Haunted Hotels in Texas You Can Stay In
Discover the most haunted hotels in Texas with real ghost stories and paranormal activity
Cities in Texas with haunted hotels
23 Haunted Hotels Found in Texas
Hotel Emma
136 E Grayson St, San Antonio, TX 78215, United States
Hotel Emma, formerly the Pearl Brewery, is named after Emma Koehler, who ran the brewery after her husband Otto was murdered in 1914, allegedly by one of his two mistresses, both also named Emma. The circumstances were scandalous, involving a love triangle (or quadrangle) where Otto Koehler was reportedly shot by either Emma Dumpke or Emma Burgermeister at a house he had set up for them, after he went to break things off following his wife's discovery of the affair and/or his own desire to end it. Emma Koehler, the wife, however, was a strong leader who kept the brewery going through Prohibition by diversifying into other businesses like auto repair, soft drinks, and ice cream, saving many jobs. It's said that the spirit of Emma Koehler (the wife) haunts the hotel. During its conversion from brewery to hotel, construction workers reported seeing a woman in the halls of the still-being-built structure, with some refusing to work further. Hotel employees today still report sightings of a full-body apparition believed to be Emma, who disappears around corners. Night employees also allegedly hear stirrings and soft footsteps, attributed to her presence. The nearby Boiler House's upstairs bathroom is also mentioned as haunted in connection with the Pearl complex, possibly linked to the dramatic events of the Koehler family.
The Kendall
128 W Blanco Rd, Boerne, TX 78006, United States
The Kendall, originally built as a stagecoach stop and private residence, is said to have residual energy from its long history. Some claim to encounter spirits tied to its early days, possibly former residents or travelers. Activity reported includes disembodied voices, footsteps, and feelings of being watched, particularly in the older sections of the building.
Tarpon Inn
200 E Cotter Ave, Port Aransas, TX 78373, United States
The Tarpon Inn is said to harbor spirits from its long history, possibly including fishermen or past guests. Some claim unexplained occurrences, particularly in rooms that have seen tragedy or long-term inhabitants. Room 5 is often mentioned in local lore as being particularly active, with tales of uneasy feelings or objects moving.
Hotel ZaZa Houston Museum District
5701 Main Street, Houston, TX, 77005, United States
Hotel ZaZa's Room 322, also known as the 'Hard Times' or 'Prison' room, gained notoriety after a guest was mistakenly placed there and shared photos online. The room, not typically rented and unlisted among theme rooms, features unsettling decor including brick walls, chains, skull art, and peculiar portraits, one being of a former Stanford Financial Group executive, Jay Comeaux. The room's small size and 'goth dungeon closet' feel, combined with the odd decor and the fact it's not usually available, led to much speculation and discussion online about its purpose and why it exists in that state, with some finding it creepy rather than just 'different' as the hotel suggested. The hotel explained it as one of their theme rooms and mentioned the owner had resided there for a time, but its unlisted nature and strange contents, particularly the portrait, fueled conspiracy theories and discussions about its 'creepy' vibe rather than traditional haunting.
Stockyards Hotel
109 E Exchange Ave, Fort Worth, TX 76164, United States
Connected to tales of the Old West, the Stockyards Hotel shares ground with much history, including dramatic events. While less overtly marketed as haunted than Miss Molly's next door, guests sometimes report experiences consistent with residual energy; unexplained noises, flickering lights, or odd feelings in certain rooms, potentially linked to figures from its cattle-driving heyday, or even past famous guests like Bonnie and Clyde who stayed here.
The Crockett Hotel
320 Bonham St, San Antonio, TX 78205
The Crockett Hotel sits on land that was part of the 1836 Battle of the Alamo, specifically near where Davy Crockett and other defenders are believed to have fallen. The hotel, built in 1909 by the Odd Fellows, is considered one of San Antonio's most haunted due to its proximity to the tragic events. Guests and staff report paranormal activity attributed to the spirits of the Alamo defenders. Whispers are often heard, and some believe the ghosts are not of the living but of those who died during the battle. Davy Crockett himself is thought to be one of the spirits roaming the halls. The spirits of other Alamo defenders are also believed to linger, with unusual sounds of chanting in the hallways, disembodied footsteps, and the distinct *clip-clop* of horses' hooves being reported. Doors, including the sensor-operated front entrance, have been known to open and shut on their own, further adding to the hotel's haunted reputation. The pool area is also noted as being near the battle site.
