So what are some of the most haunted hotels in California? And what is the history behind these haunted hotels?
Cozy up in a California ghost story! Whether you’re looking to viscerally unearth eery spectral activity or take on a truly spooky stay, these haunted hotels have something sinister to offer.
From the glamour of Chateau Marmont to the eerie stillness of the Queen Anne Hotel, California is a ghost-hunter’s paradise. Haunted hotels abound in the Golden State, some of the most notorious being Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel, Hotel del Coronado, Hotel Dunsmuir, Queen Mary Hotel, La Playa Hotel and more. Looking for a spoooooky staycation? Prepare for a spine-tingling adventure!
Chateau Marmont – Los Angeles
Nestled in the heart of Hollywood, Chateau Marmont is a timeless icon of luxury and glamour. This historic hotel has played host to some of the most legendary names in entertainment, from Marilyn Monroe to Jim Morrison. With its elegant architecture and lush surroundings, it’s no wonder that this landmark has become a favorite among celebrities and discerning travelers alike.
Originally built as an apartment complex in the 1920s, the Chateau Marmont was transformed into a hotel by its visionary owner, André Balazs. Since then, it has undergone several renovations and expansions to become one of the most sought-after destinations on the West Coast. Its rooms are tastefully decorated with vintage furnishings and modern amenities, creating an atmosphere that is both elegant and comfortable.
Beyond that, it’s also known for its eerie and haunted past. Rumors and stories of ghost sightings have circulated for decades, making it a popular destination for those seeking a paranormal experience.
Some guests claim to have seen the apparition of John Belushi, who died in one of the hotel’s bungalows in 1982. Others have reported strange noises or footsteps coming from empty rooms or hallways. The hotel’s history is also filled with tales of scandalous affairs and tragedies that could explain its haunting reputation.
Despite its spooky reputation, Chateau Marmont remains a beloved landmark in Los Angeles, attracting visitors from all over the world. Whether you believe in ghosts or not, there’s no denying that this hotel has a unique charm that sets it apart from any other place you’ll ever stay at.
Queen Anne Hotels – San Francisco
Located in the heart of San Francisco, the Queen Anne Hotel is a hidden gem that offers a unique and unforgettable experience to its guests. Originally built in 1890 as a girls’ school, the building has been carefully restored and transformed into a charming boutique hotel that combines Victorian elegance with modern comfort.
Each of the 48 rooms is individually decorated with antique furnishings and artwork, creating an atmosphere of timeless beauty and sophistication. The hotel also features a cozy library lounge where guests can relax by the fireplace or enjoy afternoon tea, as well as a stylish bar that serves handcrafted cocktails and local wines.
But what truly sets Queen Anne Hotel apart is its rich history and ghostly legends.
The Queen Anne Hotel is a captivating and eerie destination that will leave you with goosebumps. The hotel, which was once a school for girls in the 1890s, has been rumored to be haunted by its former headmistress Mary Lake. Guests have reported strange occurrences such as doors opening and closing on their own and ghostly apparitions appearing in mirrors.
If you’re brave enough to stay at the Queen Anne Hotel, be sure to keep your eyes peeled for any paranormal activity.
Who knows what secrets are hidden within its walls?
One thing is for certain – this haunted hotel will leave a lasting impression on anyone who dares to visit.
The Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel in Los Angeles
The Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel in Los Angeles is a legendary landmark that has been a hub of entertainment since its opening in 1927.
The hotel has a rich history and is known for its luxurious accommodations as well as its paranormal activity. It has been rumored to be haunted by the ghost of Marilyn Monroe, who was a frequent guest at the hotel during her career.
One of the most notable features of the hotel is its famous pool, which was the site of Marilyn Monroe’s first photo shoot. The pool area has also been featured in countless films and television shows, including Beverly Hills 90210 and Entourage.
In addition to Monroe’s ghost, guests have reported experiencing strange occurrences such as doors opening and closing on their own, unexplained cold spots, and even sightings of unsettling apparitions. Despite these reports, many visitors still flock to the hotel for its unique blend of glamour and mystery.
Whether you believe in ghosts or not, there’s no denying that the Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel is an iconic landmark with a fascinating past. From hosting the first Academy Awards ceremony to serving as a celebrity hotspot throughout the decades, it continues to captivate visitors with both its history and alleged paranormal activity.
Hotel del Coronado – San Diego
The Hotel del Coronado in San Diego, California is a historic and iconic destination that is a must-visit for anyone traveling to the area. Built in 1888, this grand hotel has hosted celebrities and dignitaries from around the world over its more than 130-year history.
One of the hotel’s most notable features is its stunning beachfront location. The pristine sands of Coronado Beach stretch for miles along the Pacific Ocean, offering guests an unparalleled setting for relaxation and recreation.
However, the hotel is not just any luxury hotel, it’s a place with a rich history of paranormal activity.
This iconic beachfront property has been visited by many spirits over the years, including that of Kate Morgan, who checked into the hotel in 1892 and never checked out.
Despite her tragic death, Kate Morgan’s ghost still lingers at the Hotel del Coronado today. She is said to wander around Room 3327 where she stayed during her final days. Guests have reported seeing flickering lights and hearing strange noises coming from this room late at night.
