Haunted Hotels in Washington You Can Stay In
Discover the most haunted hotels in Washington with real ghost stories and paranormal activity
Cities in Washington with haunted hotels
8 Haunted Hotels Found in Washington
Hotel de Haro
248 Reuben Memorial Dr, Friday Harbor, WA 98250
The spirit said to haunt Hotel de Haro and associated areas like McMillin's Dining Room is primarily believed to be Adah Beeny, former governess/caretaker for the McMillin family. After her death, her ashes were moved to the family's 'Afterglow Vista' mausoleum. Following this relocation, numerous paranormal activities have been reported: lights flickering or turning on/off independently, doors opening and closing without cause, appliances activating spontaneously, items being moved or shelves shattering in storerooms and the gift shop, and unexplained sounds such as rustling fabric. While some local legends suggest Adah died mysteriously (perhaps suicide while pregnant), historical accounts indicate she lived into old age. Regardless of the details of her death, her presence is frequently reported by staff and guests, often described as poltergeist-like activity. The nearby mausoleum itself is also considered haunted by members of the McMillin family, contributing to the overall spectral atmosphere of the Roche Harbor grounds.
Ann Starrett Mansion
744 Clay St, Port Townsend, WA 98368
Built in 1899 as a labor of love by George Starrett for his wife Ann, the mansion is reportedly haunted by the couple and their nanny. Ann Starrett's spirit, often recognized by red hair and a flowing white gown, is seen floating in hallways and on the stairs. George Starrett's presence is also felt by guests and staff. A third distinct apparition is believed to be the Starretts' former nanny, typically seen in a black dress, observing guests within the home. Experiences described include flickering lights and a general sense of being welcomed or watched.
Hotel Sorrento
900 Madison St, Seattle, WA 98104
Hotel Sorrento is considered one of Seattle's most haunted places, predominantly attributed to the ghost of Alice B. Toklas. Although her direct connection to residing or dying *in* the hotel is debated (she lived nearby and studied in Seattle), her presence is strongly felt. Paranormal activity reported includes lights flickering, objects moving inexplicably in the Dunbar Room, and phantom piano music emanating from the Penthouse Suite even when unoccupied. The hotel reportedly acknowledges and even 'celebrates' her spirit.
Rosario Resort
1400 Rosario Rd, Eastsound, WA 98245
Rosario Resort, specifically the Moran Mansion, is said to be haunted by the spirit of Alice Rheem, the wife of the mansion's second owner. Described as colorful and somewhat eccentric, her presence is primarily felt on the second floor, in the mansion's former living quarters (now a museum). Staff and visitors report experiencing mischievous but generally harmless phenomena: feeling phantom touches, seeing peripheral flashes as if someone passed by, faucets turning on and off by themselves, and laundry being disturbed. Local lore adds more details, recounting stories of hearing phantom footsteps in high heels and visions of a 'figure in red' wandering the mansion. Alice Rheem was remembered as a larger-than-life personality on the island, known for driving her car around, engaging in local life with activities like poker, and sometimes being associated with island scandals.
The Historic Davenport, Autograph Collection
10 South Post Street, Spokane, WA 99201
he grand lobby of this Renaissance Revival hotel is overlooked by a mezzanine, which serves as the stage for its most famous ghost. In 1920, a guest named Ellen McNamara fell from an upper floor through a skylight and died in the lobby. Her spirit is now said to wander the mezzanine, dressed in 1920s attire, peering over the railing as if searching for someone or something before vanishing. This haunting is a poignant example of a spirit seemingly re-enacting the final or most traumatic moments of its life.
Thornewood Castle
8601 N Thorne Ln SW, Lakewood, WA 98498
Thornewood Castle is said to host several spirits. Original owner Chester Thorne reportedly unscrews light bulbs in his former room. His wife Anna's reflection is sometimes seen in a mirror within the bridal suite. Additionally, there are reports of seeing a child who supposedly drowned in the lake standing by the water's edge, only to disappear upon approach.
Manresa Castle Hotel
651 Cleveland St, Port Townsend, WA 98368
In Manresa Castle, the two rooms with the highest paranormal activity are reported to be 306 and 302. According to legend, room 306 is haunted by a young woman named Kate who threw herself from the window after hearing of her lover's death; guests report flickering lights and TVs turning on/off. Room 302 is said to be inhabited by the spirit of a monk who hanged himself in the bell tower, with guests claiming to hear footsteps in the attic. In the cafe, drinking glasses have allegedly shattered or turned upside down spontaneously.