The Driskill
604 Brazos Street, Austin, TX 78701, United States of America
The Driskill is famously haunted. Colonel Jesse Driskill, the founder, is said to linger, identified by the phantom scent of his cigars. Another prominent spirit is 'Samantha,' a young girl (reportedly a Senator's daughter) who tragically died falling down the Grand Staircase in 1887; she's often felt or seen playing, particularly near a painting on the fifth floor. Other entities include Peter Lawless, a long-term resident who died in the hotel, seen as a full-bodied apparition, and a 'jilted bride' who took her life in one of the rooms and is said to haunt wedding parties or couples.
The Haunted Magnolia Hotel
207 S Crockett St, Seguin, TX, United States
The Haunted Magnolia Hotel, dating back to 1840 as a log cabin and evolving into a hotel by 1850, is renowned for its intense paranormal activity and claims to house over 13 distinct spirits, stemming from a storied past involving Texas Rangers, stagecoach travelers, saloon activities, and even serving as the town's first jail. Featured on numerous paranormal TV shows, the hotel invites guests to interact with spirits described as generally 'pleasant and willing to communicate'. Notable entities include Texas Ranger James Campbell, scalped in retribution for the Council House Fight; Emma Voelcker, a 12-year-old murdered by Wilhelm Faust who briefly resided there; 'JJ' the salesman who committed suicide in what is now a guest area; 'Willie' who died in a bathtub; and many others occupying specific rooms. Guests report varied phenomena, including distinct smells associated with spirits (baby powder, tobacco), moving objects, disembodied voices, and temperature changes, particularly in the unrestored 'most haunted' section of the second floor.
The Tremont House
2300 Ship Mechanic Row St, Galveston, TX 77550, United States
Galveston has a tragic past, including devastating hurricanes like the 1900 storm. The Tremont House, in its various incarnations, has stood through much of Galveston's history. Ghostly tales often relate to victims of these events or past hotel happenings. Common reports include phantom smells of smoke (possibly tied to past fires), spectral children, Civil War soldiers, or elegantly dressed Victorian figures. Disembodied voices and unexplained occurrences add to its haunted reputation.
Emily Morgan Hotel
705 E Houston St, San Antonio, TX 78205, United States
Originally built in 1924 as a Medical Arts Building, The Emily Morgan housed doctor's offices, surgical facilities, a hospital, and even a morgue in the basement. Many believe the spirits of former patients linger within its walls. Recognized by USA Today as one of the world's most haunted hotels, guests frequently report unexplained phenomena. Common paranormal experiences include the distinct smell of antiseptic in hallways and rooms, sudden and dramatic drops in temperature, an unsettling feeling of being watched, and disembodied sounds such as phantom footsteps or voices. The building's past as a medical facility with surgeries and likely many deaths contributes heavily to its haunted reputation.
Historic Kahn Hotel
123 West Austin Street, Jefferson, TX 75657, United States
The Historic Kahn Hotel proudly stands as one of Texas's top ten most haunted establishments, situated in the famously haunted town of Jefferson. Its history traces back to the 19th century when it operated as a saloon and brothel, becoming the backdrop for numerous murders and other grim events. These past incidents are believed to have left behind a legacy of spectral inhabitants. Among the reported paranormal encounters are sightings of a former prostitute's spirit, often accompanied by her playful ghostly son known for pranks. Another prominent spirit is 'Billy,' a young man allegedly hanged by his lover's enraged father after a failed elopement led to tragedy. Guests and staff have also reported unsettling phenomena such as unexplained bloodstains appearing, disembodied screams, and the sound of gunshots echoing through the building.
Hotel Gibbs Downtown Riverwalk
105 N Alamo St, San Antonio, TX 78205, United States
The Hotel Gibbs stands on the grounds of the original Alamo compound, near where Colonel William Travis, one of the Alamo's key defenders, is said to have died. The land was later owned by Samuel Maverick. During the 1909 construction of the Gibbs building, two cannons used during the Battle of the Alamo were found in the basement; it's believed their removal stirred ghostly encounters. Security guards reported seeing shadowy figures moving a cannon back towards the Alamo. Guests and staff report seeing people in period dress strolling hallways or disappearing through doors, hearing disembodied voices, and feeling the presence of spirits, possibly residual energy from the fallen Texas soldiers or others connected to the site's long history, including Colonel Gibbs himself, who was known to be quite a character. Even the old elevators, no longer in use by the living, are said to be ridden by the dead. The proximity to the Alamo, a site of intense battle and loss of life, contributes significantly to the hotel's haunted reputation.