But Kate Morgan is not the only spirit haunting this historic hotel. Visitors have also reported sightings of other ghostly apparitions throughout the property, including a phantom Victorian lady dressed in black and children playing on the beach late at night.
Whether you’re a believer or a skeptic, there’s no denying that staying at Hotel del Coronado can be an eerie experience that you won’t soon forget.
Hotel Dunsmuir – Dunsmuir
Nestled in the small town of Dunsmuir, California, Hotel Dunsmuir is a charming and historic hotel with a dark history. Rumored to be haunted by several ghosts, this hotel offers an eerie and unforgettable experience for those brave enough to stay the night.
Guests have reported hearing mysterious footsteps and unexplained noises throughout the hotel, as well as seeing apparitions of ghostly figures. Some even claim to have been touched or pushed by an unseen force. The most famous ghost at Hotel Dunsmuir is believed to be that of a former owner who took his own life in one of the rooms.
Despite its haunting reputation, Hotel Dunsmuir remains a popular destination for thrill-seekers and paranormal enthusiasts.
Whether you believe in ghosts or not, this hotel offers a unique and unforgettable experience that will leave you questioning what lies beyond our physical world.
Queen Mary Hotel – Long Beach
Nestled in the heart of Long Beach, California, the Queen Mary Hotel is a true gem that offers an unforgettable experience for its guests. This historic hotel, once a luxury ocean liner, has been beautifully restored and transformed into a unique accommodation that blends old-world charm with modern amenities.
The Queen Mary Hotel has a reputation for being one of the most haunted hotels in the state. Built in 1936 as a luxury liner, the ship was converted into a hotel after its retirement and has since been the site of numerous reported paranormal activities.
Guests and staff members have reported seeing apparitions of crew members who perished on board during World War II or drowned at sea. Others claim to have heard strange noises and footsteps coming from empty rooms or corridors. Some even report feeling an inexplicable presence or being touched by unseen entities.
Despite its spooky reputation, many visitors flock to the Queen Mary Hotel specifically for its ghostly legends and eerie atmosphere. The hotel offers ghost tours and paranormal investigations for those brave enough to explore its haunted history firsthand. Whether you believe in ghosts or not, a stay at this historic hotel is sure to be an unforgettable experience.
The La Playa Hotel – Carmel
La Playa Hotel in Carmel, California has a history that is both glamorous and eerie. Originally built in 1905 as a private mansion, it was later converted into a hotel in the 1920s. Over the years, La Playa has hosted many famous guests, including Clark Gable and Joan Crawford.
But what makes this hotel truly unique is its reputation for being haunted. Many guests have reported strange occurrences during their stay, such as unexplained noises and sightings of ghostly figures. Some even claim to have felt an unseen presence touching them while they slept.
Despite these spooky experiences, La Playa Hotel remains a popular destination for those seeking luxury accommodations with a touch of paranormal activity. Whether you believe in ghosts or not, there’s no denying the allure of this historic property with its stunning ocean views and charming vintage decor.
So why not book a room at La Playa Hotel and see if you can spot any ghostly apparitions lurking in the halls?
Union Hotel, Benicia
The Union Hotel in Benicia is a stunning example of architectural beauty and historical significance. Built in the mid-1800s, this hotel has been lovingly restored to its former glory and now offers modern amenities for guests looking to experience a piece of history.
Legend has it that the hotel’s former owner, Mary Curtis, still lingers within the walls of the building.
Guests have reported seeing her ghostly figure wandering through the halls or standing at the foot of their bed. Others have heard unexplained noises and footsteps in their rooms.
Despite its reputation as a spooky destination, many still flock to the Union Hotel for its unique charm and character. Whether you’re a believer in ghosts or simply looking for a memorable stay, this historic hotel offers an unforgettable experience unlike any other.
The Cecil Hotel in Los Angeles
Cecil Hotel – Los Angeles, also known as Hotel Cecil or the Stay on Main, is a historic hotel with a dark past. The notorious reputation of this hotel has made it one of the most famous haunted hotels in California.
The hotel’s history includes multiple suicides, murders and even the infamous case of Elisa Lam who was found dead in one of the water tanks on the roof. Many people believe that her ghost still haunts the hotel to this day.
One of the most infamous incidents at the Cecil Hotel occurred in 2013 when a young woman named Elisa Lam went missing. After weeks of searching, her body was found floating in one of the hotel’s water tanks. This tragedy sparked widespread speculation and conspiracy theories about what really happened to Elisa Lam at the Cecil Hotel.
Despite its gruesome history, some people are drawn to stay at Cecil Hotel for its unique atmosphere and eerie ambiance. Whether you believe in ghosts or not, a stay at this haunted hotel is sure to leave an impression on anyone brave enough to spend a night there.
Related article: Haunted places in San Francisco
Cary House in Placerville
Cary House, located in the charming town of Placerville, is one of California’s most infamous haunted hotels. Built in 1857, the historic building has seen its fair share of tragedy and paranormal activity over the years.
