Haunted Hotels in New Jersey You Can Stay In
Discover the most haunted hotels in New Jersey with real ghost stories and paranormal activity
Cities in New Jersey with haunted hotels
11 Haunted Hotels Found in New Jersey
The Southern Mansion
720 Washington St, Cape May, NJ 08204, USA
Cape May's Southern Mansion was once the summer house of businessman George Allen and remained in his family for over 80 years. After falling into disrepair as a boarding house, it was restored. The mansion is reportedly haunted by Ester Allen, George's niece. She is described as a joyful spirit, content to remain in her home eternally. Staff, owners, and guests have claimed to see Ester's apparition dancing and have smelled her distinct perfume. Sounds akin to a rustling petticoat accompanying her movements have also been reported. It's also suggested that some previous boarders might linger in spirit.
Tamaracks Country Villa
85 Tamarack Rd, Byram Township, NJ 07821
Formerly known as the Colby Mansion, built in 1909, local legends claim a wealthy owner involved in the occult murdered his family on the premises. Their spirits are said to linger on the grounds, making it a point of local paranormal interest.
The Flanders Hotel
719 E 11th St, Ocean City, NJ 08226, USA
The Flanders Hotel in Ocean City is reputed to be haunted, allegedly named after a cemetery in Belgium and once serving as a meeting spot for crime bosses in its catacombs. Key spectral figures include 'Marilynn' (or Maryann), a young red-haired woman; along with apparitions of a small child and a middle-aged man, accompanied by reports of disembodied laughter. Another prominent spirit is 'Emily,' seen as a lady in white with long dark hair, known for mischievous activities like unscrewing lightbulbs, tampering with door locks, and vanishing into walls.
Angel of the Sea
5 Trenton Ave, Cape May, NJ 08204, USA
The Angel of the Sea, despite its charming appearance, is associated with unsettling tales. The primary entity is said to be the spirit of a former guest known as 'Miss Brown'. Legend holds that in the 1960s, after forgetting her room key, Miss Brown attempted to climb into her room from the building's exterior. Tragically, she slipped during this attempt and fell to her death. Current guests report experiencing her presence through disturbances such as vibrating beds, unexplained movement of furniture, and unusual light phenomena.
Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Atlantic City
1000 Boardwalk, Atlantic City, NJ 08401
While operating as the Trump Taj Mahal, stories circulated about paranormal experiences. These included sightings of multiple apparitions by guests in the South Tower, a young boy appearing at a guest's bedside, and a tall, shadowy figure in the 10th-floor hallway accompanied by phantom footsteps. One theory suggests a connection to a reported suicide involving someone jumping from a 10th-story window in the building's history.
Hotel Macomber
727 Beach Ave, Cape May, NJ 08204, USA
Hotel Macomber in Cape May is considered a significant haunted location in New Jersey, reportedly inhabited by multiple spirits. One prominent entity is that of a waitress in worn attire, primarily active in the dining room and kitchen, where staff and guests report unexplained noises and disturbances like moving silverware. Another frequently mentioned spirit is believed to be a former guest from the 1940s who only makes her presence known during summer months, specifically associated with Room 10. Guests have reported hearing sounds consistent with someone dragging a trunk across the floor within this room.
Surf City Hotel
800 N Long Beach Blvd, Surf City, NJ 08008, USA
Surf City Hotel, built in the late 1800s on Long Beach Island, gained notoriety during prohibition for its lively parties. Though the original structure burned down, paranormal accounts persist. Guests report sightings of a spectral woman holding a baby looking out a window. Additionally, chilling screams, believed to be linked to the victims of the tragic 1854 sinking of the Powhatan, are said to echo within the premises.
The Grenville Hotel & Restaurant
345 Main Ave, Bay Head, NJ 08742, USA
The Grenville Hotel & Restaurant has been considered haunted for many years. Guests and staff report hearing ghostly children playing and laughing within the halls. Full-body apparitions have allegedly been sighted, and sounds suggesting bustling activity emanating from otherwise empty rooms are also part of the hotel's paranormal claims.
The Inn of Cape May
7 Ocean St, Cape May, NJ 08204, USA
The Inn of Cape May is rumored to host spirits enjoying an eternal vacation. While some claim mischievous spirit children play within its walls, more specific encounters have been reported by staff. One story involves 'Captain Jack,' a presumed spirit who playfully plucked a sweater from a staff member's shoulders in the kitchen. Another staffer reported witnessing cups spontaneously falling from shelves. Adding to the lore, a 'lady in blue' is said to be seen gazing forlornly from one of the Inn's windows, contributing to its haunted reputation.
Hotel Vicenza
3793 US Highway 1 South, Monmouth Junction, NJ 08852
A Reddit user reported feeling threatened by multiple unhappy spirits during their stay at Hotel Vicenza in Monmouth Junction, NJ. Experiences included their wheelchair being pulled backward autonomously, and their sister allegedly being pushed off the bed violently. The user mentioned seeing 'black shadows' and noted these incidents occurred specifically in what was described as the only handicapped accessible room available to them at the time.