Omni La Mansión del Rio
112 College St, San Antonio, TX 78205
The Omni La Mansión del Rio is believed to be haunted due to its historical roots as a Catholic boarding school established on the site in 1852. The primary ghostly activity is attributed to the spirits of former students who once attended the school. These lingering spirits are said to roam the property, their presence a reminder of the building's past life before it became a hotel. The hotel's grand architecture and its atmospheric location along the San Antonio Riverwalk further enhance its reputation as a place with a spooky ambiance, where guests and staff have reported unexplained occurrences possibly linked to its former occupants.
The Adolphus
1321 Commerce Street, Dallas, TX 75202, United States
The Adolphus Hotel in Dallas is considered one of Texas's most haunted hotels. A primary tale involves a jilted bride from the 1930s whose wedding was to take place in the 19th-floor ballroom. Left humiliated when her groom never arrived, she was later found deceased near where the altar would have been. Her spirit is said to still roam the 19th floor, sometimes seen in her wedding dress, running or crying. Additionally, gruesome stories persist of several fatal accidents involving the hotel's elevator shaft over the years, leading to reports by guests riding alone hearing tortured moans or sensing other presences.
Miss Molly's Hotel
109 W Exchange Ave, Fort Worth, TX 76164, United States
Miss Molly's proudly calls itself haunted. Built in 1910, it operated as 'The Gayatte Hotel,' then later as a bordello. Many spirits are claimed, including former working girls. Reports include children's laughter, apparitions in mirrors, cold spots, and items being moved, particularly within specific rooms like the 'Cowboy' room or 'Miss Josie's' room, named after a former madam.
Menger Hotel
204 Alamo Plaza, San Antonio, TX 78205, United States
The Menger Hotel, built on grounds adjacent to the Alamo where many died, is considered one of San Antonio's most haunted places, reportedly home to over 30 spirits. Frequent apparitions include Teddy Roosevelt, often seen at the bar where he recruited his Rough Riders; Sallie White, a chambermaid murdered by her husband in 1876, who is seen carrying towels; Captain Richard King, founder of King Ranch, who died in his suite and whose presence is still felt, sometimes seen passing through walls where doors once existed. Other phenomena include mysterious footsteps, disembodied voices having conversations, kitchen utensils moving on their own, and unexplained cold spots. The hotel's proximity to the Alamo battle site contributes to theories that many spirits are residual from that historic conflict. The Menger Bar itself is a hotspot, with stories of shootings and suicides in its past contributing to its haunted lore.
The St. Anthony, a Luxury Collection Hotel, San Antonio
300 E Travis St, San Antonio, TX 78205, United States
The St. Anthony Hotel, opened in 1909, is steeped in history and, it seems, ghosts. One prominent spirit is the 'Lady in Red,' an apparition in a red dress seen wandering the halls and sometimes entering the women's restroom, only to vanish, leaving witnesses questioning their sanity. Her appearance is often accompanied by the sound of heels clicking on marble. The tenth floor is reputedly the most haunted, an addition from the Great Depression era. Bellmen and guests have reported footsteps trailing them, shuffling sounds, and a ghostly tall man in a dark suit who vanishes near the elevator. One guest on the tenth floor was awakened by loud 'whacking' sounds against their door, like a leather strap, only to find no one there when they opened it, though the sound continued down the hall and other guests heard it too. Downstairs, the men's locker room is another active area, with doors opening and closing by themselves, distinct footsteps when no one is there, and shadowy figures or disembodied footsteps near empty stalls. The grand Anacacho Ballroom is also said to be haunted by a playful ghost, with one security guard hearing someone kicking the door and the deadbolt engaging, only to find no one there when he opened it, followed by a cold chill.
