You don't have to wait until Halloween to spot a ghost or two. If you're an adventurous traveler who loves a good scare, you may be more interested in a restless nights' sleep rather than a relaxing escape. These haunted inns, hotels, and Airbnbs are full of things that go bump in the night.
1. Laura's Cottage // Savannah, Georgia
Fans of 2010's The Conspirator may recognize Laura’s Cottage. This haunted one-bedroom home was built in 1799 and is a stop on some ghost tours in the city. The place was once owned by a woman named Laura, who kept a huge garden. Encounters with her ghost tend to be friendly, so she’s probably just stopping by to tend to the gardens that meant so much to her.
2. Omni Grove Park Inn // Asheville, North Carolina
Are you ready to see a pink lady? No, not one of the girls from Grease (1978), but the specter that haunts the Omni Grove Park Inn in Asheville, North Carolina. This friendly ghost takes the forms of a pink mist and a woman in a pink ball gown. Not much is known about the pink lady, although it's said she met her demise by falling over a balcony in 1920. There are accounts of her playing with children or sitting with them when they are sick. She is also known for playing small tricks on guests who stay in room 545—the room she was in before her death.
3. La Posada Hotel // Santa Fe, New Mexico
When Abraham Staab built a mansion in Santa Fe, New Mexico, for his new German wife, little did he know she would never leave. Julia Staab was considered the belle of the ball, hosting popular parties attended by her famous friends. She died in 1896 of a broken heart at the age of 52 after having a stillbirth.
The home was converted into a hotel in the 1900s, and it's said the building is haunted by the former lady of the place. She's known for appearing to guess and staff alike. Julia has been featured on shows like Unsolved Mysteries, and the hotel offers special packages for guests interested in catching a glimpse of her. Although the hotel claims Julia is friendly, there are reports of her throwing things, including glasses. Others claim she just wants to keep up her hostess duties. If she does appear in front of you, maybe ask her for a dance.
4. Haunted Inn at 835 // Springfield, Illinois
Sometimes people find their dream home and decide to never leave it. That’s the case for Bell Miller, the previous owner of this inn located in Springfield, Illinois. Bell lived in the home in the early 1900s, and spent a lot of time caring for the place. She hasn’t stopped after death. Guests and staff have mentioned seeing the gentle ghost, who brightly greets people. She's also said to have fixed peeling wallpaper and tinkered with a candy bowl. This inn may be haunted, but it sounds like Bell is the most pleasant ghost around.
5. Ruthin Castle Hotel & Spa // Ruthin, Wales
Ruthin Castle in North Wales is massive and gorgeous—exactly what you would expect from a castle that has been converted into a hotel. One of the most notorious former residents in Lady Grey, who was executed there after murdering her husband's mistress. According to The Telegraph, she's usually seen walking around the battlements and banquet hall. In 2018, the spooky castle was featured on an episode of Most Haunted.
6. Miss Molly Hotel // Fort Worth, Texas
Miss Molly’s is the oldest bed and breakfast in Fort Worth, Texas. The former bordello and workhouse has several ghosts who decided not to leave. Some of these apparitions include women who worked at the brothel, some cowboys, and a young girl who once stayed at the hotel. Though it seems like it could be a rambunctious crowd, the ghosts all appear to be friendly.
7. The Haunted Chamber Apartment // York, England
No specific ghost that has made its appearance known at the Chamber Apartment in York, England. Guests at this building, which is more than 600 years old, report hearing eerie noises and experiencing a spooky atmosphere. So, if you want the scary feeling with just a few hints of a haunting, this is the perfect place for you.
8. Parks-Bowman Mansion: The Haunted Bedroom // New Orleans, Louisiana
Located in the Garden District of New Orleans, this room is haunted by a “a young girl in a yellow dress from the 1890s.” According to the house's owners, she's incredibly shy and probably will not bother you. It's said the girl was buried on the property near her father, though she is the only ghost in residence. Non-ghostly visitors can enjoy a queen-sized bed, a shower, and access to the third-floor porch. The bedroom is one of three rooms you can rent at this mansion. The other two rooms are the Red room and the library; however, neither are haunted.