Haunted Hotels in Maryland You Can Stay In
Discover the most haunted hotels in Maryland with real ghost stories and paranormal activity
Cities in Maryland with haunted hotels
12 Haunted Hotels Found in Maryland
Victoriana Inn
205 Cherry Street, St Michaels, MD 21663
Dating back to the 19th Century, Aida's Victoriana Inn is believed to host a male ghost. Legend says a young man died in an upstairs room before settling his bill. In an unusual twist, the ghost isn't malevolent but seemingly tries to pay his debt post-mortem; the current owner regularly finds pennies left in various places around the inn, particularly after remodeling the room where he passed.
Old Brick Inn
401 S. Talbot Street, St. Michaels, MD 21663
Dating back to 1807 and once owned by a Civil War soldier, the Old Brick Inn is reportedly haunted. Guests and staff have reported hearing two gentlemen arguing in a downstairs room. Furthermore, sightings of a mysterious blue ball of light floating through the house followed by slamming doors have been noted. Adding to the paranormal claims, some witnesses believe they have seen an apparition of Confederate General Robert E. Lee, who is known to have briefly stayed at the property.
Elk Forge Bed and Breakfast
807 Elk Mills Rd, Elkton, MD 21921
This historic bed and breakfast, with roots in the 1700s as part of a mill, holds a dark tale from the Revolutionary War. Legend says British soldiers demanded flour, and the miller retaliated by adding ground glass. Upon discovering the treachery, the soldiers allegedly hanged the miller for treason. Guests and staff report seeing the miller's apparition and hearing unexplained voices and footsteps within the old building, suggesting his spirit remains.
The River Gem Bed and Breakfast
100 Market St, Pocomoke City, MD 21851
While specific, widely documented stories are sparse, local lore in Pocomoke City (often called 'The Friendliest Town on the Eastern Shore') hints at gentle spirits in older homes. Being a Victorian building, River Gem could share general area sentiment of past inhabitants lingering peacefully. No aggressive haunting reports found, mostly atmospheric suggestions tied to its age and preservation.
Inn Boonsboro
1 N Main St, Boonsboro, MD 21713
Restored in 2008 after fire, this inn dating to 1790 is said to have a resident ghostly cat and potentially other spirits linked to its long history. Author and owner Nora Roberts has embraced and written about the inn's haunted reputation. Guests report sightings of the spectral feline, unexplained noises, and a feeling of presence.
Governor Calvert House
58 State Cir, Annapolis, MD 21401
The Governor Calvert House, dating back to the late 17th century, is known for multiple hauntings. Guests report strange occurrences linked to its rich history, including sightings of an 18th-century gentleman believed to be a former resident post-Benedict Leonard Calvert. Most notably, a spirit named Dominic is said to haunt the premises, allegedly enjoying watching guests. There are also reports of a female spirit who tragically died in the building in the 1940s appearing in hallways after dark. Some even claim to see phantom faces when looking through the lobby's glass floor that reveals the ancient foundations.
Kent Island Resort
500 Kent Manor Dr, Stevensville, MD 21666
The historic manor house at Kent Island Resort, dating back to the 1820s, is rumored to be haunted by a former resident. Reports mention unexplained noises, items moving, and the occasional feeling of being watched, particularly within the older sections of the main house.
The Maryland Inn
16 Church Cir, Annapolis, MD 21401
As one of the Historic Inns of Annapolis, built in the 1770s, The Maryland Inn shares the haunted reputation of its companions. While less documented with specific named ghosts compared to Governor Calvert House, guests have reported unexplained footsteps, cold spots, and fleeting apparitions, particularly figures in colonial attire. Some believe Revolutionary War soldiers or past residents linger, tied to its centuries of history.
The Tidewater Inn
101 E Dover St, Easton, MD 21601
Opened in 1947 but on a site with longer history, The Tidewater Inn has collected tales. One prominent story involves 'Josiah', a former night watchman or manager from its early days, seen making his rounds. Another speaks of a heartbroken bride from a wedding held long ago. Activity includes unexplained scents of cigar smoke and subtle noises.
The Atlantic Hotel
2 N Main St, Berlin, MD 21811
This 1895 hotel is rumored to be haunted by a young girl, sometimes heard or seen riding a tricycle in hallways, especially on upper floors. Lights flickering and objects moving slightly have also been attributed to her playful spirit. The hotel embraces its haunted tales as part of its historic charm.
Wayside Inn
4344 Columbia Rd, Ellicott City, MD 21042
Located in historic Ellicott City, known for numerous ghost stories, the Wayside Inn is believed to be haunted by several spirits, including soldiers from the Civil War era and a female entity. Guests report sounds of disembodied footsteps, doors opening and closing on their own, and faint voices.
