Haunted Hotels in West Virginia You Can Stay In
Discover the most haunted hotels in West Virginia with real ghost stories and paranormal activity
Cities in West Virginia with haunted hotels
6 Haunted Hotels Found in West Virginia
The Wells Inn
316 Charles St, Sistersville, WV 26175
Built in 1894, this historic inn housed oil tycoons and entertainers. Paranormal activity reported by staff and guests includes doors opening and closing by themselves, sounds of scratching pens, furniture being dragged into place, phantom footsteps, and sudden chills. Some sources specifically mention Ephraim Wells, the founder, as the spirit tied to the property, responsible for moving objects, opening/closing doors, strange noises, and anomalous elevator behavior, especially an elevator going to the third floor uncalled. A distinct sound of pen scratching paper has been heard near Wells' former office.
The Blennerhassett Hotel
320 Market St, Parkersburg, WV 26101
Built in 1889 by William Chancellor, The Blennerhassett Hotel is reportedly haunted by multiple entities. Most notably, the spirit of William Chancellor himself, dressed in a grey three-piece suit, top hat, and carrying a cane, is often seen in the library smoking. Other phenomena include ghostly children heard playing, strange occurrences linked to Mr. Chancellor's portrait being moved during renovations (like unexplained weight on beds), elevators stopping on the 2nd floor uncalled where a gentleman in black walks the halls, books flying off shelves in the library (site of a former tragic accident involving a truck and a woman), and a general feeling of dread or being watched in 'The Red Room', where doors reportedly open, close, and jam on their own.
Hotel Morgan
127 High Street, Morgantown, WV 26505
Opened in 1925, Hotel Morgan is considered one of West Virginia's most haunted. Room 314 is reported as a hotspot, haunted by the spirit of a girl who tragically drowned in the bathtub. Guests report feeling her presence, particularly in the bathroom, and feelings of overwhelming sadness. While this is the primary tale, various other strange activities have been noted throughout the hotel historically.
The General Lewis Inn
1236 Washington St E, Lewisburg, WV 24901
The original 1834 house was owned by John Withrow, a slave owner; his slave 'Uncle Reuben' was reportedly hanged on site in 1861 for conspiring a revolt that never occurred. The inn, expanded in 1928, is now believed to be haunted by three spirits: 'The Lady in White' specifically tied to room 208, 'Reuben' sometimes seen in the dining room (possibly where he was associated or hanged), and an unidentified crying 'Little Girl' heard in room 206. These entities contribute to the inn's reputation as a haunted location.
The Greenbrier
101 Main Street West, White Sulphur Springs, WV 24986, United States
The historic Greenbrier resort is known for numerous paranormal claims from guests and staff spanning decades. Reports include disembodied voices and strange noises in guest rooms, shadow figures seen throughout the property and particularly on the golf course, and doors opening/closing unaided. During a 2015 stay, Arizona Cardinals players reported hearing a little girl's voice on a floor with no children and other disturbances. Some staff and guests tell tales of being touched or grabbed by unseen entities, seeing phantom children in corridors, or encountering a mysterious 'lady in black'.
Glen Ferris Inn
9022 Midland Trail, Glen Ferris, WV 25090, United States
The historic Glen Ferris Inn, operational since 1839 and used during the Civil War possibly as a hospital, carries numerous ghost stories. Staff and guests report seeing apparitions, particularly in a second-story window, hearing unexplained footsteps, and doors moving on their own. The most cited presence is 'The Colonel,' believed to be either a Confederate soldier or the spirit of original innkeeper Aaron Stockton. Additionally, some have reported hearing a young girl's voice and children playing when none are physically present. The Inn acknowledges its reputation and has hosted public ghost hunts.
Haunted History of West Virginia
In the ancient, rolling hills of the Appalachian Mountains, the history of West Virginia is as rugged and mysterious as its landscape. Known as the "Mountain State," its isolated hollers and deep forests are steeped in a rich tradition of folklore, where tales of ghosts, monsters, and unexplained events are passed down through generations. Born from the crucible of the Civil War, the state's identity is forged in conflict, hardship, and the resilient spirit of its people, leaving behind a powerful legacy of restless souls.
