The Ultimate Guide to Haunted Hotels in Texas

I still remember the joy of family road trips when I was young. Texas was always our favorite place to explore. The excitement of walking through historic hotels, feeling a shiver run down your spine, was the best part. My love for haunted hotels in Texas started on these trips and grew with every ghost story I heard.

Texas is full of history and ghost stories. Whether in big cities or small towns, its haunted hotels are not just for sleeping. They offer a chance to meet ghosts and hear their stories. It’s something you’ll never forget.

Hotels like the Menger in San Antonio are known for ghost sightings. And the Emily Morgan Hotel is famous for its eerie feelings. These places remind us of the many people who have passed through their doors. Each one might have left something behind, like a whisper or a shadow.

Key Takeaways

• The Gage Hotel in Marathon dates back to the 1920s and is reputedly haunted by its namesake, Alfred Gage.
• The Camino Real in El Paso, constructed in 1912, hosts a ghostly woman who roams its halls.
• The Emily Morgan Hotel in San Antonio, built-in 1924, stands as Texas’s most haunted hotel.
• The Hotel Galvez in Galveston is known for its haunted room, #505, among several spirits.
• The Excelsior House Hotel in Jefferson is the oldest continuously operating hotel in Texas, famous for its haunting by a woman named Emily.

The Eerie Allure of Haunted Hotels in Texas

Haunted hotels in Texas are more than places to sleep. They are gateways to mysteries, combining history with the unexplained. These spooky Texas lodgings bring tales and legends to life. They attract both history lovers and those seeking thrills.

The Mystery and History

Every haunted inn in Texas has its own story, often starting with a different purpose. For instance, the Historic Jefferson Hotel began as a cotton warehouse in 1851. Some, like the Emily Morgan Hotel, were transformed from old buildings. They now have tales of ghost sightings and strange events.

The Emily Morgan Hotel is especially famous. It’s called the “Third Most Haunted Hotel in the World” by USA Today. Guests have seen ghosts in hospital gowns or old-time clothes wandering its halls.

What Makes These Hotels Unique

These haunted hotels stand out for their deep histories and ghostly experiences. Guests at the Menger Hotel might feel the presence of famous ghosts. Or hear Robert Johnson’s music at the Gunter Hotel. Such moments turn a night’s stay into a lasting memory.

At the Menger, up to 32 spirits are believed to roam, including a chambermaid and Teddy Roosevelt. This variety of hauntings entices 36% of visitors to Texas haunted sites. Nearly all these places have unique ghost activities. These spirit encounters Texas offer a peek into another realm. They make these places a top choice for the paranormal curious.

The Menger Hotel, San Antonio

The Menger Hotel in San Antonio, Texas, is over 150 years old. It has seen many historical events and strange happenings. Built where the Alamo battle occurred, it’s known as the “Most Haunted Hotel in Texas.” It served as a hospital in the Civil War and endured a great fire in 1924.

The Ghost of Teddy Roosevelt

The Menger Hotel is famous for the ghost of Teddy Roosevelt. He is said to roam the Menger Bar. Roosevelt recruited his Rough Riders at the hotel during the Spanish-American War. Guests report seeing his spirit, mainly near the bar.

People experience paranormal activity at the Menger Bar. This includes glasses flying and strange lights. It’s a place known for its spooky Texas stories and supernatural sightings.

Other Resident Spirits

There are more ghosts at the hotel. One is Captain Richard King, a former soldier and ranch owner. Sallie White, a maid who was killed by her abusive husband, is also seen. She’s still doing her duties.

Apart from these spirits, the Menger Hotel attracts ghost hunters. It’s often part of ghost tours that explore haunted places in Texas.

The Emily Morgan Hotel: San Antonio’s Most Haunted

The Emily Morgan Hotel in San Antonio is known for its stunning Gothic Revival architecture and deep history. It stands out as one of the most haunted hotels in Texas. Since opening in 1984, this important landmark has welcomed numerous guests with its spooky charm. It was even named the third most haunted hotel in the world by USA Today in 2015.

