Haunted Hotels in New Mexico You Can Stay In
Discover the most haunted hotels in New Mexico with real ghost stories and paranormal activity
Cities in New Mexico with haunted hotels
20 Haunted Hotels Found in New Mexico
El Rancho Hotel
1000 E Highway 66, Gallup, NM 87301
El Rancho Hotel is considered highly active paranormaly. Staff report hearing banging pots and pans in the kitchen when no one is present. A ghost residing on the second floor is known to lock himself in rooms, even putting on the security chain. The room named after John Wayne experiences strange activity, including sightings of an apparition dressed in period-western attire walking across the parking lot. The Bridal Suite is a hotspot for activity, believed to be haunted by a female apparition interested in guests' belongings, especially female visitors; clothing might defy gravity, and the door opens and closes on its own. Neighboring rooms experience objects moving, lights flickering, and TVs changing channels independently. Room 506 features a spirit known for opening the drapes at dawn as a 'wake-up call'.
Castaneda Hotel
524 Railroad Ave, Las Vegas, NM 87701
Being one of the famous Fred Harvey hotels along the railroad, the Castaneda has seen countless travelers since 1898. Staff and guests report ghostly encounters, such as the feeling of being watched, disembodied voices, unexplained cold breezes, and doors shutting on their own. One specific reported spirit is a woman in Victorian dress, believed to be a former guest or worker, seen wandering the halls, particularly on the second floor.
Drury Plaza Hotel in Santa Fe
828 Paseo De Peralta, Santa Fe, NM 87501
The Drury Plaza incorporates parts of the old St. Vincent Hospital. Staff and guests have reported experiences typical of former hospital buildings: phantom footsteps, voices in empty rooms, temperature fluctuations, and feelings of being watched. Some suggest these could be residual energies or spirits of former patients. Activity is often noted in areas corresponding to old hospital wards or rooms.
Trinity Hotel
201 S Canal St, Carlsbad, NM 88220
The Trinity Hotel, formerly the First National Bank dating back to 1892, is rumored to be haunted. According to local lore shared by staff, the primary spirit is 'Ruby,' believed to have been a mistress associated with someone at the bank in the late 1800s. After being shunned, her spirit seemingly returned. She is considered a mischievous ghost primarily associated with Room 206, known as the 'Safe Room,' which incorporates an old bank vault converted into a media room, though she is said to wander throughout the hotel.
Hotel Andaluz
125 2nd St NW, Albuquerque, NM 87102
Hotel Andaluz, one of Conrad Hilton's early establishments, is said to host several spirits. One frequently reported entity is a woman in 1940s attire seen on the mezzanine level or near Room 712, sometimes crying. Another is a playful spirit on the second floor known to move objects or touch guests. There are also reports of activity on the 4th floor. These spirits are speculated to be former guests connected to significant life events or tragedies within the hotel.
La Fonda on the Plaza
100 E San Francisco St, Santa Fe, NM 87501
La Fonda sits on a site that has been a center of Santa Fe activity for centuries, possibly over an ancient burial ground and the site of a former judicial hanging. Many ghosts are reported, including a judge who haunts the dining room (formerly the courthouse), a distraught bride seen in rooms on the fourth floor, and various spectral figures in hallways. Disembodied voices and footsteps are common.
Val Verde Hotel
203 Manzanares Ave E, Socorro, NM 87801
The Val Verde Hotel, built in 1919, is steeped in Socorro's history. Reports suggest hauntings by several entities. A prominent one is believed to be a former owner or long-term resident, whose presence is felt through unexplained noises, lights flickering, and objects moving. Another story tells of a woman in white seen in hallways and rooms, possibly connected to a past tragedy. The dining room and certain guest rooms are often noted for paranormal activity.
Eklund Hotel
15 Main St, Clayton, NM 88415
Established in 1892, the Eklund Hotel retains visible bullet holes from its past. Room 307 is said to be haunted by a benevolent former maid named Irene, manifesting as creaking floors and faces in the wallpaper. Additionally, the restless spirit of outlaw Tom “Black Jack” Ketchum, who was executed nearby in 1901 after a botched hanging, is believed to haunt the premises. Professional ghost hunters in 2015 also documented a 'sassy older woman' roaming the building.
