Haunted Hotels in Alabama You Can Stay In
Discover the most haunted hotels in Alabama with real ghost stories and paranormal activity
Cities in Alabama with haunted hotels
10 Haunted Hotels Found in Alabama
The Kate Shepard House
1552 Monterey Pl, Mobile, AL 36604, United States
The spirit of Kate Shepard, the original owner, is believed to lovingly watch over her former home. Built in 1897, the house served as her residence and school. Guests report feeling gentle presences, smelling unexplained perfumes, and occasionally hearing faint whispers or music. Unlike more frightening hauntings, occurrences here are described as comforting and protective, as if Kate still ensures her guests are well taken care of. Some claim to have seen an apparition resembling old photographs of Kate in hallways or near her portrait.
Fort Condé Inn
165 St Emanuel St, Mobile, AL 36602, United States
The Fort Condé Inn sits on land with history dating back to the early 18th-century French settlement. The current structures, dating from the 1830s, are reportedly haunted by spirits tied to Mobile's layered past. Staff and guests have mentioned encounters with shadowy figures in period clothing, particularly in the older sections of the inn. There are also reports of doors opening or closing independently, faint sounds of conversations or movement from empty rooms, and feelings of being watched, attributed possibly to early settlers or individuals connected to the original fort.
Hotel Finial
1600 Quintard Avenue, Anniston, AL 36201, United States
Built in 1888 as a private residence for prominent local families (McKleroy, Wilson, Kirby), Hotel Finial (formerly The Victoria Inn) carries echoes of its past. Guests and staff report unsettling occurrences, suggesting the presence of former owners. Common experiences include disembodied footsteps heard throughout the building, especially in the restaurant area, and music mysteriously playing from an empty music room. A female apparition has been sighted on the upstairs landing, and ghostly glasses clinking behind the bar add to the paranormal activity. These events lead many to believe the spirits of past residents remain, checking in on the living.
The Battle House Renaissance Mobile Hotel & Spa
26 N Royal St, Mobile, AL 36602, United States
The Battle House, rebuilt in 1908 after a fire destroyed the original 1852 structure, has a rich history that includes serving as Andrew Jackson's headquarters post-War of 1812 (original site). Its opulent lobby and historic corridors are said to host several spirits. One notable ghost is the 'Lady in Red,' reportedly seen in the Crystal Ballroom, perhaps searching for a lost love. Another is a World War I soldier, sometimes glimpsed in uniform. Guests have reported eerie cold spots, unexplained lights, and sounds of music or voices when no one is around, particularly near historical artifacts displayed in the hotel.
Hampton Inn & Suites Birmingham-Downtown-Tutwiler
2021 Park Pl, Birmingham, AL 35203, United States
The Tutwiler Hotel, dating back to 1914, is famous for the ghost of Colonel Tutwiler himself, who reportedly returns to his former residence. However, the most active ghost is said to be a former bartender or chef known as 'the waiter'. In the early days, staff lived on the 6th floor. Legend says after discovering his wife with another man, 'the waiter' murdered them before taking his own life. Guests report phantom knocking, lights turning on and off by themselves on the 6th floor, and kitchen staff have reported objects moving inexplicably and the smell of food cooking when the kitchen is closed, attributed to 'the waiter'.
Redmont Hotel Birmingham, Curio Collection by Hilton
2101 5th Ave N, Birmingham, AL 35203, United States
The Redmont Hotel is known for several spectral residents. Most notably, the spirit of Clifford Stiles, former owner, is said to haunt his old room and office area after dying in the hotel. Guests also report seeing a woman in white, believed to be a former guest named Miss Fancy, who frequented the hotel and tragically died. Her apparition is often seen on the 9th floor. Additionally, the ghost of a small dog has been reported, sometimes heard barking or felt brushing against legs. Elevator malfunctions and unexplained noises add to the hotel's haunted reputation.
Malaga Inn
359 Church St, Mobile, AL 36602, United States
The Malaga Inn, built in 1862 for two sisters, is known for multiple spirits. A prominent one is a 'lady in white' seen pacing balconies and is particularly associated with Room 007, where guests report rocking chairs moving and lights flickering. During the Civil War, it served as refuge and possibly a hospital, contributing to stories of soldier apparitions and phantom noises. Disembodied voices, unexplained cold spots, and items moving inexplicably are commonly reported throughout the inn.
Hampton Inn & Suites Montgomery-Downtown
100 Commerce St, Montgomery, AL 36104, United States
This hotel building, originally known as the Greystone Hotel, carries ghostly tales. A prominent spirit is referred to as 'George,' believed to be a former guest or worker who died tragically. He's associated with flickering lights, especially on the top floor, unexplained cold spots, and items moving. Some sources say he might be a jilted groom. Another recurring report involves phantom phone calls to the front desk from unoccupied rooms, and eerie feelings within certain stairwells or corridors, suggesting remnants of past events linger within the old structure.
Hotel Indigo Birmingham Five Points S - UAB
1023 20th St S, Birmingham, AL 35205, United States
Previously the location of a medical clinic/office building, the Hotel Indigo is believed to retain psychic impressions. While specific ghost identities aren't well-defined, staff and guests have reported classic haunting signs: strange noises with no apparent source, feelings of unease in certain areas, and sudden temperature drops. Elevators acting erratically, stopping on floors not selected, are commonly mentioned. It's speculated residual energy from its time connected to medical practices contributes to the unsettling atmosphere some experience, more as a feeling than distinct apparitions.