Former Medical Facility Echoes

This place began as the Medical Arts Building in the 1920s. It was filled with nearly 100 doctors and around 400 office spaces. For about fifty years, it was a busy medical spot, with a morgue in the basement and surgery rooms upstairs. Today, these areas, especially the basement and the “fourteenth floor” (really the thirteenth), are famous for ghostly activity. Visitors often encounter mysterious lights and smells that remind them of its past as a medical hub.

Supernatural Happenings

Those who love exploring haunted places find the Emily Morgan Hotel especially exciting. Ghostly activities are reported across many floors, like the seventh and ninth. The twelfth floor, previously used for surgeries, is now known for scary happenings like bathroom doors that move by themselves. The old morgue in the basement and the changed “fourteenth floor” also have their share of eerie events. Strange smells, unseen voices, and ghostly visions make the hotel a truly fascinating place for those intrigued by the paranormal.

Hotel Galvez, Galveston: Historical and Haunted

The historic Hotel Galvez overlooks the Gulf of Mexico. It enchants visitors with its unique architecture. Opening in 1911, it cost one million dollars and had 275 rooms. After 2008’s Hurricane Ike, it was restored, reducing its rooms to 226 to add modern bathrooms.

The Hotel Galvez is known for its ghostly charm. It’s not just a luxury hotel, but also haunted. It is part of the Wyndham Hotels, which adds to its beachfront allure.

The Lady in Room 505

Hotel Galvez has a famous ghost story about Room 505. It’s about Audra, a bride-to-be who died in the hotel. Her spirit is said to roam the halls, making her a famous ghost story.

Room 505 is a major topic for those interested in the paranormal. People are fascinated by the stories of Audra’s spirit.

Other Spooky Residents

But Audra is not the only ghost at the Hotel Galvez. Other spirits are said to dwell here too. Guests might see the ghosts of past American Presidents or celebrities during a ghost tour. This makes the Hotel Galvez a must-visit for ghost enthusiasts.

The hotel offers special experiences like the “Hotel Galvez Ghost Tour”. There’s also a “Dinner with the Ghosts” in October. Whether you believe in ghosts or not, these activities promise a thrilling stay.

Texas: Haunted Hotels in Texas

Exploring haunted hotels in Texas is not just about staying the night. It’s a deep dive into Texas’s ghost stories and history. These hotels offer an unforgettable journey through the Lone Star State’s past.

At these haunted hotels, guests will find eerie adventures waiting for them. The Menger Hotel in San Antonio is a prime example. It’s called the “Most Haunted Hotel in Texas” and has a long history. It started with fifty rooms and grew to ninety. The hotel features an underground cellar, once used to chill beer, with walls three feet thick.

The tales of ghosts don’t stop there. The Emily Morgan Hotel is ranked as the third most haunted hotel globally. Guests can book tours of its haunted first and second floors but must do so 48 hours in advance. This ensures a well-planned ghostly encounter.

To keep the spooky vibe, these hotels set certain rules. For example, they might offer guided tours for $20 a person that last an hour. You can also do your own paranormal investigations, but only for personal use. This keeps the experiences authentic and exclusive.

All the hotels offer something special, but they share a promise of spooky fun. They have clear rules: full payment upfront, no exceptions for age, and a strict no-pets policy. This focus helps keep the atmosphere centered on the ghostly experiences. Plus, each stay is designed for a certain number of guests to make it personal and eerie.

From The Menger Hotel’s historic events to the Sheraton Gunter Hotel’s dark past, every hotel has captivating stories. They invite guests to explore history. Here, the past and present mix, leaving visitors with lasting memories.

Chilling tales await at places like the St. Anthony Hotel and the Crockett Hotel. The ghost stories at these hotels are part of their charm. They are perfect for those who love ghosts and history.

The Excelsior House Hotel, Jefferson

Established in 1858, The Excelsior House Hotel is one of east Texas’s oldest hotels. It is known for its ghostly tales and hosts many guests. One famous ghost is Emily, adding romance and tragedy to the hotel. People come to Jefferson for ghost tours, which include this hotel.

The Ghost of Emily

Emily roams the Excelsior House Hotel’s halls, waiting for her lover. Her story brings a spooky feel to the hotel. Room 215 is a hot spot for ghost hunters. Guests have felt her presence and seen strange things.

