Haunted Hotels in Rhode Island You Can Stay In
Discover the most haunted hotels in Rhode Island with real ghost stories and paranormal activity
Cities in Rhode Island with haunted hotels
10 Haunted Hotels Found in Rhode Island
Castle Hill Inn
590 Ocean Drive, Newport, RI 02840, USA
Commissioned in 1875 by biologist Alexander Agassiz, Castle Hill Inn's serene setting belies its spectral tales. The devastating Hurricane of 1938 reportedly left Alexander's daughter-in-law so terrified she never returned. After serving as a naval base during WWII, it transformed into a hotel. Over the years, stories emerged about ghostly residents. A prominent spirit is believed to be a female relative of the Agassiz family, seen wandering the halls by staff. Adding to the mystery, some claim Alexander Agassiz himself makes his presence known, with reports of fine china being inexplicably thrown about, particularly in the pantry area.
The Outlook Inn
123 Spring Street, Newport, RI 02840
The Outlook Inn is listed as a stop on local Newport ghost tours, such as 'Wicked Awesome Tours,' which mention it having a 'resident ghost'. However, specific details or historical accounts about the nature or origin of this haunting are not readily available in public online sources, suggesting it might be a minor or localized oral tradition. Other prominent Newport ghost compilations do not feature detailed stories about The Outlook Inn, focusing instead on more widely documented locations within the city.
Jailhouse Inn
13 Marlborough St, Newport, RI 02840
Originally built in 1772 as a jail and later serving as Newport's police headquarters until 1986, the Jailhouse Inn is reported to retain some spectral occupants. Staff and guests have reported sensing a strong, unseen presence, especially noticeable on the third floor. Other unexplained phenomena include cool breezes flowing through rooms when no windows are open, and disembodied whispers being heard. It's speculated these could be spirits of former inmates still incarcerated or perhaps a jailer or police officer continuing their duties in the afterlife. Although not heavily advertised as haunted, these personal experiences suggest a lingering paranormal presence.
The General Stanton Inn
4115 Old Post Road, Charlestown, RI 02813, United States
The Inn is reported to be home to several ghosts. Joseph Stanton III, involved in the Sons of Liberty and the Revolutionary War, died at the Inn in 1821; his remains are buried on the property, and his spirit, known as “The General,” is considered one of the apparitions. Another frequently reported spirit is that of “The Captain's Wife.” Legend says she died of a broken heart awaiting her sea captain husband's return, likely lost in the Hurricane of 1815, while watching from a third-floor window. Guests and staff have reported hearing unexplained footsteps, especially on the second floor coming from above, particularly during stormy weather.
The Atlantic Inn
359 High St, New Shoreham, RI 02807
Block Island is widely considered a hotbed of paranormal activity, rich with tales of shipwrecks, wartime tragedies, and restless spirits. While specific documented hauntings directly linked to The Atlantic Inn itself are not prominently featured in local lore compared to other island locations, its historic setting dating back to 1879 places it within this spectral landscape. Guests and island visitors often partake in ghost tours exploring Old Harbor and discussing the island's many eerie legends, contributing to an atmosphere where one might feel the presence of the past. The Inn, with its Victorian charm and commanding views, offers a perfect setting to ponder these local ghost stories, even if specific entities aren't cataloged as residing within its walls.
The National Hotel
36 Water St, New Shoreham, RI 02807
Situated on Block Island, an locale known for its haunted history and spectral tales, The National Hotel shares in this eerie ambiance by geographical proximity. Built in 1888, this Victorian landmark stands in Old Harbor, a central point often included in island ghost tours that recount general stories of maritime disasters, spectral lighthouses, and island spirits. While specific documented hauntings pertaining directly and exclusively to The National Hotel are not widely circulated like some other island properties, its historic structure and presence in such a legend-rich environment allow guests to easily immerse themselves in Block Island's ghostly reputation.
Newport Beach Hotel & Suites
1 Wave Avenue, Middletown, RI 02842, United States
While listed as 'Haunted' by some travel aggregation sites, specific widespread ghost stories or well-documented local legends directly relating to hauntings at the Newport Beach Hotel & Suites were not readily found during targeted research. Its history dates back to 1940, built after the Great New England Hurricane of 1938 destroyed previous establishments.
Graduate Providence
11 Dorrance St, Providence, RI 02903, USA
The Graduate Providence, formerly The Biltmore, carries a sinister reputation rooted in its 1918 construction allegedly financed by a Satanist, Johan Leisse Weisskopf, with rumored intentions of it being a site for dark rituals. This eerie foundation is compounded by its history during Prohibition as a decadent hub known for illicit activities, including mob ties and unsolved disappearances; stories persist of ghostly parties heard after hours. One of the most prominent ghostly legends is tied to Black Tuesday in 1929. A distraught stockbroker, ruined by the market crash, reportedly leaped to his death from a 14th-floor room. Guests have chillingly reported witnessing a fleeting figure falling past their windows, particularly on lower floors below the 14th, only to find no evidence upon inspection. Other reported phenomena include unexplained door slamming, ghostly apparitions in hallways, and spectral sounds of revelry echoing from a bygone era.
