Haunted Hotels in Key West, Florida You Can Stay In
Discover the most haunted hotels in Key West with real ghost stories and paranormal activity
4 Haunted Hotels Found in Key West
Old Town Manor
511 Eaton St, Key West, FL 33040, United States
Old Town Manor, formerly Eaton Lodge, has a history dating back to 1886. Such old structures in Key West are often associated with spirits. While the Manor promotes tranquility, some tales suggest residual energies remain. Stories include sightings of shadowy figures, particularly on staircases or upper floors. Others mention faint sounds, like whispers or rustling clothing, when no one is present. Being a restored historic home, any potential entities are likely linked to former residents or significant events within its walls over its long lifespan. Specific well-known ghost identities aren't as prominent as in other Key West locations, focusing more on atmospheric experiences.
Marrero's Guest Mansion
410 Fleming St, Key West, FL 33040, United States
Marrero's Guest Mansion was built by Francisco Marrero for his wife Enriquetta. After Francisco's unexpected death, it was discovered he was still legally married to another woman, Maria, who then claimed the mansion. Enriquetta and her eight children were consequently evicted and left destitute. Heartbroken, Enriquetta vowed she would remain in the home in spirit even if she could not in life. Guests and staff report experiencing paranormal activity attributed to Enriquetta. She is generally considered a benevolent spirit, sometimes seen wandering the halls or playing pranks like moving objects or locking/unlocking doors, particularly in rooms 17, 18, and 23. Some also report hearing children laughing, suggesting her children might haunt the location alongside her. She is said to be protective of women and children within the house.
The Artist House Bed and Breakfast
534 Eaton St, Key West, FL 33040, United States
The Artist House is renowned primarily for its association with Robert Eugene Otto and 'Robert the Doll,' gifted to him as a child. This creepy doll is said to be haunted, possibly by spirits or energies attached during its creation or through Otto's intense relationship with it. Though 'Robert the Doll' now resides in the Fort East Martello Museum, its original home was the Artist House. Reports link the doll to misfortunes befalling those who disrespected it. Within the house itself, guests report phenomena attributed both to residual energy from the doll and potentially other spirits. These include footsteps in empty rooms, disembodied giggling, sightings of a woman in a wedding dress (allegedly Otto's spurned aunt), and electrical anomalies. The 'Turret Suite' where Robert kept the doll is often cited as a center of activity.
La Concha Key West, Autograph Collection
430 Duval St, Key West, FL 33040, United States
La Concha, opened in 1926, has accumulated numerous ghost stories over its long history. Its location on Duval Street and association with famous figures contribute to its lore. One common tale involves victims of tragic accidents or suicides within the hotel. Staff and guests have reported seeing apparitions, hearing strange noises, and feeling unexplained cold spots, especially on the upper floors. There are accounts of items moving inexplicably and feelings of being watched. Some claim specific rooms hold more energy, linked to past guests who met unhappy ends within their walls. Given its age and eventful past in Key West, many believe several spirits linger.
Haunted History of Key West, Florida
Beneath the sunny, laid-back exterior of Key West lies a history as dark and mysterious as the deep sea. This tiny island at the end of the road has been a haven for pirates, smugglers, shipwreck salvagers known as "wreckers," and eccentrics for centuries. Its isolation, combined with devastating hurricanes, deadly yellow fever outbreaks, and a unique blend of cultural traditions like Voodoo and Santería, has made it one of the most paranormally active places in the United States.
The folklore of Key West is world-renowned, thanks in large part to its most infamous resident: Robert the Doll. This cursed artifact has terrified locals for over a century and is considered one of the most haunted objects on Earth. From the spectral sea captains who refuse to leave their stately homes to the quirky and crowded above-ground cemetery, the spirits of Key West are as much a part of the island's character as its six-toed cats and stunning sunsets.
Other Haunted Attractions in Key West, Florida
- Robert the Doll (Fort East Martello Museum): Meet the world's most haunted doll. A supposed gift to a young boy named Gene Otto in 1904, Robert is blamed for a lifetime of mischief and malevolent acts. Now housed in a museum, visitors must ask his permission to take a photo; failure to do so allegedly results in a curse, a claim backed by walls of apology letters from unlucky tourists. Official Website
- Key West Cemetery: Due to the island's high water table, all the graves here are in above-ground tombs, creating a unique and beautiful "city of the dead." It's known for its humorous epitaphs (like "I told you I was sick") and for its paranormal activity, most notably the ghost of a Bahamian woman who is said to haunt her grave and confront disrespectful visitors. More Info
- Captain Tony's Saloon: This legendary bar is steeped in grim history. It was the original site of the city's morgue, and a massive "hanging tree," where pirates and criminals were executed, still grows through the middle of the building. Patrons report encounters with numerous spirits, including the "Lady in Blue" and the ghosts of those who met their end at the end of a rope. Official Website
- The Hemingway Home and Museum: The spirit of literary giant Ernest Hemingway is said to still inhabit his beloved Key West estate. Staff and visitors have reported smelling the distinct aroma of his pipe tobacco, hearing the phantom clicks of his typewriter late at night, and catching glimpses of his apparition, often accompanied by the ghosts of his famous six-toed cats. Official Website
Travel Tips for Haunted Hotel Stays in Key West, Florida
- Join a Ghost Tour: Key West is jam-packed with haunted history, and the best way to experience it is on a guided tour. Whether on foot or by trolley, local guides provide the chilling backstories that bring the island's ghosts to life.
- Be Polite to Robert the Doll: This is not a joke. If you visit Robert at the Fort East Martello Museum, treat him with respect. Introduce yourself and always ask permission before taking a picture—you don't want to end up on his wall of cursed letters.
- Explore the Cemetery by Day: The Key West Cemetery is a fascinating historical site. Take a walk through it during the day to appreciate its unique architecture and quirky character before thinking about the spirits that roam there after dark.
- Have a Spooky Drink: Pull up a stool at a notoriously haunted bar like Captain Tony's or the Hard Rock Cafe (a former morgue). It's a great way to soak in the paranormal atmosphere and perhaps share a toast with a spectral patron.
FAQ about Haunted Hotels in Key West, Florida
Are haunted hotels in Key West, Florida safe to stay in? Absolutely! They are popular, well-maintained hotels, inns, and guesthouses known for their tropical charm and hospitality. The ghosts are part of the island's quirky history, not a threat to your safety.
What is the most haunted hotel in Key West, Florida? Key West is so paranormally active that it's nearly impossible to pick just one "most haunted" hotel. Many of the historic guesthouses in Old Town and even some of the larger resorts have their own famous spectral residents, from sea captains to heartbroken lovers.
Do haunted hotels in Key West offer ghost tours? The island's ghost tour industry is a major attraction, and companies like Ghosts & Gravestones of Key West feature the haunted hotels prominently on their routes. Booking a tour with a local company is the best way to hear all the spooky stories.
Can kids stay in haunted hotels in Key West, Florida? Most hotels in Key West are family-friendly. The local ghost stories are generally more historical and mysterious than gory, making for a fun and spooky adventure for older kids and teens.
What time of year is best for haunted hotel stays in Key West, Florida? The fall is a fantastic time, especially around the famous Fantasy Fest celebration in October, which creates a vibrant and spooky atmosphere. For a less crowded but equally eerie experience, the late spring (April-May) offers beautiful weather before the summer heat intensifies.