Haunted Hotels in St Louis, Missouri You Can Stay In
Discover the most haunted hotels in St Louis with real ghost stories and paranormal activity
2 Haunted Hotels Found in St Louis
Lehmann House Bed and Breakfast
10 Benton Pl, St. Louis, MO 63104, United States
The Lehmann House, a beautiful Victorian mansion built in 1893, stands in Lafayette Square, an area of St. Louis rich with history. Like many homes of its era that have been preserved, it comes with tales of potential residual energies from past residents. While not as infamously haunted as the Lemp Mansion, properties in historic districts like this often have anecdotal reports from guests and staff. These might include feeling unseen presences, particularly on upper floors or less-trafficked areas, unexplained faint odors (like perfume), or doors found ajar. These are often attributed benignly to former owners or long-term residents attached to the home.
The Lemp Mansion Inn
3322 Demenil Pl, St. Louis, MO 63118, United States
The Lemp Mansion holds one of the most well-known and tragic haunting stories in St. Louis. The Lemp family, builders of a vast brewery empire, suffered numerous suicides within the mansion throughout the late 19th and early 20th centuries, including William Lemp Sr., his wife Julia, William Lemp Jr., his sister Elsa, and Charles Lemp. Due to this tragic history, the mansion is considered intensely haunted. Reported phenomena are vast, including apparitions of family members, phantom footsteps, disembodied voices, feelings of sadness or despair in certain areas, doors locking/unlocking, and objects moving. Paranormal tours and investigations are regularly held due to the high level of reported activity.
Haunted History of St. Louis, Missouri
As the historic "Gateway to the West," St. Louis is a city with a dark and dramatic past hidden beneath its iconic Arch. Its history as a bustling 19th-century river port was marked by immense tragedy, including the Great Fire of 1849 and a devastating cholera epidemic that killed nearly a tenth of the population in a single year. The city is also built upon a vast network of limestone caves, used for everything from brewing beer to hiding escaped slaves on the Underground Railroad, creating a subterranean world of secrets and spirits.
The city's paranormal fame, however, is dominated by two chilling stories. The first is the tragic saga of the Lemp family, a brewing dynasty whose immense success was cursed by a series of shocking suicides that turned their family mansion into one of America's most haunted houses. The second is the fact that St. Louis was the site of the real-life 1949 demonic possession and exorcism that inspired William Peter Blatty's terrifying novel and the classic horror film, "The Exorcist," cementing the city's reputation as a place where real-world horror and the supernatural collide.
Other Haunted Attractions in St. Louis, Missouri
- The Lemp Mansion: This is the undisputed epicenter of haunted St. Louis. Once the home of the Lemp brewing dynasty, the mansion was the site of four tragic suicides by members of the cursed family. Now a restaurant and inn, it is said to be intensely haunted by the sorrowful spirits of the Lemps, making it a bucket-list destination for paranormal investigators worldwide. Official Website
- The "Exorcist" House: This unassuming private home in the suburb of Bel-Nor is the actual site where a 14-year-old boy, known as "Roland Doe," underwent a months-long exorcism in 1949. This terrifying true story of demonic possession was the direct inspiration for the book and film "The Exorcist." While it is a private residence and not open for tours, it remains a chilling and significant piece of paranormal history.
- Bellefontaine Cemetery and Arboretum: This stunningly beautiful historic garden cemetery is the final resting place of many prominent St. Louis figures, including explorer William Clark and members of the ill-fated Lemp family. It is known for its paranormal activity, with visitors reporting strange mists, disembodied voices, and an overwhelming sense of sadness, particularly near the Lemp family mausoleum. Official Website
- The Fabulous Fox Theatre: This opulent 1920s movie palace is a masterpiece of "Siamese Byzantine" architecture and is said to have a few spectral employees and patrons who never left. Staff have reported seeing the ghost of a workman who fell to his death during construction, as well as the spirit of the theater's original owner, who is believed to still watch over his beloved venue from the shadows. Official Website
Travel Tips for Haunted Hotel Stays in St. Louis, Missouri
- Visit the Lemp Mansion: Whether you take a ghost tour, have a meal, or are brave enough to stay the night, a visit to this iconic haunted house is an essential St. Louis experience.
- Take a Guided Ghost Tour: The city's history is incredibly rich and dark. A guided tour with a company like St. Louis Ghost Tours is the best way to explore the haunted Laclede's Landing waterfront and hear the chilling local legends.
- Explore the City's Caves: While many are closed to the public, some of the city's historic brewery caves are open for tours. Exploring these dark, cool subterranean spaces is a great way to connect with the city's hidden and haunted history.
- Walk Through a Historic Cemetery: A respectful stroll through the beautiful and haunting Bellefontaine Cemetery is a must. The incredible architecture of the mausoleums and the sheer weight of history make it an atmospheric and moving experience.
FAQ about Haunted Hotels in St. Louis, Missouri
Are haunted hotels in St. Louis, Missouri safe to stay in? Yes, of course. They are historic and popular hotels known for their unique character and hospitality. Their ghostly residents are a fascinating part of the city's often tragic, but always compelling, history.
What is the most haunted hotel in St. Louis, Missouri? While the Lemp Mansion is arguably one of the most haunted inns in the country, the city has several other grand hotels with famous hauntings. The city's dramatic past as a boomtown plagued by tragedy has left many spirits behind.
Do haunted hotels in St. Louis offer ghost tours? St. Louis's most haunted locations, including the Lemp Mansion and other historic hotels, are the main event on the city's many ghost tours. Booking a tour with a local company is the best way to get the full, chilling story behind these famous haunts.
Can kids stay in haunted hotels in St. Louis, Missouri? Most hotels are family-friendly. However, parents should be aware that the themes behind St. Louis's most famous hauntings (suicide, demonic possession) are very mature and intense, making them much better suited for teens and adults.
What time of year is best for haunted hotel stays in St. Louis, Missouri? Autumn is a fantastic time to visit. The city has a great haunted house and festival scene, and the crisp fall weather is perfect for walking ghost tours of the historic and spooky Laclede's Landing waterfront district.