Haunted Hotels in Washington Dc, District Of Columbia
Discover the most haunted hotels in Washington Dc you can actually stay in with real ghost stories and paranormal activity
4 Haunted Hotels to Stay in Washington Dc
The Hay-Adams
800 16th St NW, Washington, DC 20006, USA
The Hay-Adams Hotel is believed to be haunted by Marian 'Clover' Hooper Adams, who lived on the site before the hotel was built in 1928. Suffering from severe depression after her father's passing, Clover took her own life in 1885 using potassium cyanide in her home which faced Lafayette Square. Shortly after the hotel's opening, reports emerged of strange occurrences primarily on the fourth floor. Staff and guests claim to hear unexplained sounds of a woman sobbing, sometimes calling housekeepers by name or asking 'What do you want?'. Furthermore, a distinct and sudden smell of almonds, associated with potassium cyanide, is occasionally detected on the fourth floor, intensifying the connection to Clover's tragic end.
Kimpton Hotel Monaco DC
700 F St NW, Washington, DC 20004, United States
The hotel's primary paranormal legend echoes its Civil War past. The central figure is the spirit of an anonymous woman, often seen in full Victorian attire. According to the legend, she is a wife or mother who frequented the post office, anxiously awaiting letters from a loved one fighting in the war—a loved one who never returned. Her spirit is said to be trapped in an eternal vigil, still waiting for news that will never arrive. During renovations, a construction worker reported seeing a woman matching this description pacing in a courtyard area that was closed to the public. Moments later, she vanished into thin air. This account links the historic narrative to a modern sighting and underscores the emotional core of the story: not malevolence, but profound, unresolved sorrow imprinted on the place. A catalog of anomalies further supports the lore. Staff and guests alike report disembodied whispers in empty corridors and, more disturbingly, the sound of "dreadful cries" echoing through the building—phenomena that align with the atmosphere of grief tied to the legend of the "Waiting Widow". Adding a different thread, the hotel's General Manager, Janice Flores, recounted a guest who shared a photo that seemed to show a tall gentleman resembling a former jail warden. This suggests the activity may be layered—multiple historical imprints rather than a single, monolithic haunting—befitting a building with a long, complex past.
The Mayflower Hotel
1127 Connecticut Ave NW, Washington, DC 20036, United States
Sometimes, a single event is so impactful that it forever changes the spectral makeup of a hotel. This is the case for the Mayflower Hotel. In 1925, the Mayflower Hotel opened to much fanfare becoming a favorite for celebrities and politicians, including President Franklin D. Roosevelt who stayed the night before his 1933 inauguration. The hotel hosted many high-profile events, such as inaugural balls. One such ball connects to its haunting: Calvin Coolidge was set for his inaugural ball, but tragedy struck. His 16-year-old son, Calvin Jr., died suddenly from sepsis originating from a foot blister just before the event. Grief-stricken, the Coolidges did not attend. Now, it's reported that every January 20th, the anniversary of Calvin Jr.'s death, strange occurrences manifest around 10 pm, including flickering lights and an elevator mysteriously stopping at the 8th floor until 10:15 pm, coinciding with when President Coolidge would have arrived for his ball.
Omni Shoreham Hotel
2500 Calvert St NW, Washington, DC 20008, USA
Room 864 was occupied by one of the financial backers, Henry Doherty, and his family. However, soon after they moved in his daughter’s nanny Juliette Brown collapsed and died from an unknown illness. A short time later, his daughter Helen also died and it was rumored that she took her own life. The couple immediately left, but the room was certainly not unoccupied. Since the couple left, there were reports of strange activity in the room. Lights and appliances turn on and off by themselves, people feel cold rushes of air and there are unexplained noises in the room. The three-bedroom suite was renovated in 2000 and has been officially renamed ‘The Ghost Suite’!
Haunted History of Washington DC
As the heart of American power, Washington DC is a city where the weight of history is felt on every street corner and in every marble hall. The monumental decisions, political intrigues, and national tragedies that have unfolded here have left behind an equally monumental spiritual residue. The ghosts of presidents, first ladies, heartbroken politicians, and spies are said to still conduct their affairs in the city's most powerful buildings, their business forever unfinished.
The city's haunted reputation was cemented during the Civil War, when it was transformed into a massive command center, hospital, and graveyard for the Union Army. The profound suffering and death from that era, combined with the shock of political assassinations and the constant pressure of shaping a nation, has ensured that Washington DC is as much a capital for the dead as it is for the living. The city's spirits are not just local legends; they are the ghosts of American history itself.
