By Kathy Strong
There may be hundreds of hotels and resorts in America that claim haunted histories, but only a handful actually offer guided tours filled with spine-chilling tales of its past and legendary ghost sightings. Too spooked to check in? No problem. Most of these tours are also open to non-guests.
The Stanley Hotel, Park Estes, Colorado
Probably the most famous haunted hotel in the country, the 113-year-old grand hotel offers the “Shining Tour” filled with Stephen King history, including a visit to The Shining Suite, the 1909 Caretaker’s Cottage that hosts an ax from the film. Additionally, “The Stanley Night Tour” offers extra drama with stories of notable visitors and spied spirits at the hotel in the eerie ambience of darkness. Find more information here.
The Lizzie Borden House, Fall River, Massachusetts
The tragic and bizarre history of Lizzie Borden who was tried and acquitted of the 1892 axe murders of her father and stepmother has been depicted in films and books for decades. The very home on 2nd Street is now a bed & breakfast, offering three tours daily. The nightly “Ghost Tour” is peppered with stories and takes visitors through the first-floor murder site, as well as haunted areas nearby in town. The “Ghost Hunt” tour traverses to the basement where it is believed the murder weapon was hidden. Note that ghost hunting equipment is included in the experience. Find more information here.
The Crescent Hotel, Eureka Springs, Arkansas
Known as the hotel where some guests checked in but never checked out, the majestic Crescent Hotel, once operated as a cancer hospital by notorious charlatan Norman Baker, has a dark past. On the hotel’s Ghost Tour, visitors hear all the tales, famous ghost sightings and bizarre discoveries through the years. You can “live the legend”, if you dare, with the “Spirits of the Crescent” stay package that includes tour tickets. Find more information here.
The Elms Hotel & Spa, Excelsior Springs, Missouri
Said to have hosted many ghosts over the years, this spooky resort has been featured on an episode of Syfy’s Ghost Hunters. The Elms was the victim of two devastating fires in 1898 and 1910, but although no one perished, it is believed that spirits may have been involved, not to mention other spirits purportedly spotted from a gambler from speakeasy days and a ghost in a 1920’s-style housekeeping uniform. The grand hotel offers a “Paranormal Tour” that takes guests through its spirited history. Find more information here.
The Queen Mary, Long Beach, California
As historic ocean liners go, the Art Deco Queen Mary in Long Beach, which just re-opened to guests and visitors, may stand out as the most haunted. At least, since guests are encouraged to record their ghostly sightings, there are numerous records of ghosts on the ship decks, in the state rooms and even tickling the ivories in the lounge. One-hour tours are offered of the floating haunted hotel for those craving paranormal titillation and the ship’s legendary past. Find more information here.
The Del Coronado Hotel, San Diego, California
Almost everyone has heard about the ghost that haunts the beaches around the beautiful Hotel Del Coronado on Coronado Island. The 1888-constructed grand resort with 400 rooms is supposedly haunted to this day by Kate Morgan who, as legend has it, committed suicide on the beach of the resort in 1892 when her con-artist husband abandoned her. Her image has been sighted in the room where she stayed and around the grounds. The resort’s Ice House Museum now offers a “Haunted Happenings Tour” nightly where you can “walk in Kate’s footsteps” as you uncover the mystery of her demise. Find more information here.
Courtesy photos