St. James Hotel Selma
1200 Water Ave, Selma, AL 36701, United States
The St. James Hotel is famously associated with the spirits of outlaw Jesse James and his girlfriend, Lucinda. It's rumored they frequently stayed here. Guests report seeing a man in cowboy attire, presumed to be Jesse, especially in and around rooms he supposedly favored. Lucinda's spirit is also sensed, sometimes through the smell of lavender perfume. Beyond them, given its age and role during the Civil War, other unexplained paranormal activities are common: disembodied footsteps in hallways, doors locking/unlocking on their own, and phantom smells of cigars. A ghostly dog is also reported to roam the courtyard.
Haunted History of Alabama
As the very heart of the Deep South, Alabama is a land where the past is never far from the present. Its soil is soaked in the history of the Civil War, its grand antebellum mansions whisper tales of fortunes won and lost, and its folklore is rich with a unique Southern Gothic charm. The state's history of intense conflict, profound tragedy, and deep-rooted traditions has created the perfect environment for spirits who find themselves unable—or unwilling—to move on.
From the spectral soldiers who still march across the battlefields of Selma to the forlorn spirits of belles and their suitors who haunt historic homes, Alabama's ghost stories are a fundamental part of its cultural identity. The heavy, magnolia-scented air seems to hold the echoes of bygone eras, and in the quiet of a southern night, it's easy to feel the presence of those who came before. These aren't just spooky tales; they are the living memories of a state with a story to tell around every corner.
Other Haunted Attractions in Alabama
- Sloss Furnaces National Historic Landmark (Birmingham): Once the largest manufacturer of pig iron in the world, this sprawling industrial site was known for its brutal working conditions. The most famous spirit is that of James "Slag" Wormwood, a cruel foreman who allegedly fell into the molten iron. His malevolent ghost is said to shove visitors and hiss "get back to work," joined by the spirits of dozens of other workers who died on site. Official Website
- Maple Hill Cemetery (Huntsville): As one of Alabama's oldest and largest cemeteries, Maple Hill is full of spirits, but its most famous haunted spot is the "Dead Children's Playground." Located near a section of children's graves from the 19th century, visitors at night report seeing the swings move on their own, hearing disembodied giggles, and seeing the ghostly figures of children playing.
- USS Alabama Battleship Memorial Park (Mobile): This mighty WWII battleship, known as "The Mighty A," is said to be crewed by a phantom fleet. Staff and overnight guests have reported hearing the clang of hatches sealing themselves, the disembodied sound of footsteps on the metal decks, and even seeing full-bodied apparitions of sailors still dutifully at their posts. Official Website
- Gaineswood National Historic Landmark (Demopolis): This opulent antebellum mansion is a masterpiece of Greek Revival architecture and home to a gentle haunting. The spirit of Evelyn Carter, the sister of the mistress of the house, is said to roam the halls. A gifted musician, her phantom piano playing is often heard echoing through the home, as she continues to enjoy the beauty of the estate in the afterlife. More Info
Travel Tips for Haunted Hotel Stays in Alabama
- Embrace the Atmosphere: The Southern Gothic vibe is real. The warm, humid nights, the sound of cicadas, and the Spanish moss hanging from ancient oaks all contribute to one of the spookiest natural settings for a ghost hunt.
- Dive into the History: To truly understand Alabama's ghosts, learn about their history. Visit a Civil War battlefield or tour an antebellum home during the day to connect with the stories of the spirits you might encounter at night.
- Talk to the Locals: Alabamians are master storytellers. Strike up a conversation at a local diner or historic tavern, and you're likely to hear personal ghost stories and local legends that have been passed down for generations.
- Stay Hydrated: The Alabama heat and humidity are no joke, especially in the summer. Be sure to drink plenty of water while you're out exploring haunted cemeteries and historic districts.
FAQ about Haunted Hotels in Alabama
Are haunted hotels in Alabama safe to stay in? Yes, of course! Haunted hotels in Alabama are historic, charming, and meet all modern safety standards. The paranormal activity is part of their deep Southern character, offering a memorable story to take home.
What is the most haunted hotel in Alabama? Alabama is home to numerous historic hotels and inns with long and storied histories of hauntings, particularly in cities like Mobile, Selma, and Birmingham. Each one offers a unique paranormal experience, from friendly spirits to more mischievous entities.
Do haunted hotels in Alabama offer ghost tours? Some hotels may share their ghostly tales, but many are featured stops on larger city-wide ghost tours. For a guided experience, look for local tour companies in historic downtown areas, as they often have the best stories and access.
Can kids stay in haunted hotels in Alabama? Most historic hotels are welcoming to families. However, parents should consider that many of the ghost stories are rooted in the mature themes of the Civil War and other historical tragedies, which may not be suitable for all children.
What time of year is best for haunted hotel stays in Alabama? Fall is an ideal time to visit, with cooler weather and a naturally spooky ambiance leading up to Halloween. A spring visit is also wonderful, as the blooming flowers and lush greenery create a hauntingly beautiful backdrop for your adventure.