Haunted Hotels in Ohio You Can Stay In
Discover the most haunted hotels in Ohio with real ghost stories and paranormal activity
20 Haunted Hotels Found in Ohio
Safe House Bed & Breakfast
291 S Diamond St, Mansfield, OH 44902
The Safe House Bed & Breakfast resides in a historically significant area of Mansfield, close to the famously haunted Ohio State Reformatory (Shawshank Prison). While the B&B itself may not have widely publicized specific ghost stories attributed directly to its structure, its proximity to such a paranormal hotspot suggests a potential for residual energy or local legends influencing perceptions. Any ghostly tales would likely be more subtle, perhaps tied to former residents of the building or influenced by the strong haunted lore permeating Mansfield, rather than distinct, named entities residing within the B&B itself.
Atwood House B&B
330 S Court St, Chillicothe, OH 45601
Chillicothe, as Ohio's first capital, is rich in history and ghost stories, and Atwood House likely partakes in this local atmosphere. As a historic structure, it's plausible former residents or individuals connected to Chillicothe's early days might linger. While detailed public accounts specific ONLY to Atwood House might be less common than larger venues, guests looking for atmosphere might perceive subtle activities typical of old homes: unexplained creaks, temperature changes, or a feeling of being watched, ascribed to spirits tied to the home's long existence within a historically significant town known for broader supernatural lore.
Colonel Taylor Inn Bed and Breakfast
633 Upland Rd, Cambridge, OH 43725
The Colonel Taylor Inn Bed and Breakfast is steeped in local lore suggesting paranormal activity linked to its Victorian past. While specifics vary, many tales revolve around the figure of a 'Lady in White' or a female presence believed to be connected to the Taylor family or subsequent residents. Guests and staff have reported eerie occurrences such as disembodied whispers, phantom footsteps on staircases, lights flickering without cause, and doors creaking open or closed. Some believe the spirits are benign, simply remnants of past lives still attached to the beautifully maintained historical home.
Spitzer House Bed & Breakfast
504 W Liberty St, Medina, OH 44256
As a historic Victorian home, Spitzer House B&B naturally attracts stories of spirits potentially tied to former residents. While less documented publicly than larger hotels, anecdotal accounts suggest gentle paranormal activity. Guests might speak of hearing faint footsteps when alone, doors creaking or settling more than expected, or subtle feelings of presence, particularly on upper floors or in specific rooms associated with long-term past inhabitants. These experiences are generally described as non-threatening, fitting the peaceful atmosphere of the house, akin to echoes of past lives within the preserved architecture.
The Hackett
203 Front St, Marietta, OH 45750
The Hackett Hotel, relatively new as a hotel but housed in an old building on Marietta's historic Front Street, quickly gained notoriety for paranormal activity. Built in 1899, the building's past uses contribute to the lore. Staff and guests report significant unexplained occurrences: disembodied voices (including clear EVPs), footsteps, objects moving, doors opening/closing, and shadowy figures. Some believe multiple entities reside there, possibly linked to its time as a business or residence, with particular activity noted in certain rooms and common areas. It leans into its haunted reputation, often sharing evidence gathered through investigations.
Zoar School Inn
150 3rd St NW, Zoar, OH 44697
Historic Zoar Village itself is reputed to be quite haunted due to its unique history as a communal Separatist society established in 1817. The Zoar School Inn (formerly part of the larger Zoar Hotel complex/community buildings) likely shares in this widespread ghostly reputation. Spirits are often thought to be former residents of the Zoar community, particularly those associated with tragic events, hardships, or strong attachments to the village. Visitors across Zoar report seeing figures in period clothing, hearing disembodied voices, children's laughter, or sounds related to daily life from the past. Specific buildings within Zoar have heightened activity, and as a key structure, the inn area likely experiences residual energies.
Ravenwood Castle
65666 US-50, New Plymouth, OH 45654
Ravenwood Castle, built to resemble a medieval structure, channels stories appropriate to its design. While not centuries old, guests and staff report encounters suggesting spectral inhabitants. Some stories involve spirits tied to the feeling of an 'old soul' inhabiting the castle, perhaps drawn to its ambiance. Reports include ghostly apparitions seen in hallways or rooms, unexplained sounds like footsteps or muffled conversations, and items being mysteriously moved. The surrounding woods are also considered eerie, adding to the atmosphere. The nature of the hauntings is generally described as gentle or curious rather than malevolent.
