Other ghostly encounters include the helpful bellman Sam, who is said to assist guests even after his death, and a phantom bartender who offers advice to troubled patrons. Guests frequently report flickering lights, sudden cold drafts, and unexplained footsteps in the hallways. The hotel’s rich history and eerie tales make it a favorite destination for ghost hunters. Despite its paranormal reputation, it continues to operate as one of Canada’s most iconic luxury hotels. For visitors, the combination of opulence and otherworldly intrigue is simply irresistible.

The Langham Hotel: London’s Paranormal Icon

LONDON- NOVEMBER, 2019: The Langham London, a 5 star luxury hotel on Regent Street in the West End
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The Langham Hotel in London is one of the city’s most opulent—and haunted—establishments. Opened in 1865, it has a long history of ghostly sightings and unexplained phenomena. Room 333 is particularly infamous, with guests reporting terrifying encounters with apparitions, including a man in military uniform and a ghostly doctor.

The hotel’s grandiose halls have also been the site of flickering lights, sudden cold spots, and mysterious sounds. Visitors have claimed to hear whispers in empty rooms and to see shadowy figures moving in their peripheral vision. The Langham’s eerie reputation is further bolstered by its rich history, with ties to royalty, diplomats, and celebrities. For many, a stay at the Langham is as much about the paranormal as it is about luxury. Its blend of history, elegance, and the unexplained make it one of London’s most intriguing hotels.

The Crescent Hotel: America’s Haunted Resort

Crescent Hotel Eureka Springs Aerial View
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Located in Eureka Springs, Arkansas, the Crescent Hotel is often dubbed “America’s Most Haunted Hotel.” Built in 1886, it has served as a luxurious retreat, a hospital, and even a school. Its most infamous period was during the 1930s, when it operated as a “cancer hospital” under the fraudulent Dr. Norman Baker. Baker’s dubious practices and the deaths of countless patients are believed to have left a lingering darkness in the hotel.

Guests frequently report seeing ghostly nurses and patients roaming the halls, as well as hearing eerie moans and whispers. The hotel’s morgue is a hotspot for paranormal activity, with visitors claiming to experience sudden cold drafts and unshakable feelings of dread. Despite its chilling history, the Crescent Hotel remains a popular destination, offering ghost tours and paranormal investigations. For those willing to brave its haunted halls, it promises a truly unforgettable experience.

Conclusion: Dare to Stay the Night?

the figure of a hand holding the door from the inside, a woman's hand holding the door.
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From tragic histories to ghostly encounters, these haunted hotels offer a unique blend of mystery and terror. Whether you’re a skeptic or a believer, visiting these eerie establishments guarantees an unforgettable experience. With each haunted tale adding to their allure, they remain popular destinations for thrill-seekers and paranormal enthusiasts alike. Just remember—once you check in, you might not be alone in your room. For the brave-hearted, these hotels offer a rare glimpse into the world of the supernatural. But for the faint of heart, perhaps it’s best to leave the lights on all night long.