Inn and Spa at Loretto
211 Old Santa Fe Trail, Santa Fe, NM 87501
The Inn and Spa at Loretto is built next to the Loretto Chapel, site of the 'Miraculous Staircase'. While less intensely 'haunted' than others, its proximity to sacred grounds and deep history invites paranormal intrigue. Some guests report faint sounds like children playing or singing, attributed possibly to spirits connected to the Loretto Academy (a former girls' school on site). Others feel unexplained emotional shifts or presence within certain suites, possibly connected to individuals from the Academy's past.
Plaza Hotel
230 Plaza Park, Las Vegas, NM 87701
The Plaza Hotel, known as 'The Belle of the Southwest,' is said to be haunted by several spirits. One frequently mentioned ghost is that of Byron T. Mills, one of the original owners who died in the hotel. His presence is reportedly felt in his former office, now part of the bar/saloon area, where items move inexplicably and cigar smoke is sometimes smelled. Room 310 is also cited as having paranormal activity linked to a former female resident.
The Lodge Resort & Spa
601 Corona Pl, Cloudcroft, NM 88317
The Lodge at Cloudcroft is famously associated with the spirit of 'Rebecca.' Legend says Rebecca was a beautiful, young, red-haired chambermaid working at The Lodge in the 1920s or 1930s. Accounts vary regarding her demise; some say she was murdered by a jealous lover (a lumberjack or woodcutter), possibly involving an axe, while others suggest a less violent end or simply that she vanished. Regardless, her ghost is said to roam the halls and guest rooms, particularly Room 101 (formerly the Governor's suite) and the area around it. Her presence is often described as friendly or mischievous rather than malevolent. Guests and staff report seeing her apparition, smelling unexplained perfume, feeling cold spots, hearing whispers, or finding objects moved. The main dining room is named 'Rebecca's' in her honor. Another spectral tale involves unexplained poker chips appearing in the 'Red Dog Saloon,' harking back to Prohibition-era gambling.
Hotel Parq Central
806 Central Ave. S.E., Albuquerque, NM 87102
Originally built in 1926 as the Santa Fe Hospital for railway employees, it later became Memorial Hospital, a mental health facility for children and young adults. Guests and staff report sightings of apparitions, particularly a woman on the top floor's right wing. Experiences include bedsheets being pulled off, disembodied whispers, unexplained movement of objects, cold spots, and an overall sense of heaviness throughout the building, stemming from its time as a hospital and mental institution.
Hotel St. Francis
210 Don Gaspar Ave, Santa Fe, NM 87501
The Hotel St. Francis stands on grounds with deep history, including parts affected by the Great Fire of 1922. Guests and staff report sightings of robed figures resembling monks, unexplained whispers, and doors opening/closing. Some believe these monks were associated with the original building or the land before it. The atmosphere in some hallways and rooms is described as heavy or occupied.
Santa Ana Star Casino Hotel
54 Jemez Canyon Dam Rd, Bernalillo, NM 87004
While primarily known as a modern casino resort, some claims suggest spectral activity linked to the land's history before the casino existed. Reports are less frequent or specific than historic hotels but sometimes mention uneasy feelings in certain areas, indistinct shadows in peripheral vision, or electronic disturbances attributed to more than just technical glitches, possibly linked to the surrounding ancestral lands.
Laguna Vista Lodge
51 E Therma Dr, Eagle Nest, NM 87718
The Laguna Vista Lodge has a long history, rumored to have served infamous figures like Wyatt Earp. Its most famous ghostly resident is allegedly 'Cimarron Rose,' believed to be Elizabeth 'Eliza' Moore, involved in a love triangle ending in murder within the lodge's walls in the late 19th/early 20th century. Guests report her perfume, apparitions in Room 9 (her supposed room), items moving, and feelings of sadness or being touched.
