The 10 Most Haunted Hotels on the East Coast for a Spooky Escape

Rich history meets modern luxury at this grandiose five-star hotel in the heart of Boston…and some of that history is pretty haunting. For starters, the hotel is built where the Charles Street Jail once stood—a prison built in 1851 that held the city’s most infamous inmates and saw several revolts over the years due to the deplorable living conditions the prisoners endured there. Rumor has it that some of these former residents have stuck around since the building’s conversion into a luxury hotel. There have been reports of full-body apparitions of prisoners and guards, as well as other spooky reports from guests who have experienced sudden temperature changes, the sound of slamming cell doors, phantom voices and unexplained footsteps.

On a lighter note, it’s also worth noting that The Liberty Hotel is located in the vibrant Beacon Hill neighborhood of Boston, where there’s an abundance of chic boutiques and antique shops, plus plenty of top-notch restaurants, so you won’t be wanting for things to do if you want a break from ghost hunting.

This sprawling resort in upstate New York opened during the 1880s and its long history, which includes several fires, might explain the decades’ worth of reports from guests and staff alike of paranormal activity. In fact, The Sagamore has been named one of the top 10 most haunted hotels in the whole country by TODAY magazine—a well-deserved title if you believe the numerous firsthand accounts. Supposedly, there’s the spectre of a mischievous boy who roams the golf course, as well as the apparition of a woman in a polka dot dress who’s said to wander the hallways of the hotel.

Additionally, guests report hearing the pitter-patter and laughter of ghostly children on the property and even a few accounts of a lady ghost who hovers over guests while they sleep and blows cool air into their eyelids. If you’re looking for a swanky escape on Lake George that could turn into a spine-chilling stay, The Sagamore fits the bill.

Featured on TV shows like Ghost Lab and Ghost Hunters, this haunted B&B in the Shawangunk Mountains is a known hub of paranormal activity. Best of all, The Shanley Hotel is more than happy to facilitate your ghost-hunting adventure: they host private and public investigations, offer guests information on the most haunted rooms in the hotel (as well as video and photo evidence of strange occurrences that have happened there), and even provide special equipment for ghost hunters who don’t have their own. As for the history that explains the Shanley hauntings, the home has a tragic past that involves the deaths of children (the Shanleys had three, but not one of them lived more than a few months), a gruesome murder of a little girl in a nearby swamp, and ties to mafia activity à la Gangs of New York.

This prestigious resort in the heart of the Poconos attracts golfers and ghost hunters alike. Avid paranormal investigators have done considerable research, sometimes over extended stays, and swear to have found evidence of paranormal activity on the historic property. For reasons unknown, this glamorous resort has drawn ghost hunters from far and wide, all of whom are confident in their findings. There is anecdotal evidence from guests, too, which includes several mentions of the full body apparition of a woman who roams the lobby, the Dogwood Dining Room and even the ladies’ room.

You’d be hard pressed to find a better ghost hunting location than Gettysburg, Pennsylvania—namely because it’s the site of the deadliest battle of the Civil War. Farnsworth House Inn is reportedly a particularly haunted location in the town with rumors circulating that it’s haunted by as many as 16 different spirits, including those of soldiers, midwives and children. Guests report paranormal phenomena that range from full body apparitions and disembodied voices to unexplained events, such as doors opening on their own and objects moving mysteriously. While staying at Farnsworth House Inn, I recommend you explore the many other haunted locations in Gettysburg (you can find a list here) and sign up for an educational battlefield tour, so you can really connect with the town’s ghostly history.

This iconic hotel is one of the Big Apple’s most haunted spots—namely because it’s known for numerous high-profile deaths, suicides and murders. Punk fans will recognize it as the hotel in which Nancy Spungen (the girlfriend of Sex Pistols bassist Sid Vicious) was brutally stabbed to death; and several guests have reported seeing Nancy’s ghost roaming the halls and even dolling herself up in bathroom mirrors. The poet Dylan Thomas and artist Charles R. Jackson also died on site and are said to haunt the halls. But even if you don’t see a spectre during your stay, there’s no question that The Hotel Chelsea has a uniquely New York history, not to mention a prime location for exploring the city’s many other major attractions. (For a ghost-themed visit, you can find some haunting city tours here.)

Of all the ghosts to encounter, that of a famous chocolate mogul seems rather friendly—and that’s exactly who may pay you a visit if you stay at The Hotel Hershey. There are multiple reports of Milton S. Hershey’s apparition being seen by guests and other anecdotes of paranormal activity, including doors that open and close by themselves and unexplained sounds. According to these accounts, the spirits are particularly active in the wine cellar, but you might encounter them anywhere in the hotel.

In fact, one TripAdvisor reviewer cautions visitors against booking room 924, writing, “I love the Hotel Hershey and its amazing spa, but beware. Some sections are haunted. Stay away from room 924. I got the scare of a lifetime on my solo trip. The entity woke me at 2:30 a.m. The room was cold with dark shadows and “it” called me “Mommy.” The resort let me switch rooms because I got zero sleep. The Spa is wonderful and I recommend the Cocoa facial. The accommodations are superb but bring your holy water, you might encounter an unwelcome guest in your room.” Roger that.

Jersey, and there are many ghost tours of the town available for those looking to explore all its haunted locations. Like many haunted hotels, Congress Hall owes its spooky reputation to the fact that it’s historic, having operated for more than two centuries. Both guests and staff have reported hearing whispers and seeing apparitions in the hotel, with the third floor hallway cited as being a particularly active area. I’d be remiss not to mention that Congress Hall is absolutely massive; it’s a veritable compound with hotel accommodations, as well as numerous shops and eateries that are open to on-guests, too. In other words, if you bring an EMF meter you will have plenty of places to search for ghosts and no shortage of other things to do at this coastal retreat.

Traveling actress Elizabeth Poe died at this historic inn in the heart of downtown Richmond, Virginia, orphaning her two children, one of whom was (you guessed it) Edgar Allan Poe. In fact, the famously macabre poet spent quite a lot of time at Linden Row Inn after the death of his mother. Guests have reported seeing the apparition of a woman roaming the hotel and some speculate it is the ghost of Elizabeth Poe herself searching for the children she left behind. There have also been accounts of other unexplained happenings (alarm clocks going off, mysterious noises, etc.) and many guests confirm that there’s just something a little eerie about the place, so for all we know, Edgar Allan Poe’s ghost might be paying visits as well.