Haunted Hotels in Los Angeles, California You Can Stay In
Discover the most haunted hotels in Los Angeles with real ghost stories and paranormal activity
1 Haunted Hotels Found in Los Angeles
Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel
7000 Hollywood Boulevard, Los Angeles, CA 90028, USA
The Hollywood Roosevelt is renowned for its ghostly residents, most notably celebrities from its past. Marilyn Monroe, who lived in Suite 1200, is often reportedly seen in a full-length mirror originally from her suite, now located in the lobby. Actor Montgomery Clift is said to haunt his former room 928, with guests hearing him practice his lines or playing the trumpet. Other sightings include a little girl named Caroline haunting the pool area, and occasional reports linked to actor Errol Flynn.
Haunted History of Los Angeles, California
The haunted history of Los Angeles is a screenplay written in equal parts glamour and tragedy. In the City of Angels, the ghosts are often the very stars who once lit up the silver screen. The intense ambition, heartbreak, and scandal of Hollywood's Golden Age created a powerful spiritual residue, and the spirits of icons like Marilyn Monroe and Rudolph Valentino are said to linger in the hotels, theaters, and studios where they shone brightest. These aren't just hauntings; they're Hollywood legends on an eternal loop.
Beneath the sparkling veneer of celebrity culture lies a darker, grittier history of true crime that has left its own paranormal scars on the city. Los Angeles has been the setting for some of the nation's most infamous and macabre events, from the unsolved Black Dahlia murder to the Manson family's reign of terror. The ghosts of victims and perpetrators alike are said to haunt the locations tied to these grim tales, forever binding the city's sunny landscape to its shadowy, noir past.
Other Haunted Attractions in Los Angeles, California
- The Queen Mary (Long Beach): Permanently docked in Long Beach, this historic ocean liner is considered one of the most haunted places on Earth. With a history that includes serving as a WWII troopship, the "Grey Ghost" is home to hundreds of spirits, including a "lady in white," a sailor who died in the engine room, and ghostly children in the nursery. You can book a variety of ghost tours on the Queen Mary's official website.
- Hollywood Forever Cemetery: This is the final resting place for a who's who of Hollywood legends, including Judy Garland, Rudolph Valentino, and Cecil B. DeMille. It is also famously haunted. Visitors report seeing the ghost of actress Virginia Rappe weeping at her grave, the apparition of Valentino's "Lady in Black," and feeling cold spots and an eerie presence near the tombs of Hollywood's elite.
- Griffith Park: This vast urban wilderness has a dark and cursed history. The land is said to be cursed by a former owner, and the ghost of his niece, Dona Petronilla, is seen riding a white horse. The park is also rumored to be haunted by the spirit of a young man murdered in the 1970s and is home to the abandoned and reputedly haunted Old Los Angeles Zoo.
- Esotouric Bus Adventures: For a different kind of ghost tour, check out the crime and history-focused bus tours from Esotouric. They offer deep dives into the city's forgotten history, exploring locations tied to the Black Dahlia, Charles Bukowski, and other noir legends, providing a fascinating and often chilling look at LA's haunted underbelly.
Travel Tips for Haunted Hotel Stays in Los Angeles, California
- Take a True Crime Tour: To understand LA's ghosts, you need to understand its dark history. A specialized tour focusing on cases like the Black Dahlia or the Manson murders will give you chilling context for the city's most infamous haunts.
- Visit a Classic Movie Palace: The grand, historic theaters along the Hollywood and Broadway Theatre Districts are not only beautiful but are often home to the spirits of former performers, owners like Howard Hughes, and spectral patrons.
- Pay Your Respects to the Stars: A walk through Hollywood Forever Cemetery is a must. It's a surreal and sometimes spooky experience to walk among the graves of the icons whose ghosts are said to still roam the city.
- Hike a Haunted Trail: For a different kind of ghost hunt, take a hike in Griffith Park. The beautiful scenery contrasts sharply with the park's dark legends and cursed history, especially as dusk begins to fall.
FAQ about Haunted Hotels in Los Angeles, California
Are haunted hotels in Los Angeles, California safe to stay in? Yes, of course. These are often iconic and luxurious hotels that are perfectly safe for guests. The ghost stories are part of Hollywood's legendary lore and add a thrilling, historic element to your stay.
What is the most famous haunted hotel in Los Angeles, California? The Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel is arguably the most famously haunted, with the spirit of Marilyn Monroe often reported in her old suite and the ghost of actor Montgomery Clift heard pacing the halls. However, the Cecil Hotel has a more infamous and dark reputation due to its grim history.
Are LA's hauntings connected to famous murder cases? Many are. The spirit of Elizabeth Short, the "Black Dahlia," is said to haunt the Biltmore Hotel, where she was last seen alive. Locations associated with the Manson family and other notorious crimes also have reputations for being haunted.
Can I visit celebrity graves in Los Angeles? Absolutely. Cemeteries like Hollywood Forever and Westwood Village Memorial Park are open to the public, and you can visit the final resting places of countless stars, from Marilyn Monroe to Johnny Ramone.
What's the best time of year for a haunted visit to Los Angeles, California? The fall season, around Halloween, is always a great time, as many attractions offer special spooky events. However, LA's ghosts are active year-round, so you can have a chilling adventure any time you visit.