Steven Spielberg’s Encounter

Steven Spielberg stayed in room 215 and had a spooky experience. It inspired parts of “The Poltergeist.” His quick exit added to the hotel’s famed ghost stories. Spielberg’s story brings a touch of Hollywood to the hotel’s legacy.

Driskill Hotel, Austin: Glamour Meets Ghosts

In Austin, Texas, the Driskill Hotel is a blend of historic splendor and modern comforts. It’s celebrated as one of the top 10 hotels in Texas for 2022 and the best in Austin in 2023. It’s known for luxury and as a haunted hotspot, mixing elegance with eerie stories.

The Haunting Portrait

A portrait of a young girl hangs in the Driskill Hotel, surrounded by ghostly legends. It’s said to affect those who look at it in strange ways. This painting makes the hotel a must-visit for fans of spooky Texas lodgings, drawing people into its mystery.

Strange Occurrences

Ghost hunters love the Driskill for its eerie stories, including unexplained noises and sightings. Room 525 is famous for its ghostly tales, including two suicides that happened twenty years apart. This makes it the most haunted room there.

The Driskill offers luxury stays with 189 suites and rooms, plus large meeting spaces. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places since 1969, it’s a mix of history and haunts. Keep an eye out for ghosts when you visit this glamorous yet spooky place.

Camino Real, El Paso: A Melancholy Spirit

The Camino Real Hotel in El Paso has been around since 1912. It’s not only important for its history but also as a place where people have experienced ghostly encounters. Being on the National Register of Historic Places, it mixes history with the supernatural. This makes it a captivating spot for those interested in haunted places in Texas.

Historic Significance

The Camino Real’s past shows its deep cultural roots. When El Paso was a lively frontier town, this grand hotel was built. It has seen many historical moments and welcomed numerous important guests over the years. Its design is a tribute to early 20th-century luxury, marking it a historic gem in Texas.

Frequent Ghostly Appearances

Camino Real is known for its strong paranormal vibe. Guests and employees have seen a ghostly woman in a white dress looking very sad. These sightings often happen in the basement or along the corridors. People have heard weird knocks on their doors then seen the woman drifting down the hallway.

An odd encounter happened in an elevator once, where a guest smelled something bad like poop. Right after, a different guest smelled something nice, like roses. These different experiences show how unpredictable and varied ghost encounters can be at this hotel.

The eerie knocks and the sight of the sorrowful lady in white are a big part of what makes Camino Real special. It’s not just a luxurious place to stay. It also offers guests a unique mix of history and ghostly experiences.

Miss Molly’s Hotel, Fort Worth

Miss Molly’s Hotel in Fort Worth’s historic district is famous for two things. It has a rich history and is known as the most haunted hotel around. Being the oldest bed and breakfast in the city, it mixes eerie stays with ghostly hospitality.

The Most Haunted in the District

This place was once a bordello and now draws in those fascinated by the paranormal. Teams of ghost hunters and even classes from Texas Christian University have explored it. Guests talk about seeing ghosts, smelling odd scents, and finding objects moved. Some even tell of toilets flushing by themselves and batteries suddenly empty.

These spooky happenings make staying at Miss Molly’s a truly unique experience.

Famous Ghostly Encounters

Miss Molly’s has several ghostly residents including cowboys, a child, a woman, and other figures from its past. Among them, Jake the Cowboy is often seen fully. Also, a former madam named Josie King is said to haunt, especially Room 3 where paranormal events often occur.

Some guests have found their room’s change neatly stacked after cleaning, thanks to the Tipping Ghost. This ghost, along with others, has been noticed through EVPs, orbs, and apparitions recorded by ghost hunters. These experiences make a visit to Miss Molly’s unforgettable.

The Baker Hotel, Mineral Wells: History and Hauntings

The Baker Hotel in Mineral Wells, Texas, stands tall with stories of luxury and ghostly tales. It opened its doors in 1929, with 450 rooms over 14 floors. The hotel’s build cost hit 1.2 million dollars, but it went bankrupt in 1932 after the stock market crashed.

