Haunted Hotels in Denver, Colorado You Can Stay In
Discover the most haunted hotels in Denver with real ghost stories and paranormal activity
5 Haunted Hotels Found in Denver
Patterson Inn
420 E 11th Ave, Denver, CO 80203, USA
The Patterson Inn resides in the allegedly haunted Croke-Patterson-Campbell Mansion. Built in the late 19th century, stories surround the original owner, Thomas Croke, who some say never truly left. Paranormal claims include phantom footsteps, unexplained noises, and eerie feelings, particularly on the third floor. There are tales of items moving on their own and shadowy figures seen in hallways. Some even connect strange events to purported suicides that occurred within the mansion walls over its long history.
The Lumber Baron Inn & Gardens
2555 W 37th Ave, Denver, CO 80211, USA
The Lumber Baron Inn carries a tragic history. In 1970, two young women, Cara Lee Knoche (17) and Marianne Weaver (18), were murdered within the building when it was an apartment house. This unsolved crime is believed to be the source of much of the paranormal activity. Guests and staff report seeing apparitions of young women, hearing footsteps running upstairs as if trying to escape, and feeling sudden cold spots or overwhelming sadness. Some psychics claim one of the spirits is very active and trying to communicate details about her death.
The Oxford Hotel
1600 17th St, Denver, CO 80202, USA
Denver's historic Oxford Hotel has several well-known ghostly legends. One concerns a woman named Florence Montague who, in 1898, was found murdered in Room 320 by her lover. Male guests staying in Room 320 have reported lights flickering, sheets being pulled off, and even feeling cold spots or being touched. Another story involves a postal worker who was seen enjoying a beer in the Cruise Room long after his death; single male guests sometimes report having their drink inexplicably finished or moved while looking away.
Brown Palace Hotel
321 17th St, Denver, CO 80202, USA
The Brown Palace Hotel, a Denver institution since 1892, boasts several ghostly tales. Staff and guests have reported seeing apparitions in formal attire resembling railroad workers or musicians, perhaps from past eras. The Club Room often features phantom cigar smoke. Room 904 is particularly noted; it's linked to Mrs. Louise Crawford Hill, a socialite who lived there for years. Reports include unexplained phone calls originating from the room, even when unoccupied, and feelings of being watched. There are also stories of spectral children running in the corridors and sounds of a string quartet practicing.
Hotel Teatro
1100 14th St, Denver, CO 80202, USA
Hotel Teatro occupies a building constructed in 1911 that previously housed the Denver Tramway building. While less notorious for specific named ghosts, it has reports consistent with residual energy. Staff and guests have mentioned encounters with a figure referred to as 'The Tool Man,' believed to be a former mechanic or engineer from the Tramway days, particularly in the lower levels/basement. Other experiences include faint sounds of machinery, flickering lights, and doors opening or closing seemingly on their own, possibly linked to the building's original function and workers.
Haunted History of Denver, Colorado
Denver may be the Mile High City, but its haunted history runs six feet deep. Born as a rough-and-tumble gold rush town, its early days were marked by lawlessness, sudden wealth, and equally sudden death. This turbulent past has left a spectral residue that lingers beneath the modern city, especially in the grand Victorian mansions of the Capitol Hill neighborhood, considered one of the most haunted residential areas in the entire country.
Perhaps the most infamous source of Denver's hauntings lies directly beneath the feet of its citizens. The city's beautiful Cheesman Park was built directly over the top of the former Mount Prospect Cemetery, and during a botched relocation effort in the 1890s, thousands of bodies were left behind in unmarked graves. The spirits of those disturbed souls are now said to wander the park and the surrounding homes, forever searching for their final resting place. From the restless dead of forgotten cemeteries to the ghosts of silver barons, Denver is a city where the past is anything but buried.
Other Haunted Attractions in Denver, Colorado
- Cheesman Park: This is arguably Denver's most notoriously haunted public space. Built over a 19th-century pauper's cemetery, the park is said to be haunted by the spirits of those whose graves were desecrated or left behind. Visitors to Cheesman Park at night report seeing shadowy figures, hearing disembodied moans, and feeling an overwhelming sense of sadness.
- The Molly Brown House Museum: The former home of the "Unsinkable" Molly Brown, a famous Titanic survivor, is said to be haunted by her and her family. Staff and visitors at the Molly Brown House Museum have reported smelling J.J. Brown's phantom cigar smoke, seeing furniture move on its own, and catching a glimpse of Molly's formidable spirit still keeping watch over her opulent home.
- The Colorado State Capitol: This grand, gold-domed building is not only the seat of government but also a paranormal hotspot. Ghostly tales from the Colorado State Capitol include stories of a headless spirit in the sub-basement tunnels and the spirit of a man who haunts the dome, still trying to finish his work from beyond the grave.
- The Buckhorn Exchange: As Denver's oldest restaurant, this historic steakhouse has been serving diners since 1893. The walls are covered in taxidermy and history, and the spirits of old miners, cowboys, and even the original owner are said to still linger, with patrons and staff reporting seeing apparitions and hearing phantom footsteps after closing time. You can view their menu and history at The Buckhorn Exchange.
- Union Station: Denver's beautifully restored train station is a bustling hub for the living, but it also has its share of ghostly residents. During its 1930s and 40s heyday, the station saw its share of drama and tragedy. Today, people report seeing phantom travelers waiting for trains that never arrive and hearing disembodied voices in the station's underground passageways. Explore the station's directory at the Union Station website.
Travel Tips for Haunted Hotel Stays in Denver, Colorado
- Acclimate to the Altitude: Denver is a mile high, and altitude sickness is real. Drink plenty of water and take it easy on your first day to make sure any lightheadedness you feel is from the ghosts, not the elevation!
- Take a Capitol Hill Ghost Tour: The best way to experience Denver's haunted Victorian architecture is on a guided walking tour. The stories of the silver barons and the spooky mansions they left behind are a highlight of the city's paranormal scene.
- Explore LoDo's Basements: Many of the historic bars and restaurants in Lower Downtown (LoDo) have spooky basements and tunnels that date back to the city's early days. Don't be afraid to ask your bartender if they have any good ghost stories.
- A Night at the Park: For the brave, a late-night walk on the paths surrounding Cheesman Park is a rite of passage for ghost hunters in Denver. Just be sure to follow park curfew rules and stay aware of your surroundings.
FAQ about Haunted Hotels in Denver, Colorado
Are haunted hotels in Denver, Colorado safe to stay in? Absolutely. All hotels, including the city's grand historic properties, are held to the highest standards of safety and hospitality. The ghosts are just part of the city's rich history.
What is the most haunted hotel in Denver, Colorado? Denver is home to several iconic and famously haunted historic hotels, including The Brown Palace. Each one has its own unique cast of spectral characters and chilling legends. Browse our listings to find the one that speaks to you.
Do haunted hotels in Denver, Colorado offer ghost tours? Some of the most famous ones do, or they are highlighted as major stops on one of the city's many excellent ghost tours. The concierge is always a great resource for the hotel's haunted history.
Can kids stay in haunted hotels? Yes, most hotels in Denver are family-friendly. However, the stories behind Denver's hauntings—especially those related to the desecrated graves of Cheesman Park—can be quite morbid and might be too intense for younger children.
What time of year is best for haunted hotel stays in Denver, Colorado? Fall is a beautiful and spooky time in Denver, with crisp, clear weather that's perfect for walking tours. The winter can also be magical, as a blanket of snow gives the city's Victorian architecture a particularly gothic and haunted atmosphere.