Travelers across the United States are increasingly seeking out hotels with eerie pasts, where the spirits of former inmates, soldiers, and cult members may still linger. These unique accommodations are transforming grim histories into attractive tourist destinations. From hosting weddings to wellness retreats, hotels are embracing their haunted legacies, drawing both ghost hunters and history enthusiasts.
Hotels with Haunted Histories
The Algonquin Hotel in Manhattan’s Times Square is famed for its literary history. Once a gathering place for the Round Table, a group of influential writers and critics, it has become known for ghostly encounters. Guests frequently report hearing footsteps, flickering lights, and phantom conversations. In a 2015 investigation, a reporter claimed to have communicated with eight spirits, potentially including the notable writer Dorothy Parker. Room rates start at approximately $177 per night.
Another compelling destination is McMenamins Edgefield, located about 15 miles outside of Portland. Originally opened in 1917 as a detention center for women accused of carrying sexually transmitted infections, the site has undergone several transformations. It became a “poor farm” and later housed a military academy before being revitalized in 1990. Despite its chequered past, the hotel now features a winery, brewery, and spa, with room rates ranging from $130 to $300. Guests report encounters with spirits from its earlier days, including a stonemason who died during its construction.
The Pfister Hotel in Milwaukee has a long-standing reputation for paranormal activity. Built in 1893, it is said to be haunted by its founder, Charles Pfister, among other spirits. Reports of flickering lights and shadowy figures are common, and even celebrities, such as Megan Thee Stallion, have explored its haunted halls. Major League Baseball players visiting the city have shared unsettling stories, with Mookie Betts admitting he feels too frightened to stay there. Room prices start at $149 and can go up to $899.
Transformations from Asylum to Accommodations
The site of the former Buffalo State Asylum for the Insane has also been repurposed into a hotel. Originally established in the late 1800s, the asylum became notorious for overcrowding and controversial treatments like electroshock therapy. Today, the property offers rooms starting at $169 a night and hosts various events, all while maintaining its historic significance.
Another remarkable transformation is seen at the Liberty Hotel in Boston, which was formerly the Charles Street Jail. This Gothic structure, completed in 1851, housed numerous notable inmates, including civil rights leader Malcolm X. After a $150 million renovation, it reopened in 2007 as a luxury hotel, preserving its historical features while offering modern amenities. Rooms are priced from $590 per night.
The recently reopened boutique hotel at Marconi State Historic Park in California was once a radio receiving station in the 1910s. It later became associated with the controversial drug rehabilitation program, Synanon, which evolved into a cult. Following a multimillion-dollar renovation, the lodge welcomed guests in March 2023, with room rates starting at $323.
As the trend of seeking out haunted hotels continues to rise, these locations are not only providing unique experiences but also shining a light on the darker aspects of American history. Whether travelers are searching for a thrill or a connection to the past, these hotels offer a compelling blend of history and mystery.
