Haunted Hotels in Connecticut You Can Stay In
Discover the most haunted hotels in Connecticut with real ghost stories and paranormal activity
Cities in Connecticut with haunted hotels
9 Haunted Hotels Found in Connecticut
Boardman House Inn
8 Norwich Rd, East Haddam, CT 06423, USA
The Boardman House, built in the 1760s, is rumored to house spirits connected to its long history, possibly members of the Boardman family. While specific detailed ghostly encounters aren't extensively publicized, its age and role as a historical home lend themselves to local tales of unexplained presences. It is often listed among Connecticut's historic and potentially haunted inns due to its age and setting near other historic sites like the Goodspeed Opera House.
Blackberry River Inn
538 Greenwoods Rd W, Norfolk, CT 06058, USA
The Blackberry River Inn is said to be haunted by multiple spirits. One is believed to be Mrs. Keyes, a former owner who died in the house in the early 19th century. Guests have reported seeing an apparition of an older woman, feeling cold spots, and hearing unexplained noises, especially in rooms 8 and 9. Another story involves a friendly soldier from the Revolutionary War who supposedly stayed and died at the inn. Some also mention the spirit of a young boy.
1754 House
506 Main St S, Woodbury, CT 06798, USA
Formerly known as the Curtis House Inn, and claimed to be Connecticut's oldest inn, the 1754 House has numerous ghost stories. One prominent spirit is said to be "Betty," possibly Elizabeth Powers, a former resident from the 1800s. She is reportedly seen in Room 16 or sometimes roaming hallways. Other tales include apparitions of colonial figures, unexplained footsteps, voices, and objects moving, particularly in the older sections of the building. Room 1, used as a temporary morgue during a past epidemic, is also noted for activity.
Captain Daniel Packer Inne
32 Water St, Mystic, CT 06355, USA
Captain Daniel Packer Inne, established over 250 years ago, primarily operates as a restaurant and tavern now, but its age gives rise to ghost stories. It's said that Captain Daniel Packer himself, or other mariners and townsfolk from Mystic's long past, might still frequent the establishment. Reports include apparitions seen briefly, unexplained noises after hours (like footsteps or muffled conversations), and items being subtly moved. The atmosphere in such an old building, especially in the downstairs pub area, contributes strongly to these tales.
Saybrook Point Resort & Marina
2 Bridge St, Old Saybrook, CT 06475, USA
While primarily a modern luxury resort, Saybrook Point sits in a historically significant area. Some paranormal enthusiasts note its location near Old Saybrook's historic sites. Claims are less about dramatic ghosts and more about vague feelings of 'presence' or energy possibly linked to the land's extensive history rather than specific incidents within the current resort structures. It's not typically listed among heavily haunted hotels but occasionally referenced due to its historical surroundings.
Captain Grant's 1754
109 Route 2A, Poquetanuck Village, Preston, CT 06365, USA
Built in 1754, Captain Grant's Inn in Preston, CT, has a layered history including sheltering soldiers and escaped slaves, contributing to its haunted reputation. The most prominent spirit is believed to be Mercy Adelaide Avery, former wife of Captain William Grant, who reportedly died at sea. She is frequently seen in the "Adelaide Room", often with two children, and associated with unexplained events like falling shower curtains, TVs turning on/off, loud noises, and objects moving. Another noted spirit is Deborah Adams, buried nearby, known for startling encounters. The inn embraces its paranormal side, featured on shows like "28 Days Haunted" and "Psychic Kids", offering ghost tours and detailing experiences in the owner's book, "The Ghosts of Captain Grant's Inn".
Heritage Inn
34 Bridge St, New Milford, CT 06776, USA
While not as widely publicized for hauntings as others, local legends suggest the Heritage Inn (also historically linked to 'The Homestead Inn') has its share of paranormal stories. Some speak of unexplained occurrences possibly linked to its long history in an old New England town, including whispers of past residents. Specific named ghosts or detailed stories are less commonly documented online compared to more famous haunted inns.
Red Brook Inn
28 Military Hwy, Gales Ferry, CT 06335, USA
The Red Brook Inn, also historically known as the Hal-Way House dating back to the 1770s, has tales typical of very old structures. Legends include patrons who never checked out, including spirits from colonial times and potentially farm workers. Being near Old Mystic and with links to colonial travel routes, stories suggest ghostly footsteps, voices, and feelings of presence. However, its current status as less of a public lodging makes recent verifiable accounts scarce.
Yankee Pedlar Inn
93 Main St, Torrington, CT 06790, USA
The Yankee Pedlar Inn is renowned for paranormal activity, significantly inspiring the 2011 horror film "The Innkeepers," which was filmed on location. Reports often center around Room 353, where original owner Alice Conley is said to have died; her spirit is allegedly seen or heard roaming the halls. Guests in various rooms reported strange noises, dreams, and flickering lights even before its closure.
