Haunted Hotels in Portland, Oregon You Can Stay In
Discover the most haunted hotels in Portland with real ghost stories and paranormal activity
3 Haunted Hotels Found in Portland
The Heathman Hotel
1001 SW Broadway, Portland, OR 97205, United States
The Heathman Hotel is known for paranormal activity, specifically centered around rooms ending in '03', most notably room 703, 803, and 1003. Stories suggest a guest may have jumped or fallen to their death from one of these rooms. Reported phenomena include cold spots, strange noises, objects being moved or papers scattered, beds appearing slept in when rooms were vacant, and ghostly apparitions. Some believe these are signs of an entity trapped or re-living a tragic event.
The Benson Hotel
309 SW Broadway, Portland, OR 97205, United States
The Benson Hotel, particularly associated with its builder Simon Benson, is reported to have several spirits. Simon Benson himself, a noted prohibitionist, is sometimes allegedly seen, perhaps checking if guests are drinking alcohol. Other reported entities include a spectral little boy looking for his mother and various apparitions seen on specific floors and near the grand staircase. Staff have reported feeling watched, items moving, and cold spots.
White Eagle Saloon & Hotel
836 N Russell St, Portland, OR 97227, United States
The White Eagle is considered one of Portland's most haunted places, steeped in stories connected to its past as a hub for sailors, questionable dealings, and possible connections to the infamous Shanghai Tunnels. It's said to be haunted by multiple spirits, including 'Rose', believed to be a former working girl who was possibly killed on site, and 'Sam', a former caretaker. Guests and staff report being pushed, touched, smelling unexplained perfumes, witnessing apparitions, hearing disembodied voices, and objects moving, particularly in the basement (connected to tunnel lore) and guest rooms upstairs.
Haunted History of Portland, Oregon
Portland's haunted history runs as deep and dark as the Willamette River. Beneath the quirky, modern veneer of the city lies a shadowy past built on its notoriously rough-and-tumble port. The most infamous chapter of this history is the legend of the Shanghai Tunnels, a network of underground passages and basements connecting the waterfront to the saloons of Old Town. Through these tunnels, unsuspecting loggers and sailors were supposedly drugged, dropped through trapdoors, and held captive before being sold to ship captains in a brutal practice known as "shanghaiing."
The tormented spirits of these kidnapped men are said to be the source of much of Portland's paranormal activity. Their whispers and cries are rumored to still echo in the city's underground, and their apparitions are seen in the historic buildings that were once saloons and boarding houses. Beyond the gritty underworld, the ghosts of Portland's founders and early socialites are said to linger in grand mansions and historic theaters, forever tied to the city they helped build—and now help haunt.
Other Haunted Attractions in Portland, Oregon
- Shanghai Tunnels / Portland Underground: The epicenter of Portland's haunted lore. Guided excursions from groups like Portland Walking Tours will take you into the creepy basements and surviving tunnel sections of Old Town, where the miserable spirits of shanghaied sailors are said to linger.
- Pittock Mansion: This magnificent historic mansion offers breathtaking views of the city and is said to be home to a pair of gentle ghosts. The spirits of the original owners, Henry and Georgiana Pittock, are believed to still enjoy their home, with staff reporting the strong scent of roses, the sound of phantom footsteps, and seeing Henry's apparition in the library. More info can be found at the Pittock Mansion website.
- Lone Fir Cemetery: As one of Portland's oldest cemeteries, Lone Fir is a sprawling, beautiful, and deeply haunted final resting place for over 25,000 souls. It is known for its high level of paranormal activity, which may be connected to the thousands of patients from a nearby asylum who were buried here in unmarked graves. The Friends of Lone Fir Cemetery often host historical tours.
- Old Town Pizza: This beloved Portland pizzeria is housed in the lobby of a former hotel and is home to one of the city's most famous ghosts. The spirit of "Nina," a woman of the night who was allegedly murdered and thrown down an elevator shaft, is said to haunt the building. Patrons and staff at Old Town Pizza report seeing her apparition in a black dress and feeling a cold, ghostly presence.
Travel Tips for Haunted Hotel Stays in Portland, Oregon
- Embrace the Rain: Portland is famous for its drizzle, but don't let that deter you. The gray, misty weather creates the perfect spooky atmosphere for exploring the city's haunted historic districts.
- Wear Good Walking Shoes: The best way to experience Portland's haunts is on foot. Be prepared with comfortable, waterproof shoes for walking the city streets and taking an underground tunnel tour.
- Take an Underground Tour: You can't visit Portland without learning about the Shanghai Tunnels. Taking a guided tour is the best way to safely access the historic underground and hear the chilling tales from an expert.
- Keep Portland Weird... and Spooky: The paranormal is just another part of Portland's quirky charm. Talk to the locals, bartenders, and shop owners in Old Town—many have their own ghost stories to share.
FAQ about Haunted Hotels in Portland, Oregon
Are haunted hotels in Portland, Oregon safe to stay in? Absolutely! Portland's hotels are known for their unique character, but they are all held to the highest standards of safety and hospitality. The ghosts just add to the ambiance.
What is the most haunted hotel in Portland, Oregon? While the Heathman Hotel is legendary for its paranormal activity, many of the city's historic lodgings, including the famous McMenamins properties, have well-documented hauntings. We suggest browsing our listings to see which spirits you'd like to encounter.
Do haunted hotels in Portland, Oregon offer ghost tours? Some hotels may have staff who love to share stories, but the city's ghost tour scene is dominated by the excellent Shanghai Tunnel tours. Your hotel's concierge can almost certainly help you book one.
Can kids stay in haunted hotels? Yes, Portland is a very family-friendly city. However, the stories of the Shanghai Tunnels involve kidnapping and murder, which can be quite dark and may be too intense for younger children.
What time of year is best for haunted hotel stays in Portland, Oregon? Fall is the ideal season. The city's famous autumn colors, combined with the classic Portland mist and Halloween festivities, create an unbeatable spooky atmosphere.