The 3 creepiest hotels in America that aren’t the Overlook


When people think of the creepiest hotels in America, The Stanley Hotel in Estes Park, Colorado, is often the first property that comes to mind. The Stanley, of course, served as apt inspiration for horror novelist Stephen King when he was writing The Shining, as well as inspiration for the 1980 movie adaptation by Stanley Kubrick. King named this fictional hotel the Overlook, and the book’s disturbing images (scary twin girls, “REDRUM” scrawled on the wall) have been seared into public consciousness.

But there are many more sites across the United States that freak out guests, not just the Overlook – the creepiest hotels in America can be found in nearly every state. Here are the three hotels that terrify people the most.

1. The Alaskan Hotel in Juneau, Alaska

This is a hotel so creepy that guests have asked to switch rooms after only one night, particularly rooms 218 and 219. There have been reports of a ghostly figure, a woman, sitting on the bed or appearing in a mirror. Guests have also felt like they were being touched.

The 3 creepiest hotels in America that aren’t the Overlook

Established in 1913 as both a hotel and a bordello, the location is a local legend, with most of the town’s residents well aware of its paranormal history. If there is a ghost there, it’s most likely the spirit of an escort who was murdered by a jealous lover. Could she be the person guests claim to have seen?

2. Le Pavillon in New Orleans, Louisiana

Voodoo is very much a part of New Orleans culture, as are many things paranormal, as evidenced by the numerous “ghost tours” meant to educate and thrill tourists passing through. So it’s no surprise that La Pavillon shows up on this list.

Located downtown, next to the famous French Quarter, paranormal investigators have researched this site. Some claim there are at least four ghosts that walk the grounds. Others say there are more than 100 ghosts that roam the property and give unsuspecting victims a fright.

Guests have reported hearing disturbing noises and ghostly figures standing at the foot of their beds, as well as bed sheets being yanked and items disappearing and reappearing elsewhere.

3. Lizzie Borden Bed & Breakfast in Fall River, Massachusetts

Finally, no list of creepy hotels would be complete without a site famous for gruesome axe murders. In 1892, Andrew and Abby Borden were brutally killed on this property, and the accused murderer was none other than their daughter Lizzie. However, the crime is still considered an unsolved mystery. (Lizzie was acquitted.)

One thing’s for sure, though. Both guests and employees have spoken of ghostly activity, suggesting that Lizzie Borden is still around.

The 3 creepiest hotels in America that aren’t the Overlook

The 2018 feature film, Lizzie, which stars Chloe Sevigny in the title role and Kristen Stewart (of Twilight fame), has undoubtedly sparked new interest in the Lizzie Borden story and the Borden murders. This could inspire more of the curious (and the morbid) to check out the Lizzie Borden Bed & Breakfast.

If you find yourself in any of these states, these hotels might be worth checking out… if you dare.

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