Guests have reported strange occurrences such as doors opening and closing on their own, unexplained footsteps echoing through the halls, and even sightings of ghostly apparitions. The most famous ghost at Cary House is said to be a former owner who tragically lost his life in a fire that consumed part of the hotel.
Despite its eerie reputation, Cary House remains a popular destination for those seeking a unique and spooky experience.
The Delta King Riverboat Hotel in Sacramento
Located in the heart of Sacramento, the Delta King Riverboat Hotel is a historic landmark that has been welcoming guests for over 90 years.
Many guests have reported seeing apparitions in their rooms or hearing unexplainable noises throughout the night. Some even claim to have seen a ghostly figure wandering through the hallways or sitting at the bar. Despite these reports, many visitors are drawn to the Delta King Riverboat Hotel for its unique charm and character.
If you’re looking for an unforgettable stay in Sacramento and don’t mind sharing your room with some spooky company, consider booking a stay at the Delta King Riverboat Hotel – just be sure to keep an eye out for any unexpected visitors during your stay!
The Napa River Inn, Napa
Napa River Inn, located in the heart of Napa, California, is a hotel with a haunting past. Built in the late 1800s, the inn was originally used as a mill and later transformed into a hotel. However, since its inception, guests and staff members have reported strange happenings that suggest supernatural activity.
Many believe that the ghost of Captain Albert Hatt Jr., who owned the mill before it became a hotel, still roams its halls. Guests have reported hearing footsteps and whispers when no one else is around. Some have even claimed to see his apparition wandering through their rooms.
Despite its eerie reputation, Napa River Inn remains a popular destination for visitors seeking an unforgettable experience. For those brave enough to stay there overnight or attend one of their ghost tours, they may just encounter something otherworldly while enjoying all that Napa has to offer.
The National Hotel, Jamestown
Built in 1859, this hotel has housed many notable guests over the years, including Mark Twain and Ulysses S. Grant. However, it is not just its rich history that draws visitors to this hotel – it is also known for its haunting tales.
Legend has it that the ghost of a former housekeeper named Flo haunts room 42 of the National Hotel. Guests have reported unexplained noises and movements in their rooms, as well as sightings of Flo herself. Some even claim to have felt her presence or seen her reflection in mirrors.
Despite these spooky stories, many still flock to the National Hotel for its charming atmosphere and unique character. Whether you believe in ghosts or not, there is no denying that this hotel holds a special place in California’s history – both haunted and otherwise.
So if you’re feeling brave enough to stay at one of California’s most infamous haunted hotels, consider booking a room at the National Hotel – just make sure to keep an eye out for Flo!
The Ahwahnee in Yosemite National Park
Nestled in the heart of Yosemite National Park lies The Ahwahnee, a hotel that has gained notoriety for its eerie past. Rumored to be haunted by the spirits of Native American tribes and early settlers, The Ahwahnee has become a popular destination for paranormal enthusiasts and thrill-seekers alike.
Despite its ominous reputation, The Ahwahnee remains a beloved destination for visitors seeking to experience the natural beauty of Yosemite while enjoying luxurious accommodations. With its stunning architecture and rich history, it’s no wonder that so many are drawn to this iconic hotel.
Whether you’re looking for a spine-tingling adventure or simply hoping to immerse yourself in the history and culture of California’s national parks, The Ahwahnee is sure to provide an unforgettable experience.
The Santa Maria Inn, in Santa Maria
Santa Maria Inn, located in Santa Maria, California, is a historic hotel that many believe to be haunted.
With its rich history and charming architecture, the inn has been a popular destination for travelers and ghost hunters alike.
Legend has it that the ghost of a former guest named Ethel haunts one of the rooms on the second floor. Guests have reported seeing her apparition and feeling her presence in their room. Some have even claimed to hear her playing the piano late at night.
Despite its spooky reputation, Santa Maria Inn is still an elegant and luxurious place to stay. Its beautiful gardens and pool area provide a relaxing atmosphere for guests looking to unwind after exploring all that Santa Maria has to offer.
The Glen Tavern Inn in Santa Paula
Nestled in the quaint town of Santa Paula, California. The Glen Tavern Inn is known for its rich history and eerie reputation.
Built in 1911, this charming hotel boasts stunning architecture and a fascinating past. However, it is rumored to be haunted by several ghosts that have been spotted by guests throughout the years. From mysterious footsteps to ghostly apparitions, visitors have reported a range of spine-chilling experiences that are sure to send shivers down your spine.
Despite its haunted reputation, the Glen Tavern Inn remains a popular destination for travelers looking for an authentic experience. Whether you believe in ghosts or not, this historic hotel is definitely worth checking out if you’re planning a trip to Santa Paula. Who knows? You might even have your own supernatural encounter during your stay!
Related article: Most haunted hotels across the world
Conclusion
If you’re looking for a truly unique vacation experience, consider staying in one of California’s most haunted hotels. From the historic Queen Mary Hotel to the infamous Baker Hotel, these hotels are sure to give you a spine-tingling stay.
So if you’re feeling brave, book a room and see for yourself why these hotels are considered some of the most haunted in California.