Other Haunted Attractions in Washington DC
National Nightmares
National Nightmares; Washington DC’s Premier Haunted History Tour on Capitol Hill. Revenant led for over a decade; the spirits of patriots and phantoms of infamy, bring their paranormal patrons face to face with the darkest side of history and walk the streets where it refuses to die.
- The White House: Arguably the most haunted house in America, the Executive Mansion is teeming with spectral residents. Its most famous ghost is Abraham Lincoln, whose tall, somber figure has been seen by presidents, prime ministers, and staff, often standing by the window in the Lincoln Bedroom. Other spirits include Abigail Adams hanging laundry in the East Room and Dolley Madison protecting the Rose Garden. Official Website
- The U.S. Capitol Building: This iconic symbol of democracy is said to be cursed and haunted by a host of spirits. Legends tell of a "Demon Cat" that appears before national tragedies, the ghost of assassinated President James Garfield, and a stonemason named John Lenthall who was crushed during construction and now wanders the halls. The building's original crypt is an especially active paranormal hotspot. Official Website
- The Exorcist Steps (Georgetown): Made infamous by the terrifying 1973 film "The Exorcist," this steep, narrow staircase is a must-see for any horror fan. The steps have a genuinely creepy atmosphere, especially at night, and are a focal point of local ghost tours. The chilling energy here is palpable, even for those who haven't seen the movie.
- Oak Hill Cemetery: Located in historic Georgetown, this beautiful Victorian cemetery is a peaceful but paranormally active final resting place. It is known for the sorrowful spirits that wander its winding paths, including the ghost of Willie Lincoln, Abraham Lincoln's beloved son, whose body was temporarily interred in the Carroll family crypt. Official Website
Travel Tips for Haunted Hotel Stays in Washington DC
- Join a Guided Ghost Tour: The capital's history is incredibly dense. A guided walking tour is the absolute best way to navigate the historic streets of Georgetown or Lafayette Square and hear the chilling stories of the powerful ghosts who still haunt the city.
- Look for Lincoln's Ghost: The spirit of Abraham Lincoln is DC's most famous haunt. Keep an eye out for his presence not just at the White House, but also at Ford's Theatre and the Lincoln Memorial after dark.
- Walk the National Mall at Night: The monuments and federal buildings are beautifully and spookily illuminated after the sun goes down. A quiet walk from the Lincoln Memorial past the Washington Monument to the Capitol is an incredibly atmospheric experience.
- Be Mindful of Security: Many of DC's most haunted places, like the White House and the Capitol, are active and highly secure government buildings. Always be respectful of tour hours, rules, and proper decorum while you hunt for the ghosts of presidents.
FAQ about Haunted Hotels in Washington DC
Are haunted hotels in Washington DC safe to stay in? Yes, of course. They are prestigious, historic hotels that meet the highest standards of safety and luxury. Their spectral guests are part of the city's powerful history and are more a point of intrigue than a threat.
What is the most haunted hotel in Washington DC? The city is home to several historic hotels with famous hauntings, each with its own unique stories and paranormal claims. These spirits are often tied to the politicians, socialites, and historical figures who once frequented their halls, leaving a permanent spiritual impression.
Do haunted hotels in Washington DC offer ghost tours? DC has a fantastic ghost tour scene, and companies like DC Ghosts make the city's haunted hotels, landmarks, and government buildings the stars of their tours. Booking with a local company is the best way to get the full, chilling story.
Can kids stay in haunted hotels in Washington DC? Most hotels in the capital are family-friendly. The ghost stories are deeply connected to American history, which can make for a thrilling and educational experience for older kids and teens studying the nation's past.
What time of year is best for haunted hotel stays in Washington DC? Autumn is a perfect time to visit, as the crisp air and the buzz of political activity create a powerful and spooky atmosphere. A spring visit during the Cherry Blossom Festival also offers a hauntingly beautiful backdrop for a paranormal investigation.
Latest Blog Posts
Discover more tips, stories, and guides for your next haunted hotel adventure.
Check Into America's Most Haunted Hotel Rooms: A Complete Guide
Dare to spend the night? Discover the chilling stories behind America's most haunted hotel rooms, from The Stanley's Room 217 to the infamous Crescent Hotel. This guide covers the history, legends, and reported paranormal activity.
A Ghost Hunter's Guide to Haunted Route 66 Hotels
Explore our ultimate guide to the most haunted hotels on Route 66. Uncover the chilling ghost stories of gangsters, tragic brides, and restless spirits that linger along America's Mother Road.
Shocking Origins of America's Most Haunted Hotels
Discover the shocking origins of America's most haunted hotels. We explore the former prisons, cancer hospitals, and asylums whose paranormal legacies are directly tied to their tragic pasts.