Are you ready for a spine-tingling adventure?
California, known for its sunny beaches and Hollywood stars, is also home to some of the most haunted hotels in the country.
From historic inns with ghostly guests to glamorous hotels where spirits of the past still linger, these places are filled with eerie stories that will give you chills.
Imagine staying in a room where the ghost of a famous actress might appear in the mirror or having the bed covers pulled off mysteriously in the night.
In fact, one of these hotels is supposedly haunted by Marilyn Monroe!
In this article, we’ll take you on a tour of the 10 most haunted hotels in California.
Read on, if you dare!
1. Hotel del Coronado
Hotel del Coronado is a stunning, historic hotel located on Coronado Island in San Diego.
Known for its beautiful beachside setting, it’s also famous for being one of California’s most haunted hotels.
The ghost of Kate Morgan, who checked in under the name Lottie A Bernard in 1892, is said to haunt the hotel.
Kate was found dead on the hotel’s staircase leading to the beach and her death remains a mystery – did she do this to herself or did someone else do it to her?
Guests often report strange occurrences in her room, like faucets turning on by themselves and bed covers being pulled off in the night.
Her ghost is also sometimes seen wandering the hallways, garden and beach.
The hotel’s spooky reputation is as well-known as its breathtaking architecture and luxurious rooms.
2. The Hollywood Roosevelt
The Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel is located on the famous Hollywood Boulevard in Los Angeles.
This glamorous hotel, opened in 1927, has hosted countless celebrities over the years including some who never left.
The ghosts of Marilyn Monroe and Montgomery Clift are said to haunt the hotel to this day.
Marilyn Monroe’s spirit is often seen in the mirror of her old room, Suite 1200, and in the lobby’s mirror.
Montgomery Clift’s ghost is known to roam Room 928, where guests sometimes hear him practicing his trumpet or running lines.
Terrifyingly, several guests have reported his spirit holding them down whilst in bed.
Other spooky sightings include a man in a tuxedo in the Blossom Ballroom and mysterious phone calls from empty rooms.
3. Queen Mary
The Queen Mary, a historic ocean liner docked in Long Beach, is famous for its ghostly guests.
This grand ship, which sailed the seas from 1936 to 1967, is now a floating hotel and museum.
The Queen Mary is said to be haunted by over 100 spirits including a lady in white who dances in the Queen’s Salon and a sailor who died in the engine room.
Stateroom B340 is thought to be the most haunted room on the ship with many chilling tales of covers being ripped off the bed and faucets turning themselves on.
Visitors also report hearing ghostly calls for help, mysterious footsteps and seeing shadowy figures.
4. Glen Tavern Inn
The Glen Tavern Inn is a historic hotel in Santa Paula, known for its Old West charm and ghostly residents.
Built in 1911, this inn once housed a speakeasy, a clubhouse and possibly a ‘house of ill-repute’ during Prohibition.
Room 308 is said to be haunted by the ghost of a cowboy named Calvin, who was shot after cheating at cards.
Another ghost, a lady of the night named Rose, is also rumored to linger in Room 307.
Her head was tragically removed from her body whilst she was servicing a client.
Guests report seeing shadowy figures, hearing mysterious voices and feeling sudden cold spots.
5. Queen Anne Hotel
The Queen Anne Hotel, located in San Francisco, is a charming Victorian-era boutique hotel with a ghostly reputation.
It’s a little bit different to the other haunted hotels on this list though as it’s haunted by a very friendly ghost!
Originally a girls’ boarding school in the 1890s, it’s now known for its most famous spirit, Miss Mary Lake, the school’s headmistress.
Guests who stay in Room 410, which was her old office, often report seeing her ghostly figure and experiencing strange occurrences.
The ghost of Mary Lake is said to help guests as best she can by unpacking their bags, singing to them as they fall asleep or tucking them into bed.
The hotel itself is filled with beautiful antiques, chandeliers and a cozy atmosphere, making the ghostly encounters all the more surprising.
Guests can enjoy the elegant Victorian charm while keeping an eye out for the friendly headmistress.
6. Historic Cary House Hotel
The Historic Cary House Hotel, located in Placerville, is a 19th-century gem known for its haunted history.
This Gold Rush-era hotel has seen many famous guests but it’s the ghostly ones that make it truly intriguing.
The most famous spirit is Stan, a former desk clerk who met a tragic end on the hotel’s staircase after flirting with a man’s wife.
Guests often hear his ghost coughing or trying to open locked doors.
Other eerie sightings include a woman in a long dress and children running through the halls.
7. Chateau Marmont
Chateau Marmont, located on Sunset Boulevard in West Hollywood, is famous for its celebrity guests and ghostly tales.
Built in 1929, this iconic hotel has a haunting connection to comedian John Belushi, who died in Bungalow 3 in the early 1980s.
Guests staying in this bungalow report feeling a strange presence and seeing shadows.
One chilling story involves a toddler who was seen laughing and talking to himself.
When asked by his parents who he was talking to, he said ‘the funny man’ and pointed to a photo of John Belushi.
The hotel’s mysterious atmosphere and glamorous history make it a fascinating destination.
8. Napa River Inn
The Napa River Inn, located in the heart of Napa Valley, offers more than just luxurious rooms…it also comes with a side of spooky history.
This historic hotel, located in a former mill building from the late 1800s, is said to be haunted by the spirits of the mill owner’s family.
Guests staying on the second floor often report strange sounds, doors opening and closing by themselves and self-emptying wine glasses.
One of the most famous ghosts is Captain Albert Hatt Jr., the mill owner’s son, who is frequently seen around the property.
Another spirit, a woman in white, has also been spotted wandering the halls.
9. National Hotel
The National Hotel in Jamestown is a historic gem from the Gold Rush era, dating back to 1859.
This charming hotel is said to be haunted by the ghost of a young woman named Flo, who roams the halls heartbroken as the man she was due to marry died.
Guests often report hearing strange sounds like sobbing, flickering lights and items mysteriously moving around.
Each room has a journal where visitors can write down their spooky experiences which adds to the hotel’s eerie charm.
Whether you’re there for the history or the hauntings, a stay at the National Hotel is sure to be unforgettable.
10. Santa Maria Inn
The Santa Maria Inn, located in Santa Maria, is a historic hotel known for its luxurious charm and ghostly residents.
Since opening in 1917, it has welcomed many Hollywood stars including Charlie Chaplin and Bob Hope.
The most famous ghost, however, is silent film star Rudolph Valentino, who is said to linger in room 221.
He has been spotted lying on the bed or knocking on the door.
Guests have also reported strange occurrences like lights flickering and objects moving on their own.
Another haunted hotspot is Room 210, where a sea captain is rumored to have been fatally attacked.
