Haunted Hotels in Las Vegas, Nevada You Can Stay In
Discover the most haunted hotels in Las Vegas with real ghost stories and paranormal activity
4 Haunted Hotels Found in Las Vegas
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.
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.
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.
Haunted History of Las Vegas, Nevada
Beneath the dazzling neon glow of Las Vegas lies a shadowy history forged by mobsters, marred by tragedy, and haunted by the ghosts of broken dreams. The city's spectral lore is intrinsically linked to its notorious past as a desert playground for the mob. Figures like Bugsy Siegel and other infamous gangsters who met violent ends are said to still linger in the resorts they helped build, forever tied to the city they shaped. Their restless spirits are rumored to wander the halls of older casinos, perhaps still keeping a watchful eye on their ill-gotten empires.
Beyond the mob, Las Vegas is a city of extreme emotions—elation, desperation, and heartbreak—that can leave a powerful psychic imprint. The ghosts of unlucky gamblers who lost it all, and performers who died tragically before their time, are said to haunt showrooms, back hallways, and high-roller suites. From the lonely stretches of desert where the mob's secrets are buried to the very foundations of the Strip itself, Las Vegas is a city built on stories, and some of those stories are still being told by the spirits who never checked out.
Other Haunted Attractions in Las Vegas, Nevada
- The Neon Boneyard: Where old Vegas signs go to "die," this iconic outdoor museum is crackling with residual energy. Staff and visitors at The Neon Boneyard have reported hearing voices and music from a bygone era and seeing shadowy figures darting between the colossal, unlit signs of forgotten casinos.
- Zak Bagans' The Haunted Museum: Housed in a historic mansion with its own dark past, this is a must-see for any paranormal fan. The museum features thousands of haunted artifacts, but the building itself is the main attraction, with visitors to The Haunted Museum reporting disembodied voices, phantom touches, and an unnerving sense of dread in its winding corridors.
- Fox Ridge Park: This unassuming suburban park in Henderson holds a dark secret. It's said to be haunted by the ghost of a young boy who was tragically killed nearby. Locals and ghost hunters report seeing a single swing move on its own and hearing the faint sounds of a child's ghostly laughter after the sun goes down.
- The Mob Museum: While not officially "haunted," this museum chronicles the dark and violent history of organized crime in Las Vegas. Located in a former federal courthouse, the Mob Museum contains artifacts from infamous crime scenes and tells stories of betrayal and murder, creating a heavy atmosphere where the past feels disturbingly present.
Travel Tips for Haunted Hotel Stays in Las Vegas, Nevada
- Go Beyond the Strip: While the famous resorts have their share of ghosts, don't forget to explore Downtown Las Vegas and Fremont Street. The older casinos and hotels there have a grittier history and are hotspots for paranormal activity.
- Hunt in the Wee Hours: Las Vegas is a 24/7 city, but the best time for a ghost hunt is between 3 a.m. and 6 a.m. The casino floors are quieter, the energy is different, and you might just catch a glimpse of something otherworldly in the hush.
- Stay Hydrated: The desert heat is no joke, even if you're inside most of the time. Walking the Strip can be draining, so drink plenty of water to keep your senses sharp for any ghostly encounters.
- Listen Closely: With the constant cacophony of slot machines and crowds, paranormal evidence like EVPs (Electronic Voice Phenomena) can be hard to capture. Find a quiet hallway or stairwell and listen for whispers that don't belong to the living.
FAQ about Haunted Hotels in Las Vegas, Nevada
Are haunted hotels in Las Vegas, Nevada safe to stay in? Absolutely. Las Vegas resorts are known for their high standards of security and guest safety. The "haunted" aspect adds a layer of historic intrigue, not physical danger.
What is the most haunted hotel in Las Vegas, Nevada? Many of the original Strip hotels built in the mob era have legendary hauntings. Hotels with famous (and deceased) headliners are also known for paranormal activity. We recommend reading through our listings to see which spectral celebrity or ghostly gangster you'd like to try and meet.
Do haunted hotels in Las Vegas, Nevada offer ghost tours? While most hotels don't offer official "ghost tours," many have historical tours that may touch upon their more famous spectral residents. For a dedicated experience, several independent ghost tour companies operate in the city.
Can kids stay in haunted hotels? Yes, most Las Vegas hotels are family-friendly, with pools and attractions for all ages. However, remember that children under 21 are not allowed to linger in casino gaming areas, which can limit late-night ghost hunting.
What time of year is best for haunted hotel stays in Las Vegas, Nevada? The weeks leading up to Halloween are always a popular and festive time for a spooky trip. For the best weather, plan your visit in the spring (March-May) or fall (September-November) to avoid the intense summer heat.