From 1941 to 1944, during World War II, it served as housing for military families. It later reopened from 1963 to 1972 before closing for good. Yet, it’s still known for its paranormal activity Texas, attracting ghost hunters and fans.

The Tragedy of the Elevator

A ghost story from the Baker Hotel involves a bellhop who died in an elevator accident in the 1950s. People say they’ve seen this ghostly bellhop. He adds to the haunted stories of hotels in Texas.

“You can feel the eerie presence as you step into the elevator, almost as if reliving the tragic moment,” remarked a recent guest.

Woman in Blood

The hotel is also haunted by a woman who killed herself by jumping from a 7th-floor window. She’s known as the “woman in blood.” Guests have spotted her wandering the halls, making the hotel even more mysterious.

People still visit the Baker Hotel to hear about its past and ghosts. This famous Texas site is being restored. The goal is to bring back its glory and keep its ghost stories alive. Haunted hotels Texas remain a popular draw.

Historic Jefferson Hotel: Unsettling Paranormal Activity

The Historic Jefferson Hotel in Jefferson, Texas, is famous for its deep history and Southern charm. But it’s also known for spooky paranormal activity reported by guests. Built around 1851 as a cotton warehouse, it has been a hotel for about 100 years. It has 20 unique rooms, like the Room 7 Magic Showcase Theater and Room 19 Haunted Bride.

This hotel draws history buffs and fans of the paranormal. Room prices range from $150 to $260. This offers guests a mix of comfort and an eerie feel.

Reports of Objects Moving

People staying at the Historic Jefferson Hotel have often mentioned mysterious happenings. For example, they talk about objects moving by themselves. Guests have seen lights flicker, heard phantom footsteps, and other scary sounds that are hard to explain.

For those interested in haunted inns in Texas, this provides an eerie twist to their visit.

Otherworldly Visitors

Some of the scariest stories are about seeing ghosts, like the Lady in White. She’s seen alongside a sudden chill and a feeling of sadness. These ghostly sightings draw paranormal enthusiasts to this spooky place in Texas.

Also, seeing objects move on their own adds to the creepy vibe. This has made the hotel one of the most haunted places in Texas.

The hotel is also a site for events, like being featured on the Travel Channel’s Hotel Paranormal. There was even a charity event with the Tennessee Wraith Chasers. In summer 2021, the hotel will open The Paratorium. It’s an escape room set in a paranormal hot spot, offering guests a deep dive into its ghostly tales.

Casa De Palmas Renaissance McAllen Hotel

Since 1918, the Casa De Palmas Renaissance McAllen Hotel offers luxury with a spooky twist. Both guests and staff have reported encounters with ghosts. This has made the hotel famous for spirit encounters Texas.

Elderly Ghostly Women

An elderly woman’s spirit is often seen in the basement. This causes both fascination and fear. There are also tales of guests seeing women in black veils, adding to the hotel’s reputation for supernatural Texas accommodations.

Reports of Strange Occurrences

Visitors have shared stories of odd events at Casa De Palmas. These include sudden cold spots and the feeling of an invisible presence. In one case, police found no one after reports of a mysterious woman in a tower. Stories like these are common here.

• Guests have felt sudden cold moments.
• Phones sometimes behave oddly in the hotel.
• Items like tablets have been found damaged without explanation.

The hotel is known for its blend of history and ghost stories. Whether drawn by spirit encounters Texas or a unique stay, it promises a memorable experience.

The Tremont House, Galveston

The Tremont House in Galveston combines Victorian style with ghostly charm. It’s perfect for anyone drawn to haunted places in Texas. This historic hotel features a four-story atrium and unique birdcage elevators. It has stood on Galveston Island in three forms since 1839, the same year the city began.

Sam the Salesman

Sam the Salesman, or “Lucky Man” Sam, is one of its most known ghosts. He’s seen walking the halls, dressed in an old-time suit. People say they’ve seen him, adding to the hotel’s spooky atmosphere.

The Unknown Soldier

The Civil War left behind deep scars, and some spirits linger. The Tremont House has a ghost soldier from that time. Often seen in uniform, he reminds us of past battles that shaped our country.

