I travel a lot for work and fun. I like old places. I like a good scare too. So yes, I do tap “haunted hotels near me” on my phone more than I should. Then I go stay there. I’m Kayla, and these are my real stays, the good parts and the parts that made me sleep with one shoe on. Just in case.
If you want the deeper back-story of that very first search and how it spiraled into a lifestyle, you can read it right here.
Savannah, GA — The Marshall House
I booked a corner room on the third floor. The halls felt warm and a little creaky. The floors had that soft bounce. You know when wood is old and kind?
That night, I heard steps in the hall. Slow. Then fast. Then… nothing. The faucet in the bathroom turned on with a thin hiss. I shut it off, checked the handle twice, and sat in the dark with my heart in my throat. Did I sleep? Kinda. Like a cat on a porch—eyes half open.
- What I loved: Staff who didn’t roll their eyes when I asked for “a spookier floor,” free water in the lobby, comfy bed, and a great spot near the river.
- What bugged me: Thin walls; you’ll hear suitcase wheels and late-night laughs. The AC clicked on like a jet.
Worth it? Yes. History here is heavy, and you can feel it. Bring earplugs.
Boston, MA — Omni Parker House
This place is polished but has a hum. I stayed on the 10th floor. The hallway smelled like old books and polish. The elevator stopped on my floor with no one there. Twice. Cute. Curious spirits will appreciate the deeper tales behind room 303 and other hotspots—Ghost City Tours lays them out in detail.
I got Boston Cream Pie in the restaurant. I set the fork down, and the plate nudged. Maybe the table wasn’t level. Maybe not. Later, I tried to fall asleep and felt a cold patch hover over my shoulder. Not a draft. It moved like a small hand. I told it, “I’m sleeping now.” It left. Or I did.
- What I loved: Great staff, hot shower, strong coffee in the morning. The pie really is that good.
- What bugged me: Street noise seeps up. The elevator buttons stick a little, which does not help when you already feel watched.
Boston actually has a whole lineup of storied lodgings worth exploring—this handy guide pointed me toward a few I’ve bookmarked for next time.
Would I stay again? Yep. I like a classy haunt. If you’re craving European elegance with just a whisper of intrigue, check out my stay at the Hotel Savoy Roma next.
Austin, TX — The Driskill
The lobby is grand—marble, light, and leather. It smells like cedar and old stories. My room was on the fifth floor. Quiet at first. Then the ice machine clacked at 3 a.m., and something small tapped the door twice. No one in the hall when I checked. Of course.
There’s a painting of a girl with a ball. Folks talk about her. I stood there, sipping hotel water, and felt silly. Then the back of my neck prickled. That was enough for me.
- What I loved: Big bed, smooth sheets, strong water pressure, and a bar burger that hit the spot.
- What bugged me: Weekend noise from 6th Street, and a vent that made a soft moan. Not helpful.
Tip: Ask for late checkout. You may need a nap.
If your Texas travels pull you north toward Dallas–Fort Worth and you want a quick pulse on what’s happening after sundown, swing through Bedpage Farmers Branch—it offers up-to-the-minute local listings for nightlife, services, and spontaneous meet-ups so you can plan an off-the-cuff detour with confidence.
Eureka Springs, AR — 1886 Crescent Hotel & Spa
This place looks like a storybook castle. I took the ghost tour right after check-in. The guide called out Room 218. My room was two doors down. Fun!
Around midnight, I heard what sounded like tools dropping on tile. Metal on stone. Then a soft meow by the door. No cat when I opened it, just cool air and that mineral smell from the old spa. I set my boots by the chair and found one facing the door in the morning. I don’t do that. I leave shoes in a pile. Weird.
- What I loved: Hilltop views, kind staff, hearty breakfast, and a real sense of time.
- What bugged me: The bed frame squeaked if you even breathed. The room ran a bit warm.
Bring a small nightlight. The halls feel safer with a glow.
How I Find “Near Me” Spots That Actually Spook
- I call the front desk and ask which rooms have the most stories. They always know.
- I check if there’s a ghost tour on-site. That’s a solid clue.
- I look for older floors, corner rooms, and rooms near old stairwells.
- I ask for extra blankets. Cold spots happen.
Sometimes, when I want a quick shortlist of character-soaked places, I skim the listings on Akkeron Hotels because they tag their historic properties that still have a little life—or after-life—left in them. Their coastal roundup of places to stay in Rockaway Beach, Oregon even helped me trade ghosts for ocean waves on a recent weekend.
Who Should Skip This
If you need perfect silence, spotless modern lights, and zero shadows, these won’t be your jam. If you like charm with a side of goosebumps, you’re good.
If your idea of “ghosting” involves unanswered texts more than creaky hallways, you might prefer sparking connections from your couch instead of sharing corridors with specters. I recently unpacked the highs, lows, and hidden features of Hinge in this Hinge review—it’ll show you how the app helps you meet living, breathing humans (and dodge supernatural surprises) before you even pack a suitcase.
Final Take
Do these places feel haunted? Yes—each in its own way. But they’re also warm, lived-in hotels with real people who care. I had great meals, hot showers, and a couple nights where I whispered “okay, you win” to the dark. Would I stay again? I already have my list.
Next time I search “haunted hotels near me,” I’ll pack earplugs, a soft hoodie, and a little courage. Honestly, that’s all you need—well, that and a late checkout.