Haunted Hotels in Hot Springs, Arkansas You Can Stay In
Discover the most haunted hotels in Hot Springs with real ghost stories and paranormal activity
2 Haunted Hotels Found in Hot Springs
Arlington Resort Hotel & Spa
239 Central Ave, Hot Springs, AR 71901, United States
Staff may deny it, but guests report numerous paranormal activities. These include sightings of apparitions in old-fashioned clothing, a little girl in pink, a woman in a wedding gown staring from a tower, and a spectral bellman. Room 824 experiences items falling, lights and taps turning on/off spontaneously (especially between 3-4 am). Al Capone's favored room, 443, reports phantom cigar smells and doorknobs turning on their own. Flickering lights and mysterious footprints are noted on the 7th floor, and a ghostly man is seen in the men's bathhouse.
Park Hotel
211 Fountain St, Hot Springs, AR 71901, United States
Although there is not much known about who or what haunts the hotel, guests and employees have had several paranormal encounters. It is common for people to feel something is brushing past them in the hotel corridors, and many guests say they have experienced being touched or poked by some unseen presence during their stay.
Haunted History of Hot Springs, Arkansas
Hot Springs has always been a city of duality, a place where people came both to heal and to sin. For centuries, the natural thermal waters drew those seeking cures for their ailments, making the historic bathhouses and hospitals places of both hope and immense suffering. This history alone has left behind a legion of spirits—patients who never recovered and staff who never clocked out, their ghostly whispers still echoing in the steam-filled halls of Bathhouse Row.
At the same time, Hot Springs blossomed into a notorious haven for organized crime, becoming the preferred neutral-ground vacation spot for infamous mobsters like Al Capone, Lucky Luciano, and Owney Madden. The city thrived on illegal gambling, bootlegging, and backroom deals, and this glamorous but violent lifestyle led to many untimely ends. The ghosts of Hot Springs are a unique and volatile mix: the mournful spirits of the sick, the spectral echoes of high-rolling gamblers, and the restless souls of gangsters who may have checked into the city's grand hotels, but never truly checked out.
Other Haunted Attractions in Hot Springs, Arkansas
- Fordyce Bathhouse: The most opulent and beautifully preserved bathhouse on historic Bathhouse Row now serves as the visitor center for Hot Springs National Park. Its treatment rooms and parlors are said to be haunted by the spirits of former patients and staff, with visitors reporting phantom voices, strange medicinal smells, and the eerie feeling of being watched.
- The Gangster Museum of America: To understand the ghosts of Hot Springs, you must first understand its gangster past. While not actively promoted as haunted, this museum is a repository of the violent history that fuels the city's legends. The artifacts and stories within the Gangster Museum of America create a heavy atmosphere where the past feels disturbingly close.
- The Malco Theatre: This historic downtown theater has been entertaining the city for decades, and some of its patrons have never left. The Malco Theatre is said to be haunted by several spirits, most notably a "lady in white" believed to be the ghost of a woman who died in a fire. Staff and visitors have seen her apparition, heard disembodied footsteps on the stage, and felt inexplicable cold spots in the seating area.
- Oaklawn Racing Casino Resort: This historic racetrack has been a cornerstone of Hot Springs since 1904 and was a favorite haunt of the city's gangsters. The spirits of unlucky gamblers who lost it all and jockeys who met tragic ends are said to still roam the grandstands of Oaklawn, forever hoping to witness one last win.
Travel Tips for Haunted Hotel Stays in Hot Springs, Arkansas
- Take a Gangster Ghost Tour: The best way to dive into the city's unique haunted history is on a guided walking tour. The stories of Al Capone's favorite haunts and the violent turf wars are essential to understanding the local paranormal scene.
- Walk Bathhouse Row: Stroll down the magnificent Bathhouse Row in the evening. The grand, empty buildings are beautifully lit and incredibly atmospheric, making it easy to imagine the spirits of a bygone era.
- Soak in the History: While you're here, experience the famous thermal waters for yourself at one of the operating bathhouses. It's a great way to connect with the city's "healing" history—just keep an eye out for any spectral bathers.
- Explore the National Park: The city is surrounded by Hot Springs National Park. Take a hike on the scenic trails above the city to get a different perspective and enjoy the natural beauty that first drew people here.
FAQ about Haunted Hotels in Hot Springs, Arkansas
Are haunted hotels in Hot Springs, Arkansas safe to stay in? Absolutely! The city's historic hotels are famous for their hospitality and must adhere to all modern safety standards. The gangster ghosts are part of the history, not a threat.
What is the most haunted hotel in Hot Springs, Arkansas? The grand, historic hotels that once served as the playground for America's most notorious gangsters, like the Arlington Resort Hotel & Spa, are legendary for their paranormal activity. We recommend browsing our listings to see which establishment's spirited past intrigues you the most.
Do haunted hotels in Hot Springs, Arkansas offer ghost tours? Many of the historic hotels are the main attractions on the city's popular gangster and ghost tours. Some may offer their own historical tours that proudly include their chilling tales.
Can kids stay in haunted hotels? Yes, Hot Springs is a family-friendly destination with plenty to do. However, the town's history is deeply intertwined with organized crime, gambling, and violence, which may be themes parents wish to discuss with their children.
What time of year is best for haunted hotel stays in Hot Springs, Arkansas? Fall is an excellent time to visit, with pleasant, cooler weather that's perfect for walking tours of the historic district. The spring is also beautiful, as the surrounding Ouachita Mountains come to life with color.