Haunted Hotels in New York City, New York You Can Stay In
Discover the most haunted hotels in New York City with real ghost stories and paranormal activity
4 Haunted Hotels Found in New York City
Hotel Chelsea
222 W 23 St, New York, NY 10011, United States
Hotel Chelsea, a legendary haunt for creatives since the late 19th century, carries echoes of its storied past. Many famous figures have resided here, some meeting tragic ends contributing to its spectral lore. One prominent ghost is "Mary," believed to be a heartbroken survivor of the Titanic disaster who took her own life on the fifth floor. She is often spotted in the western part of the building, particularly under a hallway arch, sometimes seen gazing into mirrors earning her the nickname the "Vain Ghost." The hotel's long history includes various other unsettling events, such as the widely reported suicide of Etelka Graf in 1938, adding to its reputation as a site of lingering energies and paranormal encounters.
The Bowery Hotel
335 Bowery, New York, NY 10003, United States
The Bowery Hotel was built in 2002 as part of the Lower East Side's revitalization, but the land it was built on holds a dark past. The hotel was built on the site of the historic Dry Dock Savings Bank, built in 1875. During the bank's lifetime, the Lower East Side was booming with criminal activity. So much so that the Martin Scorsese film *Gangs of New York* is based on the area. With all the mysterious and violent deaths that occurred in the area, it's no wonder that a few spirits have chosen refuge at the Bowery. The most famous ghost seen at the Bowery Hotel is the Woman in White. This entity has been seen by hundreds of staff and guests during the hotel's short history. She typically stops to ask guests for directions before evaporating into thin air. Other guests have been scared out of their wits when they awake to see her sitting at the foot of their bed.
The Plaza
768 Fifth Avenue, New York City, NY 10019
The Plaza Hotel's haunted lore includes tales stemming from its construction, like the accidental death of ironworker Michael Butler. More famously, it involves 'The 39 Widows,' wealthy elderly women who were long-term residents and often passed away within the hotel; the spirit of one such resident, Fannie Lowenstein, is sometimes blamed for strange occurrences. The hotel's co-founder, Harry S. Black, also adds to the mystique, having attempted suicide within its walls before later taking his life elsewhere, contributing to the hotel's long and sometimes dark history interwoven with New York's elite.
The Algonquin Hotel Times Square, Autograph Collection
59 W 44th St, New York, NY 10036, United States
The Algonquin Hotel resonates with the spirits of its vibrant intellectual past, most famously connected to the "Algonquin Round Table" literary group. Among the spectral residents, the most frequently reported is writer Dorothy Parker. Staff and guests have mentioned encounters suggesting her presence, sometimes feeling as if being observed or even gently 'scolded' for perceived misbehavior or noise, particularly around children. Other spectral activities include alleged sightings related to members of the "Round Table" in dining areas or near their old meeting spots, and unexplained footsteps or voices, maintaining the hotel's charm as a place where history feels very much alive.
Haunted History of New York City, New York
In a city that never sleeps, it should be no surprise that its ghosts don't rest either. New York City's haunted history is as dense and layered as its skyscrapers, with nearly 400 years of dramatic history packed into its five boroughs. From its early days as a Dutch colony to the crucible of the American Revolution and its rise as the world's metropolis, the city has been a stage for immense tragedy and triumph, leaving behind a legion of lingering spirits.
The ghosts of New York City are as diverse as its living population. In the gaslit alleys of Greenwich Village, the spirits of tormented artists and writers are said to still wander. In the grand theaters of Broadway, spectral performers forever await their cue. The echoes of Gilded Age scandals, Prohibition-era mob hits, and the everyday tragedies of millions have soaked into the very bedrock of Manhattan, ensuring that on any given street corner, you're likely walking through a ghost story.
Other Haunted Attractions in New York City, New York
- The Merchant's House Museum: Widely considered Manhattan's most haunted house, this perfectly preserved 19th-century home is a paranormal hotspot. The Tredwell family lived in the house for nearly 100 years, and it's believed they never left. The ghost of the last surviving daughter, Gertrude, is the most active, with staff and visitors reporting disembodied voices, phantom music, and sightings of her spectral figure. Learn more at the Merchant's House Museum website.
- Washington Square Park: This iconic Greenwich Village park has a grim secret: it was built over a massive potter's field, where an estimated 20,000 bodies of the city's poor and unknown are buried. The famous "Hangman's Elm" in the northwest corner adds to its dark history. Visitors and locals report feelings of unease, seeing shadowy apparitions, and a generally heavy atmosphere after dark.
- The "House of Death" (14 West 10th Street): While a private residence, this unassuming brownstone is one of the most infamous haunted buildings in the city. It is said to be home to as many as 22 different spirits, including the ghost of Mark Twain, who once lived there. It was also the site of a brutal murder in the 1980s, adding a modern layer to its grim reputation.
- Boroughs of the Dead Tours: For a deeply researched and spooky exploration of the city, book a tour with Boroughs of the Dead. This locally-owned company offers walking tours through NYC's most haunted neighborhoods, from Greenwich Village to Roosevelt Island, focusing on history, folklore, and the city's darkest tales.
Travel Tips for Haunted Hotel Stays in New York City, New York
- Explore Greenwich Village After Dark: The narrow, winding streets of the Village are packed with history and ghost stories. A nighttime stroll is the best way to soak in the spooky atmosphere and walk past famous haunts like the "House of Death."
- Look for Ghosts on Broadway: Many of Broadway's oldest and most beautiful theaters have a resident ghost. When you're seeing a show, keep an eye on the empty balconies and boxes for any spectral patrons enjoying the performance.
- Take a Historically-Focused Ghost Tour: The best way to understand NYC's ghosts is to understand its history. A well-researched tour will take you beyond jump scares and into the real, tragic stories of the city's spirits.
- Visit a Historic Cemetery: For a different kind of spooky experience, take a trip to Brooklyn's Green-Wood Cemetery or Manhattan's Trinity Church Cemetery. These beautiful, historic grounds are the final resting places of many famous New Yorkers and are full of their own ghost stories.
FAQ about Haunted Hotels in New York City, New York
Are haunted hotels in New York City, New York safe to stay in? Absolutely. Haunted hotels in NYC are fully operational, often luxurious, and prioritize guest safety. The ghostly legends are part of their unique history and charm, offering a thrilling story to tell, not a threat.
What is the most famous haunted hotel in New York City, New York? The Algonquin Hotel is one of the most famously haunted, known for the spirits of the "Algonquin Round Table," a group of witty writers who met there in the 1920s. The ghost of Dorothy Parker is a particularly well-known spectral resident.
Are there hauntings related to Prohibition-era gangsters? Yes, the violent history of the mob during Prohibition has left its mark. Several former speakeasies and restaurants, particularly in Greenwich Village and the Lower East Side, have stories of ghostly gangsters who met a grisly end and never left.
What is the most haunted neighborhood in New York City? Greenwich Village is widely considered the most haunted neighborhood. Its long history as a bohemian enclave, its old architecture, and its foundation over a potter's field make it a dense hub of paranormal activity.
Can I visit haunted theaters on Broadway? While you can't typically go on a ghost hunt during a show, two of the most famously haunted theaters, the New Amsterdam Theatre and the Belasco Theatre, do offer historical tours that often include their spooky legends.