Inspector Picks: Our Favorite Hotels Said to Be Haunted

Follow along as AAA’s team of professional travel inspectors unveils some of the spookiest hotels (that also happen to be AAA Inspector Picks). From a AAA Diamond hotel rumored to be haunted by the former owner to a property said to have The Lady in Blue, these legendary places to stay are sure to scare up a good time. (Don't forget to pack your ghost-hunting gear.) They include the Hotel Monteleone in New Orleans, Jekyll Island Club Resort on Georgia's Jekyll Island, Omni Parker House in Boston, The Omni Grove Park Inn in Asheville, and The Seelbach Hilton Louisville.Although there are plenty of (allegedly) haunted hotels in America, let's just say these hotels are a cut above the rest. They're known for everything from "Scenic Views" to "Wow Effect" in addition to their ghostly reputations. However, AAA inspectors say there's nothing to fear at these historic properties — they're all clean, well-maintained and ready to serve travelers (well, so to speak). So if you're looking for a few extra chills and thrills on your next trip, be sure to check out one of these spooky AAA Diamond hotels.

Courtesy of Hotel Monteleone

The 14th floor is where to find a scary good time (allegedly). The beautifully appointed, classic hotel offers rooms that vary in size and design; some are smaller. The inviting lobby area offers guests plenty of downtime space, and the rooftop pool is a draw. Hotel Monteleone is nicely situated on a popular street in the French Quarter and is surrounded with upscale antique shops and boutiques as well as numerous fine-dining choices.

Courtesy of Jekyll Island Club Resort

The second floor is where to get an unexpected knock from a bellhop said to still be on the job; the late president/founding member might take a sip of coffee and open a newspaper. Offering a rare glimpse of the Gilded Age, this restored hotel and its annexes offer a variety of rooms and suites in five historic buildings, each unit is decorated in period furnishings. Some rooms have private glass porches with rocking chairs. Comfortable and convenient, Jekyll Island Club Resort is located in the heart of the historic district, so history-loving guests can enjoy a stroll around the many on-site restored cottages that once belonged to the country's most powerful individuals.

Courtesy of Omni Hotels & Resorts

From apparitions and orbs to elevators getting called to the third floor, this hotel offers unexpected thrills near the theater district and the T (Boston's subway system). Built in 1855 by Harvey Parker, the Omni Parker House is reputed to be Boston's oldest hotel and the birthplace of the Boston cream pie. Its opulent lobby exudes elegance and grace of the Gilded Age. Rooms vary in size from quite small to comfortable and each feature plush super-soft white bedding, robes and thick oversize towels.

Many famous guests have stayed at this hotel, which is one block from Boston Common and other attractions. Take a peek at the press room where JFK announced his candidacy for Congress or request table number 40 in the main dining room where he proposed to Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis. Charles Dickens resided here for more than two years while he wrote and performed “A Christmas Carol” for the first time. He would rehearse in front of a large gilded mirror that is now on display near the press room. But that's not all; like many old hotels, this one also features in some ghost stories. Those interested in the supernatural may want to wander the halls of the 10th floor where it has been said that the ghost of the original owner still roams.

Courtesy of Omni Hotels & Resorts

Perched high on a hilltop, The Omni Grove Park Inn has been a local landmark since 1913, drawing visitors with its granite architecture, distinctive clay-tiled roof, massive stone fireplaces and stunning mountain views.

Locals love to tell about the "Pink Lady," reportedly a ghostly young woman. Many guests have sought out spooky guestroom 545. Rooms feature many Craftsman-style period furnishings. Numerous dining options, a beautiful golf course, extensive luxury spa and a large health club facility make this a complete resort experience. Guest rooms range from small to spacious; some of the rooms in the original historic section offer less space but more character.

Wikimedia Commons / Stephen Cox / CC BY 2.0

The Seelbach Hilton Louisville, a restored 1905 hotel, is not only one of Downtown Louisville's most elegant historic landmarks but also home to a few lingering mysteries. Travelers have reported cold spots and even a whiff perfume, allegedly from The Lady in Blue. Rooms are beautifully appointed with mahogany furniture and high-thread-count linens, but some are on the cozier side due to its historic nature.

Check out the Rathskeller Room in the basement. Appointed with ornate Rookwood tiles, intricately tooled leather decorations and ceramic tile images of storks, the room exudes an almost mystical, brooding Teutonic atmosphere.

Courtesy of The Read House

There are many who believe Room 311 is haunted by the ghost of Annalisa Netherly — a guest allegedly beheaded in her bathtub in 1927 by a jealous lover. Guests at The Read House Hotel have reported paranormal activity, including unexplained noises, flickering lights, running water, apparitions and more. The room retains many period details, including a vintage clawfoot tub and an AM radio. This historic property has been restored to its original elegance. The public areas and the rooms hearken back to the Roaring '20s with plush furnishings and movie star art. The cushy lobby theme continues to the lounge with a backlit bar and leather seating groups. A secret billiard room lies in the rear of the lounge, and the library nook has built-in, backlit bookcases full of titles guests can borrow while enjoying the hotel's storied atmosphere.