Haunted Hotels in New Hampshire You Can Stay In
Discover the most haunted hotels in New Hampshire with real ghost stories and paranormal activity
Cities in New Hampshire with haunted hotels
11 Haunted Hotels Found in New Hampshire
The Notchland Inn
2 Morey Rd, Hart's Location, NH 03812
The Notchland Inn is associated with the tragic tale of Nancy Barton, who froze to death nearby in 1778 while pursuing her faithless lover. Her tombstone is reportedly kept within the inn. Guests and residents have reported mysterious occurrences, including unexplained writings appearing on mirrors in steam or lipstick even when bathrooms are unused, items moving on their own, and occasionally hearing unexplained cries or laughter in the vicinity.
The Nutmeg Inn
80 Pease Road, Meredith, NH 03253, United States
A ghost that’s been named Charlie is the reason The Nutmeg Inn is one of the most haunted hotels in New Hampshire. The inn has an interesting past, and has had over 20 owners since its origins as a residential homestead in 1763. During its time, it was a stop on the Underground Railroad to help slaves flee to Canada, a boarding house, a working farm and was even once a Girl Scout meeting destination. Now, The Nutmeg Inn welcomes visitors to stay in their cozy New England-style B&B, which also includes Charlie, a helpful and friendly spirit (and sometimes, mischievous) who many have acknowledged over the years. Charlie is said to sometimes hide items from guests and remove bath mats from tubs. Visitors and staff have also claimed to have found very cold spots throughout the house, and have even seen his apparitions in photos of the inn. There are also stories of Charlie helping innkeepers out on problems they weren’t able to solve themselves. In one instance, innkeepers weren’t able to afford the installation electrical outlets in a room, and after boarding up the space for the winter, they reopened it the following spring to find the outlets installed. Their contractor confirmed he never did the job. Others believe that Charlie has also assisted with carpentry work around the inn, and also getting flowers to bloom when they were thought to be duds.
The Birchwood Inn
340 NH 45, Temple, NH 03084
The Birchwood Inn, dating back to 1775, is reputed to be quite haunted, having been featured on television shows like Chronicle and included in books detailing New Hampshire's haunted locations. While specifics about ghosts within the inn itself are not detailed in this account, there's nearby folklore regarding a unique grave in Richmond, believed to belong to someone staked through the heart as a suspected vampire. This tale adds to the local lore, although it concerns a neighboring town.
The Hotel Portsmouth
40 Court Street, Portsmouth, New Hampshire 03801, United States
Formally the Sise Inn, which was built in the 1800s, the Hotel Portsmouth is one of the most haunted hotels in New Hampshire because of reports from guests and employees of unexplained happenings throughout the property. Room 204 has had the most paranormal attention, with people claiming a spirit’s habit of locking and unlocking the door. Others have reported strange things happening with the ice machine, where piles of ice have been found in the hallway, or pieces of ice from the machine getting thrown (sometimes at guests). Guests have reported feeling a strong sensation of a presence in their rooms, or even a presence getting into bed with them.
Christmas Farm Inn & Spa
3 Blitzen Way, Jackson, NH 03846
Christmas Farm Inn & Spa gained paranormal notoriety after being featured on TV's 'Ghost Hunters'. The activity is reported as generally friendly. Stories primarily revolve around sightings of a woman in old-fashioned attire ascending stairs that no longer exist, believed by some to be Doris Welch, a former innkeeper who passed away on the premises. Staff members, including a bartender, have reported seeing apparitions. Additionally, there are claims of hearing children laughing in the Carriage House building, contributing to the inn's haunted reputation.
Three Chimneys Inn
17 Newmarket Road. Durham, NH 03824
Built in 1649 and listed on the National Register of Historic Places, The Three Chimneys Inn is considered one of New Hampshire's most haunted locations. It is believed to be haunted by Hannah, the daughter of the original owner, Valentine Hill. After her marriage at age 20, records of her life cease, with local legends claiming she drowned in the nearby Oyster River. Soon after her supposed drowning, sightings of her ghost began, reportedly seen by the river and within the house.
Eagle Mountain House & Golf Club
179 Carter Notch Road, Jackson Village, NH 03846
The historic Eagle Mountain House & Golf Club is considered haunted by some guests and paranormal investigators. Reports mention friendly paranormal activity investigated by the Central New Hampshire Paranormal Society, who identified the presence of a young boy and girl on the second floor. Guests have shared anecdotal experiences, such as feeling someone sit on the bed or touch them when no one visible is present. There are also mentions of a figure known as 'the vanishing lady' and speculation about a child's ghost related to a past fire, though specifics are scarce compared to more widely publicized hauntings.
The Tilton Inn
255 Main Street, Tilton, NH 03276
The Tilton Inn, formerly known as the 1875 Inn & Olive Branch Tavern, boasts significant history, having hosted guests like Thomas Edison and Henry Ford. Its haunted reputation stems from having burned down three separate times. It is believed that some victims from these fires continue to haunt the building, wandering its halls and rooms.
Omni Mount Washington Resort
310 Mount Washington Hotel Road, Bretton Woods, NH 03575, United States
Known affectionately by staff members as “The Princess,” Caroline Foster Stickney was a long-time inhabitant of the hotel. She became known as “The Princess” after marrying a French royal named Jean Baptiste Marie de Faucigny Lucinge. But Princess Caroline Foster’s ties to the resort go back to its inception when her first husband, railroad tycoon Joseph Stickney, built the grand resort in 1902. Incorporating special accommodations for his wife, construction of the resort included an indoor swimming pool and a private dining room for Caroline known today as the “Princess Room.” A prominent figure at the resort since its opening, many guests who have visited continue to report sightings of the regal Caroline. Visions of an elegant woman in Victorian dress are often spotted in the hallways of the hotel, and there are light taps on doors when no one is outside. Objects within the guestrooms will also suddenly disappear and then reappear in the exact place they were lost. But perhaps the most common sighting of the beloved Caroline is in Room 314, where guests report seeing a vision of the woman sitting at the edge of their bed. The tales of the Omni Mount Washington’s hauntings have since inspired many people to hunt for ghosts on the grounds, including the crew of the popular television show, *Ghost Hunters*.
