The Traveller’s Guide to the Ghouls: Haunted Hotels Worth the Stay

Tired of boring hotel stays? Some of the world’s most historic properties still have permanent, spectral guests who never checked out. Dive into our guide to the haunted hotels—from Stephen King’s inspiration to a century-old murder mystery—where history is truly alive.

written by: CS – Continent Surfer

Check-In If You Dare: When History Has Permanent Guests

For many travellers, a hotel serves as a sanctuary—a place of rest, room service, and predictable comfort. However, for those seeking a truly unique encounter, the real adventure begins when a historic building’s past decides to check back in.

The properties discussed here are not merely subjects of spooky legends; their stories are woven into the very foundations of the buildings, offering a chillingly authentic glimpse into local history. By choosing to stay in one of these locations, travellers engage directly with the dramatic, unresolved narratives of the past.

For those ready to embrace the extraordinary, trade in the ‘Do Not Disturb’ sign for a room with a potential spectral roommate. This guide presents four iconic, genuinely haunted hotels around the globe that are absolutely worth the stay.

1. The Stanley Hotel (Estes Park, Colorado, USA)

The Ghostly Charm: The Inspirer of Nightmares

The Stanley Hotel is arguably the most famous haunted hotel in America, primarily due to its role as the direct inspiration for Stephen King’s chilling novel, The Shining.

• The History: Built by F.O. Stanley (of Stanley Steamer fame) in 1909 as a retreat for the wealthy, the hotel possesses a grandeur that overlays a storied and occasionally troubled past.
• The Guests Who Never Left: The most active areas are reported to be Room 217 (where Stephen King stayed and received his inspiration) and the Concert Hall. Guests frequently report hearing spectral children playing in the hallways of the fourth floor, and staff often recount incidents of objects moving without explanation. The spirit of Flora Stanley, F.O.’s wife, is said to still frequent the halls and play the piano in the music room.

The Spooky Tip: Interested visitors can book a room on the historically active fourth floor or specifically request Room 217. The hotel operates dedicated ghost tours, which offer a structured way to confront the paranormal or, at minimum, learn the complete history behind the unexplained occurrences.

2. Ballygally Castle Hotel (Ballygally, Northern Ireland)

The Ghostly Charm: Friendly but Fierce

Located on the stunning Antrim Coast, this magnificent 17th-century castle has been converted into a charming luxury hotel. Its resident ghost, Lady Isobel Shaw, is often cited as one of Ireland’s friendliest phantoms, despite the tragic nature of her tale.

• The History: The castle was built in 1625 and stands as a splendid example of Scottish Baronial architecture. Legend states that Lady Isobel was imprisoned in a tower room by her cruel husband shortly after giving birth to a daughter. She supposedly jumped to her death—or was pushed—from the high window.
• The Guests Who Never Left: Lady Isobel is most frequently encountered in the Tower Room. Reports from guests include hearing mysterious rappings on the door and strange noises during the night. The unique aspect of her haunting is that she is believed to be benevolent, occasionally leading to her mischievously knocking on doors only to vanish when they are opened.

The Spooky Tip: While the castle offers a fantastic, history-rich base to explore the Giant’s Causeway during the day, the contrast between the spectacular scenery and the tragic history enhances the atmosphere of an overnight stay.

3. The Russell Hotel (The Rocks, Sydney, Australia)

The Ghostly Charm: Sailors and Solitude

Nestled in The Rocks, Sydney’s oldest district, The Russell Hotel exudes colonial charm and historical atmosphere. However, its history is intrinsically tied to the city’s early, often violent, maritime past, resulting in a host of spectral residents.

• The History: The property stands on the site of Sydney’s first hospital and later served as a refuge for sailors and a boarding house. The surrounding area was historically known for its taverns, brothels, and dark alleys—a place where life was frequently short and brutal.
• The Guests Who Never Left: The most famous ghost is that of a spectral sailor who is said to haunt Room 8, reportedly wandering about and staring at sleeping guests before dissolving. Other sightings include a mysterious female apparition and the sound of footsteps traversing the wooden floors when no living person is present.

The Spooky Tip: While the hotel is situated in a vibrant modern area, the atmosphere inside is genuinely evocative of the old world. The small, creaky nature of the heritage building naturally amplifies every sound, turning a common creak into a potential spectral sign.

4. The Savoy Hotel (Mussoorie, India)

The Ghostly Charm: A Mystery Unsolved

A journey to the serene hills of Mussoorie reveals this magnificent, if slightly crumbling, relic of the British Raj. The Savoy Hotel achieved notoriety through a century-old murder mystery that reportedly inspired the great novelist Agatha Christie.

• The History: Opened in 1902, the Savoy was once the epitome of colonial luxury. In 1911, a British spiritualist named Lady Garnet Orme was poisoned in her room; the doctor who treated her was also found dead shortly after. The murder remains officially unsolved.
• The Guests Who Never Left: It is widely believed that Lady Orme’s ghost still haunts the hotel, with activity concentrated in the wing where she was killed. Guests and staff report hearing inexplicable whispers, feeling sudden, intense cold drafts, and the sounds of her cane striking the floor, as she was known to walk with one.

The Spooky Tip: The Savoy’s ambiance is one of faded grandeur, which contributes to its naturally eerie atmosphere. For fans of true crime and historical mystery, a stay here offers an immersive experience, akin to stepping directly into the setting of a classic whodunnit.

Booking a stay in a haunted hotel is a choice that goes beyond seeking simple entertainment; it involves selecting a property whose dramatic history is so profound that its past residents have simply refused to depart. These establishments function as cultural time capsules—and on rare occasions, visitors may receive an intimate introduction to the individuals who defined that past.

Prospective guests should research the history, show respect for the lore, and always remember to pack a reliable flashlight. The shadows of history are often deepest after dark.

Did you know?

The feeling of a paranormal presence or being “haunted” has sometimes been scientifically linked to low-frequency sound waves (infrasound), which can affect the human brain, causing feelings of unease, anxiety, and even the visual hallucination of shadowy figures. This phenomenon often occurs in older buildings with structural issues.

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