Haunted Hotels in Virginia You Can Stay In
Discover the most haunted hotels in Virginia with real ghost stories and paranormal activity
15 Haunted Hotels Found in Virginia
The Historic Boxwood Inn
10 Elmhurst Street, Newport News, VA 23603
The Historic Boxwood Inn is considered one of Virginia's most haunted places. It is said to be inhabited by spirits associated with 'drain batteries' from the Civil War era. Guests and visitors report encounters suggesting the presence of these historical spectral entities.
The Nickerson Snead House Bed and Breakfast
33365 Lee Hwy., Glade Spring, VA 24340, USA
The Nickerson Snead House boasts a profound history, originating as Kincannon's Fort in the 1700s before becoming an Antebellum home around 1835. Its use as a Civil War field hospital and temporary morgue has cemented its reputation as intensely haunted. Notable spectral figures include Betsy Snead, often seen as a 'woman in blue,' and the spirits of children, believed to be Josephine and Douglas Mason who died in the house. Guests and investigators report encounters ranging from phantom footsteps and voices to apparitions. The site actively embraces its haunted reputation, offering historical tours and paranormal investigations.
Belle Grove Plantation Bed & Breakfast
9221 Belle Grove Drive, King George, VA 22485
Belle Grove Plantation is renowned as one of Virginia's most haunted locations, claiming over 83 resident spirits. Its reputation has attracted paranormal investigators and national TV shows like 'Ghost Hunters' and 'Kindred Spirits'. Built in 1791, the manor stands on land with history dating back to 1670, bearing witness to generations of life and death, contributing to numerous reports of paranormal activity including ghostly apparitions, unexplained noises, and personal encounters documented through photographs and recordings.
By the Side of the Road Inn & Cottages
491 Garbers Church Road, Harrisonburg, VA 22801, USA
Originally built in 1789, the main house served as a hospital during the Civil War and survived attempts to burn it down. Its history lends itself to paranormal speculation. Guests and staff have reported hearing unexplained footsteps, particularly from the third floor, which previously housed innkeepers. On occasion, people have heard these footsteps late at night, around 2:30 am, even when the rooms were unoccupied, adding to the mystery of who, or what, walks the halls 'by the side of the road'.
The Inn at Black Horse Manor
8393 Meetze Road, Warrenton, VA 20187, USA
Established in the 1850s, The Inn at Black Horse Manor has deep roots in Virginia's history, reportedly serving as a hospital during local Civil War engagements. Given its age and role during such a tumultuous period, local lore suggests that spirits connected to its past as a place of recovery and loss may linger. Guests and staff sometimes feel unexplained presences or note unusual occurrences, attributing them to souls from its Civil War era.
The Inn at Willow Grove
14079 Stones Throw Drive, Orange, Virginia 22960
The Inn at Willow Grove, dating back to 1778 and having seen activity during the American Civil War, is rumored to host spirits from that era. Trenches and gun emplacements were once located near the main house, lending credence to reports of ghostly apparitions. Specifically, spirits identified as Confederate soldiers have allegedly been seen relaxing beneath a prominent tree on the property. Guests and staff have also reported hearing unexplained phantom footsteps echoing from empty rooms within the historic inn.
The Lafayette Inn & Restaurant
146 East Main Street, Stanardsville, VA 22973, USA
Built in 1840, The Lafayette Inn & Restaurant stands in a historically significant area of Virginia, close to sites with noted Civil War connections. While detailed ghost stories are not immediately published by the inn itself, properties of this age in Civil War-affected regions often accrue tales of paranormal experiences. Local lore and guest sensitivities sometimes point to lingering energies from past inhabitants or events. Given its establishment during a pivotal period, any unexplained occurrences could easily be attributed to spirits tied to its nearly two centuries of history.
Wayside Inn & Larrick's Tavern
7783 Main Street, Middletown, VA 22645, USA
Dating back to 1797 and having served as a Civil War hospital, the Wayside Inn & Larrick's Tavern is steeped in history and ghostly encounters. Many believe spirits inhabit the inn, with common reports citing a 'woman in blue,' playful ghostly children, and residual energies of Civil War soldiers. Visitors often report unexplained footsteps, sudden cold spots, lights flickering unaccountably, and seeing shadowy figures move through empty rooms. Room 14 is noted as particularly active, where visitors often feel an intense presence or experience unexplained emotional shifts, suggesting a strong connection to past events.