Hotel ICON, Autograph Collection
220 Main Street, Houston, Texas, 77002, United States
The most dramatic turning point in the Icon building’s history of economic struggle was the 1929 stock market crash. This opening blow of the Great Depression spelled the beginning of the end for many of the businesses operating out of the upstairs offices, and the bank itself, like many others, was unable to cover the sudden rush of customer withdrawals, having invested and lost so much in the collapsing market. In the flood of mass panic that accompanied and exacerbated the very real financial losses of the crash, a wave of investors from both the bank and the upstairs businesses are said to have committed suicide on the property. Some guests report seeing, or more often hearing, the final moments of the dead repeating. The most common phenomena are the phantom sounds of gunshots and bodies hitting the floor, and the image of a man in a 1920s business suit sitting on one of the guestroom windowsills, facing outward, before finally pushing himself over the edge. Guests have also woken in the night to the sound of a stranger’s voice, or the distinct feeling of an intrusive presence in the room.
Jefferson Palace Hotel
116 E Austin St, Jefferson, TX 75657, United States
Jefferson, TX is renowned for hauntings, and this hotel (often confused or linked with The Excelsior House due to its history and location) is no exception. Stories often speak of residual hauntings from its time as a bustling steamboat port town. Guests report period-dressed apparitions, unexplained noises like children playing or women talking, and the feeling of unseen presences. Some tales connect to tragic events or individuals who passed through during its long history.
The Gunter Hotel
205 E Houston St, San Antonio, TX 78205, United States
The Gunter Hotel holds a dark story from 1965 involving the murder of Walter Emerick in Room 636. It is said his spirit, and potentially that of the woman involved, haunts the room and floor. Reports include cold spots, spectral figures, and poltergeist activity primarily focused around Room 636. Blues musician Robert Johnson also famously recorded in Room 414, though associated hauntings are less defined.
Holiday Inn Express San Antonio N-Riverwalk Area by IHG
120 Camaron St, San Antonio, TX 78205, United States
The Holiday Inn Express Riverwalk is built on the site of the Old Bexar County Jail (1911-1962), which also hosted the last public hanging in Texas, that of Clemente Apolinar in 1921 for the murder of Theodore Bernhard. Clemente was a troubled man, and his execution was gruesome, with the rope nearly decapitating him. The jail also housed Jack Steese, its last inmate, who escaped in 1962 before it closed. The building was converted to a Comfort Inn in 1982 and then the Holiday Inn Express in 2009. Guests and employees report paranormal activity, including dramatic temperature drops, feelings of being watched, and even being physically grabbed or having objects thrown, particularly on the upper floors where the gallows were located. The ghosts are thought to be those of former inmates, including Clemente, and the building's past as a jail with a history of death and despair is the primary source of the hauntings.
Excelsior House Hotel
211 West Austin Street, Jefferson, TX 75657, United States
The Excelsior House Hotel, considered the oldest in East Texas (est. 1850s), is deeply entrenched in Jefferson's haunted reputation. While current management downplays paranormal aspects to focus on history, numerous accounts exist. One prominent spirit is 'Diamond Bessie' Moore, murdered in 1877; though her direct stay at Excelsior is debated, her presence is widely reported, seeking closure. Other spectral encounters include a headless man, a woman in black clutching a child, phantom cigar smoke, and perfume. The 'Jay Gould Room' (Room 215) is infamous; railroad tycoon Jay Gould allegedly cursed Jefferson after being rejected. Director Steven Spielberg reportedly fled this room in the 1970s after his briefcase flew at him and a ghostly child spoke to him, an experience said to have inspired 'Poltergeist'. Guests also report rocking chairs moving independently and doors slamming.
The Bullis House Inn
621 Pierce Ave, San Antonio, TX 78208
The Bullis House Inn, built between 1906-1909 for General John Lapham Bullis, carries a legend of being haunted by the spirit of the Apache Chief Geronimo. General Bullis was significantly involved in Geronimo's capture in 1886. Although Geronimo and his warriors were held at the nearby Quadrangle (originally a supply depot, then prison grounds) before the Bullis House was constructed, local lore claims that the chief's spirit roams within the mansion itself, possibly due to Bullis's connection to his capture and later life. The mansion's historic nature and this legendary link contribute to its haunted reputation.
Haunted History of Texas
The history of Texas is as vast and wild as its landscape, filled with tales of bloody battles, frontier justice, and lingering spirits who refuse to fade away. From the legendary last stand at the Alamo to the ghostly gunfighters of dusty Wild West towns, the Lone Star State is a hotbed of paranormal activity. Legends aren't just stories here; they're woven into the very fabric of the place, where the past feels so present you might just run into it in a dark hallway.
