10 Famous Hotels That Are Said To Be Haunted

The Ritz, The Plaza, The Emirates Palace... The world is full of luxury hotels that some travelers plan their entire holiday around, and the right hotel can often be the highlight of the trip. But some hotels, in light of their famous reputations, have some very unusual guests. Many hotels around the world are reported to be haunted, especially those with a long or eerie history.

From world-class spas and restaurants to the world’s most infamous ghosts, here are ten famous hotels that might just be haunted. Are you brave enough to find out if the stories have any merit?

10 10. Fairmont Le Château Frontenac, Quebec City

The Fairmont Le Château Frontenac—say that ten times fast—is not only Quebec City’s most famous hotel, it holds the Guinness World Record for the world’s most photographed hotel, and it’s easy to see why.

The château looms over the city’s skyline, but inside, its corridors hide secrets of the building’s history. There have been consistent reports of a woman in an old-fashioned nightgown who appears at night, but it’s also said that Louis de Buade, governor of New France, has been roaming the hotel since his death Quebec in 1698.

9 9. The Stanley Hotel, Colorado

Those who have watched Stanley Kubrick’s The Shining are familiar with the eerie sense some old hotels give off, that there is something sinister behind the perfectly polished floors and chandeliered ballrooms. But only the most dedicated fans will know that The Overlook Hotel was inspired by The Stanley Hotel in Estes Park, Colorado.

If The Stanley had such an impact on Stephen King, the hotel will probably give the rest of us the heebie-jeebies at least. There have been so many reports of paranormal activity that the hotel offers ghost tours and paranormal investigation.

8 8. The Drake Hotel, Chicago

The Drake, seated on the shores of Lake Michigan among towering skyscrapers, boasts two claims: it’s one of Chicago’s most famous luxury hotels, and it’s also the city’s most haunted. Second only to the Congress Hotel, The Drake has a number of otherworldly guests.

Guests might see the Lady in Red, who threw herself from the top of the hotel on New Year’s Eve almost 100 years ago, or two parents still mourning the loss of their son from the afterlife. One thing is sure, though—that the meticulously well-run hotel makes up for its unusual residents.

7 7. Ross Castle, Co. Meath

Ever wanted to stay in a 16th century tower house? There are many historic castles that have been converted to guesthouses or bed and breakfasts scattered across Europe, but few have such an extensive history as Ireland’s Ross Castle.

The castle sits on the shores of Lough Sheelin atop the remains of an Iron Age site. It’s one of Ireland’s most famous castles, perhaps for its shady past. Built by Black Baron Richard Nugent, it’s said that the souls of the Black Baron and his daughter are restlessly trapped in the castle.

6 6. Lizzie Borden B&B, Massachusetts

Yes, you can spend a night in the infamous house in Fall River, Massachusetts, where Lizzie Borden lived and the horrific murders of her father and stepmother were committed. The house was converted to a bed and breakfast in 1996 and still gets a lot of attention for the 1892 murders.

Lizzie’s father and stepmother are said to inhabit the house yet, full of angst since their killer was never brought to justice. Although Lizzie was acquitted for the crime, it has also been reported that she might even haunt the house.

5 5. The Savoy Hotel, London

The Savoy Hotel is renowned for its luxury, and if you’re willing to shell out £14,000 a night, you can stay in the Royal Suite, which is almost nicer than staying in Buckingham Palace. Situated close to Covent Garden, the Savoy is one of London’s best five-star hotels, but few expect it to be haunted.

While there isn’t nearly as much paranormal activity as in the Langham Hotel, the Savoy’s most famous ghost is that of a little girl who will occasionally appear operating a lift. We’re all used to hearing about the ghosts of humans, but the spirit of a lift is a new one.

4 4. The Hollywood Roosevelt, Los Angeles

The Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel has been a favorite for Hollywood royalty since the Golden Age of Film. Conveniently located on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, it’s now the perfect backdrop for a swimming pool Instagram photo, but it was once frequented by Marilyn Monroe, Cark Gable, and Carole Lombard.

Some of its famous guests may never have checked out. If you’ve dreamed of meeting Marilyn, staying at the Hollywood Roosevelt might be your only chance. She has been seen floating around Room 1200, where she stayed as her fame grew.

3 3. Fort Garry Hotel, Winnipeg

A historic Winnipeg locale, the Fort Garry hotel is built with French architecture in mind, as are many of Canada’s hotels. The Fort Garry was built along Canada’s most prominent transcontinental railway, the Grand Trunk Pacific Railway, and in its heyday in the early 20th century, had a lot of traffic in and out.

The Fort Garry has one particularly infamous Room 202. According to local legend, a woman died in the room after hearing the news that her husband was killed in a car crash. She allegedly sits on the bed awaiting her beloved.

2 2. Hôtel Ritz, Paris

The Ritz name is associated with the Ritz-Carlton chain of luxury hotels worldwide, but there is one Hotel Ritz that is not affiliated with the famous name. However, this hotel, the Hôtel Ritz in Paris, might just be the ritziest.

In its 120-year history, the hotel has hosted Coco Chanel, Ernest Hemingway, and Princess Diana. It’s even got suites named for its famous guests, including the Coco Chanel Suite, starting at €7,500 per night. What the hotel might not tell you is that Chanel died in the suite in 1971, and some guests have seen her appear to them in mirrors or as a floating apparition.

1 1. Taj Mahal Palace, Mumbai

The Taj Mahal Palace is a little different than the Taj Mahal mausoleum—both dripping with opulence and grandeur, only one is a hotel in Mumbai. Located next to the Gateway of India, the Taj Mahal Palace was commissioned by Jamsetji Tata after he was refused entry to an all-whites hotel during India’s colonial period.

In light of the Taj’s beauty, a resident ghost walks its halls. The story tells of one of the hotel’s architects, who was unhappy with the direction the hotel was facing and leaped from the top of the hotel. He is now seen and heard walking around the building.

NEXT: The 10 Most Haunted Places In England (& The Stories Behind Them)