Widow McCrea House Bed & Breakfast
53 Kingwood Ave, Frenchtown, NJ 08825, USA
The Widow McCrea House, dating back to 1878, is reportedly haunted, but not by a human spirit as one might expect. Numerous guests and visitors have reported encountering a 'ghost cat' within the historic bed and breakfast. This spectral feline is said to prowl the hallways, offering an unusual and perhaps less frightening paranormal experience compared to typical hauntings.
Haunted History of New Jersey
Don't let the "Garden State" moniker fool you; New Jersey is home to some of the oldest and most terrifying folklore in the United States. As one of the original thirteen colonies and the "Crossroads of the American Revolution," its history is a dense tapestry of war, industry, and mystery. The ghosts of Revolutionary War soldiers are said to still roam battlefields from Monmouth to Princeton, forever fighting a war that ended centuries ago.
But New Jersey's haunted reputation extends far beyond its colonial past. The state's most famous resident isn't a person but a monster: the legendary Jersey Devil. Born of folklore in the 18th century, this winged, horse-headed creature is said to stalk the sprawling, eerie wilderness of the Pine Barrens. Add in tales of pirates like Captain Kidd burying treasure along the coast and leaving ghostly guardians behind, and you have a state teeming with spectral energy and truly unique American legends.
Other Haunted Attractions in New Jersey
- The Pine Barrens: This vast, one-million-acre forest is the legendary stomping ground of the Jersey Devil. For over 250 years, locals and visitors have reported seeing a terrifying, winged beast and hearing its blood-curdling screams in the night. The sheer isolation and primordial atmosphere of the woods make it one of America's most unsettling natural landscapes. More Info
- Clinton Road (West Milford): Frequently cited as the most haunted road in America, this 10-mile stretch is a magnet for the paranormal. The most famous legend involves the ghost of a young boy at a bridge who returns coins thrown into the water. Drivers have also reported phantom headlights, unnerving animal sightings, and run-ins with sinister figures in the dead of night.
- The Spy House / Seabrook-Wilson House (Port Monmouth): Considered one of the most haunted houses in the country, this bayside home dates back to the 1600s and is rife with legends of pirates and Revolutionary War spies. Paranormal investigators and visitors have documented dozens of spirits, reporting disembodied voices, phantom footsteps, and full-bodied apparitions within its historic walls. More Info
- Proprietary House (Perth Amboy): As the former residence of New Jersey's last Royal Governor and Benjamin Franklin's son, William, this mansion is steeped in Revolutionary War-era history and hauntings. The spirits of a soldier, a "weeping lady," and a young boy are said to roam the halls, with staff and visitors frequently hearing unexplained noises and feeling sudden, dramatic cold spots. Official Website
Travel Tips for Haunted Hotel Stays in New Jersey
- Explore the Backroads: New Jersey's most legendary haunts aren't on the Turnpike. To find the state's true paranormal heart, you'll need to venture down its winding back roads, into its dense forests, and through its historic colonial towns.
- Know the Legend: Reading up on the lore of the Jersey Devil or the ghosts of Clinton Road before you go will make your experience infinitely spookier. Knowing the story behind the sounds you hear in the dark adds a powerful layer of fear and excitement.
- Pack for Everything: You can spend the morning searching for ghosts at a breezy lighthouse on the shore and the evening deep in the dark, chilly Pine Barrens. New Jersey's diverse landscape requires versatile packing.
- Find a Local Tour: Historic towns like Cape May, Princeton, and Red Bank have fantastic ghost tours led by local experts. They are the best way to learn the hidden history and hear the most chilling tales of the town's permanent residents.
FAQ about Haunted Hotels in New Jersey
Are haunted hotels in New Jersey safe to stay in? Yes, completely! They are historic inns and hotels that meet all modern safety standards. The ghosts are part of the state's rich history and folklore, offering guests a unique story to tell.
What is the most haunted hotel in New Jersey? New Jersey's long history means many establishments, especially in colonial-era towns and Victorian seaside resorts like Cape May, have well-documented hauntings. It's hard to crown just one, as each location boasts its own unique spectral guest list.
Do haunted hotels in New Jersey offer ghost tours? While some hotels proudly share their haunted histories, they are more often featured as a main stop on a professional local ghost tour. Checking with tour operators in the town you're visiting is the best way to get a guided paranormal experience.
Can kids stay in haunted hotels in New Jersey? Most historic hotels are family-friendly. However, parents should be aware that New Jersey's legends, particularly the terrifying tales of the Jersey Devil, can be very intense for younger children.
What time of year is best for haunted hotel stays in New Jersey? Fall is the perfect season for a ghostly trip, with crisp air, beautiful foliage, and the excitement of Halloween. For a different kind of thrill, try exploring the haunted Jersey Shore during the quiet, foggy off-season in late spring.