Folklore runs deep in Texas, with the chilling tale of La Llorona, the Weeping Woman, echoing along countless rivers and streams as she searches for her lost children. The state's history is marked by the Goliad Massacre, devastating hurricanes in Galveston, and the harsh life of the Chisholm Trail, all leaving behind an energy that fuels stories of spectral soldiers, ghostly cowboys, and sorrowful apparitions. Whether you're in the dense woods of the Big Thicket or the desolate plains of West Texas, you're never far from a place where spirits are said to roam.
Other Haunted Attractions in Texas
- The Alamo (San Antonio): No list of haunted Texas is complete without The Alamo. The spirits of the brave defenders are said to linger, with visitors reporting sightings of spectral soldiers, the sounds of battle, and an overwhelming feeling of sorrow on the historic grounds.
- USS Lexington (Corpus Christi): Nicknamed "The Blue Ghost," this massive WWII aircraft carrier is now a museum haunted by its past. Visitors and staff on the USS Lexington report doors slamming shut, shadowy figures in the engine room, and the friendly spirit of a sailor named Charlie who is happy to guide lost tourists.
- Jefferson Ghost Walk (Jefferson): The entire town of Jefferson is considered one of the most haunted in America, and this tour is the best way to experience it. The Jefferson Ghost Walk takes you through dark streets and past historic homes, sharing chilling tales of murder, mystery, and mayhem from the town's tumultuous past as a bustling 19th-century riverport.
- Presidio La Bahía (Goliad): This Spanish fort is the site of the Goliad Massacre, one of the most tragic events in the Texas Revolution. It's said the anguished cries of Colonel Fannin's men can still be heard on the wind, and the ghostly apparition of a "Woman in White" is often seen wandering the grounds of Presidio La Bahía.
- The Marfa Lights (Marfa): In the high desert of West Texas, a truly bizarre phenomenon awaits. For over a century, people have witnessed the mysterious Marfa Lights—unexplained orbs of light that dance, split, and hover on the horizon. Whether they're ghosts, UFOs, or a trick of the atmosphere, they provide a uniquely spooky experience under the vast Texas sky.
Travel Tips for Haunted Hotel Stays in Texas
- Plan a Haunted Road Trip: Texas is massive! Plan a route connecting haunted hotspots like San Antonio, Galveston, and Jefferson to experience the full range of the state's spooky offerings.
- Respect the History: Many haunted locations in Texas are historic landmarks and even gravesites. Be a respectful paranormal investigator—leave things as you found them and honor the stories of those who came before.
- Embrace Small Town Lore: Don't just stick to the big cities. Some of the best ghost stories are found in small Texas towns. Stop in a local diner or saloon and ask about the local haunts; you're sure to get an earful.
- Pack for the Elements: Ghost hunting in Texas can mean dealing with intense heat in the summer or chilly winds in the Panhandle. Dress in layers, bring plenty of water, and don't forget your cowboy boots!
FAQ about Haunted Hotels in Texas
Are haunted hotels in Texas safe to stay in?
Of course! They are fully operational hotels that prioritize guest safety and comfort. The hauntings are part of the unique charm and atmosphere, offering a thrill, not a threat.
What is the most haunted city in Texas?
While San Antonio often gets the top spot thanks to the Alamo, cities like Jefferson and Galveston are serious contenders. Jefferson is considered "The Most Haunted Small Town in Texas," while Galveston's tragic history from the 1900 hurricane has left behind countless lingering spirits.
What kinds of ghosts can you find in Texas?
Texas offers a diverse cast of spectral characters! You might encounter ghostly cowboys, fallen Alamo defenders, Civil War soldiers, spectral pirates along the Gulf Coast, and the legendary figure of La Llorona near waterways.
Do Texas haunted hotels have age restrictions?
Generally, no. Most hotels are family-friendly. However, it’s always best for parents to use discretion, as the spooky stories and eerie atmosphere might be too intense for younger children.
What time of year is best for a haunted road trip in Texas?
The fall (September-November) is perfect. The weather is cooler and more pleasant for exploring, and the Halloween season brings special ghost tours and events to many haunted locations across the state.