The Historic Cavalier Hotel and Beach Club
4200 Atlantic Ave, Virginia Beach, VA 23451, USA
The Historic Cavalier Hotel is renowned not just for its elegance but also its spectral residents. Since its opening in 1927, stories abound regarding various entities. Notable among them are spirits identified as a soldier, a little girl accompanied by her cat, and a ghostly server capable of passing through walls. However, the most prominent and tragic tale involves Adolph Coors, founder of the Coors brewing company. In 1929, Coors fell to his death from a sixth-floor window of the hotel under mysterious circumstances. It is widely believed his spirit remains, restlessly wandering the premises, particularly near the site of his fatal plunge.
The Hotel Roanoke & Conference Center
110 Shenandoah Avenue, Roanoke, Virginia, 24016-2025, USA
While management might be discreet about supernatural occurrences, numerous accounts suggest Hotel Roanoke has its share of unexplained phenomena. Former staff and guest stories circulate, most notably regarding a section of the hotel allegedly sealed off after a fire decades ago. Within this area, or nearby, persistent tales exist of a room exhibiting paranormal activity: doors moving independently, electronics malfunctioning, and objects falling without cause. Another spectral anecdote involves an apparition believed to be a lady in a red dress from the early 1900s, who reportedly died peacefully in her sleep within the hotel but continues to roam its corridors. There are also reports of calls being made from an old, unused elevator, adding to the hotel's mysterious atmosphere.
The Martha Washington Inn & Spa
150 West Main Street, Abingdon, VA 24210
The Martha Washington Inn & Spa carries rich Civil War history, having served as a Confederate hospital. Enduring tales speak of ghostly nurses tending to wounded soldiers, with some claiming bloodstains mysteriously reappear on floors where soldiers died. A phantom horse is said to await its fallen Union soldier master near the entrance on moonless nights. Within the building, spectral soldiers are reported, including one hobbling on crutches. A tunnel formerly connecting to the nearby Barter Theatre is also associated with an angry presence, possibly a soldier or someone killed in a tunnel collapse.
The Blackburn Inn and Conference Center
301 Greenville Ave, Staunton, VA 24401, USA
The Blackburn Inn's history is deeply intertwined with intense human experiences. Built in 1828 as the Western State Hospital, it functioned as a mental asylum for over a century. In its later years under figures like Dr. Joseph DeJarnette, it became associated with controversial and unethical practices, including forced sterilizations and lobotomies. After its time as a hospital, it was converted into the Staunton Correctional Center, a medium-security prison, adding another layer of potentially traumatic history. Locals and paranormal enthusiasts believe these past uses have left strong residual energies, possibly tied to the suffering or turmoil experienced within its walls. While specific named spirits are less publicized, the general atmosphere and grim history fuel beliefs that former patients or inmates may still linger.
Natural Bridge Historic Hotel & Conference Center
15 Appledore Lane Natural Bridge, VA 24578
A prominent local legend surrounds the Natural Bridge Hotel, suggesting a former owner, driven to madness, tragically ended the lives of his wife and children within the premises. While some historical accounts dispute this as potentially inspired by fiction like *The Shining*, the tale remains integral to the hotel's haunted reputation. Numerous visitors and guests have reported subsequent paranormal experiences, including sightings of apparitions believed to be the doomed family wandering the hotel and its grounds, particularly at night. Adding to the hotel's eerie atmosphere are separate accounts of encountering a spectral Native American figure and hearing the disembodied sounds of children playing or shouting in empty hallways.
Edgewood Plantation Bed and Breakfast
4800 John Tyler Memorial Highway, Charles City, VA 23030, USA
Edgewood Plantation holds deep connections to American history, built in 1849 and playing roles in both the Revolutionary and Civil Wars, including serving as a Confederate lookout post. Its rich past seems to have left spiritual imprints, with numerous accounts of paranormal encounters. Among the most cited spirits is 'Lizzie' Rowland, said to have died of a broken heart awaiting her soldier fiancé who never returned from the Civil War; she reportedly etched her name in a window pane. Other spectral residents include various Civil War soldiers, like Aaron Young III, with whom past guests claimed to have conversed through the night. Reports also include suicides within the property, contributing to tales of footsteps on stairs and apparitions. Investigators and guests often report EVP (Electronic Voice Phenomena) of children, sightings of unidentified figures, and direct feelings of presence, making it one of Virginia's most actively haunted locations.
The Glencoe Inn
222 North Street, Portsmouth, VA 23704, USA
Built in 1890 on a plot overlooking the Elizabeth River, The Glencoe Inn carries a Scottish influence. It's rumored that the aroma of freshly baked scones invites spirits of former residents. An apparition of an elderly woman, believed to be a former caretaker of the gardens, has reportedly been seen in the Rose Garden area.
