The Spookiest Stays We Could Find
The World’s Most Haunted Luxury Hotels (That Are Actually Worth Staying In)
There’s something magical about October.
The moody skies, the flicker of candlelight, the whisper of something otherworldly in the air. As a lover of atmospheric hotels, historic properties, and just a touch of spooky folklore, I couldn’t resist rounding up some of the world’s most haunted luxury stays.
Think: castles with ghost sightings, Italian palazzos with chilly frescoed halls, and glamorous hotels where the spirits just might check you in.
We’ve rounded up some of the world’s most hauntingly beautiful stays — from castles in Scotland to palaces in India — to celebrate Halloween.
But trust us: these are worth booking any time of year.
Whether you’re planning ahead for Halloween 2026 (and yes, you absolutely should), or just dreaming of a different kind of escape, here are the stays that pair eerie history with elevated hospitality.
Let’s dive in…
THE STANLEY HOTEL, Estes Park, Colorado
Built in 1909 and famed as the inspiration for The Shining, this iconic lodge delivers roaring fireplaces, sweeping Rocky Mountain views, and a healthy dose of ghostly legend.
Luxury stay? Check. Eerie ambiance? Double check.
LIZZIE BORDEN HOUSE, Fall River, Massachusetts
True crime buffs, this one's for you. This 1892 murder site now operates as a boutique B&B and museum. Guests can sleep in rooms where spirits are said to linger. Not five-star in the traditional sense, but unforgettable all the same.
1886 CRESCENT HOTEL & SPA, Eureka Springs, Arkansas
Dubbed America’s most haunted hotel, this mountaintop spa resort offers ghost tours, historic charm, and refined service. For the brave, there’s always the suite.
THE HAWTHORNE HOTEL, Salem, Massachusetts
In the heart of Witch City, this elegant hotel is a step above your average Halloween haunt. Sophisticated rooms + haunted history = the ultimate October escape.
HOTEL BURCHIANTI, Florence, Italy
Once loved by poets and opera singers, now adored by travellers (and a few lingering spirits). Think frescoed ceilings, flickering chills, and whispers of a child skipping down the hallway. Hauntingly beautiful.
FAIRMONT BANFF SPRINGS, Banff, Canada
This castle in the Rockies has it all: roaring fires, dramatic views, and a bride who never made it down the aisle. Don’t worry — Sam the bellman ghost might help with your bags.
PARADOR DE JAÉN, Andalusia, Spain
This Arab fortress turned hotel is home to Room 22 — supposedly haunted by a heartbroken woman. There’s also “Terrible Lizard,” a ghostly prisoner. Spanish. Stylish. Spooky.
ROCH CASTLE, Pembrokeshire, Wales
A 12th-century fortress turned 5-star retreat. Guests have reported sightings of a woman in white — thought to be Lucy Walter, mistress to King Charles II. Regal, remote, and yes... haunted.
TULLOCH CASTLE, Scottish Highlands
This moody castle features original fireplaces, stained glass — and “The Green Lady,” aka Elizabeth, who might just blink at you from her portrait. Equal parts eerie and enchanting.
THE LANGHAM, London, UK
Room 333 is reportedly haunted… but the hotel remains one of the most opulent stays in the city. Historic. Haunted. Highly refined.
THE TAJ MAHAL PALACE, Mumbai, India
An architectural marvel with a storied past. Legend has it, the architect jumped to his death after realizing the hotel was built facing the wrong way. His ghost is said to gently roam the halls to this day.
CASTLE LESLIE ESTATE, County Monaghan, Ireland
A countryside escape with copper tubs, a cozy library, and... Norman Leslie, shuffling papers in the Red Room. Honestly? We’d haunt it too.
GRAND HOTEL AMRÂTH, Amsterdam, Netherlands
This Art Nouveau stunner (formerly the House of Shipping) is part museum, part mystery novel. Guests report flickering lights, flying plugs, and phantom footsteps in the corridors.
DALHOUSIE CASTLE, Edinburgh, Scotland
Scotland’s oldest inhabited castle brings turrets, tapestries, and some serious ghost stories — including the Grey Lady and a long-starved knight. Glamorous... with a ghostly guest list.
BRAN CASTLE, Transylvania, Romania
Dracula’s not-so-humble abode. While more attraction than five-star hotel, it’s perfect for anyone wanting legend, luxury, and a ghost story come to life.
Feeling inspired to plan a gothic getaway of your own?
Whether you’re craving candlelit castles, haunted palaces, or just a little bit of eerie folklore with your five-star suite, we’re here to make it happen.
Book early for October 2026 — the most unforgettable spooky stays go fast!