Haunted Hotels in Nevada You Can Stay In
Discover the most haunted hotels in Nevada with real ghost stories and paranormal activity
Cities in Nevada with haunted hotels
18 Haunted Hotels Found in Nevada
The Retreat on Charleston Peak
2755 Kyle Canyon Rd, Mt Charleston, NV 89124
Despite its tranquil appearance, 'The Retreat on Charleston Peak' carries local lore and guest reports suggesting it is haunted. Built in 1985 reportedly on Paiute Indian burial grounds, stories circulate about encounters with multiple entities. A Reddit user shared detailed experiences consistent with management allegedly acknowledging three spirits: 'The Woman' primarily on the third floor, 'The Child' on the first, and 'The Man' in the hotel restaurant, sometimes associated with phantom tobacco smoke. Other guests mention 'quirky semi-spookiness', being told 'great ghost stories' by staff, and personal experiences ranging from feeling touched or watched to seeing mists and unexplained phenomena, contributing to its reputation as a haunted location in the area.
Jackson House Hotel
11 S Main St, Eureka, NV 89316
Originally built in 1877, the Jackson House Hotel in Eureka carries a significant reputation for being haunted, attracting paranormal investigators including the 'Ghost Adventures' crew. Legends speak of multiple entities, including a 'Lady in Red' seen floating in hallways, a cowboy, and a young girl. Much activity is reported in the 'Jackson Suite', with guests experiencing rattling doorknobs, disembodied footsteps, and lights turning on mysteriously. Reports extend to feeling watched in the bar area, messages appearing on fogged mirrors, and even physical interactions like being tucked into bed or touched. The building's location atop old mining tunnels, once connecting various parts of the historic town, likely adds to its eerie allure and tales of restless spirits from its long history.
Tahoe House Hotel
162 S C St, Virginia City, NV 89440
The Tahoe House Hotel, established in 1859, is situated in the famously haunted Virginia City. Guests report unexplained paranormal activity, with some feeling 'good energy' spirits making their presence known through minor physical disturbances, like screws loosening from furniture. The hotel offers ghost tours, capitalizing on its historic setting and proximity to other haunted locations like The Washoe Club. Although some experiences might be attributed to the hotel's long history and notable past guests like Mark Twain, whose 'presence' is sometimes felt (occasionally reenacted by an impersonator), there is an underlying sense among guests that genuine spectral encounters occur within its walls.
Boulder Dam Hotel
1305 Arizona St, Boulder City, NV 89005, United States
The Boulder Dam Hotel is considered one of Nevada's most haunted locales, possibly linked to the numerous deaths during the nearby Hoover Dam's construction. Guests and staff report a wide spectrum of paranormal activity, including being touched or pushed by unseen forces, phantom smells like cigar smoke (potentially attributed to former resident Howard Hughes), and apparitions. A frequently mentioned spirit is that of 'Tommy Thompson,' a former night desk clerk, believed to haunt the lobby. Investigations and anecdotes compiled, some in Dennis McBride's book 'The Secret Life of the Boulder Dam Hotel,' describe unexplained noises such as ballroom music and voices in empty areas, faucets turning on independently, and doors slamming shut. The hotel's basement is often cited as a center of energy, with reports of cold spots and disembodied voices. Some psychics claim contact with spirits, including a woman allegedly murdered on the premises.
Belvada Hotel
101 S Main St, Tonopah, NV 89049
The Belvada Hotel, restored and reopened, shares Tonopah's haunted reputation, deeply rooted in its early 20th-century mining boom. While often overshadowed by its neighbor, the Mizpah, the Belvada stands on historic ground active during times of fortune and tragedy. Its age and connection to the historic mining district make it a candidate for residual energy and spectral sightings common to Tonopah, a town known for numerous ghost stories stemming from its volatile past. Patrons may feel echoes of former residents and events within its historic walls.
Shady Lady Bed & Breakfast
Mile Marker 92, US Hwy 95 North, Beatty, NV 89003, United States
Despite being included in a list of haunted hotels, extensive online searches and review analysis for 'Shady Lady Bed & Breakfast' did not yield any specific information, stories, legends, or guest experiences related to paranormal activity or hauntings associated with this property. Its notable history is primarily related to its previous operation as a legal brothel until 2014.
