Tired of passing out candy year after year at Halloween? Why not do something unique that allows you to get more out of the holiday like you did when you were a kid, only taking it up a notch by taking advantage of the potential to greet some actual ghosts, not just those wearing sheets with the eyes cut out. Many of these vacation rentals are known for their numerous reports of hauntings or are at least located in towns that are well known for things that go bump in the night.
Queen Anne Hotel, Victorian King - San Francisco, California
For a relatively affordable and unforgettable stay in San Francisco, the Queen Anne Hotel is housed within a former girls’ finishing school that opened just after the gold rush of 1849. One of the world’s most haunted hotels, the rooms are lavishly elegant but be aware that you might have an unexpected guest staying with you. The headmistress of the school apparently doesn’t want to give up her job as there have been dozens of reports of a Miss Mary Lake who occasionally appears in a mirror and she’s even tucked some guests into bed. According to the many paranormal experts who’ve checked out the place, she’s a friendly ghost and she’s not the only one here.
The Black Monarch, Haunted Brothel - Victor, Colorado
Victor has such a small population it’s almost a ghost town with around 430 residents at last count. But it has a very rich mining history that attracted many well-known characters over the years from the “Unsinkable Molly Brown” to then Vice President Theodore Roosevelt who visited in the summer of 1901. The Black Monarch was rebuilt following a devastating fire in 1899, serving as a brothel, casino and saloon. It was launched as a “horror” hotel in May of 2019 – local legend says that the building was not only wired by Nikola Tesla himself, it’s haunted by the ghost of a miner who died in a gunfight.
The hotel has been kept very well-preserved with original tin ceilings, doors, windows, and stairs. Every room is uniquely themed, with decor that includes real oddities, creepy art, authentic taxidermy, and luxurious furnishings. Unlike back in the day, it does have Wi-Fi and TV along with a kitchen, accommodating as many as 16 adventurous guests in seven bedrooms.
Henry Derby House - Salem, Massachusetts
In a town with a history that involves witches being burned at the stake, you know there’s going to be some hauntings and that includes this buttery yellow Victorian. Picture perfect on the outside, inside, guests often report unusual sightings – in fact, it’s a popular stop on local ghost tours. The owner grew up in the home and has said he’d always sleep with a fan to drown out the footsteps frequently heard during the night when the occupants were all in bed. The ghost has only been seen by a few but has been described as a girl in her mid to late teens. You can rent the entire home which includes five bedrooms, accommodating up to 10 guests.
Historic Laura's Cottage, a Redford Film Spot - Savannah, Georgia
There are many reasons to stay in Laura’s Cottage. Located in Savannah’s renowned historic district, you’ll be immersed in the city’s history, a place where you can kick back in the rocking chairs on the front porch and watch the horse-drawn carriages clip-clop by. This was also a setting for Robert Redford’s film “The Conspirator,” and a favorite with local ghost tours. Not much is known about “Laura,” the apparition who haunts the place, other than that she enjoyed tending the garden. Today she likes to play with the lights and open the windows.
The Governor Meagher Cabin - Virginia City, Montana
You’d be hard-pressed to find better than the Governor Meagher cabin for exploring the lively ghost town of Virginia City with hundreds of buildings that date back more than 150 years; in fact, little has changed since they were constructed. And, just a block from the historic district, the log cabin itself is on the Historic Register. With this area built on the hopes of treasure seekers, it’s really no surprise that some of them never left, like the apparition of an older cowboy that likes to saddle up at a Virginia City bar. You’ll enjoy a clean and comfortable stay complete with a full kitchen for everything you need to make your own meals, a grill for cookouts, and free Wi-Fi too.
Parks-Bowman Mansion: The Haunted Bedroom - New Orleans, Louisiana
There are many reasons to visit New Orleans, including its spooky cemeteries, and you’ll find plenty of haunting appeal and elegance in this guest bedroom. A carved cypress staircase leads to the three-story room which includes glittering chandeliers, and the ghost of a girl who resided here for many years, from 1887 through 1915. She’s said to have been injured in an accident that led to her frail health and early death at a young age, possibly while giving birth. This is the room where most of her appearances have occurred which is why it’s known as the Haunted Bedroom. Guests have heard the sounds of lullabies and footsteps when no one is there, the lights seem to turn on and off on their own, objects go missing and reappear in unlikely places, and orbs are commonly seen. Actual figures are sometimes glimpsed too, often described as a young woman in a long dress with dark hair.
Historic Civil War Farm House - Gettysburg, Pennsylvania
Gettysburg is often said to be one of the most haunted places in the entire country. By staying in this Historic Civil War farmhouse, you’ll have only one “living” host (and her multiple pets) who has been residing here for nearly four decades, along with many others who keep her company although they’re only an entirely different plane of reality. She’ll tell you plenty of ghost stories if you’d like to hear them. The farmhouse and barn were used as a Civil War field hospital right after the Battle of Gettysburg, but you’ll enjoy a more pleasant experience accommodated in a spacious, sunny room with a private bathroom. Access to the shared kitchen and family room is included too.
Haunted Magnolia Hotel Bed and Breakfast - Seguin, Texas
Head to Seguin’s quaint Historic Downtown District to stay at this unique bed and breakfast. Featured on Ghost Adventures, Ghost Brothers, and Paranormal Caught on Camera, this 3,000-square-foot rental allows you and three guests to have the entire 2nd floor to yourself. In addition to a complimentary continental breakfast, you’ll have a 5-room suite and a spooky unrestored 11-room area. Dating back to 1850, it was once a 10-room frontier hotel, stagecoach stop, saloon, restaurant and brothel. There are even pictures and historic articles displayed for you to learn more about the history of the building and the spirits who reside there, and Guided Ghost Tours are available one Saturday a month.
Inspiration House: Cozy Haunted Retreat - Oberlin, Ohio
This Ohio Airbnb is located in a quiet neighborhood just blocks from town, within walking distance of everything in Oberlin. Featured on Netflix’s Amazing Vacation Rentals, you’ll be staying with friendly ghost residents while also enjoying perks like four comfortable bedrooms, a luxurious library, a clawfoot tub, and a well-stocked kitchen. Built-in the 1870s, Inspiration House was acquired in 2018 by Michelle Belanger, a paranormal researcher featured on shows including Paranormal State and Portals to Hell. A highlight is the display room, which is part museum and part training ground and is designed to help people get familiar with the tools, theories, and approaches of paranormal investigation.
