Haunted Hotels in Delaware You Can Stay In
Discover the most haunted hotels in Delaware with real ghost stories and paranormal activity
Cities in Delaware with haunted hotels
3 Haunted Hotels Found in Delaware
David Finney Inn
216 Delaware Street, New Castle, DE 19720
The David Finney Inn building, originating around 1685, is believed to be haunted, possibly by David Finney himself or his father, Dr. John Finney. Paranormal activity is reported mainly in the third-floor apartments, aligning with the rental unit. Manifestations include unexplained opening/closing of doors and windows, and lights and faucets cycling on/off. Similar phenomena at the nearby Amstel House (connected by a historic tunnel) suggest a lingering presence tied to the Finney family legacy in these historical structures.
Addy Sea Historic Oceanfront Inn
99 Ocean View Parkway, Bethany Beach, DE 19930
The Addy Sea Inn, built in 1901, is reported to house several spirits, particularly concentrated in three of its rooms: Room 1, Room 6, and Room 11. Guests in Room 1 have reported experiencing a shaking bathtub and unexplained noises. In Room 6, phantom organ music is heard despite no organ existing on the premises. Room 11 seems most active, where bathtub jets activate on their own, cell phones inexplicably turn off, and the spirit of a former employee from the early 1900s makes his presence known. It's believed that former guests and employees remain attached to the beautiful location long after their passing.
Bewitched and BEDazzled B&B
65-67 Lake Ave, Rehoboth Beach, DE 19971
This B&B embraces its haunted reputation, with stories primarily centered around the spirit of Eleanor Sigsbee, a 13-year-old girl believed to have died on the property. Eleanor was the daughter of Captain Charles Sigsbee, associated with the USS Maine incident preceding the Spanish-American War. Staff and paranormal investigators report activity including messed-up beds in empty rooms, doors opening on their own, and staff being acutely frightened. Investigators claim to have identified four child spirits in total. Guests report encounters, particularly sightings of Eleanor in the basement, and note smells of phantom tobacco and liquor, attributed to past occupants. The inn acknowledges these stories, even providing journals in rooms for guests to document paranormal experiences.
Haunted History of Delaware
As "The First State" to ratify the U.S. Constitution, Delaware is a place where American history—and its ghosts—run deeper than almost anywhere else. Its colonial past is rich with tales of Revolutionary War soldiers, while its maritime heritage is filled with legends of pirates, including the infamous Blackbeard, who is said to have roamed its shores. The spirits of these early settlers, soldiers, and sailors are believed to still linger in the state's remarkably preserved historic towns.
The state's haunted legacy is also defined by immense tragedy and wealth. The notorious Fort Delaware, a brutal Civil War prison, is considered one of the most haunted locations on the East Coast, its walls echoing with the suffering of thousands of Confederate prisoners. In contrast, the grand estates of the powerful du Pont family in the Brandywine Valley are said to be home to their own elegant and sometimes sorrowful ghosts, adding a Gilded Age glamour to Delaware's spectral population.
Other Haunted Attractions in Delaware
- Fort Delaware State Park (Pea Patch Island): This massive, brooding granite fortress was a Union prison during the Civil War, where nearly 2,700 Confederate soldiers died from disease and harsh conditions. Now a world-renowned paranormal hotspot, the fort is known for full-bodied apparitions in soldier's uniforms, disembodied moans from the dungeons, and the ghostly smell of gunpowder that still hangs in the air. A ferry ride to the island is a trip back into a tragic and terrifying past. Official Website
- Rockwood Museum & Park (Wilmington): This beautiful Rural Gothic Revival mansion is as famous for its paranormal activity as its architecture. The estate is said to be haunted by several members of the Shipley family who built it, and their spectral presence has reportedly been captured on security cameras. Staff and visitors have reported seeing apparitions in the windows, hearing phantom footsteps, and feeling an unseen presence in the lavishly decorated rooms. Official Website
- The Governor's Mansion - Woodburn (Dover): The official residence of Delaware's governor is also one of its most haunted homes. Built in 1798, it is said to have several resident ghosts, including a friendly but mysterious man in a powdered wig, a little girl who plays in the gardens, and the sorrowful spirit of a man who was supposedly killed on the property and now knocks on the doors.
- The Green (New Castle): This historic town square in Old New Castle is a quaint and beautiful colonial landmark with a very dark past. It was once the site of public punishments, whipping posts, and a notorious hanging tree. Visitors at night report feeling strange cold spots, hearing disembodied whispers, and seeing shadowy figures darting across the green, forever tied to its history of colonial justice. More Info
Travel Tips for Haunted Hotel Stays in Delaware
- Take the Ferry to Fort Delaware: A trip to the isolated and imposing Fort Delaware on Pea Patch Island is an absolute must for any paranormal enthusiast visiting the state. The history and the atmosphere are incredibly powerful.
- Walk Through Historic New Castle: This beautifully preserved colonial town is like stepping back in time. A walk through its cobblestone streets and past the historic green at night is a wonderfully spooky and atmospheric experience.
- Explore the Brandywine Valley: This area is home to the grand estates and gardens of the du Pont family. Visiting these historic mansions will connect you with the Gilded Age history and the elegant spirits said to still reside there.
- Join a Lantern-Lit Ghost Tour: In historic towns like New Castle and Delaware City, guided walking tours are the best way to hear the chilling local tales of pirates, soldiers, and colonial ghosts.
FAQ about Haunted Hotels in Delaware
Are haunted hotels in Delaware safe to stay in? Yes, of course. They are historic and charming inns known for their colonial hospitality and beautiful settings. Their spectral guests are a fascinating part of "The First State's" long and storied history.
What is the most haunted hotel in Delaware? Delaware has a number of historic inns and hotels, especially in its colonial towns like New Castle and Lewes, with well-documented hauntings. The spirits are often tied to the state's Revolutionary War past, its maritime history, or the grand Gilded Age.
Do haunted hotels in Delaware offer ghost tours? The state's most haunted locations, such as Fort Delaware and the town of New Castle, have fantastic ghost tours. These tours often feature the local haunted inns and taverns as key stops on their spooky itineraries.
Can kids stay in haunted hotels in Delaware? Most historic inns are family-friendly. The ghost stories are deeply tied to American history and can be a thrilling and educational adventure for older kids and teens interested in the colonial and Civil War eras.
What time of year is best for haunted hotel stays in Delaware? Autumn is a perfect time to visit. The crisp fall air and the colonial atmosphere of the historic towns create an unbeatable spooky setting for a ghost hunt, and major haunts like Fort Delaware often host special paranormal events in October.