Rest Your Head: The Most Haunted Hotels in New York State

Are you afraid of the dark? Find out when you spend an evening at these haunted inns and experience the things that go bump in the night. You may just mingle with guests who once checked in, but never checked back out...

The Catskills & Hudson Valley Area

Burn Brae Mansion
Restored in honor of its 100-year anniversary, the mansion's original servants' quarters and guest rooms bear witness to eerie occurrences reported by overnight guests. These phenomena have sparked curiosity about the mansion's enigmatic past, prompting paranormal investigations and inviting ghost hunting groups to delve into its secrets. With its storied history and spectral whispers, Burn Brae Mansion remains a captivating destination for those drawn to the unknown—including The Exorcist star Linda Blair.

The Shanley Hotel
At the Shanley, renting a room doesn't guarantee a peaceful night's rest. Visitors recount eerie experiences including rocking chairs, mysterious clock chimes, and unexplained sounds of whistling and footsteps. Book one of two overnight packages—a stay for two in the haunted hotel, a public 4-hr ghost hunt, continental breakfast and time to explore on your own; or a private group hunt and overnight for up to seven people. See online for package pricing and offer.

King House Mansion at the Tarrytown House Estate
Just a short trip from New York City, this historic property, refreshed with a $15 million restoration, hides a ghostly secret. Legend has it that Sybil Harris King, daughter of Benjamin Newtown Duke, met her demise on the mansion's second floor in 1955. Her spectral presence is rumored to linger, with guests reporting mysterious footsteps, apparitions, and other eerie occurrences, especially near Room 293, where she passed away. Stay overnight at this beautifully restored estate or dine at the Goosefeather restaurant and ask staff to share the mansion’s haunted history.

The Borland House Bed & Breakfast
Experience history, grandeur and a sense of spectral warmth and welcome at the Borland House, built in the 1780s. Once home to Charles Borland Jr., and his wife, Isabella, the Inn is said to still house their spirits—walking around the dining area late at night, appearing as shadowy figures, turning TVs on and off, and meeting with psychics drawn to the house. The spirits are happy with the way the home remains and ready to welcome in guests—stay the night, visit for weekend brunch, or join a locally-led investigation and see for yourself.

The Saratoga & Lake George Area

Timeless Tavern Restaurant & Inn
Step into the Timeless Tavern, where ghostly shadows dance and whispers fill the air. From flickering lights to phantom footsteps, to spectral figures in the basement, eerie occurrences haunt every corner. No room is spared from the paranormal, with each harboring its own ghostly tale. Book an overnight stay or stop in for a bite, but beware, for here, the past lingers with a chilling presence.

The Greater Albany Area

Historic Hotel Broadalbin
This beautiful hotel holds unsettling history—once known as the Keeley Cure inebriate hospital, where inhumane “treatments” were performed to cure alcoholism. Today, visitors report encounters with ghostly figures and eerie disturbances, suggesting that the tortured souls of its dark history may still haunt its halls. Book an overnight in the hotel or enjoy a meal at its 1854 Pub & Eatery, where you can ask the staff about their own experiences with the paranormal.

The Central New York Area

The Brae Loch Inn
At the quaint Brae Loch Inn, tucked beside the scenic Cazenovia Lake, tales of the supernatural add an unexpected chill to its cozy atmosphere. Guests whisper of encountering a spectral girl in a flowing blue dress, graciously guiding them to their rooms. More spine-tingling accounts speak of apparitions—a man and woman traversing through closets, and ethereal orbs drifting above canopy beds, casting an eerie glow over the inn's inviting ambiance. Book online and ask to stay in their most active rooms, the “Mary Queen of Scots” Room 12 and “Robert The Bruce” Room 13.

The Beekman House
The Beekman House B&B in Middleburgh, NY, built in 1835 by Nicholas Beekman, holds a chilling legacy. Duryea Beekman, a banker and son of Nicholas, seems bound to the home… even after his passing. His spectral presence manifests itself in mysterious occurrences: doors unlocking, eerie whistling of his favorite tune, and shadows roaming the halls. At dawn, the haunting strains of "Linger in Blissful Repose" emanate from beneath the stairs, a reminder of Duryea's enduring watch over the Beekman House. Open year-round for nightly bookings—ask the staff for the stories upon check in.

The Greater Syracuse Area

The Glen Haven Hotel
The 4-story building housing The Glen Haven Hotel has had a checkered past. In the early 1900s it opened as a tearoom, soon transitioning to a speakeasy, a guest house, and finally a tavern. The current hotel seems to be a true “haven” for both the living and the dead—spirits lost in a fire of the original building and on the nearby lake. The sounds of running children are often heard from empty rooms and occasionally a scream from the basement is heard late at night. The jukebox plays strangely specific songs and visitors have felt hands on their shoulders, people sitting on them, and more. Can you survive the strange occurrences that only take place at night?