General Denver Hotel
81 W Main St, Wilmington, OH 45177
The General Denver Hotel is well-known locally for its haunted reputation, centered around the spirit of a woman named 'Mary'. Legend says Mary either worked at the hotel or was jilted by a lover there, and her presence continues. She is often associated with Room 301 (or variations like 207/307). Guests report seeing her apparition, smelling unexplained perfume, hearing disembodied sighs or sobs, and experiencing lights turning on/off or items being moved. Some describe her as a melancholy but mostly harmless spirit, still connected to a past emotional event within the hotel.
Hammel House Inn
121 S Main St, Waynesville, OH 45068
The Hammel House Inn, with history tracing back to the late 1700s/early 1800s, is reputed to have several spirits. One frequently mentioned entity is believed to be a former owner or long-term resident. Guests have reported experiencing disembodied voices, phantom footsteps echoing in hallways, doors opening and closing by themselves, and furniture being rearranged. Room 4 is often singled out as having heightened activity, including feelings of being watched or touched. The inn's long history includes serving as a stagecoach stop, potentially contributing to the varied spectral energies felt within.
Hilton Cincinnati Netherland Plaza
35 W 5th St, Cincinnati, OH 45202
The Hilton Cincinnati Netherland Plaza is famously haunted by the 'Lady in Green', believed to be the spirit of a woman whose husband was killed during the construction of the hotel in the late 1920s or early 1930s. Legend says she roams the mezzanine level and the Hall of Mirrors, forever searching for her lost love. Guests and staff have reported seeing her sorrowful apparition dressed in green, hearing unexplained weeping, encountering cold spots, and smelling unusual floral perfumes. Some tales suggest she occasionally interacts with objects or makes her presence known subtly.
Landoll's Mohican Castle
561 Township Road 3352, Loudonville, OH 44842
Landoll's Mohican Castle, built more recently but on land with historical significance, has quickly developed a reputation for being haunted. Stories primarily center around past tragedies on or near the property before the castle existed, including tales connected to local legends and possible burial sites. Guests report encountering shadowy figures, hearing disembodied voices and unexplained noises, and experiencing unusual cold spots. One frequently mentioned spirit is that of a woman named 'Elizabeth', though details about her origin vary. Paranormal tours offered by the castle suggest multiple entities might reside there.
Rider's Inn
792 Mentor Ave, Painesville, OH 44077
Rider's Inn is one of Ohio's oldest inns and boasts numerous ghost stories. One of the most frequently mentioned spirits is that of Suzanne Rider, a former mistress of the inn, who is said to still preside over the establishment. Guests have reported seeing her apparition, often on the staircase or in specific rooms. Another spirit connected to the Underground Railroad, which the inn was reportedly part of, is also rumored to linger. Activity includes unexplained noises, lights turning on and off, cold spots, and objects being moved, contributing to its reputation as a genuinely haunted location.
The Castle Inn
610 S Court St, Circleville, OH 43113
Circleville's Castle Inn is known for local legends suggesting it is haunted, possibly related to its distinctive appearance and long history within the community. Stories often mention eerie feelings, particularly at night, and unexplained occurrences. One figure sometimes associated with the hauntings is George Gregg, related to the builders/original family, though details are scarce. Visitors report unexplained cold spots, peculiar sounds, and occasionally fleeting shadows or glimpses of figures, suggesting past occupants might still linger within its castle-like walls.
The Golden Lamb
27 S Broadway St, Lebanon, OH 45036
The Golden Lamb holds stories of several resident ghosts. One well-known spirit is that of Sarah Ewing, daughter of a former manager, who is said to have died young within the inn; her presence is often reported as playful child-like mischief or brief sightings. Another prominent ghost is believed to be Clement Vallandigham, a politician who accidentally shot himself and died at the inn in 1871. Guests claim to experience unexplained phenomena such as furniture moving, doors opening and closing, cold spots, and spectral appearances in period clothing, particularly associated with rooms linked to these historical figures.