Haunted History of Connecticut
As one of the original thirteen colonies, Connecticut is a state where American history—and its ghosts—run deep. Long before the first shots of the Revolution were fired, its dense forests and colonial settlements were steeped in superstition and fear. The state was the site of the Hartford Witch Trials, which preceded the infamous Salem trials by several decades, sending accused witches to the gallows and leaving a dark stain on its early history. This Puritanical past, combined with centuries of war, maritime disasters, and unexplained events, has made Connecticut one of the most haunted states in the nation.
The paranormal legacy of Connecticut is world-renowned, thanks in large part to its most famous residents: Ed and Lorraine Warren. The legendary paranormal investigators founded the New England Society for Psychic Research from their home in Monroe, investigating thousands of cases and cementing the state's reputation as a supernatural hotspot. From ghostly soldiers still marching on Revolutionary War battlefields to lonely spirits haunting coastal lighthouses and the cursed grounds of abandoned villages, Connecticut's spectral population is as old and varied as the state itself.
Other Haunted Attractions in Connecticut
- Union Cemetery (Easton): Widely considered one of the most haunted cemeteries in the United States, Union Cemetery is legendary for its resident spirit, the "White Lady." This apparition has been sighted by countless witnesses, including police officers and firefighters, and was famously investigated and filmed by Ed and Lorraine Warren.
- Dudleytown: Known as the "Village of the Damned," this abandoned settlement in Cornwall is shrouded in legends of curses, demons, and paranormal activity. The town suffered from an unusual rate of insanity, suicide, and mysterious deaths before its residents fled. The land is now private property and strictly off-limits, but its terrifying reputation endures.
- The Warrens' Occult Museum (Monroe): While the museum is currently closed to the public, its legacy is a cornerstone of Connecticut's haunted history. It housed the Warrens' collection of cursed and possessed artifacts, including the infamous Annabelle doll. The sheer concentration of dark objects made it a focal point of paranormal energy felt for miles around. More Info
- Seaside Sanatorium (Waterford): The haunting, imposing shell of this former tuberculosis hospital sits on the coast of the Long Island Sound. Though the buildings are not open to the public, the grounds are part of a state park. Locals and explorers have reported seeing ghostly faces in the windows, hearing disembodied coughs, and feeling an overwhelming sense of sorrow on the property. More Info
Travel Tips for Haunted Hotel Stays in Connecticut
- Plan a Scenic Drive: Connecticut's most haunted locations are scattered from the quiet corners of the Litchfield Hills to the historic coastal towns. Renting a car and planning a paranormal road trip is the best way to experience it all.
- Embrace the Atmosphere: New England weather is moody and unpredictable. A foggy morning or a sudden thunderstorm can provide the perfect gothic backdrop for exploring a centuries-old cemetery or a historic inn.
- Respect Private Property: Some of Connecticut's most famous haunts, like Dudleytown, are on private land and are heavily patrolled. Always heed "No Trespassing" signs and stick to public tours and locations.
- Visit a Historic Graveyard: To truly connect with Connecticut's past, spend an afternoon respectfully wandering through a colonial-era burial ground. The stories carved into the ancient headstones are hauntings in their own right.
FAQ about Haunted Hotels in Connecticut
Are haunted hotels in Connecticut safe to stay in? Yes, absolutely. Connecticut's haunted inns and hotels are charming, historic properties that meet all modern safety requirements. Their ghostly guests are part of their rich history and add to the unique experience.
What is the most haunted hotel in Connecticut? With centuries of history, Connecticut has numerous inns with claims to paranormal activity. From coastal taverns to rural colonial homes, many establishments boast resident spirits. It's less about finding the "most" haunted and more about finding the story that calls to you.
Do haunted hotels in Connecticut offer ghost tours? While some inns may share their stories with guests, it's more common to find them featured on professional ghost tours in historic towns like Mystic or New Haven. Companies like Seaside Shadows offer excellent guided tours of the state's most haunted locales.
Can kids stay in haunted hotels in Connecticut? Most historic inns welcome families. However, the themes of Connecticut's hauntings often involve colonial-era hardships, witch trials, and war, which can be quite intense. Parents should use their discretion based on their children's age and sensitivity.
What time of year is best for haunted hotel stays in Connecticut? Autumn in Connecticut is magical and perfectly suited for a spooky trip, with brilliant fall foliage and crisp, cool air. However, a stay during a quiet winter's night, with snow blanketing the ground, offers a uniquely chilling and atmospheric ghost-hunting experience.