Let’s dive deeper into some of the most haunted hotels and ships across the U.S. You’re in for a treat—or should I say, a scare. So, grab a blanket, check the doors, and get ready to roam through some ghostly legends.
The Stanley Hotel, Estes Park, Colorado
Let’s kick things off with one of the most famous haunted locations in the U.S.: The Stanley Hotel in Estes Park, Colorado. Built by Freelan Oscar Stanley, the inventor of the Stanley Steamer automobile, this hotel opened its doors in 1909, offering stunning views of the Rocky Mountains.
But what truly puts The Stanley on the paranormal map is its connection to Stephen King’s novel The Shining. In 1974, King and his wife stayed at the hotel during its off-season, and the eerie atmosphere inspired him to write one of the most iconic horror stories of all time. The hotel is rumored to be haunted by F.O. Stanley and his wife, Flora, and many guests report hearing disembodied voices, seeing strange lights, and feeling cold spots. Some claim to have felt unseen hands touch them, adding to the hotel’s ghostly reputation. If you’re up for it, The Stanley offers guided ghost tours, so you can delve deeper into its haunted history. But beware—you may leave with more than just a souvenir.
The Crescent Hotel, Eureka Springs, Arkansas
Next, we head to Eureka Springs, Arkansas, home to the Crescent Hotel, which claims to be the most haunted hotel in the U.S. Originally built in 1886, this luxury resort quickly became a popular destination for those seeking relaxation in the natural springs. But things took a darker turn in 1934 when Norman G. Baker—a man with no medical degree—converted the hotel into a cancer hospital. He claimed to have a cure for cancer, but unfortunately, many patients paid with their lives, contributing to the hotel’s dark history.
The hauntings here include Dr. Baker’s ghost, often seen in a purple shirt and white linen suit, and the eerie sound of a nurse pushing a gurney down the halls. Guests have also encountered Theodora, a patient from Baker’s era who mysteriously disappears after introducing herself. And let’s not forget the story of a little boy who skips around the kitchen, along with flying pots and pans—a truly bizarre experience for anyone working the late shift.
If you’re brave enough, the Crescent Hotel holds tours year-round, diving into the chilling history and supernatural encounters that make this hotel both eerie and fascinating.
The Jerome Grand Hotel, Jerome, Arizona
Now, let’s head over to Jerome, Arizona, home of the Jerome Grand Hotel. This hotel, which was once a hospital in the 1920s, has a haunting past tied to its days as a medical facility. Built in 1927, the hospital was a cutting-edge facility for its time but later closed due to the decline of the local mining industry.
Today, the hotel is haunted by several spirits, including the Head Nurse who reportedly haunts the restaurant and lounge area. Staff and guests have reported hearing children’s laughter and feeling a cold chill in the hallways. One of the most famous ghostly figures is Claude Harvey, a maintenance worker who died under mysterious circumstances in 1935. His ghost still roams, often seen near the boiler room or laundry room. And then there’s the ghost cat—yes, a cat! Visitors have felt the cat brush up against their legs, heard it meow, and even seen it curled up in bed. If you’re lucky, you might snap a photo of the cat, like one guest did in 2008, capturing the ghostly feline on camera.
The USS Hornet, Alameda, California
Let’s switch things up with a ship—the USS Hornet (CV-12), docked in Alameda, California. This aircraft carrier has quite the history. Commissioned in 1941, the Hornet played a major role in World War II, and its legendary status grew due to its participation in key battles like the Doolittle Raid and the Battle of Midway. Known as the “Grey Ghost” due to its dark color and stealthy missions, it has been the site of numerous deaths over the years, including battles, accidents, and suicides.
Today, the USS Hornet is a museum ship, but it’s also a hotbed for paranormal activity. Visitors have reported seeing apparitions of soldiers and hearing strange noises throughout the ship. There have been reports of tools vanishing, heavy doors moving on their own, and ghostly figures walking through the ship. Some have even felt unseen hands push them. The ship’s long and storied history has undoubtedly contributed to its ghostly reputation, making it a must-see for those brave enough to explore its haunted halls.
The Queen Mary, Long Beach, California
Last but certainly not least, we end our haunted journey at the Queen Mary, a retired British ocean liner now moored in Long Beach, California. Built in the 1930s, the Queen Mary was one of the largest and most luxurious ships of its time, but after serving in World War II, it became a hotel and museum.
The Queen Mary is another ship with a haunted reputation. Two of the most popular spots for paranormal activity are the first-class and second-class swimming pools, where guests have reported seeing ghostly figures and hearing splashing sounds—despite the pools being closed for decades. Visitors have also encountered a young girl named Jackie who drowned in the pool, and she’s been spotted laughing and playing near the second-class pool. But the Queen Mary isn’t just haunted by children—there are reports of a tall, dark-haired man in a 1930s suit, along with strange noises and unexplained lights. Some guests have even heard a baby crying in the third-class children’s playroom. If you’re there in October, check out Shaqtoberfest, a Halloween festival with haunted trails, live entertainment, and food—if you dare.
Whether you believe in ghosts or not, these haunted hotels and ships each have their own creepy tales to tell. As always, respect the history and the spirits that roam these places, and remember, ghost stories are more than just folklore—they’re a connection to the past.