Mizpah Hotel
100 N Main St, Tonopah, NV 89049, United States
The Mizpah Hotel is famed for being one of America's most haunted establishments, primarily due to its resident ghost known as the 'Lady in Red.' Legend holds she was a prostitute murdered in a fit of jealous rage on the fifth floor, possibly in room 502, and her spirit continues to roam the hotel. Guests report encountering her presence, sometimes finding pearls unexpectedly placed under their pillows or outside their doors, believed to be remnants of a necklace broken during her demise. Beyond the Lady in Red, other spectral encounters include sightings of ghostly miners still clad in their work gear patrolling the corridors, possibly tied to Tonopah's rich mining past. Eerie echoes of children's laughter and tales from staff about two male spirits residing in the basement further contribute to its paranormal reputation, making it a top destination for ghost hunters and earning it accolades as a premier haunted hotel.
Sugarloaf Mountain Motel
430 South C Street, Virginia City, NV 89440
Originally an 1878 miners' boarding house, some guests believe Sugarloaf Mountain Motel retains spirits from its past. While not filled with dramatic tales, guests specifically mention 'Room 1' as having a 'creepy' feel, possibly associated with a bride doll. Generally, some visitors insist 'ghosts' still roam the historic property, contributing to the old-western vibe of Virginia City.
Gold Hill Hotel and Saloon
1540 Main Street, Virginia City, NV 89440, United States
Established around 1861, Nevada's oldest hotel, the Gold Hill Hotel, is deeply intertwined with the region's mining history, including the tragic Yellow Jacket Mine fire of 1869. Numerous paranormal experiences have been reported, making it a key site for ghost hunters. Spirits believed to inhabit the hotel include miners lost in the fire, a resident prostitute named 'Rosie' often associated with Room 4, a spirit named 'William' in Room 5, and even spectral children. The hotel acknowledges its haunted reputation, offering ghost tours and having been featured on shows like 'Ghost Adventures,' further solidifying its status as a paranormal hotspot.
El Cortez Hotel & Casino
600 E Fremont St, Las Vegas, NV 89101
El Cortez in Las Vegas is a historic hotel with a haunted and spooky past. The history of this hotel still frightens the guests and employees to this day. As legends say, Jackie Gaughan, the former owner of this hotel, used to cremate the bodies of his employees who wouldn’t obey him as he wished in the hotel basement. Nowadays, there are claims that the ghosts of those people haunt the hotel. The most popular ghost of El Cortez is “Fat Irish” Green, who used to guard the stolen money of Benjamin “Bugsey” Seigel (the owner of the hotel before Gaughan). But this ghost isn’t the only supernatural creature you might encounter at the hotel. In fact, the people who work at the hotel reported a few mysterious occurrences, including feeling a sense of unease in certain areas, especially the basement.
Flamingo Las Vegas
3555 Las Vegas Blvd S, Las Vegas, NV 89109
The Flamingo first opened its glittering doors the day after Christmas, 1946. Opened by none other than the infamous Bugsy Siegel. Many prominent Hollywood friends of the notorious gangster were in attendance. Despite this, the grand unveiling was a flop. Just two weeks after its grand inauguration, the original Flamingo closed down, reopening some months later as The Fabulous Flamingo. The resort began turning a profit at last, but this came too late for Siegel. Siegel was shot while reading the newspaper on June 20th, 1947, in Beverly Hills. The crime is still unsolved today, although many believe his partners were to blame. Many attest that although Bugsy Siegel died in California, his spirit has returned to haunt the establishment that led to his demise. Guests of The Flamingo have claimed to spy a ghostly figure in the haunted hotels' garden near the Bugsy Siegel memorial. Although the hotel may not advertise its hauntings widely, likely fearful that conventional guests will shy away from these darker elements, The Flamingo remains an enduring Vegas attraction for lovers of mob stories and Vegas' more ghostly elements.
The Clown Motel
521 N Main St, Tonopah, NV 89049, United States
The Clown Motel's terrifying reputation stems from its extensive theme featuring thousands of clowns and its immediate proximity to the historic Tonopah Cemetery, where many early silver miners, including victims of the 1911 Belmont Mine Fire, are buried. Paranormal enthusiasts and guests report numerous eerie experiences, leading many to believe the motel is haunted by spirits from the adjacent graveyard. Legends suggest that the clown dolls and figures throughout the motel may serve as vessels for these spirits. Reports include sightings of apparitions moving between the cemetery and the motel, disembodied voices attributed to deceased miners, and even unsettling encounters within guest rooms, such as feeling a presence or seeing phantom figures, sometimes described as a tall clown. Specific rooms, notably 108, 111, 210, and 214, are often cited as paranormal hotspots within the motel.