Tokeland Hotel
2964 Kindred Ave, Tokeland, WA 98590
The Tokeland Hotel is believed to be haunted by several spirits. One prominent figure is 'Charley', reportedly a Chinese immigrant who died of suffocation while hiding in a space behind a fireplace during smuggling operations. He is considered a friendly protector of the property. Another reported spirit is a ghostly cat seen walking across beds. Room 7 is noted as particularly active, allegedly being the site of an early murder. Room 3 also has reports.
Haunted History of Washington
Washington's haunted history is as deep and mysterious as its dense, misty forests. The state's folklore is rich with Native American legends of powerful spirits tied to its dramatic landscape of volcanic mountains and ancient woods. This spiritual foundation was later overlaid with the turbulent tales of the American frontier, from the frenzied Klondike Gold Rush that brought hopeful prospectors through Seattle to the rough-and-tumble logging camps and maritime boomtowns that dotted the Puget Sound.
The "boom-and-bust" cycles of these early industries left behind ghost towns and grand, empty buildings, particularly in Victorian seaports like Port Townsend. The unfulfilled dreams of prospectors, the lonely souls of sailors lost at sea, and the lingering energy of the state's original inhabitants have all contributed to Washington's reputation as a paranormal hotspot. From the haunted underground tunnels of Seattle to the spectral soldiers at old military forts, the state's past is never truly gone—it's just waiting in the shadows.
Other Haunted Attractions in Washington
- Pike Place Market (Seattle): One of Seattle's most iconic landmarks is also one of its most haunted. Visitors and vendors report seeing the spirit of Chief Seattle's daughter, Princess Angeline, as well as a ghostly barber, a mysterious lady in black, and various other phantoms who seem to continue their spectral shopping. For a guided experience, check out Market Ghost Tours.
- Northern State Mental Hospital (Sedro-Woolley): The beautiful grounds of the former Northern State Hospital are now a recreational area, but the abandoned buildings hold a dark history. For decades, it was a self-sufficient community for the mentally ill, and stories of patient mistreatment and unmarked graves abound. Paranormal investigators report disembodied screams, shadow figures, and an overwhelming sense of sorrow.
- Mount Baker Theatre (Bellingham): This stunningly preserved 1920s theatre is home to a friendly resident ghost named Judy. Believed to be a former bookkeeper, she is known to play harmless pranks, such as opening and closing doors or leaving the scent of perfume in empty rooms. She is considered the theatre's gentle, spectral guardian. More info about the venue is on their official site.
- Black Diamond Cemetery (Black Diamond): This historic cemetery serves a former coal mining town and is a well-known paranormal hotspot. The town suffered numerous mining disasters, and visitors to the cemetery report hearing phantom coughing, seeing the glowing lights of miners' lanterns, and hearing the sound of a ghostly funeral procession moving through the trees.
Travel Tips for Haunted Hotel Stays in Washington
- Pack for the Atmosphere: Washington is famous for its rain and fog, especially in the fall. Embrace the weather—it creates the perfect spooky backdrop for exploring haunted lighthouses and historic, misty cemeteries.
- Explore Victorian Seaports: Take a ferry and visit towns like Port Townsend or Port Gamble. Their perfectly preserved 19th-century architecture and maritime history make them feel like a step back in time, and they are packed with ghost stories.
- Look Below the Surface: Don't just explore Seattle at street level. Take an underground tour, like Bill Speidel's Underground Tour, to discover the city's original, buried storefronts and hear tales of the ghosts that still wander them.
- Balance City and Nature: Divide your time between the urban haunts of Seattle and the eerie, wild landscapes of the Olympic Peninsula. The state's ghosts are found in bustling markets as well as silent, ancient forests.
FAQ about Haunted Hotels in Washington
Are haunted hotels in Washington safe to stay in? Yes, completely. Haunted hotels in Washington offer wonderful accommodations and prioritize guest safety. The ghostly legends are part of the state's rich history and provide a uniquely thrilling experience, not a threat.
What part of Washington is considered the most haunted? The historic seaports along the Puget Sound, particularly the town of Port Townsend, are widely considered to be the most haunted areas. Their dramatic "boom-and-bust" pasts have left a strong spiritual imprint on the region.
Are there hauntings related to Washington's Gold Rush history? Absolutely. Seattle served as a major jumping-off point for the Klondike Gold Rush, and many of its historic downtown buildings and hotels have ghost stories tied to the fortunes made and lost during that chaotic time.
What time of year is best for ghost hunting in Washington? October and November are ideal. The constant drizzle, thick fog, and shorter days create an incredibly spooky and atmospheric setting for any paranormal investigation, whether you're in a downtown hotel or a remote state park.