Punderson Manor Lodge & Conference Center
11755 Kinsman Rd, Newbury Township, OH 44065
Punderson Manor carries tales dating back to its origins. One persistent legend involves Lemuel Punderson, an early settler, supposedly dying dramatically by rowing a bathtub into Punderson Lake and pulling the plug, though historical records suggest malaria. More contemporary accounts contribute to its haunted reputation: staff and guests report eerie children's laughter, potentially linked to an 1885 fire at the nearby Wales Hotel. Other spectral figures include W.B. Cleveland, a former owner deeply attached to the property, and Karl Long, who commenced the mansion's construction but faced financial ruin, rumored to have taken his life in the attic. Perhaps most striking is the prolonged sighting by multiple employees in 1979 of a ghostly lumberjack hanging in the lounge. Other paranormal claims include a woman's laughter echoing near the spiral staircase accompanied by sudden cold, encounters with a woman in a white gown gliding up stairs, and numerous poltergeist-like events such as malfunctioning electronics, moving objects, disembodied noises, and the sensation of being held down, especially noted in the Windsor Suite. The original wing of the manor is considered particularly active.
The Buxton Inn
313 E Broadway, Granville, OH 43023
Since the 1930s, The Buxton Inn has earned a reputation for being haunted. Notable spirits include Major Horton Buxton, a former owner sometimes seen near the fireplace accompanied by cigar smoke, and Ethel 'Bonnie' Bounell, another past owner often perceived as 'The Lady in Blue' associated with gardenia scents, particularly linked to Room 9 where she resided and passed away. Her ghostly cat, 'Major Buxton', is also reported, often felt jumping onto beds in Room 9. Even the original builder, Orrin Granger, is thought to linger.
Hotel Millersburg
35 W Jackson St, Millersburg, OH 44654
Hotel Millersburg is believed to harbor several spirits connected to its long history. One common story involves a spirit referred to as 'The Lady in Blue' or sometimes associated with a past tragic event within the hotel walls. Other accounts speak of ghostly figures seen in hallways or rooms, disembodied voices, and footsteps. Some claim a male spirit, possibly related to a past owner or long-term guest, also resides within the hotel, occasionally making his presence known through minor disturbances or spectral sightings. The hotel itself embraces its haunted reputation, often sharing tales with interested guests.
The Lafayette Hotel
101 Front St, Marietta, OH 45750
The Lafayette Hotel is rich in history and ghostly legends. One prominent spectral resident is believed to be S. Durward Hoag, the original owner, who is said to keep a watchful eye over his beloved establishment, particularly seen on the third floor near his former apartment. Another tale involves a former mistress of a past manager or owner; her spirit is said to roam the premises, sometimes causing mischief or making her presence felt. Guests have reported disembodied voices, phantom footsteps, elevators operating erratically, and objects moving unexpectedly. The grand ballroom is also noted as an area of significant paranormal activity.
Historic Park Hotel
261 Delaware Ave, Put-In-Bay, OH 43456
The Historic Park Hotel, built in the 1870s, is reputed to be haunted, most notably by a former co-owner known as 'Ben'. Stories circulate that Ben met an untimely end related to hotel finances or disagreements. Guests and staff have reported encountering his apparition, smelling cigar smoke when no one is smoking, and experiencing strange occurrences such as objects moving on their own, unexplained noises, and eerie feelings, particularly within certain rooms or floors. Some tales suggest Ben is protective of the hotel or still keeping an eye on operations.
The Tudor Arms Hotel Cleveland - a DoubleTree by Hilton
10660 Carnegie Ave, Cleveland, OH 44106
The Tudor Arms Hotel, originally built as a private men's club in the 1930s before becoming a hotel, carries tales of ghostly encounters. Some stories attribute hauntings to the extravagant parties and lifestyles of its early days, possibly leaving behind energetic imprints or lingering spirits. Guests and staff have reported experiences mainly in the more historic parts of the building, such as strange noises, feelings of being watched, temperature fluctuations, and faint sounds of music or voices from a bygone era. Specific rooms are occasionally highlighted as having more pronounced activity, though stories are less defined than singular ghost personalities.