Hotel Apache at Binion's
128 E Fremont St, Las Vegas, NV 89101, United States
Known as a haunted establishment within Binion's, Hotel Apache reports include staff being touched/nudged, sightings of figures (possibly past owners' family members), and electronic disturbances. Room 400, the 1930s penthouse, is particularly noted for paranormal activity, with dedicated 'ghost hunting experiences' offered focusing on this suite. Other phenomena reported include voices and objects moving without explanation, contributing to its reputation among paranormal enthusiasts.
Silver Queen Hotel
28 North C Street, Virginia City, NV 89440, United States
The Silver Queen Hotel is renowned as one of Nevada's most haunted locations, gaining features on shows like 'Ghost Adventures.' The supernatural fame largely revolves around Room 11, believed to be inhabited by the spirit of 'Rosie,' a prostitute from the 1800s said to have tragically ended her life, possibly by slitting her wrists in the room's bathtub. Guests and paranormal investigators report a range of unexplained phenomena throughout the hotel, especially concentrated around Room 11 and its adjoining areas. These include disembodied female screams, loud phantom footsteps on seemingly wooden floors (despite carpeting), rattling doorknobs, growling sounds, whispering voices in hallways, and even physical apparitions of Rosie, sometimes seen at the top of the main staircase. The hotel actively acknowledges its haunted reputation, maintaining a guestbook for visitors to document their paranormal encounters.
Hotel Nevada and Gambling Hall
501 Aultman St, Ely, NV 89301
Hotel Nevada and Gambling Hall boasts a rich history and, according to local legends and guest reports, numerous resident spirits dating back to its opening in 1929 during Prohibition. Stories include sightings of a ghostly woman in a long gown, possibly connected to a tragic love affair or suicide. Others report eerie encounters near rooms linked to past gambling disputes or even mob connections. Cold spots, disembodied voices, and objects moving on their own are commonly reported, especially on the upper floors. Many believe some past guests and residents simply never checked out.
Circus Circus Hotel and Casino
2880 South Las Vegas Boulevard, Las Vegas, NV 89109
Circus Circus, despite its fun facade, is frequently listed among Las Vegas's haunted locations. Reports often center on ghostly activity linked to past tragedies, including alleged murders within rooms. Guests and former employees have recounted seeing 'Help Me' mysteriously written on bathroom mirrors, hearing phantom sounds like children crying, especially around vacated areas, and feeling unsettling presences. Room 123 is sometimes cited, alongside tales of ghostly figures related to past employee incidents or suicides contributing to its eerie reputation.
Santa Fe Inn
1620 W Winnemucca Blvd, Winnemucca, NV 89445
Santa Fe Inn in Winnemucca is cited as one of Nevada's haunted locations. It is rumored that the inn can be very scary despite having nice rooms and friendly staff. The spot in the inn that is claimed to be the most dangerous is room 136. One of the guests reported that there was a strange interruption while he was watching TV, and then he heard a knock on the door. When he checked, there was no one behind the door, but later he saw a shadowy figure inside his room, which was trying to convince him to leave while it was midnight. (Note: Claims of construction in 1830 from the source article are historically improbable for this region).
Overland Hotel & Saloon
662 Main St, Pioche, NV 89043, United States
The Overland Hotel & Saloon is widely considered one of Nevada's most haunted places, with Room 10 being notably active. Its reputation is tied to Pioche's violent past and specific incidents within the hotel, including a reported murder in the basement in 1964. Staff and guests report encounters with shadowy figures, the physical sensation of being held down, disembodied voices, and unexplained apparitions. Its notoriety earned it a feature on the Travel Channel's 'Ghost Adventures,' where investigators reported successful interaction with spirits.
Haunted History of Nevada
Nevada's haunted history is as vast and rugged as its desert landscape. Long before the neon lights of Las Vegas, the state's identity was forged in the silver and gold rush of the 19th century. This era gave rise to legendary boomtowns like Virginia City and Goldfield, places where immense fortunes were made overnight and lives were lost just as quickly in dangerous mines, violent saloons, and lawless streets. When the mines ran dry, many of these towns were abandoned, leaving behind skeletal remains and legions of ghosts who never moved on.