Shaffer Hotel
103 W Main St, Mountainair, NM 87036
Built by 'Pop' Shaffer, it is believed his spirit may still reside in the hotel he loved and built. Guests report feeling watched, hearing footsteps in empty halls, and strange noises. Some say 'Pop' is a friendly presence, ensuring things are running smoothly. There are also stories of phantom phone calls and apparitions seen in mirrors.
Palace Hotel
106 W Broadway St, Silver City, NM 88061
The Palace Hotel in Silver City dates back to the late 1800s/early 1900s during mining booms. Guests and staff have reported various paranormal experiences, including sightings of ghostly figures in period clothing, unexplained noises like footsteps and voices, cold spots, and doors opening/closing on their own. Some attribute the activity to former residents or those who met untimely ends during the town's rowdier days. Rooms 11, 12, and the 'Black Cat Room' are often highlighted as hotspots.
La Posada de Santa Fe, a Tribute Portfolio Resort & Spa
330 East Palace Avenue, Santa Fe, NM 87501
Julia Staab was the wife of Abraham Staab, the wealthy merchant who built the original three-story brick mansion on the site of the current resort. Together they lived inside the building for the better part of two decades, raising their seven surviving children to adulthood. Yet, Julia suffered through a few difficult pregnancies, which took a toll on both her mental and physical wellbeing. Abraham did all he possibly could to cure his beloved wife, even sending her on exclusive trips to some of Europe's most prestigious health resorts. Nevertheless, Julia gradually faded over time and passed away at the age of 52 in 1896. But while her body had expired, many who lived in the house over the years believed that her spirit had not. The first sighting of Julia’s ghost at this haunted hotel in New Mexico came in 1979. A janitor was mopping when he noticed a woman in a black Victorian dress with her hair pulled back into a severe bun. This was followed by several more stories of resort staff noticing the same woman, disappearing as suddenly as she appeared. In one particular instance, the La Posada ghost was spotted wandering the hallways by a security guard, who immediately took off running. Nevertheless, Julia’s ghost is not described as “unsettling” or “frightening.” Recorded sightings of the ghostly activity have included gas fireplaces turning on and off, swaying chandeliers, and items in certain guestrooms vanishing. A bartender once stated that on a particularly busy evening, all the glasses on one shelf flew off and crashed to the floor. During her life, Julia loved gardening and decorating the house with roses. As such, some visitors have even referenced encountering the distinct smell of roses throughout the building. All alleged activity is confined to the former Staab House, so guests staying in the newer accommodations have never reported any such tales. Many visitors who have had these supernatural experiences stayed in Room 256—also known as Suite 100—which is the room Julia Staab when alive.
Foster's Hotel
393 S Terrace Avenue, Chama, NM 87520
The historic Foster's Hotel building, particularly its closed-off second story, is believed to hold paranormal activity. The most prominent story involves a female judge elected in the late 1800s. Disliked by some local men, she was allegedly poisoned via a water pitcher in her room within the hotel and discovered dead the next morning. Her spirit is said to remain.
St. James Hotel
617 S Collison Ave, Cimarron, NM 87714
The St. James Hotel is considered highly haunted, particularly the second floor. Built in 1872, it was the site of numerous violent deaths in the Old West era. Room 18 is notoriously haunted by the spirit of T.J. Wright, who was murdered after winning the hotel in a poker game; the room is kept intact and un-booked. Guests report cold spots, lights turning on/off, strange smells of rose perfume and cigar smoke, and objects moving. Another spirit dubbed 'The Little Imp' is known for mischievous pranks. Due to its reputation, it has been featured on paranormal investigation shows.
Haunted History of New Mexico
Known as the Land of Enchantment, New Mexico's history is a captivating blend of ancient Native American cultures, Spanish colonial conquest, and the violent sagas of the Wild West. This deep, and often turbulent, past has left a spiritual imprint on the land, creating a paranormal landscape as dramatic as its desert mesas. Ghostly legends are an integral part of the state's culture, passed down through generations. The most famous of these is the chilling tale of La Llorona, the "Weeping Woman" who wanders rivers and arroyos at night, mourning the children she drowned and seeking to drag others to a watery grave.
