America’s Most Haunted Hotels: A Spine-Chilling Journey Through History

Ever felt a chill run down your spine in the middle of the night, or heard unexplained footsteps in an empty hallway? If you’re looking for a hotel stay that’s more than just a place to rest your head, America’s most haunted hotels might be right up your alley. These historic establishments offer a unique blend of luxury, history, and the paranormal that’s sure to leave you with unforgettable memories – and maybe a ghost story or two of your own.

Let’s start our ghostly tour with the Emily Morgan Hotel in San Antonio, Texas. This place is the cream of the crop when it comes to haunted hotels. Sitting pretty across from the Alamo, it’s got a history that’ll make your hair stand on end. Back in 1924, it wasn’t a swanky hotel but a hospital, complete with a morgue in the basement. Talk about a makeover, right?

Guests at the Emily Morgan have reported some seriously spooky stuff, especially on the seventh, ninth, and fourteenth floors. These used to be the psychiatric ward, surgery level, and morgue, respectively. Imagine opening your door and seeing a full-on hospital scene from the past – nurses, doctors, the works. That’s what some folks claim to have experienced. And on the fourteenth floor? Let’s just say the smell isn’t exactly roses.

The hotel’s even got a reputation beyond its walls. In 2015, USA Today ranked it as the third-most haunted hotel in the world. That’s some serious street cred in the ghost world. The Emily Morgan has leaned into its spooky rep, offering haunted history tours and special Halloween packages. It’s like Disneyland for ghost hunters!

But hey, the Emily Morgan isn’t the only game in town when it comes to haunted hotels. Let’s take a virtual road trip across America and check out some other spine-tingling spots.

Next stop: New Orleans, Louisiana. The Hotel Monteleone is a real gem in the haunted hotel crown. This place has been around since 1886, and it seems some of its guests never checked out. There’s Jacques, a former employee who apparently didn’t get the memo about retirement. And then there’s the ghost of a young boy, believed to be the son of a former owner. The Carousel Bar & Lounge is particularly famous for its otherworldly visitors. Imagine sipping your cocktail and catching a glimpse of a ghostly figure at the bar!

Let’s hop over to Salem, Massachusetts – yeah, that Salem. The Hawthorne Hotel, built in 1925, sits smack in the middle of witch trial central. Guests have reported all sorts of creepy happenings: furniture moving on its own, ghostly women appearing out of nowhere, and strange noises in the night. Room 325 is the star of the show, with its cold spots and phantom floral scents. They’ve even held séances here. Talk about embracing your haunted history!

Up in New Hampshire, we’ve got the Omni Mount Washington Resort. This place was built by a railroad tycoon back in 1902, and it seems some of its original inhabitants are still hanging around. Guests have reported seeing the ghost of a young girl and a woman believed to be a former employee. Maybe they just couldn’t bear to leave such a beautiful place?

Now, let’s head west to Deadwood, South Dakota. The Bullock Hotel is said to be haunted by none other than Seth Bullock himself. For those not up on their Wild West history, Bullock was a famous lawman who died in 1919. Guests and staff have reported seeing his ghost, and appliances have a habit of turning on and off by themselves. Maybe Seth is just making sure everything’s running smoothly?

Down in St. Augustine, Florida, we’ve got the Casa Monica Resort and Spa. This place has had quite the journey – from hotel to courthouse and back to hotel again. Guests have reported seeing the ghost of the original architect, Franklin W. Smith, keeping an eye on his creation from the tower window. And he’s not alone – Henry Flagler, another big name in the hotel’s history, is said to roam the halls as well.

These hotels aren’t just places to stay – they’re portals to the past. Whether you’re a die-hard believer in the paranormal or a skeptic looking for a thrill, these places offer an experience you won’t forget in a hurry.

But wait, there’s more! The 1886 Crescent Hotel & Spa in Eureka Springs, Arkansas, proudly wears the title of “America’s Most Haunted Hotel.” Over in Baltimore, the Lord Baltimore Hotel is home to a little girl in a white dress who apparently likes to play with a red ball. Spooky stuff, right?

Missouri’s got the Elms Hotel and Spa, another hotspot for spirit sightings. And if you’re looking to combine the Wild West with the paranormal, check out the National Exchange Hotel in Nevada City, California. It’s the oldest hotel west of the Mississippi, and it’s got the ghosts to prove it. Elizabeth, a young girl who likes to skip rope or ride her tricycle on the second floor, is a regular spectral visitor.

Each of these hotels has its own unique flavor of hauntings. Some are tragic, others mysterious, and a few are downright creepy. But they all offer something you can’t get from your average hotel stay – a chance to brush shoulders with history in a very real (or should we say, surreal) way.

So, next time you’re planning a trip, why not add a dash of the supernatural to your itinerary? Book a room in one of America’s most haunted hotels and see what goes bump in the night. Who knows? You might end up with a ghost story of your own to tell.

Just remember, if you hear strange noises in the middle of the night or feel an unexplained chill, it might not just be the air conditioning. And if your room service arrives without anyone knocking? Well, let’s just say you might have some very attentive spectral staff.

Whether you’re a thrill-seeker, a history buff, or just someone looking for a unique experience, these haunted hotels offer something truly special. They’re not just places to sleep – they’re living (or should we say, un-living) museums, each with its own cast of ghostly characters and spine-tingling tales.

So pack your bags, bring your courage, and get ready for a hotel stay like no other. Just don’t be surprised if you end up sleeping with the lights on. After all, in America’s most haunted hotels, you never know who – or what – might be sharing your room.