The hauntings of West Virginia are uniquely its own, a blend of historical tragedy and high strangeness. The spirits of coal miners lost in devastating disasters are said to still wander the mines, while the ghosts of Civil War soldiers from both sides haunt the battlefields where a state was torn from another. And looming over it all is the legendary Mothman of Point Pleasant, a terrifying cryptid whose story is forever linked to a tragic disaster, cementing West Virginia's reputation as a place where the veil between worlds is exceptionally thin.
Other Haunted Attractions in West Virginia
- Trans-Allegheny Lunatic Asylum (Weston): This massive, Gothic-style asylum is one of the most haunted locations in the United States. Designed to house 250 patients, it held over 2,400 in horrific, overcrowded conditions by the 1950s. The immense suffering that occurred within its walls has left behind countless spirits, and visitors on its famous ghost hunts report seeing full-bodied apparitions, hearing disembodied screams, and interacting with the famous child ghost, Lily. Official Website
- West Virginia Penitentiary (Moundsville): This formidable stone prison was the site of riots, fires, and nearly 100 executions during its 112 years of operation. Considered one of the most violent prisons in the nation, its lingering negative energy is palpable. It is now a paranormal hotspot where visitors report encountering the "Shadow Man," hearing cell doors slam, and feeling the oppressive presence of its most notorious former inmates. Official Website
- The Mothman Museum (Point Pleasant): This museum is dedicated to West Virginia's most famous cryptid, the Mothman, a terrifying winged creature with glowing red eyes. The creature was sighted by dozens of locals in 1966 and 1967, leading up to the tragic Silver Bridge collapse that killed 46 people. The museum explores the chilling sightings and the theory that the Mothman was a harbinger of that doom. Official Website
- Harpers Ferry National Historical Park: This picturesque town at the confluence of two rivers is a place of immense historical significance and tragedy, from abolitionist John Brown's raid to its constant changing of hands during the Civil War. The entire historic lower town is considered haunted, with the spirits of soldiers, tormented priests, and 19th-century residents seen wandering its cobblestone streets and historic buildings. Official Website
Travel Tips for Haunted Hotel Stays in West Virginia
- Drive the Mountain Roads: To truly experience haunted West Virginia, you have to get off the interstate. The winding, scenic "country roads" will lead you to the state's most historic and spooky locations, but be sure to drive carefully.
- Embrace the Folklore: The hauntings here are a mix of ghosts and legendary creatures. Before visiting Point Pleasant, read up on the Mothman to fully appreciate the town's unique and creepy history.
- Get Ready for the Dark: The deep forests and mountains create a profound, encompassing darkness at night that's perfect for a ghost hunt. It's an eerie setting you won't find in a bustling city.
- Talk to the Locals: Appalachian culture is built on storytelling. Strike up a conversation at a small-town diner or country store, and you're likely to hear a family ghost story or a local legend that's been passed down for generations.
FAQ about Haunted Hotels in West Virginia
Are haunted hotels in West Virginia safe to stay in? Yes, of course. They are historic and often charming inns that provide safe and comfortable lodging. The ghosts are a part of the state's rich Appalachian folklore and history.
What is the most haunted place in West Virginia? While many places have ghostly reputations, the Trans-Allegheny Lunatic Asylum in Weston and the West Virginia Penitentiary in Moundsville are internationally famous paranormal hotspots known for intense and frequent activity.
Do haunted hotels in West Virginia offer ghost tours? While some historic hotels share their stories, the state's premier paranormal attractions—the asylum and the penitentiary—offer professional ghost tours and overnight hunts that are a must-do for any paranormal enthusiast.
Can kids stay in haunted hotels in West Virginia? Most hotels are family-friendly. However, parents should be aware that the themes of West Virginia's most famous haunts (asylums, prisons, mining disasters) are very dark and may be too frightening for younger children.
What time of year is best for haunted hotel stays in West Virginia? Autumn is absolutely spectacular. The incredible fall foliage in the mountains provides a beautiful and spooky backdrop for a ghost hunt, and many haunted attractions, including the Mothman Festival in September, host special seasonal events.