The spirits of Nevada are often those of prospectors who met a tragic end, saloon girls with broken hearts, and gunslingers cut down in their prime. Their stories echo through the historic buildings and lonely cemeteries of the state's many ghost towns. From the lingering presence of mobsters in the casinos of Las Vegas and Reno to the phantom miners who still wander the Comstock Lode, Nevada is a state where the past is never truly buried, and the veil between the living and the dead feels unnervingly thin under the starry desert sky.
Other Haunted Attractions in Nevada
- Virginia City: The entire town is a living museum and a paranormal hotspot. You can visit the famously haunted Old Washoe Club, take a ghost tour of the Ponderosa Mine, or wander the eerie Silver Terrace Cemetery, where the spirits of Comstock Lode miners are said to rise with the evening mist.
- Goldfield Historic Cemetery: The town of Goldfield was once the largest in Nevada, and its historic cemetery is a chilling reminder of its violent past. Visitors report strange lights, disembodied voices, and feelings of being watched among the weathered tombstones of miners, gunslingers, and victims of a mysterious plague.
- Rhyolite Ghost Town: Near the entrance to Death Valley, the ruins of Rhyolite stand as a monument to the boom-and-bust cycle. The ghosts of its former residents are said to linger around the crumbling bank, the train depot, and the unique Tom Kelly Bottle House. You can find more information about visiting at the Bureau of Land Management site.
- The Hoover Dam: A modern marvel of engineering with a dark past. More than 100 men died during its construction, and their spirits are said to haunt the dam's cavernous tunnels and inspection corridors. Visitors on official Hoover Dam tours have reported hearing phantom footsteps and feeling unseen hands push them from behind.
- Fourth Ward School Museum: This beautifully preserved four-story school in Virginia City is considered one of the town's most active haunts. Staff and visitors at the Fourth Ward School Museum have encountered the stern spirit of a teacher named "Miss Suzan," who still tries to keep order, as well as the playful ghosts of children in the empty classrooms.
Travel Tips for Haunted Hotel Stays in Nevada
- Rent a Good Car: Nevada's most haunted locations are often remote ghost towns connected by long, empty highways. A reliable vehicle is essential, and a 4x4 can be useful for exploring more rugged, off-the-beaten-path haunts.
- Pack for Extremes: The desert climate is no joke. Bring more water than you think you'll need, sun protection for daytime explorations, and warm layers, as the temperature plummets dramatically after sunset.
- Get Off the Beaten Path: While Las Vegas and Reno have their share of ghosts, the true paranormal heart of Nevada lies in historic mining towns like Virginia City, Tonopah, and Goldfield. Plan a road trip along the "Haunted Highway" (U.S. Route 50) or the Free-Range Art Highway (U.S. 95).
- Don't Rely on Cell Service: Once you leave the major cities, cell service becomes spotty or nonexistent. Download maps offline or bring a physical map to ensure you don't get lost on your way to a remote ghost town.
FAQ about Haunted Hotels in Nevada
Are haunted hotels in Nevada safe to stay in? Absolutely. Whether it's a luxury resort in Las Vegas or a historic inn in a ghost town, all hotels must adhere to strict safety and health codes. The hauntings are for historical thrill, not harm.
What is the most haunted hotel in Nevada? Nevada is famous for its haunted hotels, particularly in towns like Goldfield, Tonopah, and Virginia City, which are legendary among paranormal investigators. Check out our listings to see which of these notorious haunts you're brave enough to visit.
Do haunted hotels in Nevada offer ghost tours? Many do! In Nevada's historic mining towns, the haunted reputation of a hotel is often its main attraction. These inns frequently offer ghost tours and may even provide guests with ghost-hunting equipment.
Can kids stay in haunted hotels? Generally, yes. However, the rustic, historic nature of hotels in ghost towns might lack the amenities of a modern resort. Always check the hotel's policy and consider if the spooky atmosphere is right for your children.
What time of year is best for haunted hotel stays in Nevada? The fall (September-November) is the perfect season. The weather is pleasant for exploring remote ghost towns, and the Halloween season brings extra spooky events to places like Virginia City. Spring (March-May) is also an excellent time to visit.