Haunted Hotels in Washington Dc, District Of Columbia You Can Stay In
Discover the most haunted hotels in Washington Dc with real ghost stories and paranormal activity
5 Haunted Hotels Found 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
Investigation skipped as per user instruction. The provided source was https://www.washingtonian.com/2022/09/30/where-to-stay-for-a-haunted-halloween-experience/ but content exploration was skipped.
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.
Morrison-Clark Historic Inn & Restaurant
1011 L St NW, Washington, DC 20001, United States
The provided source indicates the Morrison-Clark Inn offers a 'Ghost Tour Package' which includes 'Two passes to the 90 walking Ghost Tour'. However, the source does not detail specific hauntings or stories associated directly with incidents *within* the Morrison-Clark Inn itself, focusing instead on participation in an external tour.
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
- 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.