Haunted Hotels in Houston, Texas You Can Stay In
Discover the most haunted hotels in Houston with real ghost stories and paranormal activity
2 Haunted Hotels Found in Houston
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.
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.
Haunted History of Houston, Texas
Houston's haunted history is as sprawling and complex as the city itself. Founded on the banks of the Buffalo Bayou, the city's early years were a constant struggle against disease, disaster, and the untamed Texas landscape. Devastating yellow fever epidemics swept through the population in the 19th century, leaving thousands dead and creating a deep, sorrowful spiritual energy that is said to still linger in the city's oldest wards and cemeteries.
The ghosts of Houston are not just victims of disease; they are also the spectral echoes of Texas's turbulent past. The city played a key role during the Texas Revolution and the Civil War, and the spirits of soldiers and historic figures are said to still watch over the land they fought for. From the grand, haunted mansions of oil barons in the Heights to the restless souls that wander the historic port, Houston is a modern metropolis built on a foundation of countless ghost stories.
Other Haunted Attractions in Houston, Texas
- Glenwood Cemetery: This is one of Texas's most beautiful and haunted Victorian cemeteries. It is the final resting place of many of Houston's founders and influential figures, including the eccentric billionaire Howard Hughes. Visitors to the serene and spooky Glenwood Cemetery have reported seeing apparitions, feeling dramatic cold spots, and experiencing the unnerving feeling of being watched among the ornate gravestones.
- The Battleship Texas: Moored in La Porte, just outside Houston, this historic dreadnought is the last of its kind and a veteran of both World Wars. The ship is a massive paranormal hotspot, said to be haunted by the spirits of sailors who served and died on its decks. Volunteers and visitors on the Battleship Texas report hearing disembodied voices, seeing full-bodied apparitions in uniform, and hearing phantom footsteps running on the deck above.
- La Carafe: Housed in one of the oldest commercial buildings in the city, La Carafe is a historic, candle-lit wine bar that oozes atmosphere. It's said to be haunted by the friendly but mischievous ghost of a former manager named Carl. Patrons and bartenders have reported hearing phantom footsteps on the second floor, seeing apparitions in the windows, and having their drinks mysteriously moved.
- Julia Ideson Building | Houston Public Library: This magnificent Spanish-Renaissance style building is a historic landmark with a few spectral residents. The Julia Ideson Building is said to be haunted by its former caretaker, Jacob Frank Cramer, a violinist who lived and worked in the building. Staff report hearing phantom violin music, smelling pipe smoke, and the ghostly clicking of his dog Petey's nails on the marble floors.
Travel Tips for Haunted Hotel Stays in Houston, Texas
- Be Prepared for the Climate: Houston is famous for its heat and humidity. When exploring the city's haunts, especially in the summer, plan for indoor activities during the day and save your ghost hunts for a more comfortable nighttime walking tour.
- Take a Ghost Tour: Houston is a massive city with a scattered history. Taking a guided ghost tour of the downtown historic district is the best way to find the most haunted spots and hear the chilling tales of the city's past.
- Explore the Historic Wards: Drive or walk through historic neighborhoods like the Sixth Ward and The Heights. The beautiful and often spooky Victorian architecture holds countless ghost stories.
- Visit a Historic Cemetery: A daytime trip to a beautiful and historic cemetery like Glenwood is a must. The incredible sculptures and the sheer weight of history make for a poignant and sometimes spooky experience.
FAQ about Haunted Hotels in Houston, Texas
Are haunted hotels in Houston, Texas safe to stay in? Absolutely. Houston's hotels are modern and must adhere to strict safety regulations, even within their historic facades. The ghosts are part of the history, not a threat to your safety.
What is the most haunted hotel in Houston, Texas? Several of the city's grand downtown hotels that date back to the oil boom era, like the historic Rice Hotel (now Post apartments) and the Lancaster Hotel, have legendary ghost stories attached to them. Browse our listings to find the perfect spectral suite for your stay.
Do haunted hotels in Houston, Texas offer ghost tours? Many of the most famous haunted hotels are primary stops on the city's excellent ghost tours. While the hotels themselves may not run the tours, their staff are often happy to share stories of their own paranormal encounters.
Can kids stay in haunted hotels? Yes, most hotels in Houston are family-friendly. However, parents should be aware that the history behind the city's hauntings often involves mature themes like disease, war, and other tragedies that might be too intense for some children.
What time of year is best for haunted hotel stays in Houston, Texas? Fall and spring offer the most pleasant weather for exploring the city on foot. The winters are also very mild and a great time to visit. The summer months are very hot and humid, making nighttime ghost tours the most comfortable option.