Haunted History of Virginia
As the birthplace of a nation, Virginia's history is America's history—and its haunted lore is America's original ghost story. From the first English settlement at Jamestown to the bloody battlefields of both the Revolutionary and Civil Wars, the Old Dominion is saturated with the spiritual echoes of a dramatic and often tragic past. The spirits here are not just anonymous specters; they are the ghosts of presidents, soldiers, colonists, and enslaved people whose stories shaped the country.
The state was the heart of the Confederacy, and more Civil War battles were fought on its soil than anywhere else. The battlefields of Manassas, Fredericksburg, and Cold Harbor are now legendary paranormal hotspots, where the apparitions of soldiers are still seen charging across the fields and their battle cries are heard on the wind. Add to this the colonial spirits that linger in the historic homes of Williamsburg and the mournful tales from centuries-old plantations, and you have a state where the veil between the past and present is exceptionally thin.
Other Haunted Attractions in Virginia
- Colonial Williamsburg: The entire restored 18th-century capital is a paranormal hotspot. The Peyton Randolph House is considered one of the most haunted homes in America, and the spirits of soldiers, colonists, and historical figures are seen and heard throughout the historic area, especially on a guided ghost tour from Colonial Williamsburg.
- St. Albans Sanatorium: Before it was a psychiatric hospital, it was a boys' school known for its extreme bullying. This dark history, combined with the brutal treatments and suicides that occurred when it became an asylum, has made St. Albans Sanatorium in Radford one of the most active and terrifying haunts on the East Coast.
- Manassas National Battlefield Park: The site of two major Civil War battles, First and Second Bull Run, is hallowed and haunted ground. Visitors to the Manassas Battlefield report seeing apparitions of soldiers, smelling gunpowder, and hearing phantom cannon fire, especially around the historic Stone House, which was used as a field hospital.
- The Exchange Hotel Civil War Medical Museum: This former hotel in Gordonsville was converted into a massive receiving hospital during the Civil War, treating over 70,000 sick and wounded soldiers. The sheer volume of pain and death has left a lasting spiritual impression, and the Exchange Hotel is now a frequent stop for paranormal investigators looking to connect with the spirits of soldiers and nurses.
- Hollywood Cemetery: A breathtakingly beautiful Victorian cemetery in Richmond, this is the final resting place of Presidents James Monroe and John Tyler, as well as thousands of Confederate soldiers. Famous ghosts at Hollywood Cemetery include the "Richmond Vampire" and a cast-iron dog that is said to growl at visitors who disrespect a child's grave.
Travel Tips for Haunted Hotel Stays in Virginia
- Explore the Historic Triangle: Immerse yourself in America's colonial ghosts by visiting Jamestown, Yorktown, and Williamsburg. The entire area is a paranormal goldmine.
- Walk a Battlefield at Dusk: To truly connect with Virginia's Civil War past, take a solemn walk through a battlefield like Manassas or Fredericksburg as the sun sets. The weight of history is palpable and profoundly spooky.
- Drive the Blue Ridge Parkway: In the fall, a drive along this scenic route is breathtaking. The historic inns and mountain towns along the way are filled with Appalachian folklore and their own unique ghost stories.
- Be Respectful: Many of Virginia's most haunted locations are battlefields, cemeteries, or former hospitals where immense tragedy occurred. Always approach these hallowed grounds with the reverence they deserve.
FAQ about Haunted Hotels in Virginia
Are haunted hotels in Virginia safe to stay in? Absolutely! Virginia is famous for its charming and historic inns, all of which must adhere to the highest standards of safety and hospitality. The spirits are just part of the state's rich heritage.
What is the most haunted hotel in Virginia? With a history as deep as Virginia's, it's nearly impossible to choose. From colonial-era taverns in Williamsburg to the grand Jefferson Hotel in Richmond, the state is filled with legendary haunts. Browse our listings to find the perfect spirit to share a room with.
Do haunted hotels in Virginia offer ghost tours? Many of them do. A hotel's history is a major draw, and that includes its ghostly residents. The state also has a thriving ghost tour industry in its most historic cities like Williamsburg, Richmond, and Alexandria.
Can kids stay in haunted hotels? Most historic hotels are family-friendly. However, the themes of war, disease, and colonial hardship are very real in Virginia's history and may be too intense for younger children. Locations like St. Albans Sanatorium are strictly for adults.
What time of year is best for haunted hotel stays in Virginia? Autumn is the quintessential season for a haunted Virginia trip. The weather is perfect for exploring historic sites on foot, the fall foliage is stunning, and the spooky atmosphere leading up to Halloween is unmatched.