Haunted History of Ohio
Ohio's haunted history is deeply etched into the American heartland. As a crucial stop on the Underground Railroad and a state that saw its share of Civil War turmoil, Ohio is filled with tales of spectral soldiers and the restless souls of those who fought for freedom. Its past is also marked by a proliferation of grand, imposing institutions—prisons, sanatoriums, and asylums—whose dark histories of suffering and despair have created some of the most paranormally active locations in the country.
Before the pioneers, the land was home to ancient cultures like the Hopewell and Adena, who left behind mysterious burial mounds that still dot the landscape. These sacred sites contribute to the state's deep-seated folklore, with legends of ancient spirits guarding the land. From the ghost of a railroad worker in the infamous Moonville Tunnel to the thousands of spirits said to linger in its abandoned prisons, Ohio's paranormal landscape is a chilling cross-section of American history.
Other Haunted Attractions in Ohio
- The Ohio State Reformatory (Mansfield): This towering gothic prison is one of the most famous haunted locations in the United States, partly thanks to its role in the film The Shawshank Redemption. The spirits of former inmates and guards are said to still roam the decaying cell blocks. Visitors on ghost hunts report being pushed, hearing disembodied voices, and feeling an overwhelming sense of dread. You can book a tour or ghost hunt on their official website.
- Moonville Tunnel (Vinton County): Located in the heart of a now-abandoned mining town, this former railroad tunnel is a legendary piece of Ohio folklore. It is said to be haunted by the ghost of a brakeman who was struck and killed by a train in the 19th century. Visitors report seeing a swinging lantern, a shadowy figure, and hearing the phantom whistle of an approaching train.
- The Ridges (Athens): Formerly the Athens Lunatic Asylum, this sprawling complex is now part of Ohio University. The asylum's history of archaic treatments and patient suffering has left a dark stain on the property. The most famous story is that of a female patient who disappeared and whose body left a permanent stain on the floor where she lay for weeks, an outline that is said to be visible to this day.
- Spring Grove Cemetery & Arboretum (Cincinnati): A stunning example of gothic revival architecture, this historic cemetery is as beautiful as it is haunted. It is known for several spectral residents, including the "limping man" and a ghostly dog that is seen darting between the tombstones. Its ornate monuments and weeping angel statues create a perfectly spooky atmosphere for a ghost hunt.
Travel Tips for Haunted Hotel Stays in Ohio
- Tour a Haunted Institution: Ohio is the epicenter of haunted prisons and asylums. Make time to take a ghost tour or paranormal investigation at a location like the Ohio State Reformatory for a truly intense experience.
- Embrace the Autumn Atmosphere: Ohio is beautiful in the fall, and the crisp air and changing leaves create the perfect backdrop for exploring its many haunted locations. The state fully embraces the spooky season with numerous events.
- Explore Small Town Folklore: Don't just stick to the big cities. Some of Ohio's most compelling haunts, like the Moonville Tunnel, are hidden in rural areas and small towns, each with its own unique ghost stories.
- Drive the Haunted Highways: The state has several "haunted roads," like Ohiopyle Road and Egypt Road, with their own local legends of phantom hitchhikers and ghostly vehicles. A late-night drive is a classic ghost-hunting adventure.
FAQ about Haunted Hotels in Ohio
Are haunted hotels in Ohio safe to stay in? Yes, of course. Haunted hotels in Ohio are fully operational and prioritize guest safety above all else. The paranormal stories are a fascinating part of their history, but they pose no physical danger to guests.
What are the most common types of haunted locations in Ohio? Ohio is particularly famous for its haunted institutions. The state has a high concentration of former prisons, mental asylums, and tuberculosis sanatoriums that are now popular destinations for paranormal investigators.
Are there hauntings in Ohio related to the Civil War? Yes. As a key state for the Union and a major route for the Underground Railroad, Ohio has many locations with Civil War-related hauntings. Spirits of soldiers are said to linger in old homes that served as hospitals and on former battlefields.
What is the Moonville Tunnel? The Moonville Tunnel is an abandoned railroad tunnel in a ghost town in southeastern Ohio. It's famous for the ghost of a railroad worker who was killed there in the 1800s and is said to still haunt the tunnel with his lantern.
What time of year is best for a haunted tour of Ohio? Fall is the ultimate season for a spooky trip to Ohio. The Halloween spirit is in full swing, many haunted attractions have special events, and the autumn scenery provides a beautiful and eerie setting for your adventures.