Hotel Viking
1 Bellevue Ave, Newport, RI 02840, USA
Hotel Viking has had many guests and staff members report paranormal experiences. One kind of sighting that has been reported many times is of a little boy seen cleaning the floors of the historic wing of the hotel. This has also been confirmed by most of the housekeeping staff, who very much appreciate the help! Hotel Viking is also believed by some to be haunted by a ghostly group of partygoers. Frequently, the staff hears the noise of a grand party at odd hours of the night when no events were planned. This noise was originally heard above one of the ballrooms in a space that was used for storage. But after renovations, the location of the spooky soiree seemed to have changed to the hotel's lower levels.
La Quinta by Wyndham Warwick Providence Airport
36 Jefferson Blvd, Warwick, RI 02888, United States
Listed as 'Haunted' on travel sites like Travelmyth. However, specific, credible ghost stories or historical hauntings directly associated with this particular La Quinta Inn & Suites location in Warwick, RI, were not found during research. Online mentions primarily relate to other locations or are unsubstantiated.
Haunted History of Rhode Island
As the smallest state in the union, Rhode Island packs a disproportionately large and terrifying paranormal punch. Its history as a colonial haven for religious dissenters, pirates, and privateers has created a unique and rebellious spectral population. The state's beautiful but treacherous coastline is rife with maritime legends, and the ghosts of sailors and smugglers are said to still haunt the historic waterfronts of Newport and Providence.
Rhode Island's haunted folklore delves into some of the darkest chapters of American history. It was the epicenter of the 19th-century "New England Vampire Panic," a terrifying period of hysteria that culminated in the exhumation of a young woman named Mercy Brown. Add to this the fact that Providence was the home of H.P. Lovecraft, the master of cosmic horror whose weird tales were inspired by the state's ancient and brooding architecture, and you have a place where history and horror are inextricably linked.
Other Haunted Attractions in Rhode Island
- The "Conjuring" House (Harrisville): This unassuming farmhouse is the site of the infamous Perron family haunting, which was investigated by Ed and Lorraine Warren and made world-famous by "The Conjuring" movies. The property is said to be haunted by the malevolent spirit of a witch named Bathsheba Sherman and is considered one of the most paranormally active locations in the world. It is private property but sometimes offers overnight investigations to the truly brave. Official Website
- Chestnut Hill Cemetery (Exeter): This small, rural cemetery is the final resting place of Mercy Brown, America's most famous historical "vampire." In 1892, her family, believing she was an undead creature causing a plague upon them, exhumed her body and performed a ritual on her heart. Her grave has become a pilgrimage site for those fascinated by the real-life horror of the New England Vampire Panic.
- White Horse Tavern (Newport): Established in 1673, this is one of the oldest operating taverns in the United States, and its centuries of history have left behind several resident ghosts. Patrons and staff have reported encounters with a spectral elderly man who appears by the main fireplace and the ghost of a colonial-era patron who still haunts the upstairs dining rooms. Official Website
- Fort Wetherill State Park (Jamestown): This former coastal defense battery is now a state park known for its stunning ocean views and its eerie, graffiti-covered concrete bunkers. These abandoned military structures are a favorite for urban explorers and are said to be haunted by the ghosts of soldiers. Visitors have reported hearing disembodied voices and footsteps echoing through the dark, empty corridors. Official Website
Travel Tips for Haunted Hotel Stays in Rhode Island
- Read some H.P. Lovecraft: To get in the proper mood for exploring the ancient, brooding architecture of haunted Providence, read a few stories by its most famous resident. You'll start to see cosmic horror lurking around every historic corner.
- Explore Historic Waterfronts: The ghosts of Rhode Island are tied to the sea. A lantern-lit walk through the colonial-era waterfronts of Newport or Providence at night is the best way to connect with the spirits of pirates, privateers, and sailors.
- Be Respectful of the Dead (and Undead): When visiting a sensitive site like Mercy Brown's grave, remember the real history and tragedy behind the legend. Be respectful of the cemeteries and private properties you explore.
- Take a Ghost Tour: In historic and famously haunted cities like Newport, a guided walking tour is the best way to hear the local legends and darkest secrets from an expert storyteller.
FAQ about Haunted Hotels in Rhode Island
Are haunted hotels in Rhode Island safe to stay in? Yes, of course. They are historic and often luxurious inns known for their colonial charm and warm hospitality. The ghosts are part of the state's unique and spooky heritage.
What is the most haunted hotel in Rhode Island? Rhode Island is home to many historic inns, especially in Newport, that date back to the colonial and Gilded Age eras. It's hard to name just one, as many have their own famous spectral residents, from Revolutionary War soldiers to elegant socialites who never left the party.
Do haunted hotels in Rhode Island offer ghost tours? The historic hotels are always the star attractions on the fantastic ghost tours offered in cities like Newport and Providence. Booking a tour with a local company is the best way to get the chilling stories behind these famous haunts.
Can kids stay in haunted hotels in Rhode Island? Most historic inns are family-friendly. The ghost stories are often tied to American history, but some of Rhode Island's legends, like the Vampire Panic or the story behind the Conjuring House, are very intense and best suited for teens and adults.
What time of year is best for haunted hotel stays in Rhode Island? Autumn in New England is the perfect time. The crisp air, beautiful fall foliage, and spooky atmosphere of historic towns like Newport create an unbeatable setting for a ghost hunt, especially around Halloween.