Beyond this iconic specter, New Mexico is riddled with the ghosts of gunslingers, miners, and ancient peoples. The raw energy of the Lincoln County War, where figures like Billy the Kid carved their bloody legends, is said to linger in the adobe walls of old courthouses and saloons. From the mysterious, flickering ghost lights that dance in the desert to the restless spirits in historic city plazas like Santa Fe, the state's haunted history is a powerful force, whispering tales of love, betrayal, and tragedy on the high desert winds.
Other Haunted Attractions in New Mexico
- KiMo Theatre: This historic theater in Albuquerque is famously haunted by the spirit of Bobby Darnall, a six-year-old boy killed in a water heater explosion in 1951. It is a tradition for performers to leave offerings, typically donuts, for Bobby's ghost to prevent him from playing tricks and disrupting the show. You can see the schedule or tour information at the KiMo Theatre website.
- Lincoln Historic Site: This isn't just one building; it's an entire haunted town preserved in time. The site of the infamous Lincoln County War, spirits are said to linger everywhere, especially in the old courthouse where Billy the Kid made his legendary escape. Visitors to the Lincoln Historic Site report hearing phantom gunfire and seeing ghostly figures in period clothing.
- Dawson Cemetery: This lonely, isolated cemetery is all that remains of the once-thriving coal mining town of Dawson. The town was the site of two of the worst mining disasters in U.S. history, which killed nearly 400 men and boys. Visitors report seeing spectral lights from miners' headlamps, hearing disembodied whispers, and feeling a profound sense of sorrow among the white iron crosses.
- Old Town Albuquerque: The historic heart of Albuquerque is a hotspot for paranormal activity. On a ghost tour with a group like History and Ghost Tours of Old Town, you can explore haunted sites like the Chapel of Our Lady of Guadalupe and hear tales of spectral gunslingers, Civil War soldiers, and grieving spirits that still wander the moonlit adobe alleys.
Travel Tips for Haunted Hotel Stays in New Mexico
- Respect the Culture: New Mexico's ghost stories are deeply tied to its Native American and Hispanic heritage. Approach sacred sites and local legends with respect and an open mind.
- Stay Hydrated, Day and Night: The dry, high-desert climate can be deceiving. Whether you're exploring a ghost town by day or a haunted cemetery by night, be sure to drink plenty of water.
- Look to the Stars: The clear, dark skies of New Mexico provide an incredibly eerie and beautiful backdrop for a ghost hunt. The vast silence of the desert at night can make every strange sound feel ten times spookier.
- Learn the Legends: Before your trip, read up on local folklore like La Llorona or the history of Billy the Kid. Knowing the stories behind the hauntings will make your experience much more immersive and chilling.
FAQ about Haunted Hotels in New Mexico
Are haunted hotels in New Mexico safe to stay in? Yes, of course! They are required to meet all the same safety and health standards as any non-haunted hotel. The spirits are just part of the historic ambiance!
What is the most haunted hotel in New Mexico? This is a tough question, as New Mexico has several legendary contenders, from the St. James Hotel in Cimarron to La Fonda on the Plaza in Santa Fe. Browse our listings to see which hotel's ghostly residents you'd most like to meet.
Do haunted hotels in New Mexico offer ghost tours? Many of the state's most historic and haunted hotels either have their own ghost tours or can point you toward the best local tour operators. It's always a good idea to ask the hotel's concierge for their spooky suggestions.
Can kids stay in haunted hotels? Most hotels are family-friendly, but some of New Mexico's legends (especially La Llorona) can be quite frightening for younger children. We recommend checking with the hotel and using your own judgment.
What time of year is best for haunted hotel stays in New Mexico? Fall is a fantastic time, with crisp weather and cultural events like Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) that honor the spirits. The clear, cool nights of spring and early winter are also ideal for a spooky adventure.