7 Hotels Haunted by Ghosts and Dark Histories

For travelers seeking a more sinister side of the hospitality industry, there are numerous hotels around the world that offer a stay with a dark twist. These establishments are built on or converted from former prisons, cult compounds, and defunct military installations, providing guests with a unique and eerie experience. From the paranormal to the macabre, these hotels have a history that is sure to send chills down the spine.

One such hotel is the Eastern State Penitentiary in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, which now operates as a museum and hotel. This former prison, operational from 1790 to 1971, once held infamous inmates like Al Capone and was known for its solitary confinement cells. Guests can stay in one of the restored cellblocks, immersing themselves in the harsh conditions and eerie atmosphere of a bygone era.

Another haunted hotel is the Trans-Allegheny Lunatic Asylum in Weston, West Virginia. This former psychiatric hospital, built in the mid-19th century, was shut down in 1994 due to allegations of patient mistreatment. The hotel offers guided tours, including a nighttime ghost tour, allowing visitors to explore the decaying halls and rooms where patients once resided.

The Cult Compound turned hotel, Scheck’s Motor Lodge, in Eldorado, Arkansas, has a dark history dating back to the 1970s. The compound was once the headquarters of a doomsday cult, where members believed the world would end in a nuclear holocaust. The hotel’s rooms and common areas still maintain a sense of unease, with remnants of the cult’s activities still present.

The Old Fort Erie in Fort Erie, Ontario, Canada, is a hotel built on a site with a long and bloody history. The fort was the site of numerous battles during the War of 1812 and was also used as a prison camp. Guests can stay in one of the restored rooms, surrounded by the fort’s rich military history.

The Menger Hotel in San Antonio, Texas, has a history dating back to 1859 and is said to be haunted by the ghost of a former guest. The hotel has hosted numerous famous guests, including Theodore Roosevelt and Babe Ruth, but its dark past includes stories of murder, suicide, and unexplained occurrences.

The Hotel Monte Vista in Flagstaff, Arizona, was built on the site of a former funeral home and is rumored to be haunted by the spirits of former patients. Guests have reported strange occurrences, including ghostly apparitions and unexplained noises.

Lastly, the Stanley Hotel in Estes Park, Colorado, has a dark history that inspired Stephen King’s novel “The Shining.” The hotel was built in 1909 by F.O. Stanley, the inventor of the Stanley Steamer automobile, and has a long history of paranormal activity. Guests can stay in one of the hotel’s rooms, hoping to catch a glimpse of the ghostly apparitions that are said to roam the halls.

These hotels offer a unique and unforgettable experience for travelers looking to immerse themselves in the darker side of history. Whether it’s a former prison, cult compound, or military installation, each hotel provides a glimpse into a bygone era, complete with eerie atmosphere and paranormal activity.