The Greater Binghamton Area

1867 Parkview Inn
The 1867 Parkview Inn, operating for over 150 years, holds a rich history of former guests and mysterious occurrences. Restored in 2019, it offers themed rooms for a comfortable stay. Despite its cheery atmosphere, owner Beth Johnson recounts eerie happenings like ringing bells and moving objects, and the ghost of a young girl, hinting at a tragic past. Located in downtown Owego, the inn provides guests with complimentary breakfast and access to the Duggan House Restaurant and Pub. Pet-friendly and ADA accessible rooms are available, welcoming all to experience its charm and mystery.

Fainting Goat Island Inn
Ranked #1 Best Haunted Hotel in the U.S. by USA Today, the Fainting Goat Island Inn, a former railroad hotel from the late 1800s, blends history with eerie encounters. Themed rooms with period furniture offer charm amid reports of spectral activity. Guests describe witnessing apparitions, like the ghost of a young boy and experiencing inexplicable phenomena, with intensified encounters in the new Angora Room. A fainting goat herd graces the lawn, along with Porkchop, the potbelly pig! Book an overnight at this charmingly chilling Inn.

The Greater Rochester Area

The Naples Hotel
The Naples Hotel, once Lyon Tavern, has a rich history dating back to 1818. With 32 rooms, a restaurant, and a basement bar, it offers a perfect setting for a paranormal weekend getaway. Visitors have reported encounters with spirits like Topper, along with whispers, flickering lights, and other unexplained phenomena. Staff have also seen apparitions, including resident ghost Alice and her children, and a Civil War soldier. Recently, a locked door on the third floor has added to the hotel's mysterious allure. On-site dining is also available.

Miles Wine Cellars
Miles Wine Cellars, housed in a Greek revival mansion overlooking Seneca Lake, has a history steeped in both bottled and spectral spirits. Originally built in 1802, the mansion has long been home to mysterious occurrences—slamming doors, footsteps, and unexplained sounds. To honor these otherworldly residents, Miles Wine Cellars produces a "ghost" wine, a blend of chardonnay and Cayuga grapes, adding to the allure of this historic estate. Book an overnight stay or stop in for a tasting.

Belhurst Castle
Belhurst Castle boasts a rich history of love, betrayal, and tragedy. From the Hermitage's grim end to the construction mishaps at Belhurst, each corner holds secrets of the past. Isabella, the ethereal opera singer, is the most enduring legend, haunting the shores of Seneca Lake. Staff and guests have reported eerie encounters, from moving furniture to ghostly lullabies, adding to the intrigue of this historic site. Will you uncover Isabella's sorrowful spirit or encounter Dick O'Brien, the spectral caretaker? Explore Belhurst Castle, stay the night or stop in for a bite and delve into its haunting mysteries.

The Buffalo, Niagara & Western NY Area

Red Coach Inn
When the Red Coach Inn opened in 1923, it became Niagara Falls' premier honeymoon destination. With its Tudor-style architecture reminiscent of England's Old Bell Inn, the inn exudes old-world charm. However, along with its rich history, the Red Coach Inn is rumored to harbor a few ghosts, including a bride and groom who tragically ended their lives on their wedding day. Stay the night for an eerie experience.

Graestone Manor Bed & Breakfast
Graestone Manor Bed & Breakfast, a Victorian mansion since 1865, harbors a mysterious past. Guests have heard spectral arguments and phantom horse hooves. A ghostly woman is glimpsed in windows, while unsettling sensations pervade the house. Rumors of past seances linger, with reports of vortexes and eerie manifestations. Visitors may encounter dark shadows, cigar smoke, perfume scents, and disembodied voices during their stay.

Hart House Hotel
The Hart House Hotel, established in 1876, once hosted esteemed guests like Bob Hope and Winston Churchill. Converted into a shirt factory in 1918, it employed over 100 workers who reported ghostly encounters. After a 2005 restoration, it now houses the Shirt Factory Cafe and a boutique hotel with themed rooms named after famous patrons. Visitors have reported hearing voices and encountering a spectral woman on the staircase. Experience history and perhaps meet a lingering soul by staying or dining at the Hart House Hotel.

Genesee Falls Inn
Genesee Falls Inn, established in 1870, offers more than just a cozy stay and delicious breakfast. Guests often report strange occurrences, like footsteps and doors shutting on their own. Apparitions have been seen, and items sometimes go missing, only to reappear later. Paranormal groups have noted activity, with flashlights turning on and off on command. Its 11 renovated rooms and proximity to Letchworth State Park, make this the perfect for a spooky getaway.

“This project is supported through the Tourism Matching Funds program, administered by Empire State Development and I Love NY, New York’s Division of Tourism.”

® I LOVE NEW YORK is a registered trademark and service mark of the New York State Department of Economic Development; used with permission.