The Playful Child

There’s a playful ghost child named Jimmy at the Tremont House. He moves toys and can be heard giggling. His playful spirit adds to the hotel’s mysterious charm.

The Tremont House stood strong through the devastating 1900 hurricane, which took over 6,000 lives. Clara Barton, founder of the American Red Cross, sought shelter here. The hotel reopened in the 1980s, keeping its historical beauty with 119 Victorian-style rooms. Though it once welcomed Presidents, its current charm lies in its ghost stories. These tales, from the unknown soldier to Jimmy, make it a must-visit for ghost seekers.

The Olle Hotel, Flatonia

The Olle Hotel in Flatonia is the 4th most haunted hotel in Texas, according to Yelp. It is known for its history and ghostly happenings. In 2009, it became a Texas Historic Landmark. This mix of old history and new luxury draws many visitors.

Named a Texas Historic Landmark

The Olle Hotel proudly bears the title of Texas Historic Landmark. It reflects Texas’s rich past with its modern elegance. Guests love its friendly vibe. This makes it unique among other haunted hotels in Texas. People enjoy its food, especially the breakfast. It’s known for great omelets, fresh fruit, and tasty toast.

The Cigar-Smoking Ghost

The most talked-about ghost at The Olle Hotel is Bob, who loves cigars. Even though the hotel bans smoking, guests often smell tobacco. Besides Bob, visitors see colorful orbs and ghosts of a fighting couple by the stairs.

The Olle Hotel is more than a place to sleep. It’s a peek into Texas’s rich history with a spooky twist. If you want to see a famous Texas ghost story yourself, this hotel in Flatonia is an exciting, mysterious choice.

Gage Hotel, Marathon: Ghostly Guests

The Gage Hotel in Marathon, Texas, offers luxury mixed with mystery. It’s a place where rustic charm meets ghostly excitement. This historic spot has a serene desert setting and friendly atmosphere. But it also has a spooky history that fascinates many visitors.

The Spirit of Alfred Gage

The Gage Hotel was built in the 1920s and named for Alfred Gage, its first owner. Legend says Alfred Gage’s spirit haunts the hotel. He died less than a year after the hotel opened. Now, he is thought to watch over his prized creation.

Guests sometimes see his ghost in the hotel, mingling with visitors. His presence is especially felt where he left a strong impact.

The Haunted Room 10

Room 10 is famous for its ghostly happenings. It’s one of the most haunted places in Texas. Visitors have heard a woman’s voice reading poetry. Others felt something tap their shoulder.

In 2002, someone saw an apparition that looked like an old cowpoke. This story adds to Room 10’s eerie fame. The Gage Hotel is a top spot for those who love exploring haunted places in Texas.

Summary of Haunted Hotels in Texas

Texas is known for its vast landscapes and rich history. But it’s also famous for haunted inns. The state is home to places like the Menger Hotel in San Antonio and the Driskill Hotel in Austin. These sites combine historical interest with ghost tales. Over 600 people died at the Battle of the Alamo in 1836. This makes the Emily Morgan Hotel one of the spooky lodgings in Texas.

In Galveston, the Hotel Galvez stands as a haunted site. This is mainly due to the massive Hurricane of 1900 that took about 6,000 lives. The tragedy of the past brings ghostly tales and unexplained events reported by guests. The Adolphus Hotel in Dallas, started by Adolphus Busch in 1912, has a haunting story. It’s about a bride left at the altar who supposedly ended her life, adding mystery to this historic place.

The Gunter Hotel in San Antonio has a grim charm. It’s tied to blues musician Robert Johnson. He recorded 16 tracks in the 1930s and died in mysterious circumstances. The Crockett Hotel is also in San Antonio. It’s known for ghost sightings, strange sounds, and cold spots. The Stockyards Hotel in Fort Worth is another captivating spot. Visitors have met a cowboy ghost and learned about its connection with Bonnie and Clyde.

If you’re brave enough to explore, Texas’s haunted inns are waiting. These places offer not just a stay, but a journey into the state’s ghostly past. Learn more about these intriguing places and start an eerie adventure here.