Lord Baltimore Hotel
20 West Baltimore Street, Baltimore, MD 21201
Dating back to 1928, the Lord Baltimore Hotel is reportedly haunted, particularly its 19th floor, which is said to be home to the spirit of a little girl. Guests and staff have also reported encountering apparitions of a couple dressed in formal evening wear. Some tales suggest one of the spirits could be "Molly" or "Lucy," often associated with elevator rides stopping inexplicably on the 19th floor, and objects moving on their own. These claims contribute to its reputation as one of Baltimore's haunted landmarks.
Haunted History of Maryland
As one of the original thirteen colonies, Maryland is a state where American history—and its ghosts—are deeply embedded in the soil. Its landscape is forever scarred by its role as a border state during the Civil War, a conflict that culminated in the Battle of Antietam, the single bloodiest day in American military history. The sheer scale of death and trauma from that one battle is said to have left an entire phantom army marching across the fields of Sharpsburg for eternity.
Beyond its battlefields, Maryland's haunted heritage thrives in its historic port cities and colonial towns. The cobblestone streets of Baltimore's Fells Point, once a haven for sailors, privateers, and the unfortunate victims of "shanghaiing," are teeming with maritime spirits. And no mention of haunted Maryland would be complete without invoking the spirit of its most famous, gothic resident, Edgar Allan Poe, whose dark and mysterious life and death in Baltimore perfectly capture the state's spooky, atmospheric charm.
Other Haunted Attractions in Maryland
- Antietam National Battlefield (Sharpsburg): This serene, beautiful park was the site of unimaginable carnage, with over 23,000 soldiers killed, wounded, or missing in a single day. The battlefield is considered one of the most haunted places in America, with countless reports of visitors seeing phantom soldiers, hearing ghostly cannon fire near "Bloody Lane," and smelling gunpowder on the air. Official Website
- Fells Point (Baltimore): This historic waterfront neighborhood is famous for its centuries-old pubs and restless spirits. Once a rowdy port, its cobblestone streets are said to be haunted by the ghosts of sailors and unlucky souls who were forced into naval service. The Horse You Came In On Saloon, reputedly Edgar Allan Poe's last stop before his death, is a legendary paranormal hotspot. More Info
- Dr. Mudd House Museum (Waldorf): This is the historic home of Dr. Samuel Mudd, the physician who set the broken leg of John Wilkes Booth as he fled his assassination of President Lincoln. Dr. Mudd's spirit is said to still haunt the home, along with the restless energy of soldiers who ransacked the property. Visitors report strange noises, disembodied voices, and indentations appearing on the bed where Booth once lay. Official Website
- Glenn Dale Hospital (Glenn Dale): Though now abandoned and strictly off-limits to the public, this massive former tuberculosis sanatorium and asylum is a legendary haunt. Its decaying, sprawling campus is said to be home to the spirits of former patients. Urban explorers and trespassers have long reported seeing apparitions in the windows, hearing disembodied screams, and feeling an overwhelming sense of dread and sorrow on the grounds.
Travel Tips for Haunted Hotel Stays in Maryland
- Walk a Battlefield: To truly understand the depth of Maryland's hauntings, you must walk the fields of Antietam. The solemn, heavy atmosphere of the battlefield is a paranormal experience in itself, especially at sunrise or sunset.
- Have a Pint with a Spirit: Visit a historic tavern in Fells Point, Annapolis, or Frederick. These colonial-era establishments are proud of their haunted histories and are the perfect places to soak in the spooky ambiance over a drink.
- Read Some Poe: To get into the proper gothic mindset for a trip to haunted Baltimore, read a few of Edgar Allan Poe's chilling tales. Visiting his grave after reading "The Raven" is an unforgettable, macabre experience.
- Explore Historic Annapolis: The state capital is one of the oldest cities in the country, and its colonial-era buildings, including the Maryland State House, are filled with stories of powerful political ghosts from the nation's earliest days.
FAQ about Haunted Hotels in Maryland
Are haunted hotels in Maryland safe to stay in? Yes, absolutely. They are historic and charming inns, B&Bs, and hotels that meet all modern safety standards. Their spectral guests are part of the state's rich and layered history.
What is the most haunted hotel in Maryland? Maryland has a wealth of historic inns with well-documented hauntings, from colonial-era buildings in Annapolis to Victorian mansions in Baltimore. Each offers its own unique cast of spirits, including Civil War soldiers, colonial figures, and jilted lovers.
Do haunted hotels in Maryland offer ghost tours? Many of Maryland's most haunted hotels are the main attractions on local ghost tours. Companies like Baltimore Ghost Tours and tours in historic cities like Annapolis and Frederick are the best way to hear the chilling tales connected to these establishments.
Can kids stay in haunted hotels in Maryland? Most historic hotels are family-friendly. The stories, particularly those related to the Civil War, are intense but can also serve as a powerful and spooky history lesson for older children and teens.
What time of year is best for haunted hotel stays in Maryland? Autumn is the perfect season. The crisp air and fall foliage create a hauntingly beautiful backdrop for exploring battlefields and historic towns, especially around the September anniversary of the Battle of Antietam.