The Beal House
2 W Main St, Littleton, NH 03561 (Note: Lodging may be primarily via The Chandler Inn, 30 Arlington Street, Bethlehem, NH)
Originating as a farmhouse in the 1880s, The Beal House Inn in Littleton is reputed to be haunted. Visitors have reported hearing unexplained loud male voices in the common area, and a housekeeper experienced being physically restrained by an unseen force while working. The current owners believe these spirits are friendly and remain due to an attachment to the inn.
Oceanic Hotel
Star Island, Rye, NH
The Oceanic Hotel is located on Star Island, part of the historically haunted Isles of Shoals off the New Hampshire and Maine coast. The region is rife with ghost stories, most notably connected to the infamous pirate Blackbeard. Legends persist about Blackbeard's hidden treasure being guarded in the afterlife, potentially on or around these islands. Furthermore, stories circulate about the ghost of Blackbeard's wife haunting the area. While some specific tales originate from the Maine side of the Isles, Star Island itself is considered one of New Hampshire's most haunted locations within this grouping.
Haunted History of New Hampshire
As one of the original thirteen colonies, New Hampshire is steeped in centuries of history, and where there's history, there are ghosts. The state's haunted lore is woven from the fabric of colonial life, the struggles of the Revolutionary War, and the eerie tales born from its dense, dark forests and imposing mountains. The spirits that linger here are those of early settlers, forgotten soldiers, and lonely souls lost to the unforgiving New England winters, their stories whispered in historic taverns and creaking farmhouses.
Famous legends like that of "Ocean-Born Mary" have captivated ghost hunters for generations. Born on a ship in 1720 and supposedly betrothed to a pirate, her spirit is said to haunt her former home in Henniker, a tall, red-headed specter still protecting her property. From the misty peaks of the White Mountains, where spectral hikers are said to roam, to the ancient, weathered cemeteries of its small towns, New Hampshire's paranormal landscape is as rugged and mysterious as the Granite State itself.
Other Haunted Attractions in New Hampshire
- Madame Sherri's Castle Ruins: In the middle of a Chesterfield forest stand the eerie stone ruins of a lavish castle built by eccentric costume designer Madame Sherri. After it burned down, the grand stone staircase remained, and visitors report seeing her ghostly figure descending it, hearing phantom party music, and feeling an overwhelming sense of being watched. You can find hiking information at the Forest Society website.
- Pine Hill Cemetery: Located in Hollis, this cemetery is infamous for the grave of Abel Blood, a man who supposedly murdered his family. The legend of the "Blood-Stained Crypt" says that his tombstone weeps a reddish substance, and visitors have reported seeing apparitions and capturing strange EVPs near the site.
- The Chase House at Strawbery Banke Museum: Portsmouth is one of the oldest cities in the country, and its historic district is teeming with spirits. At the Strawbery Banke Museum, the Chase House is particularly known for its "Lady in White," a spectral woman who appears in the windows of the upstairs bedroom, forever waiting for a loved one to return from sea.
- The Amos J. Blake House Museum: This historic house in Fitzwilliam is so active that it's a popular spot for paranormal investigations. Run by the Fitzwilliam Historical Society, the museum is said to be haunted by members of the Blake family, who make their presence known with disembodied footsteps, mysterious voices, and objects that move on their own.
Travel Tips for Haunted Hotel Stays in New Hampshire
- Embrace the Autumn: There is no better time for a spooky trip to New Hampshire than in the fall. The brilliant foliage, crisp air, and local Halloween festivities create the perfect atmosphere for ghost hunting.
- Pack for All Seasons: New Hampshire weather can be unpredictable, especially in the mountains. Bring layers, waterproof hiking shoes for exploring cemeteries and forest ruins, and a warm jacket for chilly nights.
- Explore the Seacoast: Don't miss the historic city of Portsmouth. Its colonial-era buildings, ancient cemeteries, and maritime history make it one of the most haunted hubs in the state.
- Be a Respectful Investigator: Many of New Hampshire's most haunted locations are historic landmarks and cemeteries. Be mindful of the rules, treat the properties with care, and remember that you're a guest in a place with a long and storied past.
FAQ about Haunted Hotels in New Hampshire
Are haunted hotels in New Hampshire safe to stay in? Absolutely! Haunted inns and hotels in New Hampshire are known for their historic charm, but they must all meet modern standards for safety and hospitality. The ghosts are just part of the unique amenities!
What is the most haunted hotel in New Hampshire? The grand, historic hotels nestled in the White Mountains have some of the most famous and long-standing ghost stories in the state. We recommend browsing our listings to see which century-old haunt you'd like to check into.
Do haunted hotels in New Hampshire offer ghost tours? Many of the state's most famous haunted inns embrace their paranormal reputation and offer ghost tours or special spooky packages for guests, especially during the popular fall season.
Can kids stay in haunted hotels? Most historic inns welcome families, but the nature of colonial ghost stories (which can be quite grim) might be too intense for younger children. It's always best to check the hotel's policy and use parental discretion.
What time of year is best for haunted hotel stays in New Hampshire? Fall is the undisputed champion. The world-famous foliage provides a stunning and spooky backdrop for exploring haunted places. The cool, eerie nights are perfect for curling up by a fire and swapping ghost stories.