Halloween is quickly approaching, so you know what that means: Time for a scare! The popular October holiday is the perfect time of the year to bring out your inner monster, and give some loved ones, or even complete strangers, some spooks.

 

The most popular attractions during Halloween are haunted houses. But have you ever been to a haunted hotel? There are hundreds of them not only in America but across the world. A lot of them are ranked as the most haunted hotels on the planet! We know you’re just itching to spend a few spooky nights in some of them, aren’t you?

 

You’re in luck. We’ve researched 11 of the most haunted hotels in the world for your visiting pleasure. You can visit them on Halloween or whenever you like. Either way, we’re sure your stay in them will be days and nights that you’ll never forget. Check them out below.

 

Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel: Alberta, Canada

This hotel was built in 1888 and was a favorite destination for prestigious visitors like Helen Keller, Queen Elizabeth II, Marilyn Monroe and more. Rumor has it that many years ago, an entire family was murdered in Room 873. After that, visitors who stayed in the space have reported waking up to terrifying screams. Maids have also found bloody fingerprints that they can’t remove on mirrors in the room. Paranormal activity got so back in the room that hotel staff was forced to stop allowing bookings in there. However, visitors still say that they feel paranormal activity when they walk near it.

 

Ballygally Castle: Northern Ireland

Ballygally Castle has a very dark past, according to Irish legend. It was built in 1625 and its original owner was Lord James Shaw. He also lived there with his wife Lady Isabella Shaw. It’s rumored that his wife was either pushed, jumped or accidentally fell from the roof of the castle. Now, she can be seen walking in her home. She may even knock on doors, on occasion. Today, as a hotel, there’s a “ghost room” in the that’s been dedicated in her honor.

 

The Marshall House: Savannah, Georgia

Savannah, Georgia is known for being one of the most haunted cities in the country. So, this hotel — the oldest one in Savannah — having ghosts wandering around makes perfect sense. During the Civil War, The Marshall House housed Union soldiers. It was also a hospital on three occasions, once for wounded soldiers and twice for yellow fever outbreaks. Visitors say they can see the spirits of soldiers and children wandering around and making noise.

Photo courtesy of MontyLov/Unsplash

 

Emily Morgan Hotel: San Antonio, Texas

Before it was renovated into a hotel, the building was a medical facility, which means that it held a morgue and a psychiatric ward. People who’ve stayed here in recent years have said that they’ve felt like they were being touched by invisible entities, and they’ve also heard strange noises around the hotel. Visitors say that the seventh floor is the most haunted area in the hotel.

 

Russell Hotel: Sydney, Australia

Located in an area that was once called “The Rocks,” this hotel supposedly houses the ghost of a sailor who lived there during colonial times. He’s said to roam around the hallways and guest rooms. According to the hotel visitors, he loves spending time near Room 8. But, that’s not the creepiest part. The ghost is also known to pay close attention to women who spend the night.

 

Bourbon Orleans Hotel: New Orleans, Louisiana 

This hotel opened in 1827 and it was originally a ballroom. However, by the late 19th century, it was converted into a school, orphanage, medical ward, and convent by the Sisters of the Holy Family. At this time, a yellow fever epidemic broke out and many died as a result. Visitors today say that you can still see the ghosts of children and nuns walking about. You may also see a dancing ghost where the actual ballroom was. You can also book ghosts tours today, if you dare.

 

Langham Hotel: London, England

The Langham Hotel is known as the most haunted hotel in London. It was built in 1933 and was the first luxury hotel in the city. Today, many say that the majority of the paranormal activity comes from Room 933, which is still available for bookings by brave tourists. Visitors have seen the ghosts of Emperor Napoleon III, who spent his final days there, a doctor who killed his wife there on their honeymoon before committing suicide and a German prince, still wearing his military jacket, who jumped to his death from the fourth floor. Other ghosts that have been spotted include a man with a facial scar and a butler.

 

Photo courtesy of Kamil Feczko/Unsplash

 

Stanley Hotel: Estes Park, Colorado

This hotel was built in the early 1900s. The owners were F.O. Stanley and his wife Flora. Visitors say that the married couple can still be seen and heard in the hotel, perhaps in the Billiards Room or playing the piano. The ghost of the hotel’s former chief maid is said to have appeared, too. She’s been known to unpack visitors clothes from their luggage. Famed thriller author Stephen King spent time at the hotel and his novel The Shining was inspired by his stay. Today, the hotel offers ghost tours and paranormal investigations if you’re not afraid of a scare.

 

Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel: Hollywood, California

During the days of Hollywood’s prime, the Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel was one of the most popular hotels celebrities visited, and many still pop by. In fact, it housed the very first Academy Awards. One person who loved the hotel was Marilyn Monroe. The actress really loved the poolside Suite 1200 because it had a full-length mirror that she loved looking at herself in. Today, visitors in the hotel say that they still see her reflection in the same mirror, from time to time. There’s also a so-called “cold spot” near ballroom where people say you can feel the presence of ghosts.

 

Taj Mahal Hotel: Mumbai, India

A man named W.A. Chambers was one of the designers of the prestigious Taj Mahal Hotel. Before it was built many years ago, he drew up the exact blueprints of how he wanted it to look. Shortly afterward, he left for a trip to London, England. Rumor has it that when he returned and saw that his instructions were ignored, he jumped from his fifth-floor window. Today, people say that they can see his ghost wandering around the hotel, looking to see if certain things are where he likes them. He’s also known to walk on the roof sometimes, as well.

 

The Queen Mary: Long Beach, California

Though the Queen Mary is known as one of the most haunted hotels in the world, it was first known as a ship that was later renovated into a hotel. During its time as a traveling ship, many people died onboard. Located in Long Beach, California, many visitors can hear mysteriously loud screams and wails, as well as footsteps coming from all over the boat. Many have also admitted to seeing ghosts walking around and toilets flushing on their own. Some of the spotted ghosts include kids who died in the ship’s pool, a sailor who died in its engine room and a woman wearing white.