Haunted Hotels in Cleveland, Ohio You Can Stay In

Haunted History of Cleveland, Ohio

Cleveland is a city with a gritty industrial past and a dark, gothic underbelly. During the Gilded Age, its Euclid Avenue was known as "Millionaire's Row," one of the grandest and wealthiest streets in America. The immense fortunes made here built stunning Victorian mansions and opulent theaters, but this prosperity was often shadowed by tragedy, leaving behind a host of elegant and sorrowful ghosts who still wander their former homes.

The city's most chilling chapter, however, was the reign of the "Mad Butcher of Kingsbury Run" in the 1930s. This gruesome and unidentified serial killer, also known as the Cleveland Torso Murderer, terrorized the city, leaving a trail of dismembered bodies and a mystery that was never solved, even by the famous lawman Eliot Ness. This terrifying, unsolved crime, along with the city's history of industrial accidents and mob activity, has created a haunted landscape that is both fascinating and deeply unnerving.

Other Haunted Attractions in Cleveland, Ohio

• Franklin Castle: This imposing Victorian stone mansion is widely considered to be Ohio's most haunted house. It was the site of numerous deaths and tragedies for the Tiedemann family, who built it in the 1880s. Legends of secret passages, hidden rooms used for bootlegging, and even an axe murder have fueled its terrifying reputation for over a century. Though it is a private residence, its dark facade is a must-see for any ghost tour.
• Playhouse Square: As the country's largest performing arts center outside of New York, this complex of beautifully restored 1920s theaters is said to be haunted by numerous spirits. The most famous is a mysterious "Man in a Grey Suit," but staff and patrons have also reported a former actress who took her own life, and a helpful but ghostly old usher who vanishes after showing you to your seat. The State Theatre is considered the most active of the complex. Official Website
• Lake View Cemetery: This stunningly beautiful garden cemetery is often called "Cleveland's Outdoor Museum." It's the final resting place of President James A. Garfield and John D. Rockefeller, but its most famous paranormal landmark is the Haserot Angel, a life-sized bronze statue that appears to be weeping black tears. This hauntingly beautiful statue is said to be a powerful and sorrowful paranormal hotspot. Official Website
• USS Cod Submarine Memorial: This fully intact World War II fleet submarine, now a National Historic Landmark docked on the lakefront, has a ghostly tale to tell. It is said to be haunted by the spirit of a crewman who was accidentally left behind on an inspection and perished when the sub made a deep dive. Staff and visitors on overnight stays have reported hearing unexplained knocking on the hull, phantom footsteps, and feeling an eerie presence in the submarine's tight quarters. Official Website

Travel Tips for Haunted Hotel Stays in Cleveland, Ohio

• Take a Guided Ghost Tour: Cleveland's haunted history is complex and fascinating. A guided tour with a local company like Haunted Cleveland Ghost Tours is the best way to hear the chilling stories of the Torso Murders and explore the city's most active haunts.
• Catch a Show with a Ghost: See a world-class performance at one of the historic theaters in Playhouse Square. The opulent setting is a trip back in time, and you might just share the audience with one of the theater's many spectral patrons.
• Visit the Weeping Angel: A respectful stroll through the beautiful Lake View Cemetery to see the Garfield Memorial and the hauntingly beautiful Haserot Angel is a must for any lover of gothic atmosphere and history.
• Explore The Flats at Night: The historic industrial area along the Cuyahoga River, known as The Flats, has a gritty and atmospheric vibe after dark. The old iron-truss bridges and looming warehouses feel alive with the ghosts of the city's industrial past.

FAQ about Haunted Hotels in Cleveland, Ohio

Are haunted hotels in Cleveland, Ohio safe to stay in? Yes, absolutely! They are popular and often elegant historic hotels that meet all modern safety standards. Their ghostly guests are a fascinating part of the city's rich Gilded Age history and notorious past.

What is the most haunted hotel in Cleveland, Ohio? While one grand downtown hotel is known for its paranormal activity and elegant spectral guests, several other historic establishments have their own well-documented paranormal reputations. The city's history of immense wealth and mobster-era crime has left many spirits behind.

Do haunted hotels in Cleveland offer ghost tours? The city's haunted hotels are often the main event on local ghost tours. These tours are expertly run by local historians who will guide you to the city's most spirited locations and share their chilling tales.

Can kids stay in haunted hotels in Cleveland, Ohio? Most hotels are family-friendly. The stories of Gilded Age socialites and historic theaters can be a fun adventure for teens and older children, but the history of the Cleveland Torso Murders is extremely gruesome and not suitable for young kids.

What time of year is best for haunted hotel stays in Cleveland, Ohio? Autumn is a perfect time to visit. The city has a great local haunted house scene, and the crisp fall weather coming off Lake Erie creates a wonderfully spooky atmosphere for ghost hunting in the historic downtown districts.