Although October is a fitting month for staying in a haunted hotel– the Golden Lamb in Lebonon, Ohio is one of them, some hotels  tout their haunted reputation year-round. Here are four historic hotels with a ghostly status. Each have tours.

The Stanley Hotel, credited to being Stephen King's muse for The Shining

The Stanley Hotel, Estes Park, Colorado. Just minutes from Rocky Mountain National Park, the Stanley Hotel is a 138 guest room beauty built in 1909 by F.O. Stanley, creator of the Stanley Steamer automobile. Made famous by Stephen King’s, The Shining, Stanley Hotel is credited with giving King the idea for his novel during his stay in room #217.

Along with F.O. Stanley and his wife Flora, other ghosts are said to wander the halls and rooms doing things like turning on lights, playing the piano, levitating a small table–that kind of thing. Although many of the strange happenings have been accredited to non-paranormal activity, the ghost status is an attraction. The hotel offers ghost tours, ghost stories and a ghost hunt. You don’t have to be a guest to take a tour. Reservations are recommended. Call 970-577-4110 or book online.

The Crescent Hotel's east mountain view

Crescent Hotel, Eureka Springs, Arkansas is another Historic Hotel of America with a ghostly reputation. Opened in 1886, the Crescent Hotel remains a luxurious lodging and spa option with rooms that range from two double beds to suites to cottages. Along with basking in the beauty of the Ozarks, guests can learn about the hotel’s ghosts.

One ghost, “Michael,” is the stone mason who died during the hotel’s construction. Also on the bill is “Theodora,” a woman who can’t find her room key and “Morris,” the cat. There are more. The latest ghost to be cited is Irene Castle, the famous ballroom dancer of the early 20th century who died in Eureka. Ghost tours are offered daily.

Olde Harbour Inn, Savannah, Georgia was started in 1812. That’s when the stone foundation was laid giving it the reputation as one of the oldest inns in Savannah. Up until 1970, the building served as home to the Standard Oil company and then a blue jeans and overall factory. In 1987, after a massive renovation, it opened as Olde Harbour Inn, a luxury bed and breakfast.

Olde Harbour Inn, where ghosts lurk in Savannah

A ghost named “Hank” who is thought to be of a worker who died in one of the fires that plagued the building’s early years is said to frequent the place. Guests have also reported smelling cigar smoke and items moving around. The Inn offers Ghost Packages and Ghost tours that includes other parts of Savannah. Contact Guest Services to book one.

Admiral Fell Inn, Baltimore, Maryland. The seven buildings that make up Admiral Fell Inn have a history that date back to the 1770s and include tales of sailors and shipping. In the mix are a few ghost stories of the hotel and the surrounding neighborhood. One of them is that Edgar Allan Poe’s ghost frequents The Horse You Came in on Saloon, one of the last place’s he was seen alive.

The Lobby of the Admiral Fell Inn

Every Friday and Saturday night, this luxury hotel offers ghost tours that includes the hotels buildings. Click here for a video tour. As well as the ghost history making this a worthy stop, this hotel is considered one of the top ten historic hotels in the United States. For tour information call 443/353.9861.

Photo Credits: The Stanley Hotel, courtesy of Twister Mc; Crescent Hotel, courtesy of the Crescent Hotel; Olde Harbour Inn, courtesy of the Olde Harbour Inn; Admiral Fell Inn, courtesy of Admiral Fell Inn

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