Haunted Hotels of California [Spooky Travel Destinations]

What the average man calls Death, I believe to be merely the beginning of Life itself. We simply live beyond the shell. We emerge from out of its narrow confines like a chrysalis. Why call it Death? Or, if we give it the name Death, why surround it with dark fears and sick imaginings? I am not afraid of the Unknown.

— From Rudolph Valentino’s diary.

Whether you believe in ghosts or not, there are many places that claim to have unexplainable occurrences that can only be attributed to hauntings of lost souls.

To some, experiencing such an event or testing one’s bravado to the unknown is as thrilling as riding a rollercoaster or skydiving. If you’re that person, then here is a list of haunted hotels in California where you can spend the night and try your luck at spotting a ghost. These hotels have a history of murder, suicide, accidental death, former employees and past guests that you may be lucky enough to meet if you dare.

Queen Mary – Long Beach, CA

The Queen Mary is a luxury ocean liner from the 1940’s that served as a cruise ship and WWII troop transport. Today the Queen Mary is a hotel and tourist attraction that claims to have a multitude of ghosts. Evidence of the many deaths that have occurred aboard the ship is listed in the infirmary at the aft of ship. The most documented ghost is that of John Pedder who was squished and killed by a water tight door in 1966. Rumor has it that he worked on ‘Shaft Alley’ in the engine room and was caught in door #13 during a safety drill. He’s known to push and touch people on the tour of that area. Another hotbed of spirit activity is at the empty pool in the bowels of the ship where the sounds of adults and children playing and splashing have been heard by many of the Queen’s employees.

Looking for other Long Beach Activities?

Chateau Marmont & Hollywood Roosevelt – Hollywood

The Chateau Marmont and Hollywood Roosevelt have been popular hangouts for Hollywood’s who’s who for decades. In 1982, John Belushi was found dead in his room at the Chateau Marmont. Since then, random pranks of the unexplained have been attributed to the former Blues Brother. The Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel is said to be haunted by many from Hollywood’s past. Although none have ever died there, it’s assumed that they enjoyed the hotel so much that they have chosen the hotel as the place to spend their afterlife. Sightings have included Marilyn Monroe, Errol Flynn and an unknown girl in a blue dress. Hauntings of room #928 have been specifically attributed to Montgomery Clift.

Queen Anne Hotel – San Francisco

The Queen Anne Hotel is an historic 1890 Victorian mansion nestled in the upscale Pacific Heights neighborhood of San Francisco. Its original use was a home for girls but has served several different purposes through the decades. After officially opening as a boutique hotel in the mid 90’s, hotel staff and guests have reported occurrences and sightings that are believed to be Mary Lake, the late head mistress of the 1890’s girls home. Most accounts can be linked to room #410 that is said to be her residence at the time.

Hotel Del Coronado – San Diego

The Hotel Del Coronado is an exquisite Victorian hotel that was built in 1888 as an upscale retreat for those who could afford its luxuries. This historic landmark is a ‘must see’ for anyone visiting San Diego. There is at least one, and possibly several, entities that are said to haunt the hotel. In 1892, the body of a woman was found dead of a gunshot wound to the head on a staircase at the hotel. She had checked in days earlier as Kate Morgan. Very little is known about Kate and it is rumored that she waited in room #3327 for her lover who never showed so she took her own life. Conspiracies still abound that she was pregnant, murdered and Kate Morgan wasn’t her real name – the perfect trilogy of paranormal suspense. Some even believe that the hotel may be haunted by none other than Marilyn Monroe who starred in the Hollywood blockbuster, Some Like it Hot with Tony Curtis and Jack Lemmon that was filmed at the Del.

Furnace Creek Inn – Death Valley

The Furnace Creek Inn offers the only luxury accommodations in Death Valley. It’s believed that Bungalow #199 is haunted. By who, no one knows for sure but it’s assumed to be the entity of James Marques, a former chef that also haunts the kitchen and dining room. Mr. Marques left his job at the Inn in 1973 due to illness of which he eventually succumbed. Although he didn’t die at Furnace Creek Inn, or even Death Valley, it’s believed that he returned in spirit to the place he loved.

National Hotel – Jamestown

The National Hotel is a classic 1800’s hotel that is located in the once thriving Gold Rush town of Jamestown. As with all the 49er towns in California, few residents struck it rich and most went for broke, with a lot of struggle and heartache in between. One such story is that of Flo who now aimlessly roams the halls at the National Hotel. Much speculation surrounds Flo who it’s not even known whether she was a guest or a worker at the hotel. The rumors go that she died of heartbreak at the hotel after her lover was either shot by a drunk or left for the goldfields and never returned – choose which you like best. She mostly haunts the second floor of the hotel where guests report hearing a woman sobbing in the night.

Grey Whale Inn – Fort Bragg

The Grey Whale Inn is a classic old-growth redwood Inn centrally located to several North Coast attractions. It was originally a hospital from 1915 to 1971. It’s believed that many former patients remain at the Inn as spirit entities. Of the reported hauntings there is a woman that roams the gardens and a man in the second story windows that may have jumped or fell to his death. No one knows who these ghosts might be since so many passed through the doors during its time as a hospital.

These aren’t all of the haunted hotels in California and they definitely don’t contain the evil poltergeists that the movies normally portray. In fact, most have been described as mischievous, playful or sorrowful. Few guests ever report occurrences or sightings of these ghosts, but sleep with one eye open and maybe you’ll be lucky enough to spot one. Whether searching for proof of the afterlife or just looking for a nice place to stay, all of these hotels and Inns are highly rated and beautiful choices for an overnight stay.

Visit http://www.carevealed.com to find out more details about these hotels

When You Go:

The Queen Mary – Long Beach, CA
1126 Queens Highway
Long Beach, CA 90802
877-342-0742
http://www.queenmary.com/stay-aboard/stay-aboard/

Chateau Marmont– Hollywood, CA
8221 Sunset Blvd.
Hollywood, CA 90046
323-656-1010
http://www.chateaumarmont.com/

Roosevelt Hotel – Hollywood, CA
7000 Hollywood Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90028
323-856-1970
http://www.thehollywoodroosevelt.com/

Queen Anne Hotel – San Francisco
1590 Sutter Street
San Francisco, CA 94109
415-441-2828
http://www.queenanne.com/

Hotel Del Coronado – San Diego
1500 Orange Avenue
Coronado, CA 92118
800-468-3533
619-435-6611
http://hoteldel.com/

Furnace Creek Inn – Death Valley
Furnace Creek Resort
Death Valley National Park
Highway 190
Death Valley, CA 92328
800-236-7916
http://www.furnacecreekresort.com/

National Hotel – Jamestown, CA
18183 Main Street
Jamestown, CA 95327
209-984-3446
http://www.national-hotel.com/